DEVOTIONALS | INSPIRE VERO

"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...