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Dare to Be Different 3 : Lessons from Joshua’s Life

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In a world where conformity often feels easier than conviction, the life of Joshua, son of Nun, stands out as a powerful reminder to dare to be different . From his early days as Moses’ assistant to his final words to Israel, Joshua’s journey reflects unwavering faith, courage, hope, leadership, and faithfulness. Joshua first appeared as a warrior chosen by Moses to lead Israel into battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17). Even then, he learned that victory came not from human strength but from God’s power. Later, when twelve spies were sent to scout the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb returned with faith-filled confidence in God’s promise. While the majority saw giants, Joshua saw an opportunity for God to display His might (Numbers 14:6–9). As a leader, Joshua demonstrated integrity rooted in God’s Word. When commissioned, he was instructed to be strong and courageous, and to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night (Joshua 1). His leadership was not based on his own wisd...

Godliness with Contentment: A Journey of True Gain

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In a world that constantly urges us to chase more: more wealth, more recognition, more comfort, I find myself drawn to the quiet power of   contentment . Recently, I reflected deeply on   1 Timothy 6:6 , which says,   “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”   This verse has become a compass for my spiritual walk, reminding me that true gain isn’t found in accumulation, but in alignment with God’s heart. Jesus once asked,  “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?”  (Mark 8:36). That question pierces through the noise of ambition and worldly success. It challenges me to evaluate what I’m truly investing in: temporary treasures or eternal ones. Godliness , I’ve come to understand, is not just religious activity. It’s a life that pleases God; a life marked by faith, obedience, holiness, love, and surrender. It’s living with the awareness that my purpose is to glorify Him, not myself. And  contentment  is the pos...

FLOURISH

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The heart of God is not only to forgive us but to make us flourish. In Hosea 14, He speaks tenderly: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely… I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily.” What a picture of grace! Where there was dryness, He brings dew. Where there was weakness, He gives strength. Where there was barrenness, He makes fruitfulness. To flourish in God is to be rooted deeply, like the cedars of Lebanon, and to spread beauty and fragrance, like an olive tree in bloom. It is His promise that under His shade, His people will once again dwell in safety and joy. Flourishing is not something we manufacture, it is the gift of His presence and care. But Scripture also invites us to live in ways that open our lives to His flourishing. With FAITH, we focus on God and the family He has entrusted to us. Through LOVE, we release unnecessary burdens and learn to forgive. In OBEDIENCE, we turn our steps in His direction. With UNDERSTANDING, we recognize and ...

Daring to be different 2. RUTH – Choosing God’s Road

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Rev Ashok Andrews of Carey Church, shared a simple yet powerful series of sermons that helped me when I was in a certain cross-road of my life. He shared a series of four powerful sermons of faith, loyalty, and God’s providence from the book of Ruth, using the acronym RUTH . He unfolded timeless lessons which have often helped me in my walk with God.  In this post I will share the outline of his powerful four part message. R – The Road you take determines your destiny (Ruth 1:16). When Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, she embraced hardship over comfort, but that decision changed her destiny forever. Our daily choices, especially those made in faith, shape not only our future but also the lives of others. U – Under His wings you will find refuge (Ruth 2:12). As a foreigner gleaning in the fields, Ruth trusted God’s protection. Her story reminds us that true security is not found in wealth, power, or people, but in God’s care. T – Trust that is childlike (Ruth 3:5–6). Ruth humbly...

Daring to Be Different – 1. Lessons from Joseph

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The story of Joseph, found in Genesis 37–50, is one of the most inspiring accounts of daring to be different. Joseph’s life shows us that living faithfully in a world full of compromise requires courage, integrity, and trust in God’s greater plan. Joseph stood out because of his God-given identity. Though his brothers rejected him and sold him into slavery, Joseph never lost sight of who he was. His story reminds us that our true identity is not defined by others’ opinions, but by God’s calling on our lives. Joseph also modeled integrity. When faced with temptation in Potiphar’s house, he chose righteousness over fleeting pleasure. His refusal to compromise teaches us that short-term gains are never worth sacrificing eternal values. Integrity will often cost us something in the moment, but it opens the door to God’s favor in the long run. Finally, Joseph’s influence was undeniable. Whether in prison or Pharaoh’s palace, he became a channel of blessing because he trusted God’s timing...

The Rope of God’s Promises

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Life often feels like climbing steep mountains, crossing deep rivers, or walking through dark tunnels. In those moments, our own strength fails—but God has given us a rope to hold on to: His promises. Scripture reminds us that in Christ, every promise of God is “Yes and Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). We are heirs of Abraham’s covenant through faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:29). This means His words are not empty; they are anchors for our weary hearts. When trials press us down, the rope of promise pulls us up. When doubts whisper, the rope steadies our grip. It is by faith that we hold on to the rope. The Holy Spirit strengthens our hands so we do not let go, reminding us that the One who called us is faithful.  Today morning, as I reflected on Psalm 61:1-2 I was reminded of Christ our Rock.  "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I".  God not o...

Pass it on : Kurt Kaiser

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I would like to share a song, by Kurt Kaiser, that I was reminded of during my morning devotions.  This prompted me to make a quick sketch based on the song, now refined by AI tools, that I would like to share as well. It only takes a spark, To get a fire going And soon all those around, Can warm up in its glowing That's how it is with God's love, Once you've experienced it You spread His love to ev'ryone, You want to pass it on   What a wondrous time is spring, When all the trees are budding The birds begin to sing, The flowers start their blooming   That's how it is with God's love, Once you've experienced it   You want to sing it's fresh like spring,  You want to pass it on   I wish for you my friend, This happiness that I've found You can depend on Him, It matters not where you're bound I'll shout it from the mountain top, I want my world to know The Lord of love has come to me   I want to pass it on