Dear Father, If I were asked to describe what I think to be the most challenging aspect of growth, I think I’d begin with practice, or, better said, putting knowledge to use. One of the most challenging aspects is that the motivation required to know often differs from the motivation required to do. The Scripture says, “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice.” It may not be out of place to ask: what’s the need for desiring knowledge while not giving room for it to have its course? Or what’s the purpose of acquiring knowledge if not to put it to use? Yet, in reflection, I would be insincere to write to You about this and make myself seem guiltless, as though all I know to appeal to growth, I have done without reluctance and in consistency. Obviously, growth requires more than being the most committed listener to words of wisdom; it requires more than being the most intelligent preacher of wisdom. Perhaps, in becoming faithful participants in these two extremes, we become unaware of the subtle risk of looking the part but not playing it. Perhaps the satisfaction that comes from knowing, we replace with the void that comes from not doing. What good is knowledge without works? What good is a tree without its fruits? Yet, aren’t we all guilty? Lacking results necessarily proportional to the level of our knowledge? Aren’t we all guilty of knowing what to do but simply not doing it? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #Knowledge #practise #reflections #growth

Dear Father, When I was younger, we were taught to quote a scripture while demonstrating what it meant with our hands: “From henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” I grew up understanding that because of the mark of the Lord Jesus I had spiritually placed on myself, no demon or person could lay a finger on me. Symbolically, this is not wrong; but perhaps, this wasn’t exactly what Paul meant. The Greek word for the marks: stigmata, means physical marks or scars. In other places throughout Scripture, we see how Paul endured severe physical suffering because he preached the gospel. There were times when he was beaten, imprisoned, stoned, and left for dead, and so much more. Paul was literally saying, My suffering for Christ proves where my loyalty lies. The issue with my former understanding of this Scripture is that while I strive to obtain the benefits of what it means to bear the mark of Christ, I exempt myself from the responsibility. Paul describes how committed he was to serving the kingdom’s mandate, even through inconvenience, so evident that you could see traces of it on his skin. Today, I ponder the state of my service. How committed would I be to You if I had to serve through inconvenience? If my expectations are not met, or my plans do not fall right into place? Does the level of my commitment rise and fall to the degree of my comfort or answered prayers? Father, if we had to count my scars, how many do I bear for You? Perhaps the evidence is proof of service. Perhaps this is what Paul meant: that our allegiance is best seen through our commitment to service. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #Galatians6:17 #marksofChrist #responsibility #benefits

Dear Father, When I was younger, we were taught to quote a scripture while demonstrating what it meant with our hands: “From henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” I grew up understanding that because of the mark of the Lord Jesus I had spiritually placed on myself, no demon or person could lay a finger on me. Symbolically, this is not wrong; but perhaps, this wasn’t exactly what Paul meant. The Greek word for the marks: stigmata, means physical marks or scars. In other places throughout Scripture, we see how Paul endured severe physical suffering because he preached the gospel. There were times when he was beaten, imprisoned, stoned, and left for dead, and so much more. Paul was literally saying, My suffering for Christ proves where my loyalty lies. The issue with my former understanding of this Scripture is that while I strive to obtain the benefits of what it means to bear the mark of Christ, I exempt myself from the responsibility. Paul describes how committed he was to serving the kingdom’s mandate, even through inconvenience, so evident that you could see traces of it on his skin. Today, I ponder the state of my service. How committed would I be to You if I had to serve through inconvenience? If my expectations are not met, or my plans do not fall right into place? Does the level of my commitment rise and fall to the degree of my comfort or answered prayers? Father, if we had to count my scars, how many do I bear for You? Perhaps the evidence is proof of service. Perhaps this is what Paul meant: that our allegiance is best seen through our commitment to service. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #Galatians6:17 #marksofChrist #responsibility #benefits

Dear Father, I've learned that there are side effects to every desire or feat we undertake, whether good or bad. Even success has side effects. When we make plans for success, we often imagine the celebrations that will proceed from our commitment and prepare ourselves to rejoice over the wins. But when weariness finds us along the way, we often become unfair to ourselves, as though progress must only be accompanied by strength and never by weariness. There is an interesting passage in Scripture where Joshua and some Israelites went to war against the Amalekites, while Moses went up the hill with Your rod in his hands. The plan was that whenever Moses lifted Your rod high, Israel prevailed; but when he became tired and let his hands down, Amalek prevailed. But the Scripture records that, “Moses’ hands grew tired, so Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then Aaron held up one of his hands, while Hur held up the other.” This reinforces the idea that success does not necessarily diminish weariness; it can enhance it. Perhaps, the more successful a man becomes, the greater his chances of growing weary. However, there is something worth noting about this Scripture: the sight of the Israelites succeeding was not enough to keep Moses from becoming weary. His hands remained raised only when structures were put in place to help sustain the victory. So then, we do not only require structures and support when we fail, but also when we succeed. Because weariness isn't necessarily laziness; sometimes, it is a sign of our commitment to success. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #sideeffects #success #weariness #structures

Dear Father, I've learned that there are side effects to every desire or feat we undertake, whether good or bad. Even success has side effects. When we make plans for success, we often imagine the celebrations that will proceed from our commitment and prepare ourselves to rejoice over the wins. But when weariness finds us along the way, we often become unfair to ourselves, as though progress must only be accompanied by strength and never by weariness. There is an interesting passage in Scripture where Joshua and some Israelites went to war against the Amalekites, while Moses went up the hill with Your rod in his hands. The plan was that whenever Moses lifted Your rod high, Israel prevailed; but when he became tired and let his hands down, Amalek prevailed. But the Scripture records that, “Moses’ hands grew tired, so Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then Aaron held up one of his hands, while Hur held up the other.” This reinforces the idea that success does not necessarily diminish weariness; it can enhance it. Perhaps, the more successful a man becomes, the greater his chances of growing weary. However, there is something worth noting about this Scripture: the sight of the Israelites succeeding was not enough to keep Moses from becoming weary. His hands remained raised only when structures were put in place to help sustain the victory. So then, we do not only require structures and support when we fail, but also when we succeed. Because weariness isn't necessarily laziness; sometimes, it is a sign of our commitment to success. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #sideeffects #success #weariness #structures

Dear Father, I've learned that there are side effects to every desire or feat we undertake, whether good or bad. Even success has side effects. When we make plans for success, we often imagine the celebrations that will proceed from our commitment and prepare ourselves to rejoice over the wins. But when weariness finds us along the way, we often become unfair to ourselves, as though progress must only be accompanied by strength and never by weariness. There is an interesting passage in Scripture where Joshua and some Israelites went to war against the Amalekites, while Moses went up the hill with Your rod in his hands. The plan was that whenever Moses lifted Your rod high, Israel prevailed; but when he became tired and let his hands down, Amalek prevailed. But the Scripture records that, “Moses’ hands grew tired, so Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then Aaron held up one of his hands, while Hur held up the other.” This reinforces the idea that success does not necessarily diminish weariness; it can enhance it. Perhaps, the more successful a man becomes, the greater his chances of growing weary. However, there is something worth noting about this Scripture: the sight of the Israelites succeeding was not enough to keep Moses from becoming weary. His hands remained raised only when structures were put in place to help sustain the victory. So then, we do not only require structures and support when we fail, but also when we succeed. Because weariness isn't necessarily laziness; sometimes, it is a sign of our commitment to success. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #sideeffects #success #weariness #structures

Dear Father, There's something about how You operate that would keep us at peace if we knew: Your love is for Your glory. I'd like to take it from this angle: Lazarus had just died, but only after his sisters had called unto Jesus, while he was still sick, to come and heal him. When Jesus heard, “He abode two days in the same place where he was, and when He came, Lazarus had lain in the grave four days already.” If this story were never retold, we would never know that the reason Jesus waited two days longer was for Your glory. From the perspective of Mary and Martha, the One who could heal sicknesses did not respond to the urgency of the matter while the one He loved was still alive. Their perspective was valid, but when we judge from clarity and reason, we see that Jesus’ perspective was valid too. Yet the struggle remains because we are often privy only to our own side of the story. Even more difficult is that we sometimes interpret Your love using our timelines and expectations. So then, does Your love contradict Your glory? Can You become so interested in glory that You sometimes forget what it means to love? Except perhaps Your definition of love differs significantly from our perception of it, and You are under no compulsion to act because You have Your timelines too. And when our definition of the perfect time differs from Yours, it is not because You were late, but rather, we were too early. Or what really is the reason, Father? Especially in situations when our Lazarus never returns from the grave and our expectations are never met, can we still find Your love in our suffering? We may never fully understand certain occurrences in our lives, but I hope that one day I will sit with You and raise these questions; but even without having all the answers, I have chosen to love You too. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #LoveofGod #Glory #perspectives #tryingtimes

Dear Father, There's something about how You operate that would keep us at peace if we knew: Your love is for Your glory. I'd like to take it from this angle: Lazarus had just died, but only after his sisters had called unto Jesus, while he was still sick, to come and heal him. When Jesus heard, “He abode two days in the same place where he was, and when He came, Lazarus had lain in the grave four days already.” If this story were never retold, we would never know that the reason Jesus waited two days longer was for Your glory. From the perspective of Mary and Martha, the One who could heal sicknesses did not respond to the urgency of the matter while the one He loved was still alive. Their perspective was valid, but when we judge from clarity and reason, we see that Jesus’ perspective was valid too. Yet the struggle remains because we are often privy only to our own side of the story. Even more difficult is that we sometimes interpret Your love using our timelines and expectations. So then, does Your love contradict Your glory? Can You become so interested in glory that You sometimes forget what it means to love? Except perhaps Your definition of love differs significantly from our perception of it, and You are under no compulsion to act because You have Your timelines too. And when our definition of the perfect time differs from Yours, it is not because You were late, but rather, we were too early. Or what really is the reason, Father? Especially in situations when our Lazarus never returns from the grave and our expectations are never met, can we still find Your love in our suffering? We may never fully understand certain occurrences in our lives, but I hope that one day I will sit with You and raise these questions; but even without having all the answers, I have chosen to love You too. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #LoveofGod #Glory #perspectives #tryingtimes

Dear Father, I was taught that culture is a way of life among a set of people. We see, then, how some practices and traditional beliefs that are acceptable in certain places can be morally upsetting in others. Sometimes, we may not need to go as far as discussing societal traditions; our very own Christian denominations live this out, holding strongly to our inherited beliefs as though they were absolute, and every contrary belief were false. Should what has always been done become the standard by which we determine what is true? In Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman, she said, "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye [the Jews] say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus responded, saying, "Woman, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father." Jesus clarifies that repeated practices among a group of people do not necessarily translate to the right practice. He tells the woman that the belief held by both the Samaritans and the Jews, over which they contested which was right, was no longer the standard. My question is, where do we draw the line between repeated practices and our concern against contrary beliefs, or between repeated practices and our belief that truth is made absolute through historicity? Today, we have become so distracted contesting which beliefs are correct that we have loosened our grip on the delicate matters of the kingdom. Yet, in reality, most of our beliefs may not be without fault, and Jesus came not for contests but to present Your Word. Shouldn't this count in deciding what matters to prioritize? Doesn't this reveal what standards to live by? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #Traditions #culture #wordofGod #beliefsystem #custom

Dear Father, I was taught that culture is a way of life among a set of people. We see, then, how some practices and traditional beliefs that are acceptable in certain places can be morally upsetting in others. Sometimes, we may not need to go as far as discussing societal traditions; our very own Christian denominations live this out, holding strongly to our inherited beliefs as though they were absolute, and every contrary belief were false. Should what has always been done become the standard by which we determine what is true? In Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman, she said, "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye [the Jews] say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus responded, saying, "Woman, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father." Jesus clarifies that repeated practices among a group of people do not necessarily translate to the right practice. He tells the woman that the belief held by both the Samaritans and the Jews, over which they contested which was right, was no longer the standard. My question is, where do we draw the line between repeated practices and our concern against contrary beliefs, or between repeated practices and our belief that truth is made absolute through historicity? Today, we have become so distracted contesting which beliefs are correct that we have loosened our grip on the delicate matters of the kingdom. Yet, in reality, most of our beliefs may not be without fault, and Jesus came not for contests but to present Your Word. Shouldn't this count in deciding what matters to prioritize? Doesn't this reveal what standards to live by? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #Traditions #culture #wordofGod #beliefsystem #custom

Dear Father, I was taught that culture is a way of life among a set of people. We see, then, how some practices and traditional beliefs that are acceptable in certain places can be morally upsetting in others. Sometimes, we may not need to go as far as discussing societal traditions; our very own Christian denominations live this out, holding strongly to our inherited beliefs as though they were absolute, and every contrary belief were false. Should what has always been done become the standard by which we determine what is true? In Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman, she said, "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye [the Jews] say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus responded, saying, "Woman, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father." Jesus clarifies that repeated practices among a group of people do not necessarily translate to the right practice. He tells the woman that the belief held by both the Samaritans and the Jews, over which they contested which was right, was no longer the standard. My question is, where do we draw the line between repeated practices and our concern against contrary beliefs, or between repeated practices and our belief that truth is made absolute through historicity? Today, we have become so distracted contesting which beliefs are correct that we have loosened our grip on the delicate matters of the kingdom. Yet, in reality, most of our beliefs may not be without fault, and Jesus came not for contests but to present Your Word. Shouldn't this count in deciding what matters to prioritize? Doesn't this reveal what standards to live by? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #Traditions #culture #wordofGod #beliefsystem #custom

Dear Father, It is encouraging that there are gifts in this kingdom, and often, we need not ask to receive them. But one of the limitations of gifts is that while we can make requests, we cannot always decide what we are given, and courtesy may demand that we accept whatever is given if it was offered from a sincere place, especially because we did nothing to earn it. There are also rewards, which differ significantly from gifts because they can more easily be traced to something we did, and even when we made no requests, the compensation can exceed our expectations, especially when it comes from You. However, there is a tendency to confuse rewards with gifts because it is often easier to think, "He is only privileged to have held that position," than to acknowledge that he earned his place. Perhaps this is because acknowledging that a person paid the price for greatness places a responsibility on us to do the same. I saw a related passage in Scripture where Ezekiel prophesied about Nebuchadnezzar, saying, "I have given him Egypt as a reward for his efforts because he and his army did it for me..." You gave an entire nation to a man as a reward?! It is easier to desire gifts, especially with matters of the kingdom. But in times past, the greatest men in Scripture were also those who offered the most. For as much as You give gifts, You also desire that we grow into the version of ourselves that is responsible to steward what You have given us. And this requires accountability on our part. In this kingdom, not every manifestation is a gift. Perhaps the easiest way to walk in kingdom success is to desire gifts while committing ourselves to becoming trustworthy stewards of more. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #Gifts #rewards #responsibility #stewardship

Dear Father, It is encouraging that there are gifts in this kingdom, and often, we need not ask to receive them. But one of the limitations of gifts is that while we can make requests, we cannot always decide what we are given, and courtesy may demand that we accept whatever is given if it was offered from a sincere place, especially because we did nothing to earn it. There are also rewards, which differ significantly from gifts because they can more easily be traced to something we did, and even when we made no requests, the compensation can exceed our expectations, especially when it comes from You. However, there is a tendency to confuse rewards with gifts because it is often easier to think, "He is only privileged to have held that position," than to acknowledge that he earned his place. Perhaps this is because acknowledging that a person paid the price for greatness places a responsibility on us to do the same. I saw a related passage in Scripture where Ezekiel prophesied about Nebuchadnezzar, saying, "I have given him Egypt as a reward for his efforts because he and his army did it for me..." You gave an entire nation to a man as a reward?! It is easier to desire gifts, especially with matters of the kingdom. But in times past, the greatest men in Scripture were also those who offered the most. For as much as You give gifts, You also desire that we grow into the version of ourselves that is responsible to steward what You have given us. And this requires accountability on our part. In this kingdom, not every manifestation is a gift. Perhaps the easiest way to walk in kingdom success is to desire gifts while committing ourselves to becoming trustworthy stewards of more. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #Gifts #rewards #responsibility #stewardship

Dear Father, It is encouraging that there are gifts in this kingdom, and often, we need not ask to receive them. But one of the limitations of gifts is that while we can make requests, we cannot always decide what we are given, and courtesy may demand that we accept whatever is given if it was offered from a sincere place, especially because we did nothing to earn it. There are also rewards, which differ significantly from gifts because they can more easily be traced to something we did, and even when we made no requests, the compensation can exceed our expectations, especially when it comes from You. However, there is a tendency to confuse rewards with gifts because it is often easier to think, "He is only privileged to have held that position," than to acknowledge that he earned his place. Perhaps this is because acknowledging that a person paid the price for greatness places a responsibility on us to do the same. I saw a related passage in Scripture where Ezekiel prophesied about Nebuchadnezzar, saying, "I have given him Egypt as a reward for his efforts because he and his army did it for me..." You gave an entire nation to a man as a reward?! It is easier to desire gifts, especially with matters of the kingdom. But in times past, the greatest men in Scripture were also those who offered the most. For as much as You give gifts, You also desire that we grow into the version of ourselves that is responsible to steward what You have given us. And this requires accountability on our part. In this kingdom, not every manifestation is a gift. Perhaps the easiest way to walk in kingdom success is to desire gifts while committing ourselves to becoming trustworthy stewards of more. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #Gifts #rewards #responsibility #stewardship

Dear Father, It's amazing how You operate: often through symbols, but not without giving us an opportunity to meditate on what You have revealed. I read through a scripture in Jeremiah which says: “The word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.” The concept of perception and interpretation may perhaps be one of the most challenging aspects of life, especially as it relates to the matters of the Kingdom and destiny. I imagine You would only ask what he sees if there is a connection with what You want him to understand. The almond tree, translated from Hebrew, is associated with “watching,” and it is also known to bloom early. After he had seen an almond tree, You said to him, “You have seen correctly; I am watching over My word to perform it.” If You showed me an almond tree, I would need to study to know what relationship it has with the words You have spoken because, for beginners, I don't even know what an almond tree looks like. Can we say, then, that how much a person understands is sometimes a reflection of how much he knows? Can we infer that there is a relationship between sight and understanding, and understanding is often limited by knowledge? I write about this because we may not all pay attention to areas in our lives where attaining success may require an understanding born from sufficient knowledge and right perception, even after receiving a revelation from You. But are we even willing to seek out the meaning of almond trees or look to see what You show us? The fulfilment of destiny requires us to grow in the knowledge necessary to steward what You have revealed to us. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #Destiny #sight #perception #knowledge #understanding

Dear Father, It's amazing how You operate: often through symbols, but not without giving us an opportunity to meditate on what You have revealed. I read through a scripture in Jeremiah which says: “The word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.” The concept of perception and interpretation may perhaps be one of the most challenging aspects of life, especially as it relates to the matters of the Kingdom and destiny. I imagine You would only ask what he sees if there is a connection with what You want him to understand. The almond tree, translated from Hebrew, is associated with “watching,” and it is also known to bloom early. After he had seen an almond tree, You said to him, “You have seen correctly; I am watching over My word to perform it.” If You showed me an almond tree, I would need to study to know what relationship it has with the words You have spoken because, for beginners, I don't even know what an almond tree looks like. Can we say, then, that how much a person understands is sometimes a reflection of how much he knows? Can we infer that there is a relationship between sight and understanding, and understanding is often limited by knowledge? I write about this because we may not all pay attention to areas in our lives where attaining success may require an understanding born from sufficient knowledge and right perception, even after receiving a revelation from You. But are we even willing to seek out the meaning of almond trees or look to see what You show us? The fulfilment of destiny requires us to grow in the knowledge necessary to steward what You have revealed to us. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #Destiny #sight #perception #knowledge #understanding

Dear Father, For the natural man, the value he places on his gifts often hinges on the framework of fame. A person's gifts may only be measured as valuable to the degree to which he is famous or wealthy-- and although there is some truth to the value fame can bestow on gifts, how sustainable is it? By sustainability, I refer to kingdom values. What worth should be attributed to the gift of wisdom if it is devoid of kingdom values? Or to the gifts of singing, acting, dancing, and more? Sadly, there are many gifted people who measure their value in terms of public recognition and live each day unfulfilled until, perhaps, fame comes knocking. Today, I came across a passage which says, "Are you wiser than Daniel? Is no secret hidden from you?" Here, in speaking of the gift of wisdom, the Scripture attributes its potency to kingdom values. I imagine that, with matters of wisdom, we should perhaps first refer to Solomon, given how widely known he was for his demonstration of wisdom. But what is the value of the gift if it does not eventually lead us to You? If we were to measure singers by the impact their gifts have produced, our list might look very different from the lists fame has given us. The idea isn't necessarily to make comparisons, but to demonstrate that fame isn't necessarily the ultimate revealer of worthy impact. If I could proffer a scale for measurement, I would first think of You and the many ways we can become creatively impactful through our gifts. I desire to be known, not just for my gifts, but for the contribution they bring to Your kingdom's program. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #gifts #impact #kingdomvalues #creatives

Dear Father, For the natural man, the value he places on his gifts often hinges on the framework of fame. A person's gifts may only be measured as valuable to the degree to which he is famous or wealthy-- and although there is some truth to the value fame can bestow on gifts, how sustainable is it? By sustainability, I refer to kingdom values. What worth should be attributed to the gift of wisdom if it is devoid of kingdom values? Or to the gifts of singing, acting, dancing, and more? Sadly, there are many gifted people who measure their value in terms of public recognition and live each day unfulfilled until, perhaps, fame comes knocking. Today, I came across a passage which says, "Are you wiser than Daniel? Is no secret hidden from you?" Here, in speaking of the gift of wisdom, the Scripture attributes its potency to kingdom values. I imagine that, with matters of wisdom, we should perhaps first refer to Solomon, given how widely known he was for his demonstration of wisdom. But what is the value of the gift if it does not eventually lead us to You? If we were to measure singers by the impact their gifts have produced, our list might look very different from the lists fame has given us. The idea isn't necessarily to make comparisons, but to demonstrate that fame isn't necessarily the ultimate revealer of worthy impact. If I could proffer a scale for measurement, I would first think of You and the many ways we can become creatively impactful through our gifts. I desire to be known, not just for my gifts, but for the contribution they bring to Your kingdom's program. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #gifts #impact #kingdomvalues #creatives

Dear Father, In a world full of people, how can You ask such a question? I came across a passage in Isaiah which says, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” At first, I wondered why You would ask this, but I understood it better. First, these two questions were not necessarily repeated in different ways to lay emphasis; rather, they give insight into two different areas: availability and willingness. “Who is available to go, and who is willing to actually go?” For instance, an employer, in an attempt to engage capable hands, may first struggle with his options. His decision may be affected by factors such as the skills available, his ability not only to afford them but also his willingness to pay, and their desire to accept such roles. But You have no such limitations, which is why I wondered why, with billions of people in the world at Your call and varying talents at Your disposal, You could use anyone yet You still asked, “Whom shall I send?” Perhaps You have experienced what it means to look through billions and scarcely find one. Because although the multitude may increase Your chances, it does not equate to availability, and availability differs from willingness. Isaiah responds to both questions, saying, “Here am I; send me,” signifying both his availability and his willingness to go. So the search continues for one who is not just available but willing to pay the price for what it means to be sent. Today, I pondered not my availability but my willingness. And sincerely, Father, I may be as bold as Isaiah to say, “Send me,” but in reality, the effort I put into being sent pales in comparison to the level of my availability. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #availability #willingness #assignment #commitment

Dear Father, In a world full of people, how can You ask such a question? I came across a passage in Isaiah which says, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” At first, I wondered why You would ask this, but I understood it better. First, these two questions were not necessarily repeated in different ways to lay emphasis; rather, they give insight into two different areas: availability and willingness. “Who is available to go, and who is willing to actually go?” For instance, an employer, in an attempt to engage capable hands, may first struggle with his options. His decision may be affected by factors such as the skills available, his ability not only to afford them but also his willingness to pay, and their desire to accept such roles. But You have no such limitations, which is why I wondered why, with billions of people in the world at Your call and varying talents at Your disposal, You could use anyone yet You still asked, “Whom shall I send?” Perhaps You have experienced what it means to look through billions and scarcely find one. Because although the multitude may increase Your chances, it does not equate to availability, and availability differs from willingness. Isaiah responds to both questions, saying, “Here am I; send me,” signifying both his availability and his willingness to go. So the search continues for one who is not just available but willing to pay the price for what it means to be sent. Today, I pondered not my availability but my willingness. And sincerely, Father, I may be as bold as Isaiah to say, “Send me,” but in reality, the effort I put into being sent pales in comparison to the level of my availability. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #availability #willingness #assignment #commitment

Dear Father, There is a common tendency among humans to try to alter the way people perceive us. Often, this isn't something we do by explicitly saying, “This is who I am.” It just happens subconsciously that the major motive driving our pursuits isn't just our progress, but not to be seen as failures by the people whose perspectives matter greatly to us. Today, I pondered the conversation Jesus had with His disciples when He asked them, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” This very question is asked and debated everywhere around the world today. I would expect that, in seeking to understand the identity of a person, we would first seek out conversations like this. But sadly, there is more to obtaining the truth behind this revelation than the natural perception of people. The disciples responded, saying, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” Jesus then said unto them, “But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus responded to Peter, saying, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” I hate to write this to You, Father, but despite this conversation, some still say that Jesus was just a prophet. Perhaps this is the very plan of the enemy: to steal the truth despite its revelation. Perhaps it is because the truth behind this revelation is the very determinant of our salvation and right standing with You. Or perhaps it is because it requires more than intellectual debate to see beyond the veil of Jesus' very purpose on earth. This Scripture reveals Jesus’ interest in knowing that we have the right perception of Him. Because this revelation changes everything. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #Revelation #JesussonofGod #Hisdivinity #God #JesusisLord

Dear Father, There is a common tendency among humans to try to alter the way people perceive us. Often, this isn't something we do by explicitly saying, “This is who I am.” It just happens subconsciously that the major motive driving our pursuits isn't just our progress, but not to be seen as failures by the people whose perspectives matter greatly to us. Today, I pondered the conversation Jesus had with His disciples when He asked them, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” This very question is asked and debated everywhere around the world today. I would expect that, in seeking to understand the identity of a person, we would first seek out conversations like this. But sadly, there is more to obtaining the truth behind this revelation than the natural perception of people. The disciples responded, saying, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” Jesus then said unto them, “But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus responded to Peter, saying, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” I hate to write this to You, Father, but despite this conversation, some still say that Jesus was just a prophet. Perhaps this is the very plan of the enemy: to steal the truth despite its revelation. Perhaps it is because the truth behind this revelation is the very determinant of our salvation and right standing with You. Or perhaps it is because it requires more than intellectual debate to see beyond the veil of Jesus' very purpose on earth. This Scripture reveals Jesus’ interest in knowing that we have the right perception of Him. Because this revelation changes everything. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #Revelation #JesussonofGod #Hisdivinity #God #JesusisLord

Dear Father, We are not told how much time went by between the serpent’s conversation with Eve about the forbidden fruit and her eventual eating of it. The Scripture moves from the serpent saying, “Ye shall not surely die,” to saying, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat...” It is almost as though she ate the fruit immediately after her conversation with the serpent, but perhaps this is not how the story unfolds. What if there was a process of meditation after that conversation? Or perhaps one where, each time she walked around the garden and saw the fruit, she remembered the conversation. Perhaps, daily, her conviction concerning Your instruction weakened, while her desire for the fruit was strengthened. Because it was not a fair argument where words combat words, but a statement requiring performance while initiating contact with a seed in her. The serpent is cunning, not often intending that sin should befall us instantly, but strategically planting seeds and patiently watching them grow. Unlike the popular belief where rising seems planned while falling seems instantaneous; falling, too, is often premeditated. In instances where doubt has lingered a little too long in our hearts, and we entertain questions without appropriate responses, which eventually lead to weakened convictions. Because daily, all we see is the fruit, with just about the right seed of desire in us for compromise. And in situations where words are meant to combat words, I hope not to be found without. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #temptation #sin #seeds #risingandfalling

Dear Father, We are not told how much time went by between the serpent’s conversation with Eve about the forbidden fruit and her eventual eating of it. The Scripture moves from the serpent saying, “Ye shall not surely die,” to saying, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat...” It is almost as though she ate the fruit immediately after her conversation with the serpent, but perhaps this is not how the story unfolds. What if there was a process of meditation after that conversation? Or perhaps one where, each time she walked around the garden and saw the fruit, she remembered the conversation. Perhaps, daily, her conviction concerning Your instruction weakened, while her desire for the fruit was strengthened. Because it was not a fair argument where words combat words, but a statement requiring performance while initiating contact with a seed in her. The serpent is cunning, not often intending that sin should befall us instantly, but strategically planting seeds and patiently watching them grow. Unlike the popular belief where rising seems planned while falling seems instantaneous; falling, too, is often premeditated. In instances where doubt has lingered a little too long in our hearts, and we entertain questions without appropriate responses, which eventually lead to weakened convictions. Because daily, all we see is the fruit, with just about the right seed of desire in us for compromise. And in situations where words are meant to combat words, I hope not to be found without. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #temptation #sin #seeds #risingandfalling