DEVOTIONALS | INSPIRE VERO

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...

"When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.   In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.   So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.   To those who sold doves he said,  “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”   John 2:13–16 When Jesus entered the temple courts and saw people buying and selling, His heart burned with anger. The temple, meant to be a house of prayer and worship, had been turned into a marketplace. The people were inside the temple, but their hearts were far from God—distracted by greed, money, and selfish gain. In the New Testament, Paul reminds us that our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19–20). Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, God desires to clean...

"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31 NIV When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus’ answer was clear: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Loving God is not about a part of us—it is about all of us. It is a daily choice to draw closer to Him in every aspect of life. With the Heart – the Core of Who We Are The heart is the wellspring of life (Prov. 4:23). What fills our heart eventually overflows in our words, actions, and desir...

“The God we serve is able to deliver us… But even if He does not, we want you to know… we will not serve your gods or worship the image you have set up.”  — Daniel 3:17–18 The three young men in Babylon stood before the most powerful king of their time. The furnace roared in front of them, and their lives hung by a thread. Yet their response was unshaken: “The Lord will provide, but even if He does not, we will not bow.” This is the heart of true faith. It rests in God’s ability to provide, but it does not make obedience conditional on His provision. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed God could save them, and they trusted He would. But even if deliverance did not come, their loyalty to Him would not change. We often pray with confidence that God will provide: Healing for sickness. Provision for financial needs. Open doors for opportunities. Protection in times of fea r. And indeed, the Lord is our Provider (Gen. 22:14). Yet, sometimes the answer is delayed, different, ...

  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Galatians 5:22) Among the fruit of the Spirit, love stands as the foundation. Love is not just a virtue to be admired—it is life itself. Scripture tells us plainly, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). To know God is to know love, for His very nature flows into the lives of His children. Love is more than a virtue—it flows from the very Person of God. God is love, and all true love finds its source in Him. And love is also a command. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His answer was simple yet profound: “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbour as yourself.” Both commands are rooted in love. A believer who does not love God or love others cannot truly claim to follow Christ. As John writes, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). Peter reminds us that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). This is not a shallow covering-up of faults but a deep expression of grace. ...

Have you ever heard—or perhaps even said—something like this: “I enjoyed the worship today, but the sermon was boring!” Or maybe, “I missed worship because I was late to church.” Sometimes we even comment, “The worship team in that church is really good.”   These statements reveal something important. Too often, we reduce worship to a segment of the Sunday service—usually the music before the sermon. At best, we think of it as scripture readings and times of praise. At worst, we treat it as nothing more than a set of songs to get through before the “main event.”   But biblically, worship is far greater than that. It is not merely about the songs we sing or the mood we feel. It is about who God is and how we respond to Him.   William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, expressed this truth beautifully:   Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, the nourishment of mind by His truth, the p...

Have you ever wondered what really happens when we give in church or ministry? Many people quietly think, “Isn’t this just to pay the staff and pastor’s salary or cover church expenses? And if that’s the case, why should I keep giving?” It’s easy to slip into that mindset. Sometimes even leaders unintentionally make it sound that way—focusing on bills, rent, or salaries. But when giving is reduced to paying expenses, it loses its joy. It feels like paying dues instead of participating in God’s mission. The truth is, giving is never just about keeping an organization alive. It’s about moving God’s work forward. Pastors and missionaries are not the end-users of our gifts—they are simply vessels. When supported, they can devote themselves fully to teaching, discipling, evangelizing, and caring for God’s people. And when they do, the whole Body of Christ benefits—including us, the givers. That’s why giving is not about paying back. We don’t give because we “owe” the church for all the pray...

“the miracle that set the course for Jesus’ life and ministry” John 2:1-12 In this familiar story, Jesus attends a wedding in Cana where the wine runs out. At Mary’s instruction, the servants obey Jesus’ command, and He turns water into wine—a powerful sign of His divine authority. This passage teaches us several important truths about faith, obedience, and the nature of Christ’s work. First, Jesus was invited to a wedding. Today, weddings occur more frequently than ever, yet many lack the true holiness that comes when Jesus is at the center of the union. The phrase “holy matrimony” often becomes merely a label, missing the vital communion between the couple and God. Just as “In the beginning, God...” shaped all creation, so must God be the foundation of every marriage. Without inviting Jesus into the relationship from the start, the union lacks its true strength and purpose. Second, Mary directs the servants to Jesus. She was known not only as His mother but as the one who bore ...

At times, we feel less committed to our faith. In those moments, it's essential to remember that God always invites us back into a deeper relationship with Him. A powerful verse to reflect on is: “ Come near to God and He will come near to you.” — James 4:8 This promise encourages us to take even the smallest step toward God, knowing that He is ready and eager to draw near to us in return. In the midst of academic responsibilities, social life, and personal goals, it's easy to lose sight of spiritual priorities. Yet, Jesus reminds us of the importance of putting God first in all we do:  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33 When we place God at the center of our lives, He faithfully provides for our needs and leads us on the right path. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality. One of the Bible’s key principles for spiritual focus is found in:  “Be still, and know that...

Someone told me not long ago, “What if I train them so well that I am no longer required?” I instantly replied, “That’s the goal.” The goal of leadership is not only to build ourselves up, but to equip others to go further, do better, and carry the mission beyond us. True Christian leadership is not a competition—it is about lifting one another. Even Jesus said, _“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”_ (Matthew 20:28). Barnabas encouraged Paul and even spoke on his behalf when no one else trusted him. He also mentored John Mark, who would later write the Gospel of Mark. Yet Barnabas remained in the background, lesser known than the ones he empowered. Likewise, Eli mentored Samuel, who went on to become a great prophet and judge of Israel. These men weren't seeking the spotlight—they were faithfully building others up. Nobody becomes greater by pulling others down. We rise by lifting each other. As John C. Maxwell puts it _"Leaders become great not because of ...

"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.” - Matthew 5:20  In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke these startling words to a crowd that included both His disciples and the everyday people of first-century Judea. The Pharisees, known for their meticulous observance of the law, were often seen as the gold standard of righteousness. Yet Jesus declares that this kind of righteousness isn’t enough to enter the kingdom of heaven. Why? Because their righteousness was external—rooted in rule-following and public displays of piety. It lacked the inward transformation God desires. Jesus wasn't dismissing the law; He came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). But He was redirecting the focus—from outward compliance to inner renewal. True righteousness flows from a heart aligned with God—one shaped by humility, love, and faith. As believers today, we are called not just to follow...

  What’s Wrong With Us? We often wonder why there’s so little depth in our faith communities, so little transformation despite our gatherings. Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves hard questions—not out of condemnation, but for the sake of genuine revival. If we seek to please people more than we fear God (Galatians 1:10) If we choose speakers who soothe our ears rather than stir our hearts (2 Timothy 4:3) If we attend fellowships but neglect private communion with God (Matthew 6:6) If our presence in fellowship is to gain approval, not to grow in faith (John 5:44) If we serve ourselves and forget the call to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) If we notice others’ faults but never speak in love to correct (Matthew 18:15) If we show partiality—favoring some while avoiding others (James 2:1-4) If we speak much of God, but our hearts remain far from Him (Isaiah 29:13) If we raise hands in worship but refuse to lift a hand in service (1 John 3:17-18) ...

“ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” —1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) --- One of the common mockeries Christians face is being labeled as weak and overly dependent. Perhaps it's because, in our lowest moments, when all else fails, we cling to God as our only hope—and yes, our only dependence. But this dependence isn't a weakness. It's faith. And true faith is far from easy. To trust someone we cannot see or hear audibly is one of the most courageous acts of the human heart. Especially when life feels heavy and uncertain, faith becomes a bold choice—to believe that God is good, present, and in control, even when the world around us seems to say otherwise. The Bible is filled with the call to "be strong and courageous," because God understands the human heart. He knows how fragile and fearful we can be. That’s why He gently and persistently reminds us: Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and y...

 “And he said to them, ‘You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!’” Mark 7:9 In this sharp rebuke, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes for prioritizing human tradition over God’s command. What’s alarming is not just that they were adding customs—but that they were replacing God’s truth with them. They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (v.6). This warning isn’t just for religious leaders of the past. It reaches into our lives today. Our “traditions” might not be ceremonial washings or offerings, but they could be cultural norms, family values, or even spiritual routines that subtly override obedience to God. We might excuse bitterness by saying “that’s how I was raised,” or overlook pride because “it’s just how I get things done.” When these patterns become non-negotiables in our hearts, God’s Word quietly takes second place. Jesus isn't against tradition itself—He practiced many. But when tradit...

“ Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves ...” — Mark 11:13 (NIV) Jesus was hungry. From a distance, the fig tree looked promising — green leaves, the appearance of life. But when He got closer, there was nothing. No fruit. Only show. So He cursed the tree. It’s a hard moment in the Gospels. But it wasn’t about the tree — it was a parable in action. A tree that appeared fruitful but was barren represents something deeper: lives that look full of faith but lack true substance. How often do we carry leafy signs of spirituality — while bearing no real fruit? God isn’t drawn to appearances. He’s drawn to hearts that are rooted in Him — that bear love, humility, truth, and obedience. 💭 If Jesus came close to inspect your life today — would He find fruit, or just leaves? 🙏 Prayer : Lord, I don’t want to just appear alive — I want to be alive in You. Forgive me for the times I’ve settled for outward...

“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’"— John 1:43 (NIV)  I never thought discipleship would be this radical. It was always easy for me to think about being a disciple or a servant of God—until I began to truly understand what that meant. I used to imagine discipleship as something noble and fulfilling (and it is), but I had not counted the cost.  I’ve been asked if I genuinely desire to be in ministry. That question shook me—perhaps, not because I lacked love for God, but because it forced me to confront the weight of His call. The more I examined the reality of serving Jesus, the clearer it became: I am not called to comfort, but to obedience. Not to convenience, but to surrender.  When Jesus called Philip in John 1:43, He said two simple words: “Follow Me.” But in those words was a weighty invitation—one that demanded everything. In the culture of that day, to follow a rabbi meant you left your home, your liveliho...

  *“Son, your sins are forgiven you” (Mark 2:5)* In this passage, we read that Jesus was preaching in a house so crowded that there was no room left—not even at the door. Some people brought a paralyzed man, but because they couldn't reach Jesus through the crowd, they opened the roof above Him and lowered the man down.   What’s striking is that the Bible says, _ “Jesus saw their faith”_ —not just the faith of the paralyzed man, but the faith of those who carried him. Perhaps the man himself did not yet believe or know Jesus. We can’t say for sure. What we do know is that his friends believed—and that faith moved Jesus.   Yet, instead of immediately saying “Be healed” or “Get up and walk,” Jesus said, _ “Son, your sins are forgiven.”_ Jesus recognized that this man’s deepest need was not physical, but spiritual. Even if his body were healed, without spiritual healing, he would still be lost.   So often, we focus more on our physical needs—health, comfort, success—an...

“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."   Luke 10:17 Jesus sent the seventy in pairs to various towns and places with clear instructions. They obeyed His call, went out in faith, and returned with joy—rejoicing not in their own strength, but in what the Lord had done through them. Often in ministry, we become disheartened—not because God is absent, but because we either fail to truly listen to the Sender or set our expectations on our own terms. By the end of the year, instead of rejoicing in what has happened, we tend to focus on what did not. We measure our calling by results, forgetting that sometimes the very imperfections and difficulties are the reasons we are sent. It is worth remembering that God works through us in ways far beyond our own abilities. If we have been faithful to the task entrusted to us, we should give thanks. Let us not overlook the quiet victories, the small beginnings, and the hidden miracles t...

I have heard some people say that they set an appointed time in the day for prayer. When I asked someone if he could pray for another person, he responded that it wasn’t his time to pray. For him, there was a specific time set aside for prayer. While it is good to have a dedicated time for prayer, it is interesting to ask: Does God need an appointment for us to pray to Him?   1 Thessalonians 5 tells us to “pray without ceasing.” Colossians 4:2 also says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer.” This is a beautiful reminder that communication with God is not bound by time or place. Wherever we are, and whenever we need or want to pray, it is always open. Communication with God is open 24/7.   Have you ever remembered something quickly and decided to make a call before you forget? That’s how we can talk to God every moment. God is even more available than that. He hears the silence, the quietness of our hearts. He sees the tears even when words fail. It doesn’t matter what situation ...

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)   Roots are essential for growth. Just as a tree must be deeply rooted to stand firm against storms, so must our faith be firmly anchored in Christ. Without strong roots, plants wither, and trees are easily uprooted when harsh winds blow.  Consider the pine tree—its roots often grow deeper than the height of the tree itself. This deep foundation not only makes it resilient against strong winds but also allows it to absorb essential nutrients more efficiently, ensuring healthy growth.  In the same way, being rooted in Christ means establishing a deep relationship with Him through Scripture and prayer. When we immerse ourselves in His Word and seek Him daily, we build a faith that withstands trials and resists false teachings. A deeply rooted faith do...