Small Group Study: Holding Fast to Truth

This study using information from the Blog Post: Enduring Belief: The Japanese Soldier and Biblical Faith

Opening Thought

In 1972, Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier, was found still believing World War II was ongoing. His conviction sustained him, but it was misplaced. This story challenges us to consider: What is the foundation of our belief? The Bible calls us to anchor our faith in God’s eternal truth.

Scripture Focus

  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
  • John 17:17 – “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
  • John 8:32 – “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
  • Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
  • Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

Discussion Guide

1. The Power of Belief

  • Story Connection: Onoda’s loyalty kept him alive, but it was directed toward a war that had ended.
  • Bible Connection: Faith sustains believers, but it must be rooted in eternal truth.

Questions:

  • What are examples of beliefs that people hold today that may be misplaced?
  • How does faith in God differ from Onoda’s faith in his mission?

2. Setting Your Truth vs. Living God’s Truth

  • Cultural Idea: “Set your truth” often means defining reality for yourself.
  • Biblical Idea: Truth is not self-made; it is revealed by God’s word.

Questions:

  • How does John 17:17 challenge the idea of “my truth”?
  • What dangers arise when truth is defined individually rather than by God?

3. Conviction Anchored in Eternity

  • Onoda’s Conviction: Admirable perseverance, but misaligned with reality.
  • Christian Conviction: Anchored in Christ, who is eternal.

Questions:

  • What does Hebrews 12:2 teach us about where conviction should be placed?
  • How can we remain “steadfast, unmoveable” in a world that questions faith?

4. Living Out Truth

  • Practical Application: Truth is not just believed—it is lived daily.
  • Scripture: Psalm 119:105 shows truth guiding our steps.

Questions:

  • What does it look like to live out truth in everyday decisions?
  • How can we encourage one another to walk in God’s truth consistently?

Group Activity

  • Reflection Exercise: Write down one belief or conviction you hold strongly. Discuss whether it is rooted in God’s word or personal preference.
  • Application Challenge: This week, choose one scripture from the study to memorize and apply in a practical situation.

Closing Prayer

Pray for discernment to distinguish between misplaced beliefs and eternal truth, and for strength to walk faithfully in God’s word.

Enduring Belief: The Japanese Soldier and Biblical Faith

The Soldier Who Never Surrendered

In 1972, the world was astonished when Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese intelligence officer, was found in the Philippine jungle still convinced that World War II had not ended. For nearly three decades, he lived in hiding, carrying out orders, and resisting surrender. His loyalty was absolute, even though the war had long since concluded. To him, the world outside was mistaken; his mission was clear, and he clung to it with unwavering conviction.

Onoda’s story is often told as a tale of misplaced faith—devotion to a cause that no longer existed. Yet it also reveals the power of belief: how it can sustain a person through isolation, hardship, and doubt.

The Bible and Enduring Belief

In a similar way, belief in the Bible persists across centuries. Skeptics may argue that faith in scripture is outdated, much like Onoda’s adherence to his wartime orders. Yet for believers, the Bible is not a relic of the past but a living word that continues to shape lives today.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, KJV).

Just as Onoda lived by unseen orders, Christians live by faith in promises not yet fully realized. The difference, however, is profound: Onoda’s mission was based on a war that had ended, while the believer’s mission is rooted in eternal truth.

Conviction in the Face of Doubt

Onoda’s refusal to surrender mirrors the steadfastness urged in scripture:

“Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV).

His loyalty, though misplaced, demonstrates the human capacity for perseverance. Likewise, Christians are called to hold fast to the faith, even when the world insists it is obsolete.

The Key Difference

The crucial distinction lies in the object of belief. Onoda’s devotion was admirable but tragically misaligned with reality. The Bible, however, points to a truth that transcends time:

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8, KJV).

Where Onoda’s orders expired with the war, God’s word endures eternally. Faith in scripture is not clinging to a bygone cause but anchoring oneself in promises that remain unbroken.

Conclusion

The story of Hiroo Onoda reminds us of the strength of conviction and the dangers of misplaced faith. It challenges us to ask: What is the foundation of our belief? The Bible calls believers to a faith that is not outdated but everlasting, rooted in the eternal word of God.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8, KJV).

Onoda’s life shows the power of belief to sustain. The Bible shows the power of belief to save.

For deeper and further understanding, check out my books: Discovering the Path of Salvation Series

Biblical Frequencies: Sound and Spirituality in Scripture

Of late, I have been questioned on my belief of the use of frequencies being Biblical and not “new age”. Yes, the Bible does mention “frequencies” in a literal, numerical sense quite often—though almost always in a musical or vibrational context rather than modern New Age “energy frequency” ideas. Here are the main places where the concept of frequency (repeated sounds, vibrations, or regular occurrences) appears:

1. Musical frequencies / pitch in the Old Testament (Hebrew)

The Hebrew word תֹּךְ (tōk) and especially the noun תְּקוּעָה (tequʿah) and verb תָּקַע (taqaʿ) are repeatedly used for trumpet blasts and their specific rhythmic or frequency patterns:

  • Numbers 10:3–10 describes different “frequencies” of trumpet sounds (long steady blasts vs. short rapid blasts) that had distinct meanings:
    • One long blast = assemble the whole congregation
    • Multiple short, rapid blasts = signal the camps to march
    • These are literally different acoustic frequencies and cadences that the priests had to produce precisely.
  • Joshua 6 (fall of Jericho): the priests marched seven days, and on the seventh day they circled seven times and gave a “long blast” followed by a great shout. Again, very specific sound frequencies and timing.
  • Psalm 150 mentions many instruments with specific pitches and timbres (cymbals that are “loud” vs. “high-sounding,” etc.).

2. The “voice” of God as a frequency or resonance

  • Exodus 19:16–19 at Mount Sinai: thunder, lightning, a “very loud trumpet blast” that grew louder and louder—an increasing frequency/intensity of sound that made the people tremble.
  • Ezekiel 1 and 10, Revelation 1 and 4: the “sound of many waters,” wings of the living creatures making a sound “like the roar of rushing waters” or “like a mighty army”—ancient way of describing very high-amplitude, multi-frequency sound.

3. New Testament: the Greek word for “frequency” in worship

  • Hebrews 10:25 uses the phrase μὴ ἐγκαταλείποντες τὴν ἐπισυναγωγὴν ἑαυτῶν (“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together”). While not musical, some modern charismatic teachers stretch this into a “frequency of gathering” idea.
  • Revelation 14:2: John hears a sound from heaven “like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder… like that of harpists playing their harps”—again, layered acoustic frequencies.

4. Modern “vibrational frequency” interpretation (not in the text itself)

Many New Age or Word-of-Faith teachers claim the Bible teaches that everything vibrates at certain spiritual frequencies (citing verses about praise, joy, or the “sound” of heaven). While the Bible does connect sound, music, and spiritual power (walls of Jericho falling, David’s harp driving out evil spirits in 1 Samuel 16:23, Paul and Silas’s singing opening prison doors in Acts 16), the original texts are talking about literal audible sound and its emotional/spiritual effects—not quantum vibration or Hertz measurements.

Summary

Yes, the Bible repeatedly mentions specific sound frequencies:

  • Trumpet blast patterns (different cadences/frequencies for different commands)
  • Increasing intensity of divine sound (Sinai, Ezekiel, Revelation)
  • Music and harmonic resonance as a spiritual weapon

But no, it never uses the modern concept of everything in creation having a measurable Hertz frequency that you can “raise” through thoughts or words. That idea comes from 20th-century New Thought and New Age teaching, not the biblical text itself. It can be easy to get lost in translation and step beyond the boundary of God’s intention.

The Real History of Christmas (How an Ancient Christian Holy Day Became the Holiday We Know Today)

Christmas is so woven into our culture that it feels timelessly appears. Yet the holiday we celebrate on December 25—with trees, lights, gifts, carols, and Santa Claus—took nearly 2,000 years, several continents, and a surprising amount of controversy to reach its modern form.

Here is what I understand to be the true story, told in chronological order.

1st–3rd Centuries: No Christmas Yet

The earliest Christians did not celebrate Jesus’ birth at all. The New Testament never records the date, and the apostolic church focused its calendar on Easter (the death and resurrection). Birthdays in general were viewed with suspicion because pagan emperors celebrated theirs with excessive pomp.

Early church fathers (Origen (c. 245 AD) even mocked the idea of celebrating Christ’s birth as something only pagans and heretics would do.

4th Century: The First Christmas (December 25, 336 AD)

The first recorded celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25 occurred in Rome in AD 336, during the reign of Emperor Constantine. Why December 25?

Two main theories (both probably true):

  1. The “Calculation Hypothesis” – Early theologians tried to work out the date of Jesus’ conception from the supposed date of Zechariah’s temple service (Luke 1) and the belief that great prophets died on the same day they were conceived. This placed the Annunciation (and thus conception) on March 25, making birth nine months later—December 25.
  2. The “Christianizing Pagan Festivals” Hypothesis – December 25 was already the Roman feast of Sol Invictus (“Unconquered Sun”), instituted by Emperor Aurelian in 274. Christians may have deliberately chosen the same day to proclaim that Jesus, not the sun, is the true “Light of the World” (John 8:12 KJV).

By 380 AD, Christmas was being celebrated across the Roman Empire from Spain to Syria.

5th–10th Centuries: The Feast Spreads, the Date Is Debated

  • The Eastern (Greek-speaking) Church long preferred January 6 (Epiphany) as the day to celebrate both Christ’s birth and baptism.
  • Rome stuck with December 25.
  • The split lasted centuries; even today the Armenian Christians celebrate Christmas on January 6.

In medieval Europe, Christmas became the biggest feast of the year—twelve days from December 25 to January 6 (the origin of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”).

Middle Ages: Feasting and Misrule

Christmas turned rowdy. The medieval church held the “Feast of the Nativity,” but the streets belonged to carnival-like celebrations:

  • Lords of Misrule
  • Boy Bishops
  • Wassailing
  • Massive communal feasts

Puritans in England and New England hated it. In 1647, Parliament actually banned Christmas celebrations, calling them “popish and pagan.” Christmas remained illegal in Massachusetts until 1681 and was widely ignored by Protestants until the 1800s.

19th Century: The Reinvention of Christmas

Modern Christmas was essentially invented between 1820 and 1880:

  • 1823 – Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (Twas the night before Christmas) created the American image of Santa Claus.
  • 1843 – Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol turned Christmas into a family-centered festival of generosity and redemption.
  • 1860s – German immigrants brought the Christmas tree to America; by 1870 President Ulysses Grant declared Christmas a federal holiday.
  • 1870s – Louis Prang of Boston began mass-producing Christmas cards.
  • 1880s – Woolworth’s started importing German glass ornaments.

Suddenly, Christmas was domesticated, child-focused, and commercial.

20th Century: Coca-Cola, Rudolph, and Global Export

  • 1931 – Coca-Cola’s advertising campaign cemented the modern red-suited Santa (artist Haddon Sundblom).
  • 1939 – Robert May wrote Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as a Montgomery Ward giveaway.
  • 1940s–50s – Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and televised specials made the holiday inescapable.
  • Post-WWII – American-style Christmas spread worldwide via movies, military bases, and consumerism.

Today

December 25 is now observed in almost every country on earth—even in places with tiny Christian populations. Japan, India, and much of the Muslim world celebrate it as a secular winter festival.

I do want to admit that through my study and understanding of scripture, I truly believe that the actual birth is in September. But we have chosen to celebrate His birth on December 25th. Does it really matter? I will not go into the Christmas debate over when its celebrated-since nowhere in the Bible does it tell us to celebrate. We have to just remember the meaning of the celebration.

A Final Thought

Christmas began as a bold theological claim: the eternal Son of God entered history at a specific moment. Over twenty centuries it has absorbed solstice fires, evergreens, gift-giving, reindeer, and elves—yet the ancient creed still rings out every year:

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:10–11 KJV)

The date may be debated, the customs may change, but that announcement has never stopped echoing.

Merry Christmas—however and whenever you celebrate it, just remember that the reason for the season remains the same. CELEBRATE JESUS!!

The Silver Tsunami Is Here: Why So Many Seasoned Pastors Are Stepping Down (and What the Church Must Do Next)

This is a follow up to the previous blog post “The Evolution of Church Attendance”

For the first time in American history, the median age of a Protestant pastor is 60 years old.
Think about that for a moment. In 1992 it was 44. In 2000 it was 50. Today half of all pastors in the United States are 56 or older, and one in four plans to retire from senior pastoral ministry by 2030.

We are living through what researchers are calling a “silver tsunami” — a massive wave of retirements among Baby Boomer shepherds. The pulpits that shaped generations are changing hands, often suddenly and without clear successors.

The Numbers Tell the Story

  • Median pastor age: 60 (Barna Group, 2024)
  • 50% of pastors are over 56 (Pastoral Care Inc.)
  • 25% plan to retire by 2030 — potentially affecting more than 100,000 churches
  • 40% of senior pastors have less than $10,000 saved for retirement
  • Only 16% of current lead pastors are under 40

Yet here is the surprising twist: many of these “retiring” pastors are not leaving ministry altogether. Roughly half continue serving in interim, part-time, or revitalization roles. They lay down the senior pastor mantle, but they do not lay down the calling.

A Biblical Pattern of Finishing Well

Scripture never commands a mandatory retirement age. Moses was 80 when he confronted Pharaoh and 120 when he climbed Mount Nebo. Joshua was well advanced in years when the Lord said,

“Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them” (Joshua 1:2, KJV).

Caleb, at 85, still thundered,

“Give me this mountain” (Joshua 14:12, KJV).

Paul, writing from a Roman prison near the end of his life, did not coast:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, KJV).

These men demonstrate that age does not disqualify; it often refines. Many of today’s retiring pastors are doing the same — stepping aside from the lead role but staying in the fight through mentoring, interim pastorates, or church revitalization.

The Real Crisis Is Not Retirement — It’s Succession

The deeper challenge is not that older pastors are leaving; it’s that too few younger ones are ready (or willing) to take their place. Seminary enrollment continues to decline. Churches often fail to raise up the next generation intentionally. Only 38% of congregations have a documented succession plan.

Without deliberate discipleship and leadership development, we risk a leadership vacuum. The Bible warns against leaving God’s people shepherdless:

“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15, KJV).

Notice the promise is not automatic. God gives pastors “according to His heart,” but the church must pray, train, and release them.

Hope on the Horizon

The silver tsunami is not the end of the story — it can be the beginning of a new chapter of multi-generational faithfulness.

  1. Honor the seasoned.

“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man” (Leviticus 19:32, KJV).
Invite retiring pastors to mentor, preach occasionally, and speak wisdom into the next generation.

  1. Intentionally raise up the young.
    Paul’s charge to Timothy remains urgent:

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, KJV).

  1. Embrace creative transitions.
    Co-pastorates, residency programs, and interim seasons led by experienced leaders can bridge the gap.
  2. Pray earnestly for laborers.
    Jesus still commands us:

“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38, KJV).

The graying of the American pulpit is undeniable, but it is not cause for despair. It is a divine reminder that the church belongs to the Lord of the harvest, not to any one generation.

May we steward this transition with gratitude for those who have run well, and with bold faith as we call the next generation to rise up and possess the land.

Because the mission is not retiring.
The gospel is still advancing.
And the best days of the church still lie ahead.

— Written in gratitude for every gray-haired shepherd who is still pointing us to the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

For deeper and further study check out my books.

Discovering the Path of Salvation Book Series by Stephen Luckett

Stephen Luckett’s Discovering the Path of Salvation series is a six‑book journey designed to guide new and growing Christians through foundational truths, devotional practices, and spiritual warfare. It blends biblical study with practical application, making it a rich resource for anyone seeking to deepen their faith.

Overview of the Series

Stephen Luckett’s Discovering the Path of Salvation is not just a single book—it’s a multi‑volume series that walks readers step by step through the Christian life. Each title focuses on a different aspect of faith, offering clarity, encouragement, and practical tools for spiritual growth.

Key Titles in the Series

  • Faith Unlocked – The opening book introduces salvation and the basics of Christian living, helping readers understand the transformative power of faith. ($4.95-9.95)
  • A New Christian’s Guide to the Roman’s Road – A practical guide to understanding salvation through the lens of Paul’s letter to the Romans. ($4.95-9.95)
  • A New Christian’s Guide to the Book of John – Explores the Gospel of John, emphasizing Jesus’ teachings and the assurance of eternal life. ($4.95-9.95)
  • A New Christian’s Devotional Journey – A heartfelt devotional that encourages daily reflection, prayer, and spiritual discipline. ($4.95-9.95)
  • Discipleship Unlocked: A New Christian’s Guide to being and teaching Discipleship ($4.95)
  • From Prayer to Purpose – Nurturing your faith as you share it.  Your companion to finding clarity, embracing your calling, and living a life of intention. ($4.95-9.95)
  • Battle Ready: Putting on the Armor of God – The latest release in the series, focusing on Ephesians 6:10‑18 and equipping believers to stand firm in spiritual warfare. ($4.95-9.95)

The last two books are on Evangelism and finding your calling to spread His Word.

Themes and Purpose

  • Foundational Faith – Each book emphasizes the essentials of salvation, grace, and discipleship.
  • Practical Guidance – Luckett writes with new believers in mind, offering clear explanations and actionable steps.
  • Spiritual Growth – The series encourages readers to move beyond initial faith into deeper maturity.
  • Biblical Anchoring – Every volume is rooted in Scripture, making it suitable for personal study or group discussion.

Why This Series Matters

  • Accessible for Beginners – Written in approachable language, it’s ideal for those new to Christianity.
  • Structured Learning – The series builds progressively, guiding readers from understanding salvation to living it out daily.
  • Devotional & Study Blend – Combines the warmth of devotionals with the depth of Bible study.
  • Equips for Challenges – Especially with Battle Ready, readers are prepared to face spiritual struggles with confidence.

Closing Thought

Stephen Luckett’s Discovering the Path of Salvation series is more than a set of books—it’s a roadmap for the Christian journey. Whether you’re just beginning your walk with Christ or seeking to strengthen your spiritual foundation, these volumes provide wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools to help you grow.

If you’re looking for a series that combines biblical truth, devotional reflection, and practical application, this body of work is a powerful companion on the path of salvation.

See all of my books. Great gift for that new Christian or get several copies for small group studies!

The Lord is My Strength: Finding Joy in Every Season

An Encouragement from the Bible

Beloved, there is a song that rises even in the midnight hour. There is a joy that the world “neither giveth nor taketh away.” The Scriptures declare it plainly:

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

In a day when many hearts faint for fear, when the news is heavy and the nights seem long, the Lord would remind His people that our circumstances do not have the final word—He does.

Consider the apostle Paul and Silas, thrust into the inner prison at Philippi, their backs bleeding from the Roman lash. At midnight, when most would curse the darkness, they prayed and sang praises unto God. And the prisoners heard them. Suddenly the earth quaked, the foundations shook, the doors flew open, and every chain fell off (Acts 16:25-26). Their worship did not wait for deliverance; their worship became the deliverance.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

Notice the Holy Ghost moved Paul to say it twice. Not “rejoice when the bank account is full,” nor “rejoice when the doctor’s report is good,” but “alway.” In the storm, in the valley, in the furnace, in the lion’s den—alway.

Why can we rejoice when everything seems to go wrong? Because our God is the God of the “yet.”

Habakkuk stood on a wall while an invading army thundered toward Judah, crops failed, and the fig tree refused to blossom. Yet in that same breath he declared:

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Did you hear it? “Yet I will rejoice.” That is resurrection joy. That is the shout before the battle is won. That is the melody the angels recognize, because it is the same song that rose from an empty tomb on Sunday morning.

This day, lift up your head. The Redeemer who turned water into wedding wine, who made the leper clean, who caused the blind to see and the dead to rise, has not lost His power. He is the same yesterday, today, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8).

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Dear reader, the world can take your possessions, your health, even your reputation, but it cannot touch the joy that is hid with Christ in God. Draw near to Him today. Open the old Book. Let the words of the King James fall fresh upon your soul like morning dew. Sing the old songs. Speak the promises aloud. The enemy trembles when a child of God remembers who his Father is.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Your morning is coming. Nay, for the believer, the Son has already risen with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). Walk in the light of that everlasting day.

Be of good cheer, little flock. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

And if God be singing over you, surely you can find a note or two to sing back.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Go in that strength today—and rejoice.

Check out my books exploring many topics: Discovering the Path of Salvation

by Stephen Luckett

The Power of Faith in Miracles

Life has a way of pressing us into corners where our strength runs out, our wisdom fails, and our resources dry up. In those moments, we whisper—or sometimes cry out—“I need a miracle.”

But what is a miracle? In the Bible, miracles are not random acts of magic. They are divine interventions—God stepping into human impossibility to reveal His power, His love, and His glory.

When the Impossible Stands Before You

The children of Israel stood before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army behind them. No escape, no hope. Yet God parted the waters:

“And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” (Exodus 14:21, KJV)

What seemed like the end became the beginning of freedom. Sometimes the miracle you need is not the removal of the obstacle, but God making a way through it.

When Your Resources Run Dry

In the wilderness, the people hungered. God provided manna from heaven:

“And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing… And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.” (Exodus 16:14–15, KJV)

Your miracle may not look like abundance at first—it may look like daily bread, just enough for today. But it is still God’s provision.

When You Need Healing

Jesus healed the blind, the lame, and the brokenhearted. One man born blind received sight:

“And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” (Luke 18:43, KJV)

Healing is not only physical—it can be emotional, spiritual, or relational. The miracle of restoration is as powerful as the miracle of sight.

When Faith Feels Small

Jesus reminded us that miracles are tied to faith, even faith as tiny as a mustard seed:

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20, KJV)

Faith doesn’t have to be huge—it just has to be real. God honors even the smallest spark of trust.

The Greatest Miracle

Ultimately, the greatest miracle is salvation itself. Through Christ, we are given new life:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)

No matter what miracle you seek today, remember that the miracle of redemption is already yours if you believe.

Final Thoughts

When you whisper “I need a miracle,” know that you are not alone. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the same God who parted seas, fed multitudes, healed the blind, and raised the dead—is still at work today.

Your miracle may not come in the way you expect, but it will come in the way you need.

Check out my book on Manifesting Miracles, the Biblical Way.

Light in the Darkness: A Reflection from John 1 (KJV)

In a world filled with uncertainty, division, and constant noise, the opening verses of the Gospel of John offer a timeless reminder of hope:

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:5, KJV)

The Power of Light

Light is more than a physical phenomenon—it’s a symbol of clarity, truth, and guidance. John begins his gospel by declaring that Jesus is the Word, the eternal presence of God, and the true Light that illuminates every person. This isn’t just ancient poetry; it’s a message that speaks directly to our modern struggles with confusion, misinformation, and despair.

  • Light as truth: In an age of endless opinions, light cuts through distortion and reveals what is real.
  • Light as hope: Darkness may feel overwhelming, but even the smallest light changes the atmosphere.
  • Light as direction: Just as headlights guide us on a foggy road, Christ’s light shows us the way forward.

Why This Matters Today

Think about how often we describe our challenges in terms of “darkness”—whether it’s the darkness of anxiety, injustice, or loneliness. John’s words remind us that darkness doesn’t win. It cannot overcome the light. That’s not just theology; it’s a mindset shift. When we choose to walk in the light, we resist despair and become bearers of hope in our communities.

Living as Children of Light

So how do we embody this message in daily life?

  • Speak truth with grace: Share words that uplift rather than tear down.
  • Practice compassion: Light shines brightest when we care for those in need.
  • Stay rooted in faith: Darkness may press in, but anchoring ourselves in prayer and scripture keeps us steady.

Closing Thought

John’s gospel begins not with a manger scene, but with a cosmic declaration: the Light has come, and it cannot be extinguished. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, may we remember that the same Light that shone in Galilee still shines today—through us, around us, and within us.

For a more in-depth study and growing your faith in the book of John check out my book :

Discovering the Path of Salvation: A New Christians Guide to the Book of John

Transform Your Day with Brief Daily Devotions

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we don’t have time for long hours of study or prayer. Yet Scripture reminds us that even brief, consistent moments with God can transform our hearts and renew our minds. Short daily devotions are not about length, but about faithfulness.

Why Short Devotions Matter

  • Consistency builds strength Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, spiritual exercise strengthens the soul. Spending even a few minutes each day in God’s Word keeps us rooted.“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2, KJV)
  • God values a faithful heart The Lord doesn’t measure devotion by duration, but by sincerity. A short prayer offered with a pure heart is powerful.“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV)
  • Daily renewal of the mind Each day brings challenges, but God’s Word refreshes us. Even a few verses can reset our perspective.“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, KJV)

Practical Ways to Keep Devotions Short but Meaningful

  • Read one Psalm or Proverb each morning.
  • Pray a focused prayer of thanksgiving and guidance.
  • Write down one verse to carry with you throughout the day.
  • Reflect briefly at night on how God was present in your day.

The Fruit of Daily Devotions

Over time, short daily devotions cultivate a deeper relationship with God. They remind us that He walks with us in every moment, not just in long study sessions.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105, KJV)

Closing Thought: Short devotions are not about doing less, but about doing what matters most: keeping our hearts aligned with God daily.

For an expanded study and devotional guide see my book:

Discovering the Path of Salvation: A New Christian’s Devotional Journey

Grow Stronger Roots

Aiding the new believer in their walk with Christ

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