DEVOTIONALS | INSPIRE VERO

Ephesians 4:22-24: "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness ." Paul reminds us that following Christ is not about adding a few good habits to our old life. It is about leaving something behind. The “old self” belongs to who we were before—our former way of living, shaped by desires that often deceive us. These desires may not always look sinful on the surface, but they slowly corrupt our thinking, our choices, and even our faith. The danger is not always rebellion; sometimes it is comfort, compromise, or familiarity. Yet Paul does not only tell us to put off the old self. He calls us to be renewed in the spirit of our minds. Change begins within. Until our thinking is reshaped by God’s truth, our actions will remain the same. Renewal is not instant; it is a daily ...

Christmas is often described as a season of joy, lights, and celebration. Yet for many people, it arrives with silence, heaviness, and pain. Broken homes feel more broken when families are expected to gather. The empty chair reminds some of loved ones they have lost. Others carry the quiet pressure of expectations—expectations to be happy, to celebrate, to give, to smile—when their hearts are simply tired. For those from fractured families, Christmas can reopen wounds that never fully healed. For those grieving, the season magnifies absence rather than joy. And for many, unmet expectations—financial strain, relational disappointments, or unanswered prayers—turn what is supposed to be a joyful season into an emotionally exhausting one. The first Christmas was not joyful in the way we often imagine. Jesus was born into poverty, not comfort. There was no room for Him. His family faced uncertainty, danger, and displacement. Christ did not enter a perfect home or a peaceful world—He entered...

When Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26), His words sounded surprising. How could the One who teaches us to love and honour our parents speak this way? Jesus wasn’t calling us to emotional hatred. He was calling us to priority . In the language of His day, “hate” meant “to love less.” Jesus was teaching that our loyalty to Him must come before every relationship—even the most precious ones. And for many of us, this is where discipleship becomes costly. Family shapes who we are. But it can also become a stumbling block without us realizing it. Some families have strong expectations— “Take care of us first.” Some provide a sense of security that makes obedience feel risky. Others are deeply concerned about status and reputation and fear what wholehearted obedience may cost. These pressures can quietly pull us away from full devotion to God. A young girl once said to her parents, “I love you, but I ...

 “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you —unless, of course, you fail the test? ”     — 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) It is a sobering truth that many who call themselves Christians lack a heartfelt desire for God’s Word. Prayer can feel like a duty rather than a delight, and reading the Bible can seem more like an obligation than a joy. This raises a crucial question: Why are you a Christian? Is it because of family or culture—a tradition passed down like an heirloom rather than embraced through faith? Do social expectations shape your Christianity—following Christ to avoid criticism or rejection? Or does fear of judgment hold you to faith, not out of love, but out of obligation? Perhaps you identify as a Christian simply because it was always expected of you. Church attendance and Christian language may be familiar, yet your heart remains untouched. Maybe your faith has become routine—a...

  Matthew 12:22 – “Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw.” When Jesus met a man under demonic control, that man couldn’t see or speak. His life was literally in darkness and silence – but Jesus’ power brought freedom and wholeness. The same Jesus who freed that man can free us today. While demons may not always show themselves the same way now, many things quietly take control of our hearts and minds. For some, it’s alcohol or drugs , promising excitement but leaving emptiness and regret. For others, it’s the addiction to screens – scrolling endlessly through social media, chasing likes, comparing ourselves, or escaping reality. Our minds become enslaved by technology that learns our habits and shapes our thoughts more than God’s Word. Some are possessed by pride , obsessed with popularity , or consumed with fear of missing out. Others are captives to anger, lust, or anxiety , unable to see life ...

I remember the moment like it was yesterday—the day I told my parents that I had chosen to follow Jesus. My heart was pounding. I wanted them to understand, but I also feared their disappointment. “It’s not that I don’t love you,” I said, looking into their eyes, “but I love Jesus more.” Growing up, I always tried to make my parents proud. Their approval was everything to me. But then I met Jesus, and everything changed. His love overwhelmed me, and I knew I had to follow Him no matter what. When I first told my parents, their faces fell. I could see confusion and hurt behind their eyes. “Why would you choose this? What about us?” they asked. I wanted to explain it perfectly, but even the right words seemed inadequate. The truth was, following Jesus wasn’t easy. It meant giving up so much—my own plans, my comfort, even sometimes their approval. I had to leave behind old ways of thinking. I realized that following Jesus meant a new identity. I was no longer just their daughter; I was...