Spiritual Journey Insights

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Walk in Your Calling Plan Notes

Introduction

I have been doing a Bible reading plan with my church members through the Bible App. The name of the plan is “Called.”
As we journeyed through this plan together, I took time each day to reflect and write personal notes. Below, I am sharing my daily notes from this reading plan as a record of what God impressed on my heart during each day.

Day 1

God created each one with a unique identity. I am not a result of creation with no identity. My God knows me very well. My life will find satisfaction when I align myself to do what my Creator originally intended me to do. That will be the best way to go ahead, as I am called by Him.

Day 2

Discipline is often not pleasant and can feel restrictive, even like a loss of freedom. At times, it requires us to go against our feelings. Our flesh frequently resists what is good and pushes us toward laziness instead. This devotion helps us understand that discipline is essential for growth and for building a strong spiritual life. It aligns with our vision culture—to follow Jesus daily and to spend time with God every day.

Day 3

In today’s world, many people have a distorted view of growth, especially when it comes to serving others. Leadership is often seen as authority or position, but true leadership is about serving. Jesus modeled a servant-hearted style of leadership. He demonstrated this powerfully when He washed the feet of His disciples.

Day 4

God has given unique gifts to each person, and we are called to discover and steward them faithfully. Every individual has a distinct role in God’s kingdom. Though our assignments may differ, they all work together for a greater purpose. Therefore, we should not compare ourselves with others or feel superior or inferior. Instead, let us be content with what God has entrusted to us and be intentional in using our gifts to the best of our ability, relying fully on the grace of God.

As we grow and move forward, we are given more opportunities and greater influence—not to be served, but to serve others better. We must use these opportunities faithfully. At times, we may feel discouraged when our service goes unnoticed or unrecognized. However, the biblical perspective reminds us that growth is not about recognition in this world, but about faithfulness before God.

Let us remain faithful in serving, even when no one sees or acknowledges it. This truth aligns with our third vision-culture principle: Serve Others.

Day 5

Day 6

There is a difference between frustration and passion, though both can move us to act.

Frustration comes from pressure, unmet expectations, and impatience. It leads to reactive actions and often drains joy.

Passion flows from holy desire and God-given purpose. It is rooted in love and conviction and gives strength to persevere with peace.

We can be busy in both, but the source matters.

Let us pray that God will strengthen us to be moved by holy passion, not by frustration—serving Him out of love, not pressure.

Day 7

In life, the Bible teaches us to be content. At the same time, we must be careful not to become complacent and assume that this is all there is. We may begin to think we have reached the maximum and that there is no further growth. This mindset leads to stagnation.

When it comes to serving God, we should always desire more—not more status, but greater usefulness. We should continually ask, How can I be more effective? How can I be more open to being used by God for His glory?

In our spiritual journey, we never truly “arrive” until we reach heaven. Even on the final day of our lives, God can still teach us and use us through His Word. That is the enduring power of Scripture.

Conclusion

The “Called” reading plan serves as a powerful reminder that our calling begins with identity, is shaped through discipline, and is expressed through humble service. God’s purpose for our lives unfolds as we remain faithful, steward what He has entrusted to us, and stay open to continual growth—motivated by passion rooted in Him.

Summary

We are created with purpose and a God-given identity.
Spiritual discipline is essential for growth and maturity.
True leadership is rooted in serving others, not position.
Each person has unique gifts meant to be stewarded faithfully.
Faithfulness matters more than recognition.
Holy passion, not frustration, should motivate our service.
Contentment should never lead to complacency.
Our calling continues until the very end, as God works through His Word.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Where Is Adam’s Missing Rib? Faith Meets Science

One of the most discussed verses in the Bible regarding creation is found in Genesis 2:21–22, where Scripture says that God formed woman from the rib of man. This passage has raised many questions over the years—especially a common one: If God took a rib from Adam, why don’t men today have a missing rib? And how does science relate to this account?

Rather than seeing faith and science as opposing forces, we can understand this passage more deeply by recognizing what the Bible is teaching—and what it is not trying to teach.

The Biblical Purpose: Meaning, Not Anatomy

Genesis is not written as a medical or biological textbook. Its primary purpose is to reveal God’s design, intention, and order in creation. When God formed woman from man’s rib, the message is deeply symbolic:

Not from the head – not to rule over man
Not from the feet – not to be trampled
From the side – to stand beside him
Close to the heart – to be loved and cherished

The rib signifies equality, unity, and intimacy. Woman was not created as an afterthought but as a purposeful companion, completing what was “not good” when man was alone (Genesis 2:18).

Why Men Don’t Have a Missing Rib

Many assume that if God removed a rib from Adam, men today should have fewer ribs. But this assumption misunderstands both creation and inheritance.

Adam was directly created by God; his body was not formed through biological reproduction. Changes God made to Adam’s body at creation do not automatically pass genetically to future generations. For example, if a man loses a limb today, his children are still born with all their limbs.

So the absence of a “missing rib” today does not contradict Scripture in any way.

Does Science Say Ribs Grow Back?

From a scientific perspective, ribs do not normally grow back entirely if removed. However, bone tissue does have regenerative capacity, especially when the periosteum (the outer layer of bone) remains intact. In some medical cases—especially in children—partial rib regeneration has been observed.

But the key point is this: God is not limited by natural processes. The Creator who formed Adam from dust and breathed life into him is fully capable of healing, restoring, or completing what He chose to take—whether naturally or supernaturally.

Faith and Science Are Not Enemies

Science explains how the natural world functions. Scripture explains why it exists and who created it. When we read Genesis with humility, we understand that the rib account is not about human anatomy debates, but about God’s intentional design for relationship, partnership, and unity.

As Genesis 2:24 declares:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

The rib reminds us that man and woman were created for one another, equal in value, distinct in role, and united in purpose under God.

Conclusion

The question of the rib is not meant to lead us into doubt, but into awe. God’s Word reveals a profound truth: humanity was created for relationship—with God and with one another. Science may explore the mechanics of the body, but Scripture reveals the heart of the Creator.

When faith and science are rightly understood, they do not contradict—they point us to the wisdom of the same God who designed both.

Monday, September 15, 2025

Orthodox Christianity and Beliefs

Over the years, we have seen people switch from one religion to another. Every religion, in some way, seeks to gain new converts. Some groups do not accept others, while others actively welcome those who are seeking truth.

Even within Christianity, people often change denominations or groups. Most of the time, this happens because they are seeking better alignment with the Bible, or they have gained new understanding of their faith.

For example, many have moved from Orthodox traditions to Protestant churches, sometimes finding a home in Pentecostal fellowships. In recent years, I have also met people who have moved in the opposite direction—from Protestant backgrounds to Orthodox traditions—often citing reasons like their love for liturgy and a sense of historic continuity with the early church.

Key Differences to Understand

When we look at why people switch, it is helpful to understand the differences between how various groups see Scripture, Tradition, and Revelation:

Scripture (The Bible)
- Protestant / Evangelical / Pentecostal: Believe the Bible is the sole authority ("Sola Scriptura") for faith and practice.
- Orthodox & Catholic: See the Bible as central but part of a larger tradition handed down through the Church.
Tradition (Church Practices and Teachings)
- Protestant / Pentecostal: Respect tradition but test it against Scripture. If tradition contradicts Scripture, Scripture wins.
- Orthodox & Catholic: Place high value on Church Fathers, liturgy, and centuries-old practices—considering them essential for properly interpreting the Bible.
Revelation (How God Speaks Today)
- Pentecostal: Believe God still speaks through the Holy Spirit, giving guidance, prophecy, and direction in alignment with Scripture.
- Evangelical / Protestant: Generally emphasize the sufficiency of the Bible, with careful discernment about claims of new revelation.
- Orthodox & Catholic: Believe God speaks through Scripture and Tradition, with less emphasis on personal revelation.

In short, Pentecostals critique Orthodox Christianity for being “ritualistic, hierarchical, and stagnant,” while Orthodox critique Pentecostalism for being “subjective, doctrinally loose, and lacking historical continuity.”

Key Faith Statements of Orthodox Christianity

Orthodox Christianity is rooted in the early church and emphasizes continuity with the teachings of the Church Fathers and Ecumenical Councils.

1. Authority of Tradition

Belief: Scripture is authoritative, but it is interpreted within the Sacred Tradition of the Church — including the writings of the Church Fathers, the Ecumenical Councils, and the liturgy.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Affirm Sola Scriptura — the Bible alone is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- Tradition is valuable but must be tested by Scripture (Acts 17:11 – Bereans examining everything).

2. Sacramental Life

Belief: Salvation and grace are received through the sacraments (mysteries) — baptism, chrismation, Eucharist, confession, etc.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Agree baptism and communion are important but view them as symbols and testimonies of grace already received by faith, not the means of salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Emphasize personal faith and repentance as the starting point of salvation.

3. Deification (Theosis)

Belief: The ultimate goal of salvation is union with God (becoming “partakers of the divine nature,” 2 Peter 1:4).
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Agree that transformation into Christ’s likeness is the goal (Romans 8:29) but clarify that humans never become divine.
- Stress the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification — an ongoing work leading to holiness and empowerment for mission.

4. Veneration of Saints and Mary

Belief: Saints and Mary are honored and can intercede for believers before God. Icons are windows to heaven and aid in worship.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Respect saints as examples of faith (Hebrews 12:1) but teach that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Prayer should be directed to God alone through Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

5. Liturgical Worship

Belief: Worship is sacramental, highly liturgical, and rooted in ancient tradition. The Divine Liturgy is central.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Emphasize Spirit-led, participatory, and contemporary forms of worship (John 4:23–24).
- Value freedom of expression and the active use of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12–14).

6. View of Salvation

Belief: Salvation is a process — baptism starts it, sacraments sustain it, and perseverance completes it.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Teach that salvation begins with a personal new birth by grace through faith (John 3:3, Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Works and obedience follow as evidence of true salvation, not as its basis.

7. Eschatology

Belief: Focus on the final resurrection, new creation, and judgment but less emphasis on rapture or millennial views.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Often emphasize Christ’s imminent return, evangelism urgency, and hope of resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Fellowship or Groupism?

One of the greatest blessings of being part of a church is fellowship. Fellowship is more than just casual interaction; it is a spiritual bond that unites us as one body in Christ. In a time when the world is becoming increasingly isolated and people are drowning in loneliness, fellowship is not optional—it is vital for our growth in the Lord and for the health of the church.

Unfortunately, what often creeps into churches today is not true fellowship but groupism. Groupism happens when people only relate, talk, and associate with a few selected individuals, closing themselves off from the rest of the body. Instead of building bridges, groupism builds walls.

Fellowship vs. Groupism

Fellowship:

Inclusive: Welcomes everyone as part of the body of Christ.
Christ-centered: Built on love, prayer, and encouragement in the Lord.
Strengthening: Helps each believer grow stronger in faith.
Reflects heaven: Displays unity in diversity, showing the love of God to the world.

Groupism:

Exclusive: Selects only a few, leaving others out.
Self-centered: Based on comfort, preference, or culture rather than Christ.
Weakening: Isolates members and hinders spiritual growth.
Divisive: Creates exclusive groups and destroys the unity of the church.

How It Impacts Our Walk with the Lord

When we live in fellowship, we are reminded that we are not walking alone. We share burdens, celebrate victories, and pray for one another. The New Testament is full of “one another” commands—love one another, serve one another, encourage one another. Fellowship is where these commands come alive.

But when groupism takes over, believers are left feeling unseen, unwanted, and disconnected. This leads to spiritual dryness and, in many cases, people drifting away from church altogether. Without fellowship, we become easy targets for discouragement and temptation.

Practical Steps to Build Fellowship

Fellowship does not just happen automatically—we have to be intentional. Here are some practical ways:

Talk to new people – Make it a point to greet someone you don’t know. Even a simple smile and kind word can make them feel welcome.
Stay after service – Don’t run away as soon as the benediction is said. Take a few minutes to greet others, especially new visitors.
Join smaller gatherings – Participate in prayer meetings, Bible studies, or fellowship dinners. These smaller settings help you connect and know people more personally.
Step out of your comfort zone – Don’t just stick to your close circle. Try sitting in a different spot, invite someone new for coffee, or ask someone how you can pray for them.
Be intentional – Fellowship is a discipline. It requires effort, but the rewards are eternal.

The Challenge of Our Generation

The world around us is becoming increasingly isolated. People may have thousands of online connections but very few real, life-giving relationships. This reality is a wake-up call for the church: if we do not guard and intentionally nurture fellowship, even church members will soon be lost in the loneliness that plagues society.

The greatest challenge for the church today is not just to attract people from outside, but to maintain the fellowship of those already inside. We must be intentional in reaching out beyond our comfort zones, breaking down walls of division, and fostering genuine relationships centered in Christ.

A Call to Action

Fellowship matters. It is the lifeline of the church and the anchor for our walk with God. As members of the body of Christ, let us:

Welcome everyone with the love of Christ.
Refuse to be trapped in Exclusive groups.
Encourage one another in prayer and word.
Build a community where no one feels alone.

When we do this, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who came not for a select few but for all.

Monday, September 1, 2025

A Ministry Giant with a Painful Home

When we think of John Wesley, we often remember him as the founder of Methodism, the fiery preacher on horseback, and the man God used to bring revival across England. Yet behind the powerful ministry was a personal life marked by deep struggle—particularly in his marriage to Mary “Molly” Vazeille Wesley.

A Difficult Union

Wesley married Molly, a wealthy widow, in 1751. Their marriage, however, quickly became strained. Wesley’s relentless ministry schedule—often gone for months traveling and preaching—left Molly feeling neglected and resentful.

Mistrust grew as she accused him of improper attachments to female supporters, though no evidence of misconduct was ever proven. Their conflicts became public, damaging Wesley’s reputation at times. Eventually, Molly left him, returning only briefly before leaving permanently in 1771. Wesley wrote bluntly in his journal:

“I did not forsake her, I did not dismiss her, I will not recall her.”

Pain in the Parsonage

Wesley once described marriage as his “cross,” a sobering reminder that even spiritual giants face struggles at home. His situation highlights several realities:

Ministry Pressure Strains Marriage
Wesley’s calling demanded constant travel, but it came at the expense of his marriage. Ministers today also wrestle with the tension between church duties and family responsibilities.
Neglect Opens Doors to Bitterness
Molly felt sidelined and undervalued. Unmet emotional needs can easily turn into resentment, especially when one spouse feels “second place” to the ministry.
Unresolved Conflict Spills Over Publicly
Their quarrels became known to others, and Molly even spread accusations against Wesley. What begins as private pain can damage public witness if not handled carefully.
God Works Through Imperfect Vessels
Despite his marital struggles, God used John Wesley mightily. His personal weakness did not cancel God’s calling—but it does remind us that private life matters deeply.

Lessons for Today’s Leaders

Guard Your Marriage: Ministry must not consistently come before family. Paul reminds us that a leader must “manage his own household well” (1 Timothy 3:4).
Pursue Partnership, Not Neglect: Healthy ministry grows when spouses are engaged and supported in the call, not left behind.
Deal with Conflict Early: Bitterness unresolved becomes bitterness multiplied. Leaders must seek help, accountability, and reconciliation quickly.
Depend on Grace: God’s work continues through imperfect people, but leaders should not use grace as an excuse to neglect their families.

Conclusion

John Wesley’s marriage is a sobering reminder that even great ministers can stumble in their family life. His story does not diminish his legacy but instead calls us to learn: ministry success should never come at the expense of covenant faithfulness at home.

Prayer:
“Lord, help us to honor our marriages as much as our ministries. Give us wisdom to balance the work of the gospel with the care of our families, that both our public witness and our private lives may bring glory to You.”

Friday, July 18, 2025

Role of Miracles in Church Growth

In the modern church, there is often debate about the place of miracles. Are they still needed? Do they have a role in evangelism or church growth today? To answer that, we must look back at the early church — specifically, the book of Acts — and ask: What role did miracles play in the growth of the church then?

The book of Acts is more than a history of the first-century believers; it’s a blueprint for mission, a testimony of the Holy Spirit’s power, and a record of how a small group of people turned the world upside down — in part, through miraculous signs and wonders.

Let’s explore the key roles miracles played in the expansion of the early church and what we can learn from them today.

🔹 1. Miracles Validated the Gospel Message

In a time when many claimed religious authority, miracles served as a divine signature, authenticating the message of Jesus Christ.

“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”
– Acts 2:43

Signs and wonders confirmed that the apostles were not preaching human ideas but divine truth. The miracles gave weight to their words, proving that God was at work among them.

🔹 2. Miracles Drew the Crowds

Throughout Acts, we see a pattern: a miracle occurs, a crowd gathers, and a Gospel sermon follows.

A prime example is Acts 3, where Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate. The miracle becomes the spark for a powerful sermon that leads to thousands believing.

“But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”
– Acts 4:4

Miracles caught attention — but they were never the end goal. They opened the door for the message of Christ.

🔹 3. Miracles Led to Salvation and Church Growth

Miracles were not merely impressive moments; they often resulted in transformed lives and growing congregations.

“The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people... more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.”
– Acts 5:12,14

People weren’t just amazed — they repented, believed, and joined the fellowship of believers. Miracles led to faith.

🔹 4. Miracles Demonstrated the Power of the Holy Spirit

Miracles in Acts weren’t limited to healing — they included deliverance, prophecy, divine protection, and boldness in preaching.

In Acts 13, when Paul blinds the sorcerer Elymas, the Roman proconsul sees the power of God and believes in Jesus.

“When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.”
– Acts 13:12

Miracles showed that the Gospel was not just words, but power.

🔹 5. Miracles Confirmed the Inclusion of All People

One of the most profound miracles in Acts wasn’t just physical healing — it was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles.

In Acts 10, while Peter is preaching at Cornelius' house, the Spirit falls, and the Gentiles speak in tongues. This miraculous moment confirms their place in God’s family.

“The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.”
– Acts 10:45

Miracles in Acts were not just signs of power — they were signs of inclusion and unity.

🔹 6. Miracles Sparked Regional Revival – Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa

The Gospel didn't stay in Jerusalem. As the apostles traveled, miracles became tools that opened entire regions to Christ.

✅ Lydda and Sharon – Acts 9:32–35

Peter heals a paralyzed man named Aeneas in Lydda. The result?

“All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
(Acts 9:35)

This wasn’t just an individual healing — it led to a regional awakening. Both towns saw the miracle and were moved to repentance and faith. One miracle led to mass conversions.

✅ Joppa – Acts 9:36–42

In Joppa, a beloved disciple named Tabitha (also called Dorcas) dies. Peter is called, and through prayer, she is raised back to life.

“This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”
(Acts 9:42)

Again, the miracle wasn’t the focus — it was the faith that followed. These stories illustrate how miracles led to revival not just in individuals, but in entire communities.

🔹 7. Miracles Were Not the Focus — But Jesus Christ

It’s important to note: miracles were not the foundation of the church, Jesus was. The church grew through:

The preaching of the Word,
The power of the Holy Spirit,
Fellowship, discipleship, and sacrifice.

“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
– Acts 2:47

Miracles served the mission, not replaced it. They drew attention, but the message of Christ crucified and risen brought transformation.

🙏 What Does This Mean for Us Today?

We may not see miracles in the same frequency as Acts, but the God of Acts has not changed. When His people walk in unity, boldness, and obedience, miracles often follow. They are not for show, but for mission. Not to entertain, but to point to Jesus.

Let us seek not just the miraculous, but the Messiah behind the miracle. Let our churches not rely on signs, but also not ignore them. Let miracles — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual — serve their purpose: to glorify Jesus, strengthen faith, and lead many to salvation.

The Church in Acts grew because it was saturated in the Spirit, centered on Christ, and surrendered to God’s purposes.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Stories Are Meant to Spark Action

Missionary stories are not bedtime fairy tales. They are battle reports from the frontlines of faith. They are not just for reflection; they are meant to ignite action.

Yes, let’s talk about the great cloud of witnesses who went before us. Let’s honor their memory. But let’s also ask the hard question:

👉 What are we doing with what we’ve heard?

Missionary history should not just fill our journals—it should shape our footsteps. If we are always talking about what others did, but never stepping out to do the same, we are living in spiritual nostalgia instead of active obedience.

A Legacy for the Next Generation

We often talk about how past missionaries were remembered for their boldness and sacrifice. But have we paused to consider:

Will the next generation remember us the same way?

Will they look back and say,
"They lived for the Kingdom."
"They gave sacrificially."
"They didn't just read about the mission—they lived it."

We must live with a commitment and conviction that our lives, too, will be a testimony of God's faithfulness and our obedience. Not for applause, but for the sake of the Gospel and the glory of God.

Moving Forward With Faith

It’s wonderful to talk about missions. It’s needed. But talk is not the finish line—obedience is.

Maybe God is calling you to go.
Maybe He’s calling you to send, support, or mobilize.
Maybe He’s nudging you to pray consistently or give sacrificially.

Whatever your role, don’t stay stuck at admiration. Let the legacy of missionaries past move you forward in faith. Don’t just honor their steps—walk in them.

Let us be a generation not only moved by the stories of others but also committed to becoming stories worth telling.

“Here am I. Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8