When Culture Clashes with the Cross
Devotional week 34
The world is a fantastic place, displaying the wonders and riches of so many different cultures. This is how God intended it to be. John describes in the book of Revelation how, in the New Jerusalem, the nations will bring their glory and honor—their splendor and riches—into the city (Revelation 21:24–26.). Can you imagine the colors, sounds, smells, and noises we will take in on that day? But until then, we live in a world where culture has been infested by sin, and traditions can be harmful—yes, even outright evil like the burying of children alive to appease the gods.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
The phrase "divide and conquer" appears early in the Bible. In Genesis 11, at the Tower of Babel, humanity was united in purpose but driven by pride. Together, they sought to make a name for themselves, reaching the heavens without God. The outcome? The creation of languages—not as a blessing, but as a barrier. A divider that scattered people and disrupted their shared ambitions. Fast-forward to today: misunderstanding, suspicion, and division still afflict us…
Sent but Not Strangers
Devotional week 33
I was sitting in a coffee shop enjoying my coffee when a lady approached and said, "Do you know that you are called for the nations?" I answered with an annoyed, “Yes,” hoping the lady would go away and not start another conversation about my so-called "calling". Fortunately, she did not get the hint, and the conversation we had convinced me that I had to pray and think more seriously about how I understood the Great Commission.
Planted, Not Misplaced
Devotional week 32
I had never left my home state in the South before. So when I moved to the North for the first time, it felt like stepping into a different world. The journey was long and dusty. The roads stretched endlessly. The weather was dry and hot, unlike the green, humid South I was used to. Then came the food — different textures, different tastes. Everything felt unfamiliar. I missed home almost immediately.
The Gift We Often Resist
Devotional week 31
Sometimes, receiving feedback feels like a slap, sudden, uncomfortable, and difficult to accept. Our first instinct might be to defend ourselves or walk away. But in Psalm 141:5, David invites us to see correction differently. He describes it as a kindness, as something valuable and healing, like fine oil. That is a very different way of thinking.
Feedback as a Reflection of God’s Grace in the Workplace
Devotional week 30
In the workplace, feedback can often feel like a necessary but uncomfortable part of professional life. Yet, when seen through the lens of our faith, feedback becomes more than just a performance tool — it becomes a way to reflect God’s grace.
Receiving and Offering Feedback: A Humble and Wise Approach
We constantly receive and give feedback. But how effectively can we handle such input, especially when it comes in the form of correction? And how well do we give feedback when we notice something wrong and want to assist those around us?
Giving Feedback with Grace and Wisdom
Devotional week 29
Words are like eggs, once they are broken, you cannot put them back together. That is why it matters how we speak, especially in tense situations.
When emotions are raw, it is tempting to speak quickly, harshly, or defensively. We may feel the urge to correct someone immediately or prove our point without thinking. But feedback given in anger often leaves behind damage that can’t be undone.
Shaped by Feedback: Slowing Down to Listen
Devotional week 28
Receiving feedback is rarely easy. Our natural instinct is often to defend ourselves, justify our choices, or quietly dismiss what’s been said. Yet God, in His wisdom, has designed community partly so that we might grow through one another’s observations—even when they sting.