The Transformation of Hate

"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God."

(3 John 1:11)

This is a strange verse! While John refers to a person who does good, he says "is of God". But when he refers to a person who does evil, he does not say he is not from God. He changes the playing field and says - "has not seen God". He does not say they are fundamentally not of God, which would sound like a permanent, unchangeable caste. Instead, he diagnoses them as spiritually blind, implying a temporary state. 

However, when we encounter destructive behavior—whether in someone else or deep within our own habits—our instinct is often to label it as permanent. We look at pride, hostility, or selfishness and assume, that person is just broken beyond repair.

Yet the Apostle John deliberately chooses his words with breathtaking grace. In the original Greek, when writing about the one who does evil, John notes that they "has not seen God" ($οὐχ\ ἑώρακεν$) using the perfect tense. 

The Diagnosis of Blindness

Spiritual blindness explains destructive behavior without excusing it. Someone acting out of ambition or malice is walking in the dark; they simply cannot see the truth of who God is. But blindness is a condition that can be cured. By framing evil as a lack of vision rather than an irreversible state of being, John leaves the future open. Diagnosis is not a final sentence; it is an invitation to healing.

God Made Visible

How does a spiritually blind person receive sight? Because God is an invisible spirit, people frequently encounter and "see" God's character through the visible lives of believers who reflect Him.

John illustrates this in his letter by contrasting two men:

Diotrephes, who acts out of pride and division, offering a distorted mirror of faith.

Demetrius, who embodies goodness and carries a testimony rooted in truth.

When someone practicing evil encounters a person living a genuinely self-giving, godly life, the invisible character of God becomes tangible. As 1 John 4:12 reminds us, "No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us." Our moral witness serves as an eye-opener. Unmerited grace and quiet righteousness break through a blind person's categories, casting light into darkness and offering a compelling glimpse of the Father.

Who are such people? Here are some we can use as role models: 

A. Dr Stanley Jones. E. Stanley Jones (1884–1973) was a master of breaking down ideological, religious, and political hostility without resorting to defensive arguments or aggressive confrontation. Rather than attempting to debate people out of spiritual darkness or moral opposition, he used relational and experiential approaches to make the light of God visible to them. In early 20th-century India, traditional missionary work often relied on public debates, lectures, or top-down monologues aimed at refuting other worldviews. Recognizing that intellectual debate usually hardens opposition and creates defensiveness, Jones pioneered Round Table Conferences.

The Rule of Engagement: He invited Christians, Hindus, Muslims, secular intellectuals, agnostics, and critics to sit together as equals. The single rule was that participants could not debate theology, criticize other doctrines, or trade theoretical arguments. Instead, everyone had to answer one question: What has your faith (or worldview) actually done for your personal life in practice?

The Result: By stripping away defensiveness, participants shared their real struggles, heartaches, and spiritual limits. In this humble atmosphere, Jones didn't force a doctrine; he simply shared the living presence and reality of Jesus in his own life. The sheer transparency broke open closed minds, allowing skeptics and opponents to "see" the reality of God through lived experience rather than argument.

E. Stanley Jones brought light to people in darkness not by attacking their darkness, but by exhibiting a superior alternative. Through respectful listening, disarming vulnerability, practical civil action, and disarming dialogue, he made the character of God visible to those who had never seen it before.

Angela King and the Founders of "Life After Hate"

Angela King was a prominent leader in the American white power skinhead movement during the 1990s, filled with rage and hostility toward minority groups. In 1998, she was arrested and sentenced to prison for an armed robbery of an adult video store.

While in federal prison, King expected the non-white inmates to attack her. Instead, a group of Black women disarmed her by treating her with warmth, sharing food, and extending genuine human compassion. They held her accountable for her hate, but refused to treat her as an enemy.

This experience shattered her worldview. Upon release, King co-founded Life After Hate in 2011 alongside other former extremists (including Arno Michaelis and Sammy Rangel). The organization uses non-judgmental empathy, peer support, and compassion to help individuals exit violent far-right and neo-Nazi hate groups.

In each of these modern cases, the pattern mirrors the principle of 3 John 1:11:

• Hostility and evil grow in environments of isolation, dehumanization, and blindness.

• Transformation occurs when someone steps into that darkness bearing light—refusing to reduce an enemy to their worst actions, offering unmerited grace, and giving them the space to "see" a better way to live.

These two are of many examples and stories.

Lets pause and reflect here: 

Are there difficult people in your life whom you have written off as permanent "evildoers"? How might shifting your perspective from permanent condemnation to temporary spiritual blindness change the way you pray for them?

Arrow Prayer

Lord, heal our spiritual blindness and teach us to walk in Your light. Where we encounter darkness in others, help us to be steady mirrors of Your love, grace, and truth, that they might truly see You and be transformed. Amen.

The Growth Mindset

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." 

Proverbs 9:9 KJV

Modern psychology often speaks of a "growth mindset"—the belief that abilities, wisdom, and character can be developed through dedication, feedback, and continuous learning. Yet thousands of years before modern research identified this concept, King Solomon highlighted the exact same principle: true wisdom is never static.

It is easy to assume that those who achieve success, spiritual maturity, or extensive knowledge no longer need instruction. Solomon—widely regarded as the wisest man of his time—reveals the opposite truth. The distinguishing mark of genuine wisdom is not having all the answers, but possessing the humility to remain teachable. Wise individuals do not let past achievements close their minds; instead, they treat every experience, mistake, and piece of constructive feedback as an opportunity to grow.

Regardless of how long you have walked with God or studied the Bible, there is always deeper ground to uncover. Spiritual growth stalls the moment pride convinces us that we have arrived. God deliberately places us within a Christian community because none of us are immune to blind spots. We need the insights, correction, and encouragement of fellow believers to mature fully. Choosing to stop learning creates stagnation that impacts our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Remaining open to God's Word and the counsel of others ensures that our wisdom continues to expand.

Creating a Growth Mindset

Examine Your Reactions: Pay attention to how you respond to criticism or unexpected advice this week. Ask God to help you receive input with humility rather than defensiveness.

Stay Curious in the Word: Approach your Bible reading with fresh eyes, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal new depth even in passages you know well.

Value Community: Reach out to a trusted mentor, leader, or fellow believer and actively seek their perspective on an area where you want to grow.

Arrow Prayer

Lord, grant us teachable hearts that continually seek Your wisdom and instruction. Help us remain open to learning and refinement, even when the process is uncomfortable or challenging. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Lost and Found Department

"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

— Luke 15:10

Have you ever lost something deeply valuable to you? That sinking, heartbroken feeling in your chest as you search every corner, followed by the sheer relief when it is finally recovered? You didn't just quietly put it away—you likely shared the good news, celebrating with friends and family.

That natural human response is a window into how Heaven operates. Lost and Found is big business in the spiritual world. The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 isn't just a distant story; it is nearer to daily truth than we might imagine.

Every single day, a prodigal son or daughter are found. They are around us in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and families—sometimes, that prodigal has been you or me. We have all experienced moments of being spiritually lost, wandering away from the Father's house.

Where would we be if Christ had not stepped into human history to show us the way back? Without His grace, guidance, and sacrifice, what would have become of us?

Yesterday we talked about imitating Christ. Living as an imitation of Christ means embodying His heart for the lost. For those of us who have accepted Christ as Savior, we carry the joy of being found. But that gift comes with a calling: we now share the responsibility of helping others find their way back home.

Reaching out to those who are hurting or searching requires us to step beyond our comfort zones. It involves:

Sharing Our Authentic Story: Offering our personal experiences of God's truth to encourage others, reignite flagging passions, and spark spiritual revival around us.

Cultivating Active Humility & Patience: Approaching those who are struggling not with judgment, but with a genuine willingness to listen and understand their pain.

Sacrificing Comfort for Connection: Making time for intentional relationships, meeting people right where they are, just as Jesus did.

The effort, time, and sacrifice required to reach a lost soul fade in comparison to the outcome. When someone finds their way back to God, the angels in Heaven rejoice—and we get to share in that very same heavenly joy here on earth.

Today, as the week ends, take a moment to reflect on your own "lost and found" story. How does remembering Christ's grace toward you change your perspective on those currently wandering?

Arrow Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for searching for me when I was lost and welcoming me back with open arms. I praise You for the unfailing grace that restored my life through Jesus Christ. 

Give me Your heart for those who are still wandering and hurting. May I share in the joy of Heaven as lives are found and restored by Your truth. In Jesus' name, 

Amen.

The "Unteachables"

"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." 

Proverbs 3:7-8 KJV

Self-confidence is a good thing. We teach it to our children and encourage those struggling with low self-esteem because we want people to be confident in who God made them to be. However, a subtle trap opens up when healthy confidence crosses the line into self-reliance—when we start to become wise in our own eyes.

When we lean entirely on our own intellect and strength, pride takes root. We become overly competitive, inconsiderate of others, and unteachable. Solomon warns us against thinking too highly of ourselves, urging us instead to remain humble and fear the Lord.

Overconfidence naturally leads us to place ourselves above God and those around us. When that happens, our spiritual growth becomes stunted. We learn less, listen less, and if left unchecked, begin to regress in our faith and drift in our relationship with God.

This is precisely why Scripture calls us back to the fear of the Lord.

This isn't a terrifying fear of punishment, but a deep awe, reverence, and honor for who God is. Fearing God immediately resets our perspective and puts us back in our right position before Him. Recognizing that before an almighty God we are mere human beings and powerless creatures cultivates genuine humility and total dependence upon Him.

Pride inevitably leads us into sin. But when we walk in holy reverence for God, departing from evil happens naturally.

Solomon closes this wisdom with a beautiful promise: Humility and the fear of God are actually good for your well-being.

Walking in reverence doesn't diminish you; it brings inner peace, joy, spiritual healing, and deep strength. Just as physical food nourishes and sustains the body, walking in humble dependence on God serves as rich, life-giving nourishment for your soul.

Arrow Prayer 

Lord, teach us Christ-like humility. Help us to go beyond our sinful nature that appeals to our pride. Teach us to have reverential fear of You as we live that we may turn away from all forms of evil.  Amen.

God's Justice

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" 

— Micah 6:8

Justice is a term we don't normally think about when it comes to Biblical concepts. We often think of it as legal justice. 

But rather than being an abstract legal idea or an occasional topic, Biblical justice is tied directly to the very character of God, the structure of His covenants, and the overarching story of redemption. We therefore need to understand it and think on it in more depth. 

1. The Core Vocabulary of Justice

In the original biblical languages, justice is deeply woven into the text through paired terms that appear hundreds of times:

In the Old Testament (Hebrew):

Mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט): Refers to rectifying or judicial justice—giving people their due, protecting the vulnerable, and correcting systemic wrongdoing.

Tzedakah (צְדָקָה): Often translated as "righteousness," it refers to relational justice—living in right relationship with God and fellow humans.

When paired (Mishpat u'Tzedakah), it describes a society ordered around fairness, generosity, and moral integrity.

In the New Testament (Greek):

Dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη): Used for both "righteousness" and "justice". New Testament writers frequently drew from Old Testament justice concepts to describe God's kingdom and saving work.

2. How Justice Functions Across Scripture

A. God's Character & Foundation

Justice is presented not as a set of arbitrary rules, but as an overflow of God's holy nature.

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you." — Psalm 89:14

B. The Protection of the Vulnerable

A primary measure of justice in the Old Testament was how a society treated what theologians often call the "quartet of the vulnerable": the widow, the orphan, the stranger (immigrant), and the poor. God repeatedly warned Israel that religious rituals mean nothing if unaccompanied by active justice.

The quoted verse is quite clear on this. 

C. Jesus and the Kingdom of God

Jesus explicitly grounded His ministry in the prophetic tradition of justice. In His inaugural address in Nazareth (Luke 4), He read from Isaiah 61, declaring that He came to "bring good news to the poor... release the captives... and set the oppressed free."

In the Sermon on the Mount, He declared: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice/righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

He directly confronted religious leaders who prioritized minor rituals while neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23).

D. The Cross and Ultimate Restoration

The New Testament connects justice directly to the Cross and the end of history:

At the Cross: The Gospel demonstrates both God's strict justice (sin has real consequences) and His mercy—where Christ satisfies justice to redeem humanity.

New Creation (Shalom): The biblical story ends not with an escape from the physical world, but with the renewal of all creation. In the final chapters of Revelation, all corruption, systemic oppression, death, and injustice are permanently dismantled.

Summary

In the biblical worldview, justice is not a secondary political or philosophical debate—it is the expression of God's love made visible in community. To know God, according to Scripture, is to pursue justice for others (Jeremiah 22:16).

So where does that leave us as citizens of God's World? Where do we start today? We don't need to reinvent your entire life overnight. Start with the sphere of influence you already have:

A. In our Home/Family: Practice patience, gentle speech, and equitable care.
B. In the Workplace: Be honest, advocate for fair treatment of coworkers, and do your work with high integrity.
C. In our Neighborhoods: Know our neighbors' names, notice who is lonely or struggling, and offer practical help.
As citizens of God's world, our job is simple: bring a foretaste of God's kingdom—His peace, justice, and love—into whatever room we walk into.

"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." — Psalm 82:3

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When The Camera is Off

"For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." 

— Colossians 3:3

We live in a "look-at-me" culture where almost everything is meant to be photographed, shared, and validated by the applause of others. There is a constant pressure to prove our worth through our visible achievements. But what about our invisible life? Our Secret life. We all have one, hidden away but in who?

Consider the tree: the most powerful parts are the roots that no one ever sees.

To have a hidden life in Christ means that our primary validation, our deepest secrets, and our truest identity are tucked away safely in God. It is the part of our walk that happens when the camera is off—the private prayers, the secret acts of kindness, and the quiet conversations with the Spirit (Matthew 6:6).

When our lives are hid with Christ, we no longer need the world’s spotlight to feel significant. We are anchored in a secret place where the opinions of man cannot reach us and the storms of life cannot shake us.

There is a deep peace in not having to prove anything to anyone. Do not allow the need for visibility to steal the intimacy of your hiddenness. Always be content to be known by God alone.

Strengthening our walk involves a daily retreating into that secret place, finding our strength in the shadows of the Almighty rather than the lights of the world (Psalm 91:1). When we are hidden in Him, we are safe, secure, and fully seen by the only One who matters.

As you step into this weekend, let your soul rest in the shade of His Presence. Yield your need for recognition to the glory of the hidden life.

Take 15–20 minutes this weekend to turn off your phone, step away from social media, and retreat into your "secret place." Engage in a quiet conversation with the Spirit—without any desire to share, document, or record it. Practice simply being known by Him.

Arrow Prayer 

Lord Jesus, Forgive the moments where I have chased after human validation or the spotlight instead of being content with Your approval. Help me to prioritize our secret fellowship today, finding my deepest joy and satisfaction in simply being known by You.

In Your precious name, Amen.

Stop Imagining!

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

Do you remember your mother saying, "Stop imagining things!" when our "child imagination" ran riot? While she is not there that advice is still valid for us today. Why? Because your imagination is the fertile breeding ground for Satan. KJV has this to say about it- 

"Walking in victory isn't something that happens by accident in our lives; it is the result of daily, intentional mind management. We must realize that the enemy’s primary battlefield is the theater of our imagination. He tosses in thoughts of failure, fear, and inadequacy, hoping they will take root and grow. But we have a divine defense system: the Word of God and the power to fix our minds on heavenly things. When we saturate our minds with Scripture daily, we aren't just reading a book; we are building a fortress (Psalm 91:2). A spirit that is fed on the Word becomes strong enough to keep the flesh shut. We cannot have a victorious life with a defeated mind. By choosing to think about what God says rather than what the world screams, we effectively starve the enemy's schemes and empower our spirits to lead.

We are the gatekeepers of our own thoughts. Do not allow the enemy to set up camp in our minds with lies and "what-ifs." Spiritual maturity is found in the believer who actively casts down every thought that doesn't line up with the Bible. Strengthening our walk involves a daily immersion in Truth, ensuring that our spiritual muscles are stronger than our physical impulses. When we fix our minds on things above, we find that the problems on earth lose their power to panic us (Colossians 3:2). Let our thoughts be filtered through the Word today. Yield your "mental real estate" to the peace of Christ."

Arrow Prayer

Father, I thank You for the power of Your Word to renew and transform my mind today. Help me to stand guard over my thoughts and quickly cast down every anxious or negative imagination that tries to exalt itself against Your truth. Amen.

From a KJV Devotional

The Banquet Table

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." 

Psalm 23:5 (KJV)

We often fall into the trap of believing that true peace is a destination we will only reach once our problems are finally solved. We tell ourselves, “Once this financial strain passes, I’ll rest,” or “Once this conflict at work clears up, I’ll have joy.” Human nature convinces us that security is found only in the absolute absence of pressure, criticism, or hardship. When difficulties persist despite our sincere prayers and faithful walk with God, discouragement easily sets in.

Yet, the beautiful and surprising truth of Psalm 23 is that God does not wait for your circumstances to become perfect before He blesses you. The Good Shepherd does not dismantle the camp of your enemies before serving you; instead, He prepares a table for you right in their presence.

This table represents God’s divine provision, intimate fellowship, and unwavering protection in the dead-center of your difficult circumstances. 

Your enemies—whether they are physical adversaries, financial anxieties, health struggles, or overwhelming doubts—are forced to stand as helpless spectators. They must watch as God honors you, sustains you, and pours out His favor upon your life. He anoints your head with the oil of His Holy Spirit, healing your wounds and refreshing your weary soul until your cup of blessing overflows.

True peace is not built upon a perfect situation; it is anchored in the perfect presence and faithfulness of God. You do not have to wait for the storm to pass to experience His joy. Look away from the surrounding battlefield and look at the table your Shepherd has set just for you. Eat, rest, and be satisfied, knowing that the One who sits with you is infinitely greater than anything that stands against you.

Think about this: 

In what areas of your life have you been waiting for a problem to disappear before allowing yourself to experience God’s peace? Is there a table God has prepared before you? (think of all the little and big blessings) By shifting focus from the "enemies" to the "table" does it change your perspective?

Arrow Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that my peace does not depend on my circumstances, but on Your presence. Forgive me for waiting for my problems to vanish before trusting in Your goodness. I thank You that even right now, in the midst of my struggles, You have prepared a table of provision and joy for me. Anoint my head with Your Holy Spirit today, and let my cup overflow with confidence in Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tested or Tempted?

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." 

— James 1:12

Look at this verse closely. It talks of two things - a trial and a test. 

Oscar Wilde, the famously witty Irish playwright, once joked, “I can resist everything except temptation.” We laugh because it hits incredibly close to home. Giving in to temptation is easy; it’s the path of least resistance. But as we navigate our spiritual and ethical journeys, it is crucial to recognize that not every difficult situation we face is created equal. There is a profound difference between being tested and being tempted.

While both scenarios place us in a crucible of pressure, their core differences lie in their intent and desired outcome:

Testing is designed by a loving Creator to build your strength, refine your resilience, and reveal your true character. Like gold purified in a fire, testing proves what you are made of and prepares you for greater purposes.

Temptation, on the other hand, is an enticement to fail. It whispers to our weaknesses, coaxing us to act contrary to our morals, values, and faith.

Think of it this way: a teacher gives a student a test hoping they will pass and graduate. A scammer lays a trap hoping the victim will fall and fail.

In this background lets understand what James is saying -

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word used for "trial" in verse 12 is peirasmos (πειρασμός). This is where people often get confused, because just a few verses later (James 1:13-14), James uses the exact same root word to talk about temptation.

So why?

It sounds incredibly counterintuitive, doesn't it? If testing and tempting are opposites in intent, why on earth would James use the exact same Greek word—peirasmos (πειρασμός)—for both?

The answer is brilliant, and it actually reinforces the exact point about intent.

James uses the same word because, in the real world, a test and a temptation are often the exact same event; they just differ based on who is driving the intent.

The Coin Analogy: One Event, Two Sides

Think of peirasmos like a single coin. One side is labeled "Test" and the other is labeled "Temptation." You cannot have one without the other being present. When a difficult situation lands in your lap, it is a single peirasmos (an ordeal).

From God's perspective, the intent is a test (dokimion). He allows the obstacle because He wants you to overcome it, stretch your spiritual muscles, and prove your character.

From the enemy's perspective (or your own flawed desires), the exact same obstacle is leveraged as a temptation. The intent shifts to enticement—trying to get you to complain, compromise, or quit.

By using one word, James highlights a profound psychological truth: Every trial you walk through carries the potential to either polish you or pollute you.

If a situation were merely a temptation (an enticement to fail), the correct response would be to flee. But because this is a test (a trial meant to build character), the instruction is to persevere—to stay under the weight.

When you know the intent of the situation is to build your strength rather than destroy you, perseverance changes from passive suffering into active training. You stop asking "Why is this happening to me?" and start asking "What is this building in me?"

When life gets heavy, ask yourself: Is this a trial meant to grow me, or a temptation meant to slow me? God never tempts us to fail, but He will allow us to be tested so we can grow. When we understand the difference, we can stop viewing every challenge as a spiritual attack and start viewing trials as opportunities for spiritual promotion.

What is a major challenge you are facing right now? Write down whether it feels more like a test of your character or a temptation to compromise your values. How does changing your perspective on it change how you will respond today?

Arrow Prayer

Heavenly Father, Grant me the resilience to endure the tests of life with grace, and the supernatural strength to flee from temptation when it knocks on my door. 

The Unseen Miracle

"Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."

John 6:21

John 6:21, serves as the climax to the famous account of Jesus walking on water, occurring right after the feeding of the five thousand.

This short verse contains two distinct, profound moments that reveal a lot about faith, human surrender, and divine authority over time and space.

1. The Shift in "Will": "Then they willingly received Him..." 

Just a verse prior, the disciples were terrified. They were in the middle of a dark, storm-tossed Sea of Galilee, straining at the oars, when they saw a figure walking on the water and thought it was an unwelcome ghost. Jesus speaks His famous comfort: "It is I; do not be afraid. Then they were willing to take him into the boat.."

The word "willingly" is key here.

It illustrates a fundamental aspect of the human relationship with the divine. Jesus does not force Himself into the "boat" of our lives or struggles. He waits for an invitation. He stands at the door and knocks - it's up to us to open the door. The moment the disciples chose to actively welcome Him into their point of crisis, the entire dynamic of the situation changed.

 2. The Double Miracle: "...and immediately the boat was at the land" 

Most readers focus entirely on Jesus walking on the water, but verse 21 records a second, distinct miracle: divine teleportation or a supernatural compression of time and distance. Most people miss this. 

The Sea of Galilee is roughly 8 miles wide. John notes earlier that they had rowed about 3 or 4 miles—meaning they were dead center in the middle of the lake, fighting a headwind. Under normal circumstances, reaching the shore would have taken hours of grueling physical labor.

The Miracle: The text states that immediately upon Jesus stepping into the boat, they arrived at their destination (Capernaum).

The Deeper Takeaway

For the disciples—and for readers tracking the theological themes of John's Gospel—this verse delivers a powerful message about sovereignty:

When Jesus enters the picture, the rules of nature, distance, and human struggle are instantly redefined. The disciples went from exhausting themselves against a storm to instantly achieving their goal, simply by shifting their focus from the fear of the storm to the willingness to receive Him. It emphasizes that presence matters more than effort.

Great Expectations: Finding Hope in the Heart of the Exile

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

 — Jeremiah 29:11

There is a masterpiece in English literature by Charles Dickens titled Great Expectations. If you have never read it, it is a story worth exploring. The novel follows a young orphan named Pip who suddenly inherits a vast fortune from an anonymous benefactor. However, as Pip chases after high society, wealth, and status, he undergoes a tragic transformation—moving from a place of simple empathy and goodness to selfish pride and empty ambition. Dickens brilliantly critiques how chasing the wrong expectations can cause us to lose our core values and genuine relationships.

Unwittingly, Dickens captured a profound spiritual truth. When we approach God, a silent but incredibly deep question questions our hearts: What are our expectations from God?

In Jeremiah 29:11, God clearly states His true intentions toward mankind. He doesn't just speak these intentions; He backs them up with the ultimate action—sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to a fate literally worse than death so that we would not face the retribution of our sins.

Nothing can be stated more beautifully than this promise. In this passage, an "expected end" is a future filled with hope, restoration, and ultimate good. It is God’s reassurance that no matter how painful, dark, or long your current season of trial may be, He is actively directing history toward a purposeful, beneficial conclusion. That is Gods stated and promised intention. What about our expectations? 

In our human nature, we often treat God like an anonymous benefactor, projecting our own "great expectations" onto Him. We expect money, wealth, ease, and elevated status. But God, in His perfect love, doesn't want us to lose our souls to selfish pride. He has a much higher standard for our lives.

If we want to experience this "expected end," we must realign our expectations with His intentions. Based on His Word, here are three things we can truly expect from God:

1. Expect Great Things—Aligned with His Word

Our expectations must be in sync with the Scriptures. When our desires line up with God’s heart, He delights in fulfilling them. Because our God is a great God, we should have truly great expectations—not for worldly vanity, but for spiritual victory, transformation, and provision as promised in the Bible. Anchor your mind to His promises, declare them continually over your life, and watch how God brings them to pass.

2. Expect Growth, Not Shortcuts

We must remember the context of Jeremiah's letter: it was written to captives who were told they would be stuck in exile for 70 years. There were no shortcuts. Sometimes, God’s plan involves enduring the trial, settling in, and growing during the exile rather than escaping it. We can confidently expect that God is present and active even in our darkest seasons, providing the exact grace we need to endure.

3. Expect a Meaningful Conclusion

You can rest assured that your suffering is not meaningless. Because God has "thoughts of peace, and not of evil" toward you, He is actively weaving your most difficult, broken circumstances into a beautiful tapestry. Your story will not end in despair.

Today, let us align our desire perfectly with His Word, Trust in the seasons of waiting and exile, knowing that He is present in the dark. 

Do You Want to Get Well? Jen Tan

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 

John 5: 5-6

Jen Tan, struggling with breast cancer found God in her Cancer journey. She shares her experiences with God every Friday as she continues her battle - now with the grace of God on her side. 

We urge all our readers to pray for Jen as she goes through this very difficult treatment. Pray for the treatment to have minimal side effects and maximum efficacy. 
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Todays' heartfelt, honouring post captures Jen’s voice, her journey, and the theme “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. Her testimony inspires each of us and invites us into reflection:

In today’s devotional, Jen Tan shares from John 5:5–6 — a reminder that even in long seasons of weakness, Jesus sees us, knows us, and meets us at the deepest level of our need.

As Jen continues her cancer treatment, she reflects on how God’s faithfulness has carried her through moments that felt hopeless. Instead of an instant miracle, God is doing a deeper work in her — shaping her testimony, refining her purpose, and drawing her closer to His heart.

Her journey has become a living reminder that healing is not only physical. Sometimes God heals us by awakening our spirit, renewing our purpose, and revealing His grace in ways we never expected.

Jen writes with gratitude, recognising that God has had a plan for her life from the very beginning. Even in suffering, His faithfulness has never failed.

May her story strengthen your faith today.

Jen Tan: Where is God in the Cancer?

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

In our association with Cancer Companions, a Global Cancer prayer support organisation, we have come across so many suffering with this dreaded illness. The overarching emotion is one of dread - for everyone involved and sometimes a fatalistic attitude for those suffering. The overriding question is " why me? I pray, I believe in God, what sin have I committed to suffer? Why do I have to suffer?

Cancer is not from God. Cancer is a tool of Satan to swing our mind away from God. Even if we are non-believers, it has the potential to trap us into despair and hopelessness which Satan wants us to believe.

Where is God in all this? He is the miracle provider. The healer. Our shield and buckler.

As prayer partners, we ourselves have seen and are the beneficiary of so many miracles every day. But the one top observation we have is this: While we expect or demand in our prayers that the Cancer disappear, we must remember God does not work like that.

He will not gloriously produce a miracle like healing. He does heal but not in the way we expect. Like in the quoted verse, He will speak healing in the silence, in an unnoticeable whisper. He will orchestrate the healing through His angels, people like you and me, doctors, nurses, correct medications, through grace to bear the emotional and mental havoc and the strength to bear the side effects. Like with Jonah, God did not stop the crew throwing him overboard, but he did save Jonah: by using a fish! Healing will not be instantaneous and painless - but His grace and power help us through. All this through His angels on earth who pray for us, who provide for us and who administer to our needs - medical, emotional and spiritual. People like you and me. 

Jen Tan speaks from her experience when she says- 

"Reading the Bible has changed my perspective on what an honorable life truly is. Before I started reading it, my life was centered around myself - my job, my earnings, my home, what I could accumulate, my hobbies, my family and my friends. Everything revolved around "me" and "mine". I measured life by what I could gain, control or enjoy.

This transformation does not happen overnight. It is a daily commitment to surrender and trust God even when we do not fully understand His plans and allowing him to guide us through our journey. I am learning to fully rely on him and that His will is not something to be feared, but something good, pleasing, and perfect, even in the midst of challenges".

So where is God in my cancer? In my trust of His word!

In the context of Psalm 91 and other scriptures, here is where God is found during such a difficult journey:  He is the "Secret Place of the Most High," a spiritual refuge where your soul can rest even when your body is weary. In addition, depending on one's situation, He caters to different needs as we see below: 

1. Presence in the Shadow: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Not an Observer, but a Companion: He is not standing at the edge of the valley waiting for you to get out; He is walking the dark path alongside you, providing "rod and staff" for comfort and support.

2. He is in the Tears and the Brokenness (Psalm 34:18) "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 56:8 says, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle." God is so present in your cancer that He notices every tear shed in a hospital room or in the quiet of the night.

3. He is Your Strength When Yours Fails (Isaiah 41:10)

When treatments take your physical strength, the Bible points to a different source of power.

The Right Hand: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Sustaining Power: He is the one "upholding" you, meaning when you feel you can no longer stand on your own, His presence becomes the floor beneath your feet.

5. He is the "Great Physician" and the Comforter (Matthew 11:28)

In summary: According to these verses, God is not absent from your cancer. He is in the hospital room, He is in the science of the medicine, He is in the hands of the caregivers, and most importantly, He is "under whose wings you have come to take refuge" [Psalm 91:4].