Tag: Christian devotional

Of Butterflies and Battles

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The easy road is not always the best road to travel.

I get it. We all get tired and completely exhausted at times. Decision fatigue is a real thing, and the call to think through, examine, or make an educated guess on one more decision makes you feel even more exhausted.

Enters, the draw to travel down the easy road. The one where the decisions are made is less, or the struggle seems to be alleviated sooner rather than later.

But trying to exit a struggle prematurely is not always the best option. Just ask the butterfly whose fight to emerge from its constraining cocoon literally means the difference between success and failure, life and death. It must go through the struggle to completely come out in all its beauty!

There is nothing beautiful in a struggle except the joy that comes as an end result. No battle is fun. That’s why they are called battles: they consist of fighting—fighting physically, fighting mentally, fighting emotionally, and spiritually. This is something that most people would prefer not to do.

But if you ask Gideon if he felt the fight was worth it after God gave him the victory with very limited resources, I’m sure he will tell you yes, all the way (Judges 7).

Or, how about Jehoshaphat, who was promised he didn’t need to fight in the battle but was still instructed to go against the enemy with nothing more than a praise (2 Chronicles 20:1-2)?

And speaking of praise, what about the impenetrable walls of Jericho coming down with nothing more than an obedient march followed by a great shout of the same (Joshua 6)?

All these battles seemed impossible to win at the onset. If anyone had dwelled on that possibility, surely, they would have caved under pressure and bowed out before things got too intense and before gaining the victory.

But “the just shall live by faith!” That is what we are told four times in Scripture (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). The repetitiveness of it should tell us of its importance. Great things in Scripture are done through faith (Heb. 11). Faith to follow through and to continue moving forward where God is leading. Taking yourself out of His plan could mean the loss of a great victory and opportunity.

If you must, take a break, catch your breath, seek spiritual counsel, but do not quit.

Don’t exit the fight, my friend. Wait until God brings you through. In the end, you will see something more beautiful than the wings of a butterfly. You will see God’s plan come to fruition in your life.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Blessings~

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Conversion, Change, and Commitment | Why Discipleship Matters part 2

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Picking up on the previous post, the ultimate goal of every conversion story is to eventually be “conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 8:29). When we think of the word “conformed,” it gives the impression that there is a mold or a model.

I have been blessed to acquire many handmade pieces from my grandmother. There was a time in her life when she learned how to work with molds. After the pouring and curing process, she would hand-paint these items that have become family treasures. One of my favorite works of hers is in our nativity scene that I put out every Christmas. Although many pieces are broken and some are missing, the work she did on those molds will always be a treasure to me.

Friends, we are being pressed into a mold so that the end result of our lives is to be like the original, to be like Jesus. What a great treasure that is!

Perhaps that’s why the Apostle Paul taught, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). But change from an old nature to a new nature doesn’t just happen with a snap of the fingers. It comes from walking with one throughout their conversion story, guiding them, and helping them to see the way.

This is the example Scripture repeatedly gives us (as already noted in the previous post). Even the Apostle Paul was aided in conforming and learning about this new life, first and foremost by our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself (see Galatians 1:12; read Vs. 11- 24 for Paul’s testimony of this time).

People left to their own devices, unaided, are susceptible to lies, discouragement, doubt, and being uprooted from the very conviction that caused them to seek conversion in the first place.

Therefore, those who are already members of the body of Christ want to make sure this new member has the tools and support not only to hang on, but to grow and see their lives through the eyes of the Lord.

For when they see their value according to Him, they will fight all the more (and yes, sometimes it is a fight) to daily shed off the old nature from where they came and put on the new nature of who they are now, and where they are going.

Most infants and toddlers don’t begin to take their first steps in learning to walk without holding on to something. Often, what they are holding on to is the loving hands of a parent who is guiding them, caring for them, and supporting them so they do not fall.

How much more support does a new believer need who is trying to walk in a whole new life than the one they came from?

I’m not negating the need for personal holiness or the work that needs to be done for this mindset change (see Ephesians 4:22-24; Matthew 18:3; 1 John 1:6; Colossians 3:9, 10). But people do not know how to do new things without being taught, without examples. One of the reasons YouTube is so popular is that if you are trying to do something new, fix something, or the like, you can almost always find a video on their platform that will walk you through how to do what you are seeking, step-by-step.

Discipleship is God’s answer to the lives that want to change but don’t know how. It is the place where they get one-on-one help, the place where they can see examples of what it means to be in a thriving, loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

People cannot go from conversion to change to commitment without knowing how to get from point A to C (see chart below).

There is a lot of space in between, open to all kinds of stuff. What that space is filled with will be determined by what is being poured into the person. Again, this does not negate personal holiness or responsibility, but how much better would the turnout be with proper guidance and exposure to the right things to fill that space?

Every believer has this commission on their lives: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20; emphasis added).

Discipleship is not just witnessing; it is teaching people how to live the Christian life, how to recognize and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He leads them.

Jesus felt we were worth it and had people who invested in us. Now, may we see the worth in others and invest as well.

The Bible calls us the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), and it’s time to share the flavor.

Blessings~

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Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Conversion, Change, and Commitment | Why Discipleship Matters part 1

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Conversion without change is not really conversion, is it? Yet, this is something we see play out time and again.

People may come and hear a message that stirs their hearts, prompting them to want a new life. They are tired and fed up, and they know that there must be a change. So, upon hearing a message, they make the decision for Christ. Maybe even going so far as to be baptized, but when they rise out of the water and put their clothes back on, they also put back on everything they needed to change from.

Walking into a new life will not happen by accident. A dip in the water could very well just be a dip in the water without the determination within to seek and learn about those things that will foster and grow this new life; to “do works befitting repentance” (Acts 26:20).

For a real conversion to take place, there must be a real change (Matthew 18:3). Ephesians tells us, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (4:22-24; emphasis added; see also Colossians 3:9, 10). There is a measure of personal responsibility in those verses.

A hunger and thirst for righteousness should begin to grow within the spiritual appetite, wanting something more than what one has always done.

Yet, true growth takes time. As a baby moves through the process of learning to take on food and behaviors that will support its growth, so too does the new Christian who has a true desire for a new life.

Unfortunately, we have seen instances where some just dip and are done. They believe that is all there is. Sadly, this causes one to return to life as usual, with no further commitment or intention to search for or long for more. They believe that they have covered the basic requirements of salvation, and now they are free to live life as they desire, do what they want, even if it contradicts the Word, and will still be fit for heaven.

But here’s what 1 John 1:6 says: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”

My friends, true conversion should produce a real and notable change. Even if it’s not fully mature (and we don’t expect that immediately), people should be able to see that there is something different there now.

There is an old expression: “Come as you are, but don’t stay as you came.” And how true is that?

But, without truly explaining this to people, they are left floundering like a fish out of water. They wonder why B, C, and D aren’t falling into place when A hasn’t been taken care of properly.

This is where discipleship comes in. It is ushering people’s hearts closer to God through guidance and walking with them through those initial steps.

Our greatest example of this comes from our Lord Jesus Christ, who invested His time and care heavily into others who not only had a true change in their lives but were also able to do the same for others.

We must not be content with saying we brought people in. But when they come in, we want to invest in and nurture them as the Lord did with His disciples.

Discipleship is a key ingredient missing in most churches today. We must go back to doing things the way Jesus did to get the results He and the disciples did.

Yes, it will require time. Yes, it will mean sacrifice. Yes, it will often ask you to step out of your comfort zone. But if you truly have a heart to see people walking in a vibrant Christian life, I will say it would all be well worth it.

After all, a heart that is turned to God is a heart that has truly been changed.

Due to the length of this article, I invite you to come back and join me on Friday, July 17, 2026, for part 2.

Blessings~

For more inspiration, check out:

“Ornamental Christianity” 

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Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Woman sitting quietly on a beach, looking out upon the ocean, pausing and waiting on the Lord for renewed strength.

Indefatigable!

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“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

As the new morning dawns, so does the battle with getting on with the day. Decisions must be made, as well as beds. Tasks and chores line up, each demanding attention and strength from your day.

Some are routine. Some are not. But whatever form or fashion they come in, the calling of their attention throughout the day will sap a certain amount of energy from you, exhausting you.

And sometimes all you need is a little refresher to make it through.

The Bible offers us a pause in our weary times. Just as with our daily assignments, so also must our faith be tended to and nurtured, finding a place to be refreshed.

God knows that sometimes we get tired. He sees us flagging even in our efforts to push forth. And His Word shows us the power of pausing so that we don’t run ourselves into the ground, so that we don’t become so tired that we become worn and at the end of our rope.

Here in Isaiah, we are told our strength is renewed when we wait. But not just in the waiting. Rather, when we wait on the Lord.

So much hardness of life and anxious decisions are because we run ahead without Him. We set our course, we plan our days, we push on with our purposes. And we leave out whatever the Father wanted to reveal to us during the pause. Do you see where the problem lies?

To become indefatigable, we need to be fueled by the Father. It is only then that we will have the strength to persevere.

Exhaustion is an epidemic of people doing life their way. Not only are they the choreographer of their days, but the suppliers of their own needs. Everything is contingent on what they can do.

Our faith is never due to our own exhaustive efforts. Our faith is authored by the Lord who took on Himself and completed the tasks our efforts would still be fighting to fulfill.

So it is by faith we wait. It is by faith that we confidently stand in the midst of the pause for the Father’s hand to move and be strengthened.

Enduring can only happen when we are leaning and relying upon the right Source. And when we do, then we will become indefatigable.

Fight the urge to push forward in your own strength. Rest in Him. Pause. Pray. Remember where the power of your faith lives.

It is in God, our Father. And He will never fail those who confidently wait on Him.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Not By My Strength

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One thing I have noticed in life, as much as we want to believe it, none of us has all the answers to everything we need. We are not the end-all. But I also found out that that’s okay. We don’t have to be everything, nor do we need to know everything. We have One who not only knows the finite things we see and deal with before us daily, but He also knows the infinite and the things we cannot see.

We don’t have to struggle as if we don’t have this heavenly hope. We don’t have to rely on ourselves when we have our Big Beautiful God, who is unmatched in everything, to rely on. We don’t have to beat against the wind with our “might” when we can lean on His and come out victorious on the other side.

I pray that as I reshare this poem with you, it blesses you today and awakens your confidence in our wonderful God:

“Not by my own strength,
it’s failing, it’s fleeting.
Relying on myself,
my life takes a beating.

It’s against the wind I fight,
expending all my fleshly might.
It’s only by His Spirit I can win,
supplied by God, the power within.

Many are searching
for the prosperous way,
forcing themselves
with striving each day.

The plans of man
are but weak and futile.
Relying on God will carry you
to the very last mile.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of Hosts,” Zechariah 4:6

Today, may we rest in this truth:
We were never meant to carry life in our own strength.

We can rely on God.
Blessings~

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Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Christian inspirational cross picture for redemption and deliverance, Isaiah 43:1

Redeemed.

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Redeemed. Rescued. Bought. Delivered.

All these words speak beautifully of the testimony of what I was brought out of. For if the conditions were optimal, then there would be no need for the rescue. If I was good where I was, there would be no need for a recovery.

History has repeatedly proven that there is a vast void one experiences in the life that is lived outside of this holy renewal. There is an intense longing that says, I need saving. And saving, He did.

Crushed and broken, Jesus gave His life for mine. The sacrificial atoning exchange took place. Not for me to question or be in doubt, but to walk bravely in the paths He has ordained for me. Not to fear, but with confidence, He instilled in me the strength to stand toe to toe with what is before me, declaring, I can, because He did.

In His redemption, I can experience a life that I would have never imagined. Not one centered around the benefits of the gains this world offers. But it is because of the blessing of newness of life He presents to me.

Those words, “being redeemed,” speak to me and comfort me, telling me of His surrender and offering of Himself. He paid for what I could not.

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It was my life that needed the change. Still, He arranged it so that I would be the one to reap the benefits of the seed of Himself sown (John 12:24). That I might be a part of the fruit of that vine (John 15:5), attached to Him, nourished by the flow of life therein, and brought up that I might live eternally with my Savior.

Only His atoning work makes this possible. When He reclaimed my life with the giving of His, the longing has been satisfied, and the rescue has been eternally made. My path before I encountered such grace and mercy was dismal at best. But when He died for me and invited me to take of Him, my soul said, yes. And now I have been captured by this gift of love.

Take in, dear friend, all that He offers you. Take in His love. Take in His being. Take in His gift of deliverance, for it is an incredible feeling when He declares such a loving action fulfilled in your life. And you will never be the same again.

“…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

If you like this devotional read, I’m sure you’ll love:

“The King to My Rescue”

Sometimes a knight in shining armor just won’t do. You need the most powerful of the land, the King; Almighty God, to come to the rescue. Nobody can help you like He can. Nobody can love you like He can. Nobody can save you like He can. We need the King! Turn to the King – He’s waiting for you!

“The Beauty of Redemption”

Corrie Ten Boom reminds us, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.”  To the soul that turns to Christ, the ugliness of sin is done away with and He will satisfy with the beauty of redemption.

“The Redeemer Shall Come”

Oh, what a day that will be! The chains and the shackles of this world will be permanently loosed and true freedom will come once and for all. God’s people will rise to reign in victory because the Redeemer has come!

And an inspirational poem titled, “My Redeemer Lives!”

Even if things don’t look like their turning in your favor.
Even if today doesn’t look better than yesterday.
God, your Redeemer is alive and in charge. No matter what it looks like right now, believe HIM through it all!

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc, to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.