Are there many things that we normally say in everyday life that we are uaware of their origins? If you have read the Bible from cover to cover you may have known where the following 10 phrases are found. Are they in the Bible? Test your knowledge and you will be surprised.

1. Cleanliness is next to godliness

This well-known phrase sounds like it could be in the Bible. And we know that God doesn’t dwell in an unclean temple. But this phase is not found anywhere in the written word of God.

Not in the Bible.

2. God helps those who help themselves

Although God wants us to be self-sufficient, this pharse is not found in scripture. The phase comes from a similar perspective phase in Aesop’s Fables. The actual phase is:

“The Gods help them that help themselves.”

Not in the Bible.

3. A little bird(ie) told me

This one is found in scripture. Solomon said it in Ecclesiastes 10:20b, which says:

“…for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and hath which hath wings shall tell the matter.”

In the Bible.

4. A drop in the bucket

This one is in scripture. It is found in Isaiah 40:15a, which says:

“Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket,…

In the Bible.

5. Money is the root of all evil

This is a tough one. This one is not in the Bible as it is said. For the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:10a:

“For the love of money is the root of all evil.”

Money isn’t the root of evil, the love of it is.

Not in the Bible.

6. God works In mysterious ways

Although this holds true, this saying is not in the Bible. We see the signs, wonders, and miracles in the word of God, but not one of the authors wrote it that way.

Not in the Bible.

7. To thy own self be true

It’s good to be true to ourselves, but the Bible doesn’t make this statement. It was William Shakespeare, an English poet and playwright, who wrote it. He wrote it in the play Hamlet. The line says:

“This above all things: to thine own self be true.”

Not in the Bible.

8. This too shall pass

The Bible says things will come to pass and pass away, but the Bible doesn’t say this phase. The phrase comes from an early Dutch poem that translates this way:

“That was overcome, this may also be, or that passed, so to many this.”

Things do pass as time goes on which makes them temporarily not lasting.

Not in the Bible.

9. A leopard doesn’t change his spots

Leopards don’t change their appearance, so this saying is in the Bible. It is found in Jeremiah 13:23a, which says:

“ Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots…”

In the Bible.

10. Sign of the times

This one is used to describe how bad the world is at the moment. It’s in the Bible. It is found in Matthew 16:3b, which says:

“Ye can discern the face of the sky, but can ye not discern the signs of the times?”

In the Bible.

The conclusion?

Look at what you say and understand it. The everyday phrases you use may come from the Bible. Some things that are said are contrary to the actual word of God. The word of God is his truth, and the world will wrongfully interpret that truth. When you know the Bible, you can decipher true statements from worldly ones.

Thank you for reading.

Did All These Phrases Came From The Bible? was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

My pastor’s wife at church spoke a message one Sunday. She talked about the sparrow.

She said God takes care of them.

She said the sparrow doesn’t have to worry.

The sparrow just sings with its heart and soul intact.

The sparrow just lives.

The sparrow wanders in the snow and the sun, without regard to his soul or his fate.

The sparrow just is.

The sparrow flies in the rain, singing all the way.

The sparrow lives in the skyline, flying everywhere.

What does the sparrow do with his spirit?

We are just as important to God as the sparrow.

She reminded me of how a sparrow’s life can mimic ours in the way God sees us.

The sparrow is soulful

The sparrow is a common bird throughout the world. Sparrows symbolize wisdom, aloneness, and service. Sparrows are like busy bees. They are constantly building nests, getting food, and providing for their young. The sparrow is soulful because of what it represents to God.

Sparrows represent his divine care. God’s watchful eyes are on us and the sometimes overlooked sparrow.

Keep your eye on the sparrow

“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.”- from the hymn, “His Eye Is on The Sparrow by Civilla Martin

God watches the sparrows. God tells us in His word that not one of them can leave this earth without the Father knowing it.

God called the sparrows by name.

God knows them because he’s all knowing. God knows us because he’s all knowing. God knows all about our lives too.

Are Sparrows sometimes seen as inferior or insignificant?

Yes, to some, because they are the most common bird. But nothing is insignificant in the eyes of God.

Nothing that God created will ever be.

This includes humans. We are higher than the birds in God’s eyes. Yet he loves all of his creatures, great and small.

So, if he can care for a tiny sparrow, he can definitely care for you!

And when he feeds the sparrows, remember that God feeds you, both spiritually and physically.

There is courage in discouragement

The word courage is in the word discouragement. So whenever I need to be encouraged, I look to the actions of the tiny sparrow. The sparrow is caring, has wisdom and grace. God gives us the same things.

They say that even bird watchers overlook the sparrow.

Matthew 10:31 says, “Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.”

The sparrow keeps pressing on with grace and dignity despite its stature. And when I’m weary, down, or think I can’t make it, I fly in my heart like the sparrow and continue on despite my challenges. Because I know that God cares and watches over me all the time.

Even when I think he doesn’t care, he does.

Our lives are lives of redemption. Salvation is absolutely free. He sent Jesus Christ on the cross for us because he cared. I am a treasured part of his creation, after all.

And knowing that is worth many sparrows to me.

I trust him. I am worthy. God values the sparrow, and he values me.

Thank you for reading.

How Valuable Is the Sparrow? was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

A firefighter doesn’t run into flames because he’s fearless—he runs in because he’s trained and equipped. In the same way, God doesn’t call you to a life without danger or challenges—He calls you to walk into them knowing He is with you. Fear loses its grip when purpose fuels your steps.

🕮 Isaiah 41:10 declares, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” When Isaiah spoke these words, Israel faced uncertainty and threats from surrounding nations. God reassured them that His presence was greater than their enemies.

Today, the same God still says, “Fear not.” When anxiety runs rampant—whether from financial strain, health concerns, or a future that feels uncertain—these words speak even louder. Fear feeds on uncertainty, but God’s promises bring unshakable certainty. Just as He upheld Israel in their purpose, He strengthens you in yours.

The Bible repeatedly says, “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:9). We are not given “the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). In fulfilling your calling, His Spirit gives courage beyond your natural ability.

Pursuing life’s purpose without God’s presence is pressure, but with His presence, it becomes power. As the saying goes, “Don’t let the tail wag the dog”—fear should never control your decisions. When the LORD is your Shepherd (Psalm 23:4), you can walk through the darkest valleys with confidence, not terror.

Jesus promised, “Lo, I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:20). The same hands that calmed the storm now hold yours. Just as the firefighter steps into danger with his gear, you step into purpose with the armor of God—covered, equipped, and upheld. Fear has no place; it doesn’t stand a chance when Christ is your strength.

So, what would you attempt if fear had no voice in your life? Purpose isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the refusal to let fear dictate your steps. You may feel powerless, but the right hand of God is holding you steady. Now go fearless, even powerless, where He is calling you—without hesitation. The waves of life may push rough, but God will equip you to be tough.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, remove fear from my heart, and strengthen me to stand. Help me trust Your promise never to leave nor forsake me. Fill me with courage to fulfill my calling boldly, and let my life glorify You in all things. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
Always Begin With God…

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s easy to admire strength in others—physical power, emotional resilience, and mental grit. But when we hit our own wall, weakness can feel like failure. Pursuing our purpose may be so exhausting. Yet when you’re weak enough, God’s grace is more than enough. Weakness is a gift—it’s the very place His power comes alive.

In 🕮 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recalls pleading with God to remove a “thorn in the flesh.” God’s reply was not deliverance, but a promise: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” It wasn’t rejection—it was invitation. A reminder that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Today, our “thorns” may be illness, fear, loss, or anxiety. But the principle remains: God’s strength flourishes when we admit our weakness. In a world that worships self-sufficiency, this truth shocks many—God doesn’t need your strength; He wants your surrender. Your frailty is the very place His power goes to work.

The Bible consistently glorifies God’s strength in human weakness. Samson’s might returned only when he prayed for God’s help (Judges 16:28). David defeated Goliath by declaring, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). As the saying goes, “Let go and let God.” Your surrender isn’t resignation. Weakness is not imperfection; it’s the stage on which God performs His greatest works.

Isaiah 40:29 says, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Your purpose cannot be fulfilled in your own ability—it must flow from His capability.

Jesus said in John 15:5, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Like a phone without its charger, our purpose is lifeless without Him. Paul’s thorn became more than a burden—it became a testimony, proving that surrendered weakness can become a vessel for God’s unstoppable power.

So, where are you holding on too tightly today? Is it your career, relationships, or dreams? Stop treating surrender like a loss—it’s your greatest victory. Let go and watch Him turn your weakest moment into your strongest testimony. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience His enough grace when you’re weak enough.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to see my weakness not as failure but as the doorway to Your strength. Replace my self-reliance with Spirit-reliance. Let my life be proof that Your grace is enough and Your power is unshakable. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
Always Begin With God…

𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

At the airport immigration counter, I once witnessed a heartbreaking scene. A woman beside me wept uncontrollably when she was denied permission to leave the Philippines—the officers discovered she intended to go to Macau for job hunting under false pretenses. Her dreams were crushed in an instant. Isn’t it like that in our Christian walk—how hard it is to let go of something deeply important to us?

Jesus said in 🕮 Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This is not a comfortable invitation—it is a costly one. These words echo through time, reminding us that purpose isn’t handed on a silver platter—it’s forged in surrender.

In the time of Jesus, the cross was not a symbol of beauty but of death. Carrying it meant the end of self-rule. Today, it is the choice to give up our own way so we can walk fully in God’s way—every single day. Think about it: athletes endure grueling training for gold medals, and entrepreneurs risk everything for their dreams. Similarly, living on purpose demands obedience over comfort. Are you ready to pay the price?

The Bible says, “Ye are not your own… For ye are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). We are called to crucify the flesh with its affections and lust (Galatians 5:24) and present our bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). True purpose demands daily surrender, not occasional sacrifice.

It’s like the saying, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” You cannot live for self and for Christ at the same time. Denying yourself is a daily decision that frees you from chasing empty glory and opens the way to God’s lasting reward.

Jesus Himself prayed, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). If the Son of God embraced the cost to fulfill His Father’s will, so must we. Like the woman at the airport, letting go of something dear may hurt—but God’s destination for you is far greater than any you could choose for yourself.

What is God asking you to lay down today—your comfort, your plans, or your pride? Will you cling to the seat of self, or will you step onto the path of obedience? Deny to rise—because the way to follow Christ always begins by bowing down. Remember, you can’t fill a cup that’s already full. To rise, we must first empty ourselves of selfish ambition.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to lay down my will daily and embrace Your will fully. Give me courage to let go of anything that hinders Your purpose in my life. Help me to follow You with joy, no matter the cost. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
Always Begin With God…

𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐓𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I know your finger was itching to click on this title. No, God takes no pleasure in throwing His children to the ground like someone knocking over pieces on a board game. But neither does the Bible contain this infantilized version of faith that has become fashionable in pulpits: a “Personal Trainer God” for the soul, always pushing us “toward the top,” “to the valley of victory,” “to the next level,” as if the cross were merely a trampoline for self-help.

Step into almost any modern evangelical church today, and you will recognize the script immediately. The liturgy of “Victory” is omnipresent — impregnated in the worship lyrics, in the prayer campaigns, and in the Sunday service jargon. We go through the “Valley,” we face the “Wilderness,” we hide in the “Cave,” but the end of the story — we are guaranteed with unshakable conviction — is always success. The “Anthem of Victory” will play, the trial has an expiration date, and the giant, no matter how big, will fall. It is a linear narrative, comforting, and, above all, highly marketable.

And, mind you, I am not here to play the boring skeptic or the bitter theologian. And I affirm: no, I am not denying God’s restorative power. That would be intellectually dishonest and spiritually ignorant.

The church witnesses lives being rebuilt before our eyes daily — marriages resurrected from coldness, finances reorganized after years of waste, emotional health rebuilt after long seasons of darkness. This exists. This is real. This glorifies God.

The vast majority of people who walk through church doors do not do so out of theological dilettantism or an abstract philosophical search for truth. They come driven by raw, urgent need.

It is the pain of an imminent divorce threatening to tear the family apart, the despair of an overdrawn bank account that steals sleep, the frightening medical diagnosis, or that emotional void that no professional achievement could fill. The desire (and human need) for victory is not disposable.

Jesus attracted crowds because He healed, fed, and liberated. Empirically speaking, we see this happen all the time in our communities: marriages that seemed dead are restored, chaotic financial lives are organized under principles of wisdom, decades-long addictions are abandoned overnight. God intervenes. God restores. God cares about our tangible suffering. This is a fact, and it is glorious.

But, having said this and established that God cares for our daily bread, we need to have a “grown-up” conversation. We need to adopt a different perspective on the Christian life. We cannot spend our entire lives drinking milk; eventually, one must chew on meat, and the meat is sometimes tough.

The uncomfortable question I ask today is: Why would God always want to give you the victory? Or, flipping the coin to look at the side no one likes to see: Does God have no purpose for your defeat?

Is failure always a sign of a lack of faith or a demonic attack, or can it be a surgical tool in the hands of the Creator?

The Idol of the “Happy Ending”

There is a silent presumption, almost an unsigned contract we carry in our minds, that if you are obeying God, things will work out by human standards. We create a spiritual mathematical equation: Prayer + Obedience = Visible Success. If you prayed and went, you will prosper. If you obeyed and changed jobs, you will be promoted. If you tithed, you won’t go broke.

Recently, I was talking to a very dear friend who was going through a deep crisis of faith. She told me, with conviction and frustration in her eyes: “But God clearly told me to leave place A and go to place B. I didn’t act on impulse, I prayed, I fasted, I obeyed. But now, in place B, I am struggling, nothing is happening, I am unhappy, and I feel stagnant. I don’t understand where I went wrong.”

Our human logic concludes hastily: Obedience = Happiness/Success.

But God’s logic, which transcends our temporal understanding, is frequently: Obedience = Purpose.

And the purpose, my friends, sometimes has nothing to do with you being happy in that specific moment. The purpose is not about your immediate comfort, but about your eternal formation.

Sometimes, God’s will in moving you from “Place A” to “Place B” was not for you to prosper financially in the new location, but simply to preserve your soul from the corruption or pride that would have fatally struck you had you stayed where you were.

The difficulty you face today may be, ironically, God’s “severe mercy.” It may be Him preventing you from becoming arrogant, or it may be Him preparing an internal structure of character that success would never build. Success often softens and blinds us; difficulty sharpens us and makes us look up.

The “Losers” of the Bible

If we apply the modern theology of “God wants you to always win” — the one that measures blessing by the size of the car or the bank account — to the great heroes of the faith, we would have to conclude, tragically, that they were great failures.

Look at the general overview of the apostles. Peter, Paul, James, Stephen… none of them ended their lives with great wealth, a quiet retirement by the seaside, or social recognition from the elite of the time.

On the contrary. Their biography is a list of social “defeats”: they were persecuted, imprisoned, flogged, shipwrecked, lost status, and were martyred in brutal ways.

Where was Paul’s financial “victory” when he wrote from a cold dungeon in Rome asking someone to bring him a cloak for the winter? Where was the “success” in Peter’s lifestyle when he was crucified upside down?

If the gospel were about winning at life here and now, Paul would have been history’s greatest disillusioned man.

But the success of the early Christian church was never tied to social metrics, follower counts, or bank statements. It was tied, inextricably, to Life with God.

This is exactly what James, with an unapologetic and counter-cultural frankness, tells us at the beginning of his letter:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2–3)

Observe the inverted logic. He doesn’t say “Be joyful because the trial will end soon and you’ll get a promotion as a reward.” He says that joy is in what the trial produces inside you while it lasts: perseverance, maturity, integrity, wholeness. James speaks of receiving the “crown of life,” not the crown of business success.

Peter follows the same line. Romans 5 tells us that we glory in tribulations not because we are masochists, but because they produce patience, experience, and hope.

The true Christian life is not about reaching the top of Maslow’s pyramid. It is about salvation. It is about repentance. It is about a New Life that remains unshaken even when the old life falls apart.

The Hidden Purpose of Defeat

Perhaps God doesn’t want you to win this specific battle you are fighting right now with all your strength. That sounds harsh, I know. But perhaps He wants — or needs — you to lose your job so that your identity ceases to be founded on your title and your ID badge.

Perhaps He allows the failure of that business project so that you learn to depend on His Grace and not on your own competence and intelligence.

While we are winning, we tend to believe we are self-sufficient. Defeat, in the Kingdom’s economy, is often the only fertile soil where true humility flourishes. It is on the ground of defeat that we look to the side and see who we really are without our adornments.

So, yes, the title was a bit clickbait, and I apologize for that. God does want you to win, yes — but His definition of “victory” is radically different from ours. For God, victory is overcoming sin, overcoming death, overcoming selfishness, and overcoming oneself. And to win these greater and eternal battles, sometimes He may allow, with loving sovereignty, for you to lose the smaller battles, those we value so much here on Earth.

Next time everything goes wrong, instead of immediately rebuking the devil or questioning God’s love, stop, breathe, and ask: “Lord, what is Your purpose in this defeat? What needs to die in me through this failure so that Christ may live?”

The answer may surprise you — and transform you — much more than any fleeting victory.

Write For New Creation

God Doesn’t Want You to Win was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Have you ever had gout on your feet? You’re not alone—I get flare-ups almost every winter; it returns like clockwork. And by now, I expect it. Painful, yes, but it doesn’t surprise me anymore. In our Christian walk, suffering is much the same—whether through pain, persecution, or hardship. Yet many believers are caught off guard when trials come. Should we be? After all, Scripture is clear: never be surprised by trials.

Peter wrote 1 Peter 4:12 to early Christians facing intense persecution: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” He reminded them that suffering was not random—it was part of their calling. Their trials weren’t signs of failure but evidence of faithfulness. The same is true today: if you’re pursuing God’s purpose, expect opposition.

Following God often involves emotional, relational, or financial sacrifices. When we suffer for Christ, it is not strange—it is spiritual warfare. Whether enduring criticism for your convictions, being mocked for your faith, or struggling forward despite resistance, God uses trials to refine us like gold in a furnace (Job 23:10)—burning away impurities so only what’s valuable remains. Trials are not meant to ruin you—they’re refining you.

James 1:2–3 says to “count it all joy” when you face trials, because they produce patience and maturity. Romans 8:18 reminds us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory” that’s coming. Being in Christ, trials may come and go, but all were given for us to grow.

Jesus warned in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” That wasn’t a threat but preparation. You were never promised a painless life, but a purposeful one. Some say, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” But Christ invites us to stay in the fire—because He’s there with us, just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3).

So, are you surprised by the challenges you’re facing today? Don’t panic—press in. Your suffering doesn’t mean God has left you; it might mean He’s preparing to use you more. Instead of asking Him to remove every trial, pray, “LORD, what can I learn from this?” Trials are God’s tools to refine us. Never be surprised by them—expect them, embrace them, and let Christ refine you through them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that trials are not surprising but purposeful. Strengthen me to endure and trust Your refining process. Help me see each challenge as an opportunity to grow closer to You and align with Your calling. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
Always Begin With God…

𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Macau Grand Prix fell on a Sunday—my approved holiday. It was a meaningful day: our church celebrated its anniversary, and many souls came to Christ. Victory filled the room. But come Monday, my supervisor scolded me for missing work. I felt like I was breaking… but the truth is, I wasn’t broken—I was blessed. Sometimes, choosing God’s purpose brings man’s rejection—and heaven’s applause.

In 🕮 Matthew 5:10, Jesus said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” He didn’t say you might be persecuted—He said you are blessed when you are. Righteousness doesn’t always earn applause. In today’s world, standing for truth can feel like walking alone—but heaven notices when the world turns its back on the righteous.

Many believers face criticism for refusing to compromise beliefs. Whether it’s declining unethical practices at work or defending truth online, persecution often confirms alignment with God’s will. These moments refine our character and clarify our purpose, proving that “blessed” doesn’t mean life is easy—it means life has meaning.

The Apostle Paul affirmed this in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Scripture never separates purpose from pressure. Even Joseph’s divine dream brought him a prison before it brought a throne (Genesis 50:20).

Persecution for righteousness reveals true loyalty to Christ. According to 1 Peter 4:14, “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye.” Like the saying goes, “No pain, no gain.” Purpose isn’t painless—it’s proven under pressure. Every challenge clarifies your calling and draws you closer to God’s greater plan.

Jesus Himself endured persecution and still fulfilled His divine mission. He said in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Just as I found peace in choosing righteousness despite workplace criticism, so can you. Remember: persecution didn’t stop Jesus—and it shouldn’t stop you. You’re not broken. You’re blessed.

When was the last time you stood up for Christ—even when it cost you comfort or acceptance? Reflect on how those moments shaped your faith. What step will you take today to embrace persecution as part of your purpose? Don’t let persecution keep you from walking in your purpose. Will you choose blessing over brokenness?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me boldness to stand for what is right, even when it costs me. Let persecutions refine me, not define me. Help me walk in purpose with courage and joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
Always Begin With God…

𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Gifts are freely given—you don’t earn them, you just receive them. Imagine walking into a room and seeing a beautiful present with your name on it… but never opening it. That’s what we do when we ignore our God-given gifts—spiritual treasures waiting to be discovered and used. You weren’t saved to sit still. You are a gifted child of God for something far greater.

🕮 Romans 12:6 declares, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.” By God’s grace, He gave each believer spiritual gifts for His purposes. These aren’t talents for applause but tools to edify the brethren. Your gift isn’t about spotlight—it’s about service. Every child of God has something purposeful to use.

You don’t have to invent your purpose—it’s already embedded in your design. Like puzzle pieces that only make sense within the bigger picture, your spiritual gift reveals how you fit into God’s plan. Your voice, your hands, your faith—these are Heaven’s instruments. The world needs what God has planted in you.

Ephesians 4:11–12 shows that God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:11 adds, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” These gifts cannot be taught by any institutions—they are given by the Holy Spirit for a divine purpose.

You don’t work to earn spiritual gifts—by God’s grace you simply receive them. As the saying goes, “Don’t hide your light under a bushel.” You weren’t gifted to remain hidden—you were made to shine. Whether speaking, serving, leading, or encouraging—your gift is part of someone else’s answer.

Now, as the Body of Christ, we are called to carry His mission forward. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Your ability doesn’t come from experience alone—it flows from Christ. John 14:12 reminds us, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also.” You may not feel qualified—but if God called you, He has equipped you. Like that unopened gift, you were meant to be unwrapped and used for His glory.

So, what’s holding you back from unwrapping your gift today? What if your gift is the answer to someone’s breakthrough? Don’t let fear, comparison, or doubt silence your calling. Ask God to reveal what He’s placed in you. You are a gifted child—not for decoration, but for transformation. Will you unwrap your gift today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me by grace. Open my eyes to see them, and give me boldness to use them for Your glory. Let my life serve others and reflect You in all I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
Always Begin With God…

𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

What matters most to you today? Life changes when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior—we gain forgiveness, eternal life, and freedom from the bondage of sin. He nailed it all at Calvary. But this freedom comes with responsibility. Chasing success without purpose leaves us meaningless. Whether you’re a breadwinner, church member, or preacher, God isn’t looking for performance; He desires that you reflect His glory.

Paul reminds the Corinthian church what truly matters in 🕮 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” It’s not about impressing people; it’s about honoring God in everything—big or small. Every moment of our lives is an opportunity to magnify Him.

In today’s world, purpose is often mistaken for platform. But God never called us to chase applause. He called us to reflect His image. Your daily life—your words, work, and even your attitude in traffic—speaks loudly. As His ambassador, bear His name with honor. Don’t let careless moments bring shame to the One you represent.

The Bible teaches us to do all things without murmurings (Philippians 2:14), walk worthy of our vocation (Ephesians 4:1), and serve heartily, as to the Lord (Colossians 3:22–23). Every task we accomplished for Him is not because of our ability—it flows from God’s grace and mercy.

We cannot boast, “I did it,” for as Galatians 2:20 says, “Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Your life is set apart, not just on Sundays, but every day. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Let your light shine so bright that others can’t help but see Jesus.

Jesus said, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). He glorified the Father not just in His miracles but also in His perfect obedience. Likewise, you’re not just saved from sin—you’re called to reflect Him. Like Jesus, let your whole life be your message.

So, ask yourself today: Am I glorifying God in what I have now? In my work? My habits? My thoughts? The movies? The music? The drinks? The Relationship? Have you asked yourself for a moment, “Is this for God’s glory?” Life is short, and eternity is long. Live for what truly matters most—and what will last forever.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me live each moment for Your glory. Let my habits, my words, and my work reflect Jesus to the world around me. Remind me that purpose begins not on platforms but in daily faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
Always Begin With God…

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 was originally published in New Creation on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.