FAITHFULNESS IN OBSCURITY POSITIONS YOU UNDER WATCHFUL EYES.

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 17TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

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Mystical Gardens Tale

The Cooling Waters

Jill had decided that summer had officially become personal. The heat had been unbearable for days. Not the pleasant kind of summer warmth that made people want to sit outside with a cold drink. This was the kind of heat that seemed to crawl beneath your skin and stay there.

Jill woke up irritated. She stepped outside and immediately began sweating. “Wonderful,” she muttered. “It's going to be another one of those days.”

Her car wouldn't start. “Of course it won't.” The air conditioner at work wasn't working properly. “Of course it isn't.” Someone had left a door open, letting hot air into the building. “Who does that?” Then someone accidentally bumped into her in the hallway. “Watch where you're going!”

The woman stopped and stared at Jill. “I'm sorry.”

Jill walked away without answering. She didn't notice the hurt look on the woman's face.

By lunchtime, Jill was ready to scream. The restaurant was crowded. Someone's child was crying. A man at the next table was talking too loudly. The waitress brought Jill the wrong drink.

“This isn't what I ordered.”
“I apologize. I'll get you another one.”
“And could you please get it right this time?”

The waitress's smile disappeared. Jill didn't notice. Or perhaps she did, but she was too irritated to care. Everything seemed to bother her. A phone ringing. A dog barking. Someone chewing too loudly. A car driving too slowly. A person looking at her for what Jill was certain was too long.

“What are you looking at?” she snapped.
The man quickly looked away.

By late afternoon, Jill was exhausted. And angry. Mostly angry. She couldn't even explain why anymore. All she knew was that everything was getting on her nerves. Then, on her way home, Jill saw something she hadn't seen before. A narrow path between two old trees.

It hadn't been there yesterday. Jill stopped. She stared at it. Beyond the trees was a faint green glow. Normally, she would have walked away. But today she was hot, tired, frustrated, and completely out of patience and whatever was there had to be better than here, so she stepped onto the path.

Within moments, the world changed. The heat disappeared. Jill stopped walking. A cool breeze brushed across her face. She closed her eyes. “Oh…”

She hadn't realized how badly she needed that. The garden stretched out before her. Tall trees formed a canopy overhead. Little streams wound between moss-covered stones. Flowers opened beneath the shade, and somewhere nearby, water trickled over smooth rocks.

There were no car horns. No ringing phones. No barking dogs. No crying children. No voices demanding anything from her. Just quiet. Beautiful, peaceful quiet.

Jill sat beside the stream and dipped her hands into the cool water. For the first time all day, her shoulders relaxed. She took a deep breath. Then another. And suddenly, something uncomfortable happened... She began remembering.

The woman in the hallway. “Watch where you're going!”

The waitress. “Could you please get it right this time?”

The man at the restaurant. “What are you looking at?”

Her coworker. “Who does that?”

One memory after another came rushing back. Jill lowered her head. “Oh no.” She hadn't simply been having a bad day. She had been handing that bad day to everyone around her. She had taken her frustration, her discomfort, and her exhaustion and thrown them at people who hadn't caused any of it.

The garden remained silent. But Jill had the strange feeling that the giant tree at the center of the garden was watching her.

“I was miserable,” she whispered.
A leaf drifted down beside her.
Jill picked it up. “I was hot. I was tired. Everything was going wrong.” She sighed. “But that doesn't mean I had to make everybody else miserable too.”

The breeze moved gently through the branches. Jill smiled sadly. “You know what's worse?” She looked toward the path.
“I don't even know if any of them deserved an apology from me.” She paused. “Of course they do.”

For the first time that day, Jill laughed at herself. She had spent hours thinking everyone else was the problem. But the garden had given her something the heat never could. Perspective.

Jill stood. “I can't undo what I said.” She looked toward the great tree. “But I can go back and do better.”

The garden seemed to grow a little brighter. Jill stepped onto the path. The heat returned when she reached the other side. But something inside her had changed. The temperature hadn't changed. Her circumstances hadn't changed. Her car was still broken. The air conditioner still wasn't working. Tomorrow might be just as hot. But Jill wasn't going to let the heat decide who she was.

The next morning, she found the woman from the hallway. “I'm sorry,” Jill said.

The woman looked surprised.

“For yesterday. You didn't deserve the way I spoke to you.”

Then Jill found the waitress. She apologized there too.

And when someone accidentally bumped into her later that afternoon, Jill felt irritation rising inside her. She opened her mouth. Then stopped. She took a breath. “It's okay,” she said.

The person smiled. And Jill smiled back.

That evening, Jill returned to the garden. She sat beneath the great tree with her feet beside the cool stream. “Thank you,” she whispered.

She finally understood something the garden had been trying to teach her. Sometimes we are uncomfortable. Sometimes we are tired. Sometimes the world seems to be working against us. And sometimes we have every reason to be frustrated. But our circumstances may explain why we're hurting without giving us permission to hurt someone else.

The garden could cool Jill's skin. But only she could choose to cool the anger in her heart. And that choice was worth far more than a cool breeze.

Seed from the Garden

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

You may not be able to control the heat, the noise, the traffic, the broken air conditioner, or the things other people do.
But you can choose what you do with the frustration those things create inside you.
Before you hand your bad day to someone else, stop.

Breathe. Cool down. And remember: They may not be the reason you're hurting. Don't make them pay for it.

#christianwriter #christianfiction #christianfantasy #stacyfrantz #MysticalGardens

The Good Earth

Scriptural Reference:
3 "Listen! Once there was a man who went out to sow corn(?). 4 As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there is little soil. The seeds soon sprouted,because the soil wasn't deep. 6 Then when the sun came up, it burnt the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough, the plants soon dried up. 7 Some of the seed among thorn bushes, which grew up and choked the plants and they didn't produce any corn(?). 8 But some seeds fell in good soil, and the plants sprouted, grew, and produced corn(?): some had thirty grains, others sixty, and others a hundred." 9 And Jesus concluded "Listen, then if you have ears!".
Mark 4:3-9

Reflection:
In the Parable of the Sower we may learn a valuable lesson as Christians. Essentially there are four personality types described based on the life's they each live. So we can consider the sort of soil or inner garden that our new faith has been planted. Than we may think about the sort of environment and condition the inner garden has developed. As well as what sort of fertiliser we feed our newly founded faith.

These may be viewed as;

The Path:
That path we walk where faith is open for attack. When we see the truth and recognise our need for a real relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ we begin to set ourselves apart from the world. The world will not change and suddenly became a bed of roses. In fact many new believers soon lose heart and their faith dies off when they realise that life is not easy but a constant challenge. It is in the 'path' times of life there is little soil or nutrients to keep faith alive long enough to thrive that we can see some never go past the initial seed stages of their faith.

The Rocky Ground:
Where faith begins but due to a shallow mind and heart there is nothing to nurture it. For some they may have the intention and the shallow soil to begin their growth in the faith. Yet amongst the soil is 'rocky ground' a sort of metaphor for a mixture of good intentions and hard feelings. Some who take hold of the faith can fail to thrive when their hard emotional baggage is too much to let go of. They show the promise of growth only to let their rocky feelings kill off any chance for true faith to blossom.

The Thorns:
When we linger among those who cling to cardinal ways we can become poisoned and choked of our faith. Thorns in this case may be seen as another metaphor. The thorns represent people and attitudes that existed prior to the coming of faith. How often we ourselves can look back on those friends who scoffed at us when we shared that we had accepted Jesus as our Saviour and planned on changing our ways. The sarcastic jokes and back stapping tricks to pull us back into the worldly ways begin to choke us. So often those who have just accepted the Gospel message are pulled back into sin and separation from God. Those are the thorny friends who will try and kill young faith.

The Good Soil:
With a strong heart and a resolute mind we can nurture the Word of God in us and grow steadily each day. When someone has their eyes opened and they see the truth of the Gospel they have every chance to grow and develop a deeper and personal relationship with God trough his Son Jesus Christ. Yet it takes time and effort for the young Christian to be able to grow. Much as it is with a garden there needs to be time spent removing the rocks or emotional baggage that only drags us down. Then there is the tricky bit of weeding the garden of those thorns or negative people who have not seen the truth and will try and choke our faith and hope. With daily study of the Bible we can do these things as we prepare and nurture the soil of our soul to be able to grow our faith and our relationship with Jesus. It is true that the path of life will always have both good and bad days and there will be times we feel at our lowest emotionally. It is thankfully in these times that with a healthy growing faith we can find our strength to continue.

Prayer:

Nurture in me Lord Jesus faith in you,
Under your care I will find rest and joy,
Remove from me that which distracts,
Teaching me your Gospel Truths,
Use me as an instrument of your love,
Remember me in my times of trial,
Each time the world tries to deceive me.

I pray these things in your blessed name.

Amen

Choices

Quotes:
"Two Wolves are inside us fighting. Which one wins? The one we feed"
American Cherokee Parable

"The choices we make make us who we are"
MJ Flack

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”
Nelson Mandela

Scriptural Reference:
" So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31 31

"Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death"
James 1:15 15

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15 15

Reflection:

In a world full of choices we can quickly find ourselves both swamped for options and numb from the sheer number of choices available. All of which are bright and shiny, promoted by celebrities and culture icons. With a range of added optional add-ons that can be easily included with our first selection. Yet how many are really good and reliable.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy—think about such things"
Philippians 4:8
We are encouraged to stay focused on those things that are pleasing to God. Those things that are "true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" we are to focus and think on them. So how many choices offered up can match up to this short list?

"Choice We Make Make Us who we are". Yes, every choice we make in a very small subtle way carves deeply into us and creates the person people see and experience. As startling as it might seem, even small mediocre choices can affect us. They all add up over time. This is how so many youth in Germany in the last days of WW2 became killing machines. They were trained in small stages. From the early days in the Hitler Youth where they experienced fresh air and exercise to the later to join the Wehrmacht. They began with free will and free choice only to end up completely indoctrinated into the Socialist mindset. Unable to choose anything contrary to that of Hitler and those in charge of them.

"How do we make choices in life?" A reasonable question as we search for the best and scriptural way to navigate the choices we face in life. As mentioned we need to keep focused on these things that are pleasing to God. Measuring many of the choices we are faced with against this ruler will help us make the right choice. Though to be honest, not all choice are difficult. If we are to drink coffee or tea is needlessly a little choice. One that is more one of health or diet. It's the big choices that we face that will need to be worked with. An example might be an invitation to go see the latest movie with a group of friends. You've been promised the movie is epic in every way. Plenty of drama, sex, violence, nudity, profanity and even a half decent script. So what do you do? Do any of those attributes match up with the short list mentioned? What sort of impact would watching the film really have on your subconscious? Sadly, I know a Christian who likes to play Sims a realistic life simulation game. The game is okay but the way he plays it isn't. He likes to play characters who have such goals as to have the highest number of pregnant women to his character. So essentially he's living vicariously through this make believe character. And his subconscious is slowly altered in ways he doesn't even recognise.

Okay so these were somewhat stark and heavy choices made. What about the smaller choices we make that can also have an impact on us. Let's reflect on Martha and Mary. The Lord is visiting and the entourage is sitting in the main room. While Martha is doing what is culturally expected of her. The good little Jewish woman in the kitchen preparing food and drink. Making ready a suitable meal for her guests. Hyperactive would be an understatement for Martha. While Mary is sitting near the feet of Jesus listening intently to every word he says. Not really a cultural thing as women had their place. This was not thought to be it.

Martha in moral outrage demands that Jesus sets things back in order by telling Mary to get up and do her fair share of preparation and work. Yet Jesus doesn't correct Mary as one might have thought. Instead he corrects Martha.

41 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about
many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her.'
Luke 10:38-42

So for all those at Church rushing around madly trying to get every little thing in order and every small detail correct by the time morning tea has begun; stop and check yourself. Are you really focused on what is important? Or are you trying to be perfect and be seen as perfect for all your wonderful work? Shouldn't you step back and ask others to become involved? Maybe stepping back once in awhile to enjoy the fellowship instead. The choice of work over fellowship is one that sadly many Christians struggle with.

In closing, we are faced with choices everyday. Some are little but can add up over time. While others are huge and can hit us like a brick wall. We need to at times take a breath and take stock of what we are really choosing between. As well as how well the choice we have matches up with God's list of criteria. Never forget that the choices you make create who you become.


Prayer:
Lord, I am flesh,
In my humble body and mind,
I'm faced with many choices.

May I remember each time,
To return to your teachings,
To feel the Holy Spirits guidance,
And to always seek those things,
That you teach are worthy of you,
And worthy of my attention.

I pray this in your divine name,
My Lord and my saviour king,
Jesus the Christ.

Amen

STAND FIRM IN YOUR COMMITMENT TO CHRIST WHEN TRIALS COME YOUR WAY.

DEMONSTRATE THAT CHRIST IS LORD OF YOUR LIFE.

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 15TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

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WHEN YOU ARE BOUND TO THE ALTAR, HIS PROTECTION COVERS EVERYTHING YOU SURRENDER.

...GIVE GOD YOUR ALL TODAY!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 14TH AUGUST 2026.

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BLESSINGS..!

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YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WHEN YOU CAN'T HOLD ON ANY LONGER, CRY OUT!

...AND TRUST GOD TO MOVE FAST.

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 13TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

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The Armour of God

Scriptural Reference:
Ephesians 6:10-17

Contemplation:
6: 11 Put you on the Armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.

Sad to say, many people have lost touch with the reality that The devil or Satan does exist. In our Post Modern World where rationality rules, people tend to sarcastically brush off anything they cant see.

12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

There is and has been and always will be a division of Light and Dark. Of two very powerful Principalities. The constant battle between these two takes in the whole World. Dragging down one half while uplifting and redeeming the other. We need to be careful of this and decide quickly which side we will stand on. As there will be no room for spectators when the climax of battle comes.

13 Therefore, take unto you the Armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.

Paul uses the analogy of the Roman Armour to good advantage. Each piece has a specific purpose. As with the Armour that the Roman Soldier relied on to maintain and save his life in battle; so to is the Armour that we can claim as our from God.


14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the Breastplate of Justice:

The Roman Belt was more than just something to hold ones leggings or lower garments in place. It held a variety of items. Such as Darts, Food and Coins. In this analogy Paul refers to it as the Belt of truth. Perhaps as with Truth we are prepared for the journey into battle.

He then refers to the Breastplate. This item covered the Roman Soldiers most vital organs. It was also a sign of respect and heritage as many of the more seasoned Officers would have their Breastplate made to size and adorned with images fitting their Military Status. The Breastplate Paul mentions is one of Justice. One that sets the believer apart from the World where strength was all that matters. Justice is to be our closest Armour to our heart.

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Roman Soldiers had a special Sandal. It was laced up to the calf. Had a firm and solid soul. And was both sturdy yet flexible to be manoeuvrable in battle. When a Roman Soldier entered battle it was said that he marched with the whole of the Roman Government with him. In other words, he went forth with the power of Rome's Political Might. What Paul tells us is to see our feet as being shod with the Gospel of Peace. A totally reversed view of the Roman Sandal. Our Sandals are made to bring Peace and Salvation. Not Blood and Dominance.

16 In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

There were several Shields used by the Roman Soldiers. These were generally used for Parades and Celebrations. Rather light weight and highly decorated. Long Sojourns into enemy territory. These were medium weighted and either over or a similar shape. Then the standard Roman Shield which was rectangle and was heavily used in such field manoeuvres as what was called the Tortoise. A grouping of Roman Soldiers with their shields forming a wall and roofing over them.

Paul gives up the idea that our shield will not only protect us from a range of human attacks. But it will also afford us protection from the enemies Fiery Darts. I imagine these are invisible darts. Yet being invisible they are even the more deadly. As they are burning with the adversaries hatred for us. The enemy would throw such darts to diminish our witness.

As a note, Roman Soldiers used Darts made with lead points. The concept was to throw the dart at an enemy shield. It would become lodged in the shield. Bending slightly under the weight of the softer lead. And becoming heavy and difficult to remove.

17 And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

We get two analogies here. The first being the Helmet of Salvation. The Roman Soldiers Helmet was designed after many years of combat and conflict with a wide range of adversaries. So the design was very specific. Though there were two basic Helmets. Similar to the Shield. These were the Ceremonial Helmet which had plumes of horse hair and was colourful. And the standard battle helmet. Which was light weight and afforded the highest level of protection. While giving good visibility.

The Helmet of Salvation is one that fulfils a similar purpose to that of the Battle Helmet. We are protected by our Salvation, yet we are not blinded from the dangers that are present around us. We should not be wearing a fancy or ceremonial helmet. As our Salvation is won by the Lord Jesus Christ and not by our own merits. We have no reason to become weighed down with false pride.

The Sword of the Spirit is our strongest weapon and defence. The Word of truth cuts through any lie and deception. It defeats the enemy with the full force of the Gospel message. The Roman Soldier used primarily what was called a Roman Short Sword. Great for close battle. As it had a double sided blade. Could cut through the toughest of enemy Armour. And could be easily wielded with one hand. While the shield was held in the other hand.

Paul was a pragmatist in many ways. Using every day situations and examples to highlight his messages. We are grateful in these examples he has left us. As they develop for us and idea of the intensity of the battle that rages around us. It identifies the resources and forms of protection we have available for us. As it gives us an idea of how best to use these resources in battle.

How many useful analogies can you find in your day to day life? If Paul lived today, what do you think he might make use of to highlight his message? A Mobile Phone perhaps? Or some other form of Modern Technology we take for granted.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

We recognise the battle raging around us.
Please forgive us for becoming distracted.
For becoming tired and lazy in prayer.
For looking away and not seeing the enemy.

Help prepare us for each day,
Each battle with temptation,
Each confrontation with adversity,
And give us the strength to soldier on.

We trust in you alone as our Strength,
As our source of focus and courage,
As our spiritual sustenance,
And pray to be ever vigilant.

We pray this in your precious name,
Jesus Christ.

Amen

YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!

THE GOD OF MIRACLES STILL MOVES FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE.

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 12TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

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GOD'S SUPPLY NEVER RUNS DRY!

HIS RIVERS OF BLESSING FLOW CONTINUALLY INTO YOUR LIFE.

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 10TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

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YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DO YOU CARRY A DECEITFUL HEART?

ALTARS TODAY, IDOLS TOMORROW? GOD SEES THE DIVIDED HEART!

BE CAREFUL!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 9TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

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Am I Good Enough?

Scriptural Reference:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-10

"you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:20

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:8-10

Reflection:
I find it sad that many Christians, when they face mortality and death, often ask friends if they have been "Good enough". As if somehow they might have failed to be good enough for God. Have I done enough good works? Reached enough people with the Gospel message? Given enough to the needy and the poor? Gone to church often enough? Prayed hard enough? Has my life been lived as I should have?

Sadly if they are asking these questions they may either have failed to have lived the life they earnestly believe they should have lived. Or they have missed the message in the Bible that tells us that we can not in any way work towards acceptance into heaven. Or in many cases they may have failed on both points. As we are purchased and redeemed at a great price. And not by our works or our words that we are saved. Lest we should become proud and boastful. Bragging to others at how perfectly blessed we are based on our life and our works. The Pharisees and Scribes, even many ministers today, where fond of publicly pronouncing their worthiness. I remember being asked to leave a small New Years Eve luncheon. Where a man of the cloth kept pontificating. Say such things "as the most worshipful minister my congregation look up to me", "being the high priest of my church my congregation listen to me" as well as "my congregation look up to me their worshipful minister". It seems he took exception to being called out for being a arrogant. He has had his rewards here on earth. What awaits him in heaven is anyone guess. Though I feel confident he will be shocked and surprised it doesn't live up to his expectation. One of my personal quotes goes well here.

"Some people are legends in their own minds"
MJ Flack

So what can we say about the et al of the family of Christ? Those who, faced with death, and ask if they had been good enough to be accepted by God. Well we can remind ourselves that none of us could ever be good enough. That we were all born into sin. Yes, that none are worthy (Romans 3:9-20). But that we are only saved by the Grace of God and through the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. That as we call on the name of Jesus the Christ (Romans 10:13) we are saved. That's a fact. It's through the redemption of the Lord that we can be transformed and made acceptable to God. We find reconciliation with our creator God only through the Lord.

Another way of answering the curious question posed by someone of the faith is to consider their view of Jesus the Christ. How firmly do they believe that Jesus is the Son of God? How firmly do they believe that Jesus the Christ is perfect and holy? Do they believe that Jesus is up to the challenge of preparing us for that day when we will all stand before God in judgement? I refer here to 2 Corinthians 12:9. Where we read that our weakness is made strength through our Lord. That it is His Grace that is sufficient for each of us. I'd say this should reassure anyone who is wavering in their faith. Feeling somehow inadequate for acceptance into heaven. So once again I reiterate that it is only by the grace of God through His beloved Son Jesus the Christ that we can be admitted into heaven. To share in fellowship with the angels as we worship our creator face to face.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I humbly submit my life as,
A living sacrifice for you,
A tribute of your grace,
A messenger of your gospel,
A comfort to the destitute,
A commitment to love.

I recognise in humility that,
No works by me is sufficient,
No words spoken of value,
No examples ever perfect,
No payment ever final,
No act made by me true.

But that only through you,
I am made acceptable,
I am made presentable,
I am made clean before God,
I am welcomed into heaven,
I am saved and redeemed.

Amen

Christian Martyrs

Scriptural Reference:
Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take
up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his
life for My sake will find it."

Matthew 10:21
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents
and cause them to be put to death.

Matthew 10:28
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to
destroy both soul and body in hell.

Revelation 6:11 Verse Concepts
And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little
while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even
as they had been, would be completed also.

Reflection:
For some, being a Christian is all about living a perfectly happy and peaceful life. While for others the Christian life is one of constant danger and persecution. Which of these two is Biblically correct? When in doubt, always go back to the source of all truth. Seek the answer in the Bible.

Jesus never promised a life of peace and ease. In fact he spoke at numerous times about how difficult life would be for those who chose to follow him. His message was strong and consistent. If any wished to follow him they would need to embrace the suffering of the Cross. Not an easy thing to comprehend, let alone do. Which is why many of those who had started off following him later left. Exclaiming that his teachings were too hard. Yet the message was that those who attempted to preserve their life here on Earth, they would lose their life later in Heaven.

How does this get expressed within society? Jesus explains that there will come a time when families will be torn apart. Parents, children, husbands and wives will be set against each other. A turn of events that will stem from and arise when global persecution becomes and every day occurrence. Something that we are seeing even in today's tragic world. The survival of one will see the death of many others. As Rousseau, the French Philosopher, would tell it; this is where human self love and instinct for survival will be most strongly expressed.

So should we become focused on some sort of martyr complex. Looking forward to torture and suffering all for the sake of Christ? Personally I don't think so. We are called to be a light and a witness to the world for the salvation of others. So how could we be that if all we do is talk about how we look forward to suffering? People would naturally turn away and the Devil will have had a small yet painful win. Perhaps what is meant is a balanced understanding that suffering can happen. It may not to us directly. But it can happen to others who will need our support. Even to the point of dearth and martyrdom.

Death? A painful word in itself. Yet, as Christians we know that this world is just half the reality we live. The other half is in paradise with our Lord and Saviour. As Thomas Aquinas tells us, our one true joy and happiness can only be found in our close relationship with God and Jesus in that paradise we look forward to. So as Jesus tells us, we are not to fear those who can kill the body but not the soul. It is he, God the Almighty,. who we most need to fear, worship and revere.

So when will our earthly suffering and temptations end? When will this perfect paradise finally open up to us? This secret is not for us to know. As Jesus told his disciples, not even he nor the Angels know the exact day or time. So for now we are called to be patient and steadfast in our worship of God and the adherence to Jesus our Saviour. The book of Revelations raises this question from the very lips of those saints and martyrs who had died before us. They were told that there was still to be a time for martyrs and a time for persecution. Yet no exact time for how long this period would take had been given.

So for now, let us continue the journey of the Cross. Following the Lords way and rejoicing that we are counted as Brethren and Family to God and the Jesus the Christ. Let us never miss a chance to share the Gospel message of Salvation to everyone who has ears to hear and hearts to accept the truth.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the Grace,
you have shown to me,
through your only begotten Son,
Jesus the Christ.

May I never miss a chance to,
Witness to your love,
Sharer the Gospel,
Be a light unto the world,
As you guide me home.

Amen

SHE WAS SOLD. HE BOUGHT HER BACK!

THE MOST SCANDALOUS LOVE STORY IN THE BIBLE POINTS TO YOU!

DISCOVER WHAT YOU'RE WORTH TO GOD!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 7TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/bought-back-a-daily-devotional-hosea-3-2/

YOU ARE NOT THE FINISHED PRODUCT YET!

A TRANSFORMATION BEYOND IMAGINATION IS COMING! ONE LOOK AT JESUS WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 6TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/we-shall-be-like-him-devotional-1-john-2/

STOP PRAYING ANYHOW! THERE IS A WAY TO KNOW HE HEARS YOU!

PRAYING HIS WILL IS AN ALIGNMENT THAT BRINGS ASSURANCE!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 5TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/praying-his-will-a-devotional-1-john-5-14/

GOD'S VOICE LEADS YOU TO SAFETY!

LISTENING TO GOD STEERS YOU AWAY FROM DANGERS YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE.

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 4TH AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/listening-to-god-a-devotional-matthew-2-12/

YOUR RUINS ARE NOT YOUR ENDING!

THE BUILDER HAS ARRIVED, AND GLORY IS COMING!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 3RD AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/zion-rebuilt-gloriously-psalm-102-16/

Discouragement

Scriptural Reference:
"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:6 ESV

"Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD."
Psalm 27:14

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:16-18 ESV

Reflection:
We live in a World that can be extremely random. Unexpected events can take place. People can and do things without warning or logical reason. Though we may attempt to plan for any conceivable event we can still be frustrated. Finances that were once stable can despair without a trace. Debts that were kept in check could mount so high that it becomes impossible to see past the pile of credit letters on the table. These things happen to everyone.

"[T]hat you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Matthew 5:45 (NIV)

So how do Christians come to terms with discouragement and disasters? Some would tell Christians to smile and pretend it isn't real. While others will tell Christians to embrace the pain and shout out praises to God. The first smacks of denial while the second can make the Christian look like a Sadomasochist. Perhaps neither is a suitable response. What is to be presented is hoped to be a more realistic approach that is meant to work with the challenge in constructive ways.

The first mentioned is denial. To deny that we are experiencing discouragement. This approach has been considered to be unhealthy. Even amongst non Christian practitioners of psychiatry will explain that to deny the experience of negative emotions is to suppress them or bottle them up. Which will have a long term affect of creating internal angst. The reality of the situation is that Christians will experience negative or depressed time just as non Christians will. To deny them will eventually lead to emotional and spiritual complex problems. Issues that will negatively affect the relationship we have with God and with other Christians.

The second mentioned is one that sounds very much like a co-dependent relationship. Where the problem is given more importance than required. But in a transversally negative way. People who tend to follow this path will seem oddly happy when they are being tested. Cheerful ion the face of adversity does not mean eager to eagerly a expect the pain of negative experiences. For some the chance to be tormented can become more important than the lesson that may be learned. Satan can use this as a way of creating an ego based concept of faith. Where the individual may feel a sense of self value based on the constant challenges they face. Pointing out how blessed they are to keep struggling as it may seem they are the ones who can prove how well they survive.

While the third is formed through scripture. The concept of life not being a bed of roses with out thorns is explained when Jesus tells us how we will find ourselves challenged. Not for our sake but for his names sake. We are assured in Psalms that God is with the broken hearted. That he is not far from those who suffer life's discouragement's and trials. A reassurance that should calm the most troubled of hearts. We are also assured that if we are in need we can take our prayers to God through Jesus. How we do this is not to make such prayers loud and boisterous as the non believers do. But in private and between God and ourselves. As the scripture tells us in Matthew 6:6, we are to talk with God in such privacy so that he will assist us. It than becomes a real test of our faith that we can wait on the Lord for his promised answer. As Psalm 27:14 tells us to do so. If we truly trust God than we should truly be ready to quietly take our prayers to God and leave them with him. As al things may be done in Gods time not mans.

How should we act and present ourselves when being tested by such discouraging trials and personal tribulations? I would suggest that we do this in the same way as we are instructed to Fast. As explained in Matthew 6:16-18 which tells us to Fast privately and not to make a show of it. In this same matter it may be also reasonable to pray as well. To not openly act like nothing is wrong. Nor to walk around in a constant state of doom and gloom. But to live life quietly and modestly. Leaving our prayer for assistance between God and ourselves. Trusting that what we take to God in private will be blessed and assisted also in private and with the assurance of the Holy Spirit.

In closing, the first two smack of either denial or self assuredness. While the third opens the way for prayerful guidance and assurance of Gods faithful blessings for our faithful trust.

Prayer:
Lord,
I know that life is not always going to be;
Perfectly simple,
Without trials,
Free of stress,
A bed of roses.
But in the private conversation I seek;
Comfort of your word,
Assurance of your Spirit,
Acceptance of your Will.
Thank you Father for your Grace.

Amen

The Tears of Christ

Scriptural Reference:
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
John 11:1-4

20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."
John 11:20-27

28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you."
John 11:28

Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see."
John 11:32-34

35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!" 37 And some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?"
John 11:35-37

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:38-40

Reflection:
The shortest verse in the Bible is recorded as John 11:35, "Jesus wept". These two words have said a lot to many who believe. They have also become words of derision by many who do not understand their significance. In many countries such as the UK, Ireland and Australia, the phrase ‘Jesus wept’ is used as a common expletive, curse or minced oath spoken when something goes wrong or to express mild incredulity. The term has also been used by many writers as an expletive in their works.

What I would like to reflect on are two questions. The first I will hopefully be able to shed some light on. While the second I would hope to leave hanging for you to contemplate and search out the answer to. So the first question first. Why did Jesus weep? There have been a range of interpretations and answers given for this. In Matthew Henry's Commentary it is suggests that there are different constructions have been put on Christ's weeping. The candid interpretation of this act of Christ is that it was a showing of a deep affection for the departed. Especially as it was not someone directly related to him(Jesus).

In Wesley's Notes it tells us that Jesus wept out of sympathy for those who were lamenting the loss of Lazarus their dear friend. Wesley's Commentary continues by expressing the concept that within this grief is a sense of the misery that sin had brought upon human nature. In Gill's Exposition of the entire Bible it states that Jesus had wept as he was walking to the grave. This was a part of his private meditation upon his dear friend Lazarus. As well as the distress his (Lazarus') two Sisters were experiencing. Added to this Gill's exposition continues to express a sense of the greater damnation the people present would experience when they reject the miracle that would be performed to glorify God. This expression or explanation is also described as the sense that Jesus felt a deep sorrow for all of mankind (the generative tense is used here). Oddly it is Wikipedia (a sometimes lamented research source) that explains that the death and resurrection of Lazarus may portent the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

But for me it will take a closer look at the verse within context to those that precede it. WE are informed that Lazarus was sick. At this point there is no emphasis that this is an illness that may lead to death. In verse 4 Jesus tells those that are with him that "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it". Jesus is than described as lingering or staying where he was for two more days. We read in verse 11 Jesus informing the others "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up". Sadly the Disciples didn't catch on to what they were being told. The were thinking in terms of natural sleep. It is in verse 14 that it is made plain to them "Then Jesus said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead…".

So the question still needs an answer. Why did Jesus weep when he knew that he as going to wake and raise Lazarus from the grave? The Disciples had been close to him and had seen many of the miracles first hand. He had given sight to the blind, cleaned the leper, and had woken several from the sleep of death. One such event is recorded in Luke 7:11–17. The Disciples were with him constantly and yet were lacking in pure faith. This lack of faith was told when they were unable to Matthew 17:14-21 that these Disciples had lacked the needed faith to cure the possessed child. Jesus compares this lack of faith with the Centurion's faith as written in Matthew 8:8-10. When he sates "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!". Faith seems to be in short supply. When the fire is hot the people need no encouragement. Yet if things are not as they expect, people tend to start doubting and questions. Moving quietly from faith to disquiet.

Back to the verses. Jesus explains to Martha what is about to happen. He stated openly and clearly that Lazarus would rise again. Yet Martha was lacking faith. She referred to the resurrection of believers. This is despite the fact that she had already said that she believed that whatever Jesus asked God would provide. The ability to believe that Lazarus would be raised up at that time was not within Martha. The Disciples, Martha and even Mary lived in constant grief and sorrow. They were essentially confused and misguided as to who Jesus really was and what to expect or look forward to. So to say that Jesus wept out of compassion for their grief and anguish despite the fact he knew he was going to raise Lazarus can seem somehow limited in scope and understanding.

It would be perhaps more correct to understand that he wept out of pure frustration for their continuing doubt about Him, His ability to heal, and their lack of faith and vision. He wept because time and time again he showed them the truth and they continued to forget and blindly think the worse. Placing limits on their understanding and acceptance of Jesus as the Christ and as the Salvation of all humanity.

The second question that I have deliberately left unanswered is found in John 11:28. Where we are informed of what Martha does after encountering Jesus. "And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you". Perhaps within this one question are really two parts. The first is to ask why Martha secretly called Mary. What was there to be secretive about? Jesus was well known to the Sisters. He was known to count them and Lazarus as dear to him. So why was there a need for secrecy? The second part is to ask when did Jesus ask for Mary by name? We do not read this instruction in the preceding verses. Perhaps an accepted sense that Jesus had said something that was not recorded? Perhaps, but really two parts of a question that needs you can research and discover the answer for yourself.

Prayer:

Lord,
I beg of you.

Help me overcome,
My hardened heart,
My unbelief,
My forgetful nature.

So that I may stand firm,
When frustrations come,
When doubters taunt me,
When times seem dark.

I pray these things,
In your precious name.

Amen

STOP HIDING YOUR HEART FROM GOD!

CRYING OUT IN PRAYER WITH HONESTY IS EXACTLY WHAT HE WELCOMES.

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 1ST AUGUST 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/crying-out-in-prayer-devotional-psalm-27-7/

WAITING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE GLOOMY!

LET JOY OVERFLOW WHILE YOU WAIT! THE GOD OF HOPE IS IN CONTROL!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 31ST JULY 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/joyful-expectation-devotional-romans-15-13/

THE MOST SOBERING NAME IN THE BIBLE! LO-AMMI: NOT MY PEOPLE!

BUT GOD'S MERCY WRITES A NEW ENDING! RETURN AND BE RESTORED!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 30TH JULY 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/not-my-people-a-daily-devotional-hosea-19/

*TIRED PILGRIM, LOOK UP!*

A CRYSTAL RIVER AND ETERNAL REST AWAIT YOU BEYOND THE RIVER!

HOME IS MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN YOU THINK!

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 29TH JULY 2026.

HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


BLESSINGS..!

https://www.istandinthegap.com/beyond-the-river-revelation-22-1-2/