Devotionals

“Jesus was born with a purpose; Our Salvation.”

The manger in Bethlehem wasn’t the beginning of a sweet holiday story; it was the beginning of God’s rescue mission. Jesus entered this world in humility so He could die in our place, rise in victory, and open the way for us to know God. The shadow of the cross stretched over the cradle, not by tragedy, but by love.

Christmas reminds us that God did not give us a religion, He gave us His Son.

Born to save. Born to redeem. Born to carry our sin. Jesus came for you, and He still offers the same grace, forgiveness, and eternal hope to all who call on His name.

This is the true meaning of Christmas:

A Savior born so we could live. 

“Called by My Name, Not by My Past”

Your value is found in how God sees you, not in the names people throw at you.

People may try to drag your past into your present, accuse you of old sins, or act childish with name-calling, but that is not the voice of your Father. That is the strategy of the enemy. Scripture says “the accuser of our brothers and sisters” is Satan himself (Revelation 12:10). The devil calls you by your sin… but God calls you by your name.

When God looks at you, He sees someone redeemed, cleansed, and deeply loved. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Your identity isn’t tied to who you used to be, or to the immaturity of others, it is anchored in who Jesus declares you to be. Forgiven. Chosen. New.

So walk away from the voices that tear you down, and cling to the One who lifts you up. God does not shame you; He restores you. He does not accuse you; He welcomes you. And His voice is the only one that matters. 

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 (NASB)

Romans 8:6 reminds us that the direction of our mind determines the direction of our life. When our thoughts cling to the flesh—fear, pride, temptation, bitterness, we drift toward spiritual death. But when our minds are set on the Spirit, God fills us with life and a peace the world cannot touch.

Philippians 4:8 shows us how to set our minds on the Spirit. It calls us to think on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. These are the thoughts the Holy Spirit uses to reshape our hearts and pull us away from the empty patterns of the flesh.

When we choose Spirit-filled thinking, even in small moments, we experience the life and peace Romans 8:6 promises. Today, fix your mind on the Spirit by filling it with the things God calls good, and let His peace guard your heart.


“Waiting With Hope”
 
Lamentations 3:25–26 tells us, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Waiting is rarely easy, but God calls it good because it anchors our hearts in His character. Scripture echoes this truth: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7), and “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Every moment of waiting becomes an invitation to trust that God’s timing is wiser than our own.
 
When answers seem delayed or life feels uncertain, God reminds us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise” (2 Peter 3:9). He is never late, He is preparing, shaping, and strengthening us. As we wait, we are not abandoned; we are being held. Rest in the truth that God is good, faithful, and fully in control. Trust Him in the waiting, for He never wastes a moment.
 

A Message of Hope for the Hurting 💙

If your heart is heavy and life feels hopeless, remember this, God loves you deeply, and He has not forgotten you. No matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve fallen, His grace is greater than your past.

The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because of sin, we are separated from God, but through Jesus Christ, that separation can be restored. “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Jesus meets you right where you are. You don’t have to fix your life before coming to Him, you don’t change and then come to Jesus; you come to Jesus, and He changes you. He loves you so much that He went to the cross to die for your sins.

Salvation is not something we can earn. The Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”(Ephesians 2:8–9)

Jesus offers that free gift of grace to anyone who believes. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”Romans 10:9-10

When you give your life to Him, everything changes. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Knowing Jesus won’t take away trials or hardships, but He promises you will never be alone. He walks with you in every season, giving you strength, comfort, and hope.

If you have any questions about knowing Christ, please visit: https://twowaystolive.com

Loving Like Jesus – Loving despite our Differences

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” This command reminds us that love is not based on how others treat us, but on who Christ is within us.

It’s easy to love those who agree with us or treat us kindly, but true Christlike love shines brightest when it meets rejection or hatred. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If Jesus could show such grace to us when we were undeserving, we too are called to extend that same grace to others.

When we love those who don’t love us back, we reflect the heart of God. Our kindness, patience, and prayers can soften even the hardest hearts, not through our strength, but through His Spirit working in us.

 

1 John 3:15 — The Seriousness of Hatred

“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” — 1 John 3:15 (NIV)

God takes hatred seriously—far more seriously than we often do. In His eyes, hatred is not a small flaw or a moment of anger; it is the spirit of murder taking root in the heart. To despise or wish harm upon another is to reject the very love that defines a follower of Christ.

True believers are called to reflect the love of Jesus, even toward those who wrong us. Hatred separates us from God’s presence, but love draws us near. When we choose forgiveness over resentment, we show that His Spirit truly lives within us.

 

Love Without Exceptions

In a world divided by politics, opinions, and pride, Jesus’ words cut through the noise with divine authority: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a command. The love of Christ is not limited to those who agree with us, look like us, or vote like us. His love reached the tax collector, the prostitute, the thief on the cross, and even the soldiers who nailed Him there.

The enemy wants to divide God’s people through anger, ideology, and offense. But the Spirit of God calls us to unity through humility and grace. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4:20) Strong words, but necessary ones. 

True Christian love is not weak, it is fierce, resilient, and rooted in the cross. When we choose to love those who are different, we are declaring to the world that Jesus reigns over our hearts, not hatred. 

 

Loving Beyond Politics and Ideology

Every person we meet, no matter their politics, beliefs, or background, is made in the image of God. “So God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). When we forget this truth, we risk seeing others as enemies instead of souls loved by the Creator. Jesus reminds us, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). As followers of Christ, we are not called to mirror the division of the world but to reflect the compassion of Christ.

 

God’s Word calls us to speak truth with love (Ephesians 4:15) and to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). Our allegiance is not to any ideology or political side, but to Jesus Christ alone. When we love others as He loves us, we reveal His heart and remind the world that true change begins not with power or opinion, but with the transforming love of God.

 
“God, Help Me”
 
The Christian life isn’t a constant high. There are days of joy, but there are also moments of deep discouragement when our strength runs out and our hearts feel heavy. Even the psalmist cried, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God” (Psalm 42:11).
 
Sometimes all we can pray is, “God, help me,” or “God, forgive me.” And that’s enough. He hears the simple, honest prayers of a humble heart. His mercy meets us in our weakness, and His grace lifts us when we fall. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
 
When life feels low, draw near to God. He’s never far from a broken heart.
 
The Spirit of Love Overcoming Hatred
 
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” — 1 John 3:15 (NIV)
 
Hatred is not just an emotion, it’s a spiritual barrier that blocks the flow of God’s presence in our lives. When we harbor hatred, we allow darkness to dwell where Christ’s light should shine. Scripture warns that no one who lives in hatred has eternal life abiding within them.
 
Yet even as God calls us to take hatred seriously, His mercy still reaches out to us. The truth is sobering: God loves the very people we struggle to love. The ones we avoid, resent, or even despise. He died for them too. When we remember that, our hearts begin to soften, and His Spirit helps us see others through the eyes of grace.
 
Loving Like Jesus – Loving despite our Differences
 
Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” This command reminds us that love is not based on how others treat us, but on who Christ is within us.
 
It’s easy to love those who agree with us or treat us kindly, but true Christlike love shines brightest when it meets rejection or hatred. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If Jesus could show such grace to us when we were undeserving, we too are called to extend that same grace to others.
 
When we love those who don’t love us back, we reflect the heart of God. Our kindness, patience, and prayers can soften even the hardest hearts, not through our strength, but through His Spirit working in us. It’s all about Jesus. I love everyone.
 
Pray Without Ceasing
(1 Thessalonians 5:17)
 
Prayer isn’t just something we do. It’s a way of living. When Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing,” he isn’t saying we must spend every moment on our knees, but that our hearts should stay connected to God throughout the day. Prayer is our lifeline, our constant reminder that we’re not walking alone.
 
In every moment, whether we’re working, driving, or facing challenges, God invites us to talk with Him. A quiet thank you, a whispered request, or a simple “Lord, help me” keeps our spirit in tune with His.
 
When prayer becomes as natural as breathing, peace follows, and our hearts stay anchored in God’s presence no matter what comes our way.
 
Obeying God and Honoring His Order
 
God calls us to show compassion to the stranger: “Love the foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). We are to pray for those fleeing danger and care for them with the love of Christ. But God also commands that we honor the laws He allows to govern us. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1).
 
Laws are not meant to be cruel, they protect the innocent, maintain order, and keep citizens safe. When we obey lawful authority, we honor the God who established it. Compassion must never replace obedience; both work together under God’s design.
As Christians, we can love the foreigner while respecting the laws that guard our nation. We pray for wisdom for leaders, protection for our borders, and mercy for all seeking refuge, trusting that true safety is found only in Christ.
 
The Jawbone and the Tongue
“With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men.” — Judges 15:16
 
Samson stood in victory, holding the jawbone of a donkey, a strange weapon in the hands of a man chosen by God. With it, he defeated a thousand Philistines. But what Samson used to destroy his enemies, many people today use to destroy something far closer to home, their relationships.
 
The same kind of “jawbone”, our mouths, can tear down friendships, divide families, and wound hearts. Words have incredible power. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Some people don’t need a sword to destroy others; their tongue does the job just fine. Gossip, criticism, sarcasm, and angry outbursts can do more damage than any physical weapon.
 
We need to remember that our words reveal our hearts. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34). When we let the Holy Spirit guide our speech, our “jawbone” becomes a tool of peace, not destruction, a weapon against darkness, not against one another.
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
 
Jesus calls the weary to Himself, not to a system, a religion, or a self-help plan, but to Him. Only Christ can give the deep rest our souls crave. He carried the heaviest burden of all our sin , on the cross (Isaiah 53:4–5), so that we could find peace with God (Romans 5:1).
 
When we take His yoke upon us, we are joined with the One who is gentle, humble, and strong. He walks beside us, carrying what we cannot. His words echo through every storm: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
 
True rest is found only in Jesus. When we surrender our striving and trust His finished work, our hearts find the peace the world cannot give (John 14:27).

The Cure for Anxiety

In Philippians 4:6–7, Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything but to bring everything to God in prayer. He promises that when we do, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Yet that peace isn’t just maintained through prayer, it’s also protected by what we choose to think about. That’s why verse 8 follows with a clear command: to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.

When our minds dwell on God’s truth instead of fear, His peace has room to rule. Worry feeds on lies and “what ifs,” but peace grows when we fix our thoughts on who God is and what He’s done. Right thinking leads to right peace. Filling our minds with the goodness of God is the spiritual antidote to anxiety? it keeps our hearts steady and our souls anchored in Christ.

Testing the Spirits of DEI

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1
Our culture promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a moral standard. At first glance, these words sound good—after all, God values every person, calls us to love our neighbor, and shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). Yet, beneath the surface, DEI often replaces God’s truth with man-made ideologies.
Diversity – in God’s kingdom is a beautiful reality—every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping Christ (Revelation 7:9). But when diversity is exalted above truth, it can become idolatry. Unity in sin is not the same as unity in Christ.
Equity – Scripture points to God’s justice and righteousness (Isaiah 30:18). The world’s version, however, often demands equal outcomes rather than equal opportunity, undermining responsibility, diligence, and even God’s design for differences in gifts and callings.
Inclusion – Being in Christ is glorious. Jesus welcomes all who repent and believe. Yet, cultural inclusion often insists on affirming every lifestyle, even those God calls sin. That is not love; it is deception.Paul warned that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). What looks virtuous can, in fact, oppose God’s truth. When DEI encourages us to deny biblical morality, silence the gospel, or celebrate sin, it becomes not just misguided but spiritually dangerous.

Reflection:

  1. Am I discerning cultural messages through the lens of Scripture?
  2. Do I love people enough to speak truth, even when it’s unpopular?
  3. Am I more concerned with fitting into worldly systems than standing firm in Christ?

Biblical Perspective on Immigration

God calls us to love the foreigner and show kindness to those in need (Leviticus 19:34), but He also commands us to respect governing authorities, for “there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1). Immigration is not just a political issue, it is a spiritual one. We are to pray for immigrants, that they would find safety, provision, and ultimately Christ. Yet we must also pray for leaders to enforce immigration laws faithfully, because laws bring order and protect communities. True compassion does not ignore justice, and true justice should never lack mercy. As followers of Christ, we are called to hold both together, loving the sojourner while honoring the rule of law.

The Only Real Truth

In a world flooded with headlines, opinions, and spin, it’s easy to get caught up in what the media says. Stories shift, facts get twisted, and what is “true” one day is often contradicted the next. But God has given us a source of truth that never changes, His Word. “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

The media may stir fear, division, or confusion, but Scripture brings clarity, peace, and hope. Instead of building our lives on shifting voices, we are called to anchor our hearts in the unshakable promises of God. Jesus reminds us that the wise man builds his house on the rock, not the sand (Matthew 7:24–25). The Bible is that rock, steadfast, eternal, and trustworthy.

So when the noise of the world grows loud, turn down the volume and open God’s Word. The media may report their version of the truth, but the Bible gives us the only truth that truly matters, the eternal truth that leads to life.

Calling Sin What It Is

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…” – Isaiah 5:20

Calling a sin a sin is not judging, it’s simply agreeing with God’s Word. Just as we call a car a car, sin is what God has already defined it to be. When we identify sin, we are not inventing truth, but affirming the truth God has spoken. The danger comes when the world tries to rename sin, excusing what God has clearly condemned.

As believers, we must hold fast to God’s standards without compromise. Yet, our response must mirror Christ’s heart—truth with grace. Jesus never excused sin, but He also never crushed the sinner. He called people to repentance and offered forgiveness through His sacrifice.

Today, let us be bold enough to call sin what it is, but humble enough to point sinners—including ourselves, toward the mercy and redemption found in Jesus Christ.


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