It was the servants—those who carried heavy jars, fetched muddy water, and risked embarrassment—who saw firsthand what God could do. Like them, we often face moments when what God asks of us doesn’t make sense. But when we say yes—when we choose to serve behind the scenes—we become witnesses to His power in unexpected places.

“But I did not want to do anything without your consent.” (Philemon 1:14, NIV)

Here, Paul surrenders a right he could have easily claimed—keeping Onesimus at his side for gospel work—and instead seeks Philemon’s willing consent. In this small but powerful “But,” we witness the life of Christ being mirrored. When such “but” moments shape our decisions, our lives begin to reflect Christlikeness.

God appointed Joshua to succeed Moses—not because of his military skill or public popularity, but because of his heart. Joshua was a man who desired God’s presence, who lingered at the tent of meeting when others stayed at a distance. Like David, he had a heart of worship and closeness with God.

Even Naomi, who once identified with bitterness, was restored to Naomi(joy). Our own pain, failures, and losses too can be redeemed and used in God's providence. The Lord can take what is bitter—what we call “Mara”—and restore it to “Naomi” again.

The early Church of the Nazarene stood with those on the margins, not just ministering to them, but ministering with them. We are called to that same mission today: to be a church not just with a mission, but a church of the people, for the people, especially those overlooked by the world.

We are called to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and to offer our whole lives as spiritual worship. Although the path is not easy and sometimes demands sacrifice and devotion, it is the way to share in the glory with the Lord. Even amidst the rapidly changing times, we must stand firmly on the unchanging foundation of faith, aspiring to become a true church and true worshippers whose entire lives are offered to God.

The power of the resurrection is not merely a past event—it is a present reality that covers our fears and renews our hearts. God places us before the Red Sea, but it is He who fights the battle. Our part is to stand still in His calling and to step forward in faith while watching for God’s action.

 Jairus’ daughter symbolizes the visible realm—worldly success and external concern. In contrast, the woman with the issue of blood represents invisible, internal suffering and frailty. Contrary to people’s expectations, Jesus first stops and gently heals the woman who had been suffering silently and invisibly.

 You have lived this out in prayer, care, and service, and now you are called to do so again with your new pastor. The world will see Christ through your unity and love. As the early church showed, true partnership in the gospel transforms both the church and the community around it.

 Through Abraham’s calling, we are reminded that we, too, as Christians, are called to live with a spirituality of pilgrimage, leaving behind the values of this world to live in obedience to the voice of God. This “leaving” is not merely a geographic move, but a turning away from worldly values toward a new life centered on God.

Peter’s deliverance did not stop at getting up; he had to follow the angel completely out of prison. Many of us remain trapped in the prisons of fear, addiction, doubt, or grief, even after God calls us to freedom. True deliverance comes when we not only acknowledge God's help but also actively walk out of our chains.

The good news is that through Christ, our inner selves can be renewed, and those who follow Jesus will bear the fruit of true faith.

The wise, who follow the path of faith, will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. This is the calling given to all believers today. Instead of fearing the end, true faith is about becoming more like Christ and revealing Him through our lives.

Jesus introduces Himself as “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” This directly connects to the suffering the Smyrna church would endure. Just as Christ faced death on the cross but was resurrected, the believers in Smyrna, though facing trials and even martyrdom, were promised the crown of life.

While Jerusalem seemed like a grand destination to many, Jesus walked the path of the cross.The way of the world and the way of a Christian may appear similar at times, but those who live by faith must set their goal on God, seeking to become like Him. Even in life's journey, we must choose the narrow door by following God's will.

True spiritual maturity is not about self-reliance but about growing in humility and dependence on God's grace.

The essence of the end times is the fulfillment of our relationship with God, where He dwells with His people. Revelation 21 promises that God Himself will be with His people, wiping away every tear and bringing perfect restoration—free from death and suffering.

Mature faith is not about knowing much but about deeply loving God and living out that love. Because God first loved us, we too can love. His love enables us to accept our own weaknesses and embrace the weaknesses of others.

In the face of such deception, believers need not fear. John proclaims, "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4), assuring us that the Holy Spirit guides us into truth. Despite the false teachings and temptations of the world, God's people must boldly confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

Holiness is not something we achieve on our own; it is the result of God's presence shaping us. Just as Moses' face shone after being with God, we too are changed as we draw near to Him, reflecting His glory in our lives.