In Isaiah 20:1–6, God commands the prophet Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and sandals and walk naked and barefoot for three years. At first glance, this instruction appears shocking and even controversial. But upon closer examination, we discover a deep theological purpose: God was using Isaiah as a living sign of impending judgment.
“At the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, ‘Go, and remove the sackcloth from your body, and take your sandals off your feet.’ And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.” (Isaiah 20:2, NKJV)
Egypt and Cush (modern-day Ethiopia) were powerful allies of Judah. Many in Judah placed their political and military hope in Egypt rather than trusting in the Lord (see Isaiah 30:1–3). But both nations were steeped in idolatry and pride.
God’s judgment against them would be both severe and shameful: their people would be taken captive, stripped naked, and led away in chains—an act symbolizing humiliation and defeat.
“So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.” (Isaiah 20:4, NKJV)
In Scripture, nakedness often symbolizes shame and vulnerability—particularly spiritual exposure (Genesis 3:7, Revelation 3:17). After Adam and Eve sinned, they realized they were naked and hid. That was not just physical shame—it was the awareness of guilt and separation from God.
Likewise, Isaiah’s nakedness became a prophetic symbol: if people trusted in human strength (like Egypt), instead of God, they would be exposed and judged.
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!” (Isaiah 31:1, NKJV)
God often used prophetic acts to illustrate His message in a dramatic, unforgettable way:
Isaiah’s nakedness fit this prophetic tradition—God using His messengers as signs to confront sin and awaken repentance.
The greatest prophetic sign came in the person of Jesus Christ, who was also exposed and humiliated on the cross. Contrary to most artistic depictions, crucifixion victims were often stripped completely to maximize shame.
“They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.” (Matthew 27:28, NKJV)
Though sinless, Jesus bore our shame and judgment, naked before the world, to restore what Adam lost.
“Looking unto Jesus… who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV)
Jesus’ crucifixion wasn’t just a method of execution—it was a prophetic act that declared: without repentance, all humanity remains spiritually exposed.
“Then Jesus, turning to them, said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.’” (Luke 23:28, NKJV)
Jesus wept over Jerusalem, warning that its rejection of God’s offer of salvation would lead to ruin (Luke 19:41–44). In 70 A.D., this came to pass. The Roman army under General Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple.
Historian Flavius Josephus records that thousands of Jews were crucified—naked—outside the city walls. Up to 500 per day were executed during the siege. Trees ran out due to the number of crucifixions.
This horrifying event fulfilled Jesus’ prophetic warnings (see Matthew 24, Luke 21), and mirrored the symbolic judgments of Isaiah 20.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, which thought itself wealthy and self-sufficient. But spiritually, it was “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”
“I counsel you to buy from Me… white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.” (Revelation 3:18, NKJV)
The warning is clear: many believers today may appear outwardly strong, but inwardly lack the spiritual covering of Christ’s righteousness.
Just as Isaiah was a warning to Egypt and Cush, and Jesus a warning to Israel, so today the Word of God warns us: stay clothed in righteousness.
“Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15, NKJV)
The only garment that can cover our spiritual shame is the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ—washed in His blood.
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” (Romans 4:7, NKJV)
Isaiah’s message still speaks. Don’t trust in worldly powers. Don’t ignore God’s warnings. Don’t live spiritually naked. Instead:
“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:14, NKJV)
May the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified forever. Amen. Be blessed.
In Matthew 5:20–22, Jesus delivers a powerful message that shifts the focus from mere outward actions to the inward condition of the heart:
Matthew 5:20–22 (NIV)“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
This teaching radically redefines sin—not just as a physical act like murder, but as something rooted in the attitudes and motives of the heart.
I once experienced deep frustration toward someone who offended me. I didn’t shout or confront them directly, but I let my emotions show. Later, while venting to someone else, I referred to the person as “very foolish” and explained what they had done to me.
At first, I felt justified in how I expressed my anger. But later, I began to feel convicted and uneasy in my spirit. I knew something was off. So I prayed, asking God to reveal the root of the issue.
When I opened my Bible, the first verse I read was Matthew 5:22. It was as if God was directly confronting my heart. I had read the verse before but never truly grasped its meaning—especially the word “Raca.”
The term “Raca” comes from the Aramaic language and was used as an insult meaning “empty-headed” or “worthless.” According to Bible dictionaries and scholarly sources, it’s equivalent to calling someone “brainless,” “idiot,” or “good-for-nothing.”
In modern language, words like “stupid,” “fool,” “dumb,” and “loser” carry similar weight. Though they might seem minor or harmless in casual conversation, Jesus warns that such words carry serious moral and spiritual consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
James 3:9–10 (NIV)“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Words reveal what’s truly in our hearts. Jesus made it clear that using contemptuous language—especially toward fellow believers—is spiritually dangerous and worthy of judgment.
Jesus’ message in Matthew 5 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where He consistently deepens the Old Testament commandments, showing that the law’s true fulfillment involves inward transformation—not just outward behavior.
For example:
These teachings fulfill, not abolish, the law:
Matthew 5:17 (NIV)“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Even revered Old Testament figures like David, Moses, or Solomon operated with partial understanding (1 Corinthians 13:9–10). While David wrote many psalms condemning fools and evildoers, and Moses permitted practices like polygamy, Jesus brought a perfect revelation of God’s heart and intention.
John 1:17 (NIV)“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV)“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…”
So as Christians, we follow Jesus’ standard, not just the Old Covenant examples. As John the Baptist declared:
John 3:30 (NIV)“He must become greater; I must become less.”
From this experience and Scripture, I’ve learned that calling someone “fool,” “idiot,” or any word that devalues them is not just a slip of the tongue—it reflects a heart issue. Jesus challenges us not only to avoid sin, but to uproot the conditions that lead to it—like anger, pride, and contempt.
1 John 3:15 (NIV)“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
This doesn’t mean we can’t correct others. But correction must be rooted in love, not frustration or judgment. For example, saying “That was an unwise decision” is different from calling someone “stupid.” One seeks restoration; the other wounds.
To my fellow believer reading this:Do not use Scripture—especially from the Old Testament—as a justification to curse others, condemn them, or expose their weaknesses. Jesus calls us to a higher standard of mercy, humility, and heart-level holiness.
You don’t have to commit murder to be guilty—harboring hate or speaking with contempt is enough to separate us from God. But through repentance and the grace of Christ, we can be renewed.
Let us grow daily from glory to glory, being transformed into His image, and learning from our mistakes:
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)“And we all… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
May God help us all to live in a way that honors Him, not just in our actions, but in our words and in our hearts.
God bless you richly.
When we speak of Abraham, we call him the Father of Faith. Because of what kind of faith he had in his God, even though he had to wait many years for the son God had promised. Even though age had advanced for both him and his wife, and it seemed impossible he did not give up hope. He continued to believe and waited patiently until God fulfilled His promise. And then, in his old age, God tested him again: He asked Abraham to offer that very son as a sacrifice. Yet Abraham did not waver he obeyed. This courageous obedience moved God.
But was that alone enough for God to make Abraham the Father of Faith the example for all believers, including you and me? No. There is something deeper we must understand, which I want to speak about today.
When you read the book of Hebrews, you’ll see another dimension of Abraham’s faith. For example:
Hebrews 11:8 – “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:9–10 – “By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
If you look closely at those verses, you’ll see that Abraham had his eyes fixed on something more than just what God had promised him physically. And that is why, through his life, he was undisturbed by delays (like waiting for a child) or by extreme tests (like being asked to offer his son). He was living with a longer‑term vision.
Look again at verse 9: “By faith he made his home … like a stranger in a foreign land.” He didn’t cling to the earthly promise as though it were his ultimate home.
Remember: God had called Abraham from the land of Ur of the Chaldeans and brought him into Canaan the place God promised him: a land of blessing, a nation strong, descendants numerous, riches, power. Imagine: God tells you, “Through you nations will be blessed, you will be a mighty offspring… you will possess the gates of your enemies…” You could feel special, privileged, maybe even entitled. You could easily live as though the promise was all about you, your fame, your comfort.
But Abraham didn’t. He had a different focus. He didn’t place his hope on the physical blessings alone on having many children, great wealth, or a grand empire. He pondered quietly: “If God could make me a great nation, if the land is mine, then why the delay? What lies behind all this promise?” He realised his life was a picture of something yet to come beyond this world. He understood that his life was a lesson, a voice of God speaking about things to come, the things behind the curtain.
That’s why even after having the material blessings Abraham lived in the very land that was his by promise, but as someone passing through. The Scriptures say he lived in tents with his wife Sarah, as if this land were not his permanent home. A wealthy man, yet he didn’t build palaces. What does this tell us? It shows that he lived as a pilgrim on this earth.
Was he unimportant in God’s eyes? Not at all. But his focus was not the temporal. He was looking ahead. He looked for “the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). He didn’t build it himself. He lived in the promise, but he looked beyond the promise.
That city is none other than the New Jerusalem — the heavenly city, the Bride of Christ.
And it is this mindset, this vision, that made God pleased with Abraham and made him a model for everyone who is to come.
Dear friend, maybe you’ve been waiting for God to fulfill a promise a child, a home, provision, healing. Perhaps you already have it. But are you convinced that this is all God intends for you?
Don’t mistake earthly fulfilment for the fullness of God’s will. Yes, God keeps His word. But unless you have the understanding Abraham had, you risk missing the greatest inheritance. As Jesus said:
Matthew 8:11–12 – “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
You see? Not everyone who calls themselves a believer will sit with Abraham. Not everyone will enter the heavenly city. Only those who live with that higher vision.
The New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ the redeemed, purified, perfected ones. Not everyone who claims the name “Christian” qualifies. Just as not all Israelites were true Israel, not all believers will be part of the Bride. There is a distinction between outward profession and inward transformation, between the visible fellowship and the genuine pilgrimage.
Those who will inhabit the city are described this way in Scripture:
Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Isaiah 35:8 – “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.”
If you sense that something’s missing in your life, there is still time. The city is being prepared, the door remains open — but not forever. Let not the treasures of this world, or the distraction of earthly gain, keep you from the greater journey.
Revelation 21:1–4 – “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. … I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. … Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people. … He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
The foundations of that city are not built on wealth, fame, or earthly success. They are built on apostles and prophets — God’s Word. The materials reflect holiness, calling, purity. Precious stones. Pure gold. Light from God. Nothing unclean will enter.
So, I ask you: Are you part of that Holy City? Is your life aligned with the Bride of Christ? If He returned today, are you completely ready to go with Him? Are you living with a heavenly perspective, or just earthly comfort?
Have you been washed, born anew, baptized (fully immersed) in the Name of Jesus Christ? And if you have — does your life reflect holiness? Because Scripture warns:
Without holiness no one will see the Lord.
If you find that something is lacking — this is your moment. While there is time — while the door of grace remains open — pursue the higher calling. Let your waiting not be for the land only, but for the city whose builder and maker is God Himself.
Isaiah 35:8 (again) — “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness…”
My prayer for you: That you will repent today, that you will be washed clean, clothed in Christ, and empowered to live in holiness and purity.
May you be richly blessed.
Lack of self-control is the inability to restrain yourself from doing something that shouldn’t be done at that moment. For example, when someone is drunk, they might end up urinating on themselves right there, or their mouth starts saying nonsense, maybe insulting others or acting crazy. That’s a clear sign of losing self-control things they wouldn’t do if they were sober and in their right mind.
The Bible tells us that one of the major signs showing we are living in the last days is the rise of many people who cannot control themselves. This lack of self-control isn’t about basic bodily functions like going to the bathroom; it’s about openly committing evil in front of others without restraint. This passage doesn’t refer to good people but to the wicked ones to distinguish the evil of the past from the evil of the last days. Remember, the wicked of old still had some measure of self-control, but according to the Bible, the wicked of the last days won’t have any at all.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
In the past, prostitutes hid themselves. They worked secretly, dressing provocatively only at night in their specific areas. Outside that, you wouldn’t find them roaming the streets openly exposing themselves. It never happened that they walked boldly around in broad daylight showing themselves. But now, prostitutes can no longer restrain themselves. They’ve lost the ability to control their desires. The fear of people seeing or judging them is gone. They freely take nude photos and make inappropriate videos — which they boldly post on social media for everyone to see. Even worse, many are well-known people who want their filth to reach as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. These are clear signs of the last days.
It’s not that such things never happened before the Bible says there’s nothing new under the sun. But why does it seem like evil has increased today? The truth is that evil itself hasn’t necessarily increased in quantity, but what’s changed is that people today have lost what we call self-control. The spirit of not caring has taken over “live your life,” “mind your own business.” This spirit rules their hearts. That’s why it’s not surprising to see people making videos with animals or other shocking acts it no longer embarrasses them to expose their shame. It’s very sad!
Public cursing was unheard of in the past, but now profanity is everywhere on the streets, in secular music, on social media. Adults and children alike say things you wouldn’t believe could come out of their mouths.
Homosexuals and transgender people openly declare themselves without fear, even though they know the laws forbid such acts and the punishment is severe. They don’t care anymore if they don’t fear the government, how much less the God they don’t see? This is lack of self-control.
Even traditional witch doctors and sorcerers who seek wealth through magic now operate openly. In the past, they hid, but today some go as far as cutting body parts from innocent people (like albinos or young girls) just to get money.
The Bible also tells us that in the last days, people will be brutal and not lovers of good. Sin becomes so powerful that it can’t be hidden it manifests openly without shame or restraint.
Another sign mentioned is “slanderers.” This means spreading harmful rumors or gossip the desire to dig into others’ lives out of curiosity and talk about their faults in a way that displeases God.
These things existed before but not so openly. Today, many cannot control themselves. They can’t mind their own business but spend their time speaking ill of others. When you see this wave growing, know that we live in the end times.
My friend, as the scripture says, “In the last days there will be very difficult times.” Those difficult times are right now. If you can’t control yourself and think everything is okay, be careful! In the past, you might have felt ashamed to wear revealing clothes in public, but now you think it’s no big deal. That means the spirit of indifference has taken hold of you.
If cursing used to bother you but now it’s part of your everyday speech, know that the spirit of not caring controls you. Like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, who couldn’t restrain themselves even wanting to assault the angels sent by God to protect them. What happened next? Before their destruction, they were struck with blindness a blindness that was eternal. The same is coming for those without self-control today. Spiritual blindness that leads to eternal destruction. Once it happens, repentance is impossible. No matter how much they hear the gospel, grace no longer reaches them.
In the past, you might have felt guilty taking bribes or cheating, but now it feels normal. You used to fear even approaching witch doctors, but now their numbers and those of fortune tellers fill your phone. You are in great danger.
You no longer restrain your body you walk half-naked in public, post indecent pictures online, and no longer fear God like before. You become a cause for others to sin by the things you post or wear. Sister, you are in great danger. Your judgment will be harsher than others. On that day, you will suffer severely if you do not repent, because you knew the truth but deliberately continued in sin. Hell is real don’t let anyone fool you otherwise.
Knowing all this, it is our duty to return to our Creator before the great destruction that will come upon the world catches us unprepared. Repent of your sins now and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit of God warns this generation: Be careful.
God bless you.
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1, NIV) “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11–13, NIV)
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1, NIV)
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11–13, NIV)
Shalom! Child of God, welcome. Let’s explore the Scriptures together. I trust that today you will learn a fresh insight that will deepen your prayer life.
Imagine this scene: Two twin children sneak out with their rich father and each asks for something extraordinary. The first says, “Dad, I saw a really nice pair of trousers in the store please buy them for me.” The other says, “Dad, I saw a large airplane flying overhead. Please buy one for me so I can fly it myself.”
Which request do you think will get answered quicker?
Clearly, the one who asked for trousers might have his request fulfilled immediately maybe even that same day. But the second child, though he asked at the same time and was heard at the same time (both were promised by the father), might wait years. Why? Because what he asked for carries greater responsibility and requires preparation.
Even though the father has the means to buy the plane right away, he knows his child isn’t ready: no knowledge of flight, no prior training, no small-plane experience. He must first send him to school, have him study science and geography, train him with smaller aircraft, and maybe twenty years later he can receive his own plane. During that time, what the father focuses on is equipping the child good teachers, books, courses so that the child can meet the goal.
Likewise, our Lord Jesus told us to always pray and not lose heart. It doesn’t mean God is ignoring us or taking pleasure in seeing us struggle. No it means He has heard us and is preparing a testimony greater than we could imagine.
You might have been praying for a long time for healing, or restoration, or a breakthrough, and nothing seems to happen. Meanwhile you see others with seemingly bigger problems receiving instant answers and you wonder, “What did I do wrong?”
You did nothing wrong. You were heard the moment you prayed. But the weight of what you prayed for is greater. It needs more preparation and maturity. So don’t lose heart.
Consider the story of Lazarus. He was very sick, perhaps with a long‑term illness. He was a close friend of Jesus. Yet despite seeing many healings around him, his own condition worsened to the point he couldn’t even leave his bed. His sisters sent for Jesus: come quickly and heal him. But Jesus stayed two more days. When He finally arrived, Lazarus had died. Then Jesus resurrected him (John 11). The question is: Why the delay?
The answer: the timing was part of the plan. The miracle that followed wasn’t simply to heal someone it was to reveal the glory of God and turn many to faith. The delay didn’t mean God didn’t care. It meant something far greater was being prepared.
So when Jesus says we should always pray and not give up, He is not saying we are ignored. He is saying: “I’ve heard you. I’m making something great out of this.” And the key to it is this:
The one thing the Lord desires us to ask for without giving up is the Holy Spirit.
It’s not ignorance to pray for health, provision, or success these are legitimate. But there is one request that surpasses them all. One that when fulfilled is like the child asking for the airplane instead of just the trousers. It’s the receiving of the Holy Spirit the One who equips us, empowers us, transforms us.
Jesus taught:
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9, NIV) … “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13, NIV)
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9, NIV)
…
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13, NIV)
Notice that Jesus didn’t say “I’ll give you wealth” or “I’ll give you health” — He said our Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. That shows us how vital this gift is.
Why does this matter?
Receiving the Spirit is not simply speaking in tongues or a one‑time event (though it may include those). It means asking, receiving, and continuing to live under His empowerment. It means growing in the Spirit, allowing Him to shape you, equip you, prepare you for the mission God has for you, just like John the Baptist, Jesus Himself, and the apostles all experienced.
So, let’s not give up. Keep asking God. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Even if you don’t see the answer right away, know this: God has heard you. He is preparing you. He is aligning everything for the right moment.
Ask for the Holy Spirit. Persist in that prayer. Hold on. The request you carry may be heavier and far more glorious than you realise but that means it’s worth waiting for.
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17‑18, NIV)
May you be blessed richly, and may you be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit.
Shalom.
Many people struggle to hear the voice of God in their lives. This often happens because they don’t truly know the One they are praying to or perhaps because of how they were taught by their spiritual leaders.
Some have been told that when God speaks, it will sound like another person’s voice inside them, giving instructions and that this experience only comes once someone reaches a certain “spiritual level.”
Because of this, many people strive and struggle to reach that point trying to hear the Holy Spirit as if He were speaking audibly within them. But sadly, most end up hearing nothing, grow discouraged, and conclude that God doesn’t speak to them or that He is difficult to reach.
Yet the Lord reminds us in His Word:
Isaiah 65:12 (NIV)“For when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”
Do you see that?God speaks to everyone He calls, but we don’t respond. The problem isn’t that God is silent; it’s that we don’t recognize His voice. We want God to speak on our terms how we expect Him to but we aren’t willing to listen on His terms. And that’s where we miss Him.
The primary way God speaks to His people is through His Word. If the Word of God doesn’t live in you, it will be difficult to recognize His voice. He may speak but you won’t understand.
That’s why the first thing God does in someone’s life is to fill them with His Word so that when He speaks, they can hear and understand clearly.
Let’s look at a few examples from everyday life.
Imagine a woman named Rachel. She has worked faithfully in the same position for years, yet she’s often overlooked, criticized, and treated unfairly. She prays with tears, asking God to promote her to lift her higher.
But soon after praying, things at work get even worse. The mistreatment increases, her workload doubles, her boss dislikes her more, and yet her salary stays the same. Rachel begins to think, “God hasn’t heard my prayers.” Discouraged, she gives up.
But what was God’s plan for Rachel?
At home, Rachel is a married Christian woman with two children and a housemaid who helps with household chores. Rachel loves her family—but she treats her maid harshly. She wakes her up very early, gives her too much work, scolds her often, and never appreciates her efforts. The maid works late into the night but never receives extra pay or rest.
Now notice: the same way Rachel treats her maid is exactly how she is being treated at work.
When Rachel prayed, God answered but not in the way she expected. He allowed her to experience what her maid experiences, so that she might learn through His Word.
If Rachel had paused to reflect on Scripture, she might have heard God saying:
Matthew 7:12 (NIV)“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”
Luke 6:38 (NIV)“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
That was God’s voice to Rachel. Because He loved her, He answered her prayer according to His Word.
If she had recognized His voice, she would have repented treated her maid kindly, allowed her time to rest, and raised her pay. And without striving or struggling, she would have soon seen transformation at work: favor with her boss, promotion, peace, and blessing.
God’s Word proves true:
“For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Another woman prays earnestly for a husband someone who is loving, God-fearing, and mature. Shortly after, she hears a sermon about how Christian women should dress modestly, in a way that pleases God. The preacher reads:
1 Timothy 2:9–10 (NIV)“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
But she brushes it off, thinking, “That’s old-fashioned.”What she doesn’t realize is that God is speaking to her preparing her heart and character to become the kind of woman a godly man is praying for.
Meanwhile, somewhere else, a man of God is praying for a modest, humble woman who lives in holiness. Because she ignores God’s gentle correction, she misses that opportunity and continues to struggle in singleness—or ends up with the wrong partner.
The problem isn’t that God didn’t answer; it’s that she didn’t recognize His voice when He spoke.
A man is suffering from a chronic illness say HIV. He prays in faith, goes from one preacher to another, even travels to different countries seeking healing but nothing happens. Eventually he loses hope and thinks, “God isn’t listening.”
But soon after he first prayed, he heard a sermon on the radio that said, “The root of all suffering is sin. The root of sickness is sin.” The preacher urged repentance and holiness, encouraging people to turn from sin and surrender their lives fully to Jesus Christ.
That message stirred his heart but he dismissed it as just another “religious talk,” not realizing that it was God’s voice calling him to repentance, which was the doorway to his healing.
If he had known God’s Word, he might have remembered:
Proverbs 3:7–8 (NIV)“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV)“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord.
Sometimes illnesses are tied to spiritual covenants that can only be broken through the new covenant in the blood of Jesus. Many people ask God for healing, deliverance, or success—but they ignore the way He speaks. They want Him to respond according to their ways, not His.
But God always works according to His Word.
Unless you are a true follower of Christ one who stands firmly in His Word you will not recognize His voice. You may pray daily, fast, and cry, yet receive nothing. The issue isn’t with God it’s with you.
Listen again to what God says:
Isaiah 66:4 (NIV)“I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”
Dear friend, hear the voice of God speaking to you today.
Do you want to be part of the Rapture? Repent! Let your sins be washed by the blood of Jesus and live a holy life.Do you want healing? Turn away from sin!Do you want deliverance? Abandon fornication, pornography, drunkenness, gossip, bribery, theft, and immodest dressing!
Stop filling your life with things that don’t build your spirit. Instead, start studying God’s Word so that when He speaks, you can recognize His voice and understand His answers.
Remember this truth:Prayers are not answered through anointing oil, water, or salt God answers only through His Word.
May God bless you richly.
Although we have the Gospel of the Cross, which is central to every person’s salvation, there is another gospel referred to in Scripture: the Eternal Gospel. This is distinct from the Cross‑gospel. The Gospel of the Cross proclaims that humanity is saved through one person—JESUS CHRIST. Any message that claims to redeem people but does not center on Jesus is false, because He alone is the way, the truth, and the life; no one can come to the Father except through Him.
Therefore, many so‑called “gospels” may promise salvation, but only one truly can save — through Jesus Christ alone, the one crucified, dead, and risen. That’s why Paul warned:
“If someone comes and preaches a different Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” — 2 Corinthians 11:4 (paraphrase)
Paul’s point is clear: there is a “Jesus” of false teaching, and a “gospel” that is not the same as what the apostles preached.
The name “eternal” means exactly that — this gospel is timeless. It existed before humanity was created, it exists now, and it will continue forever. Contrast that with the Gospel of the Cross, which has a beginning (Calvary) and an endpoint (the Rapture). Once the door of grace closes, there will be no further opportunity for salvation. What remains is the gospel that is eternal — the one that has always been.
In Revelation we read:
“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.’” — Revelation 14:6‑7 (NIV)
The Gospel of the Cross is preached. Without someone to preach it, people would never hear. As Paul explains in Romans:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? … ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” — Romans 10:13‑15 (NIV)
But the Eternal Gospel is not spread by human preaching. Instead, God places it inside a person — in their conscience. Every person is born with this inner sense of right and wrong, which acts as a witness to God’s understanding of good and evil.
This gospel is active even without formal teaching. Even those who have never heard about Jesus or read the Bible still know that murder, theft, injustice, sexual immorality, and other sins are wrong — because their conscience testifies.
The Eternal Gospel is not only for humans; it existed before time and even applies to angels, because it is truly eternal.
Because this gospel is written on people’s hearts, everyone will be judged by it, even those who never heard the Christian message. Paul talks about this in Romans 1:
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse … They knew God, but neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” — Romans 1:20‑21 (NIV) (paraphrased)
He goes on to describe how people, knowing what is right, still choose to do wrong. Their conscience knows the truth, but they reject it.
If you are living in sin — whether it’s sexual sin, substance abuse, injustice, or anything else — your conscience already knows what is right and wrong. But God does not leave you there. The only way to avoid the coming judgment is to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and rose again.
Repent, believe, and receive His power to live a new life. Time is shorter than you may think.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6 (NIV)
You’ve been wrestling with serious questions — as a Christian, one who has genuinely converted and resolved to carry your cross and follow Christ, no matter the cost. Sometimes, those questions echo not just in your mind but deep in your heart. And many times, you feel like you haven’t found real answers.
For instance, you might think: “Ever since I surrendered my life to the Lord, I’ve experienced profound peace within. But nothing much seems to change around me. When I tried to live a holy life, friends and relatives drifted away. When I stopped gossiping, people accused me of being proud. When I refused bribes, more problems surfaced at work and people began to resent me. When I helped others, I didn’t get thanks — I got criticism. When I started fasting and praying, the problems didn’t go away; in fact, they kept coming. And when I began serving God, that’s when financial difficulties peaked.”
You may even reach a point where you say: “Is there any real benefit in denying myself for this faith? I feel no gain. Those who don’t fear God seem to be the ones thriving — rich, healthy, successful — yet they reject God. Meanwhile, despite all my sacrifice and holiness, God seems not to notice me or reward me like them. What am I missing? What curse is on me? Or do they have something extra that I don’t?”
These are not shallow doubts — these are deep, honest struggles of many saints. Even King David voiced similar cries. Consider what he said:
Psalm 69:7–12 (NIV):
“For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.”
Psalm 73:1–12 (NIV):
“Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. … For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free of common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. … They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. … They say, ‘How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?’ … This is what the wicked are like — always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.”
Psalm 42:3 (NIV):
“My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’”
These words come from David and Asaph, two of God’s faithful servants — people who fasted, prayed, cried, and yet felt marginalized, mocked, or envied the wicked. Their struggle was not just emotional, but spiritual.
But here’s the good news: God heard them. He responded. In Malachi 3:13–18 (NIV), He says:
“You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the LORD.“Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’“You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’”Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. “On the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
Do you see? Your good deeds are not wasted or ignored. There is a Book of Remembrance in heaven, and it’s writing down every act of faith, every sacrifice, every moment you chose God over the world.
So if you are truly committed to Christ, don’t fall into the trap of thinking your service has no value:
Your struggles, your prayers, your sacrifice — they are not for nothing. They’re being recorded in heaven. And your reward is real.
Some final thoughts:
“though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.”
If you haven’t already, surrender wholeheartedly to Christ now — before this season of grace closes. And rest in the assurance that God sees you; He knows you; and He is writing your legacy.
**God bless you.**