SMS Magazine-Spring 2025, Living Abundantly by 4JesusChrist

GOD

Glory to God in the highest, in the name of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sundie Morning Sistas Magazine Living Abundantly

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Issue: Spring 2025

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ur powerful Lord and Savior declared, as recorded in John 10:10 (NKJV): “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This truth is more incredible than words can express. Most of us would be content with a little abundance, but life in Christ is infinitely more than just getting by. He came to give us a life overflowing with abundance. And it’s not about stumbling into this extraordinary reality. It’s about stepping into it with the faith, power, and authority of Christ. It’s a daily choice to trust and walk boldly in all that God has promised.

Along with our Master’s promise of a more than abundant life comes the knowledge he extends about the enemy, satan. Jesus warns that the devil is on the earth to steal, kill, and destroy. This is why we must remain in the safety of God’s Word, following it with our whole hearts. Ephesians 6:11 assures us that through His Spirit, His Word, and the example of Christ, God has empowered us to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil. Through God’s grace, we have all we need to live victoriously, but will we embrace all that God has made available? This is the question each of us must answer.

We have both the privilege and responsibility to embrace God’s Laws and His requirements. These are not meant to restrict us but to set us free to live a victorious Christian life! They protect, guide, and position us for everything He desires to pour into our lives. In this issue of the Sundie Morning Sistas Magazine, “Living Abundantly”, we celebrate God’s matchless Word and explore how it leads us to the abundance that the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ made available.

As we step into a new season of blessings, expansion and increase require us to guard against sin, not allowing our own doubts and distractions to rob us of what is rightfully ours in Christ. This issue reminds us that the abundant life and love that God has made available are ours for the taking. It’s a life overflowing with His blessings and His grace will continually sustain us as we wear His love like a second skin and allow it to shape all that we do. It’s our prayer that the teachings in 'Living Abundantly' will help you walk in step with God's principles, refining your hearts, strengthening your faith, and deepening your understanding of His purpose for your life. May every word on these pages challenge, strengthen, and inspire you to step into the fullness of God’s promises!

Lovingly In

Christ, Reverend Fran Mack, President and Founder, SMS

PS: Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37(NKJV)

ur Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, said in John 10:10 (NKJV), “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly.” This is a powerful truth! It reveals crucial insight into our purpose, our rights as followers of Christ, and the enemy who seeks to disrupt them. We are born with a desire for more life, and John 10:10 assures us that we can have it increasingly as we put on more of Christ. In Ephesians 2:10, our Heavenly Father calls us His masterpiece. The psalmist said in Psalm 139:14 that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God created us in His image, and as self-governing, free-

thinking, intelligent beings, He has given us the gift of free-will. Through this gift, we determine the level of abundance we will enjoy by choosing how much we will embody the nature and life of Jesus Christ.

We cannot live above the knowledge currently in our arsenals. We live in direct proportion to the amount of Word we know and trust. This is one of the reasons that God tells us in Ephesians 4:23 to be renewed in the very core of our minds–to have a change of heart and attitude so that what we do, think, and say lines up with the truth of His Word. When we begin to say what God says, and believe it with our whole hearts, we receive the fullness of His blessings.

This is confirmed by the truth stated in 2 Corinthians 4:13 (NLT): “But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, ‘I believed in God, so I spoke.’” This verse shows us how our faith and our words are deeply connected. Just like the psalmist boldly spoke his belief, we’re also called to speak God’s truth with the same conviction. When we speak His Word in faith, it brings those promises to life in our own lives.

Jesus reveals that he’s made a more than abundant life available to us, and he also reveals that we have an enemy, satan, who wants to steal our blessings and destroy our lives. We are not to be alarmed by this. Instead, we’re to arm ourselves even more steadfastly with God’s truth so that our faith is increased. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing His Word. And 1 John 5:4 (NLT) tells us, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” Through our faith in God, we can overcome the challenges and any evil the enemy throws our way. This is the strength God has given us through Jesus Christ.

We should also recognize that any power the enemy exercises within this earthly realm is power that humans have given—and continue to give–to him. In Genesis 1:26, we are told that God

has placed dominion, power, and authority on the earth in the hands of human beings. He created us to reign, not over one another, but we have received from our Creator the capacity and right to rein over our own lives. This is the power and authority the enemy craves. Desiring the earth for himself, Genesis 3:1-6 shows how the enemy orchestrated his cunning scheme. It was a plot to deceive God’s first man, Adam, into forking over the power and authority that God had so generously placed in his hands. As we all know, Adam fell for it–hook, line, and sinker. This was a catastrophic error of epic proportions, and it is rightly called “The Fall of Man.”

Because our God is omniscient and brilliant beyond brilliance, He had a plan for our redemption even before Adam and Eve sinned. He pointed to it in Genesis 3:15 (NKJV), “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” In this verse, God promises that a descendant of Eve, our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, will ultimately defeat satan, even though the serpent (satan) would bruise his heel. The bruising of Jesus’ heel symbolizes the suffering that he would endure on the cross. So, our Heavenly Father had a plan to restore humanity from the very beginning, even when it seemed all hope was lost.

Sin, An Enemy of Abundance

in is an illegal act. Originating from the realm of darkness, it is spiritual in nature. It begins with a sinful thought, and once it connects with the heart, it is expressed outwardly through our actions. God is righteous, and so are His laws. They lead us away from sin and continually towards abundance. Our Heavenly Father cannot fellowship with unrighteousness. Therefore, following His laws is not only necessary to maintain the kind of relationship He desires with us, but it is essential to sustaining our lives and living abundantly.

We learn in the Old Testament that the Ten Commandments were given to Moses, God’s servant who led the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery. This occurred on Mount Sinai, nearly 1500 years before our blessed Redeemer was born. This period during Old Testament times is known as the Law Administration. Throughout history, God has engaged with His people according to His masterful plan, responding to our growth and maturity as we learn to imitate Him. These different ways in which God interacts with His people are referred to as different “administrations.”

God tells us in Malachi 3:6, “I am the Lord, and I do not change,” but we, on the other hand, do change. God has not rushed our evolution; instead, He has been incredibly patient with us as our hearts and minds are transforming in the image of Christ. Corporately, as the Body of Christ, we are steadily becoming more like him with each passing year. The ultimate mark of our transformation will be realized when Ephesians 5:27 (NLT) is fulfilled. We will be “as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish…she will be holy and without fault.”

There were extreme consequences to breaking God’s laws during the Law Administration, but our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, changed everything. He redeemed us from

the curse of the law. Galatians 3:13 (NLT) tells us, “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” Thanks to the mercy and grace of our God, we are now living in His administration of grace. However, this does not exempt us from the consequences of sin, and people make a huge mistake in assuming that it does.

Our dominant and pervasive thought should always be that God desires us to live abundantly through Jesus Christ, and He has equipped us with every spiritual blessing through Christ to make sure this happens. We are more than conquerors, not lacking strength, power, and authority in any way. This truth must be anchored in our cores. Our individual existences were not random or by chance. God purposed that we should enter the earth and dwell here as a human being. If we were not a part of His masterful plan for the universe, it would not have been possible for us to be born. We’re here because this is what He wanted. He has ordained that we should walk in His power, full of the Holy Spirit. Having been endowed with His authority and infused with His limitless love, Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) declares, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

When we sin, we are sinning against God. We rob Him and ourselves when we do this. Although the enemy tries to convince us that our sins are not wrong or that God will overlook the sin in our hearts, only the path of righteousness leads to true abundance. If we ask the Lord if this is true, He will answer our question in a way that we can clearly understand. Obedience is better than sacrifice, as 1 Samuel 15:22 tells us, affirming that God values a heart that listens and obeys Him. Just going through the motions won’t cut it.

Romans 5:4-5 (NLT) tells us, “And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” We should never underestimate the offense that sin is to our Holy and Righteous Heavenly Father. God’s Will is for us to live a blameless, holy life without sin; He tells us this in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. God is our hope, and because this hope will not lead to disappointment, we can trust with absolute certainty that Christ died for our sins, he nailed them to the cross, and paid our debt of sin for all eternity. Because of this, it is perfectly within our ability to live a life free of sin, but sadly, so few of us do.

Christ has Freed Us to Live a Saved Life

omans 6:23 (NLT) makes it clear that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Death is the payment our sin requires, and now that Christ has paid this debt, we are free to live a life of faith, trusting in the wholeness and completeness that his sacrifice and resurrection made available. Because of what God accomplished through Christ, we have the Holy Spirit living within, and Jesus Christ tells us in John 16:13 that he, the Spirit, guides us into all truth. The question is whether we will allow ourselves to be guided by him.

We bring the victory that Jesus Christ won for us into our lives through our faith. There is no other way to walk in his victory. We must believe wholeheartedly in what he’s done for us, and the way that we prove our beliefs is through our actions. If we sin, our wrongdoing is equated to a lack of faith in that aspect of our lives. In essence, sinful actions break our fellowship with God, leaving us exposed to satan and his realm of darkness. However, because of God’s mercy and grace, we can repent of our sins, and He will forgive us. Our repentance restores our fellowship with Him, but we will not escape the consequences of our wrongdoing.

Romans 6:16 (NLT) tells us, “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God,

which leads to righteous living.” This verse teaches us that whatever we allow to control us becomes our master. If we choose to live in sin, it leads to death in some area of our lives. But if we choose to obey God, we experience righteous living and the freedom that comes from pleasing Him. We are always under the influence of something—either sin or God’s truth. Therefore, everything, from the smallest to the greatest choice we make, has a price. This is a very challenging truth for many to accept but accept it we must if we are going to live the abundant life that Jesus Christ made available. God does not punish us. He has given us the privilege and responsibility to live through Jesus Christ, where sin is no longer our master.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NLT) says, “And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” Our Heavenly Father has given us a guarantee, the Holy Spirit who indwells us. Because of this, we are fully equipped with all spiritual blessings, and we can have all the wonderful things God has planned for us. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us, and he will help us to live a successful Christian life as we choose to base all our decisions on God’s power, love, and light. ■

ohn 14:15 (NLT) holds a truth so simple yet so profoundly transformative: “If you love me, obey my commandments.” At first glance, it might seem like a basic instruction, but we would do well to pause and truly grasp its depth. What Jesus is saying is that the quality of our lives—our peace, our purpose, and the abundance we seek—is intricately tied to this one thing: our willingness to obey him.

He’s showing us the pathway to the life we were truly meant to live. We were not created to be robots, so it’s not about blind adherence to a set of rules; it’s about a relationship where love and trust in Jesus manifest in our actions and overflows into everything we do. This is where the power lies. The

life we were meant to live isn’t found in striving or fighting for control; it’s found in surrendering to the love of Christ and trusting that his way is the best way. This truth may be simple, but it profoundly shapes the quality of our lives.

When we choose to live his way, we unlock something far greater than temporary satisfaction. We tap into everlasting joy and a kind of rhythm to our lives that puts us in sync with increasing abundance in every area—relationships, peace, work, and even the way we see ourselves. The simple act of loving and obeying Jesus doesn’t just change what we do—it transforms who we are and how we experience life.

Living up to God’s Righteous Standard

n the Old Testament, under the Law of Moses, there were clear consequences for disobedience—death being the ultimate penalty for sin, as Romans 6:23 reminds us. The Law was infinitely more than just a set of rules; it was a mirror, reflecting God’s perfect holiness and showing humanity its desperate need for a Savior. The Law beckoned us to recognize our brokenness and our inability to live up to God’s righteous standard. As Galatians 3:24 (NLT) affirms: “The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.” The Law acted as a tutor, guiding us through our imperfections and leading us to recognize our need for redemption. It points to Jesus, our precious Lord and Savior who would come to fulfill all that the Law required and make us right with our Creator.

We didn’t have any righteousness to call our own. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) tells us, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Through Jesus Christ, God has given us His righteousness, and when He looks at us, this is what He sees. This incredible gift is made possible because Jesus came, perfectly fulfilled the Law, and through his death and resurrection, he brought us into a new covenant with God, one defined by grace, love, and forgiveness. While the Law of Moses, including the Ten Commandments, were not invalidated by the new covenant that Christ ushered in, we now live under a higher law. We also experience a higher level of privilege and responsibility, no longer as mere servants of God, but as His sons and daughters.

Through Christ, we are now under the law of the Spirit of life, which brings freedom from sin and death. We are no longer bound by the fear of

judgment. Instead, we are free to walk in the abundant life Jesus promised, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live victoriously. Romans 8:2 (NKJV) tells us, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” We are no longer slaves to sin; we are free to live in the fullness of God’s life, peace, and love through His precious Spirit who indwells us! Not only are we empowered by the Spirit to live up to God’s righteous standard, but we can also become the very embodiment of righteousness and experience continual fellowship with God. There’s nothing greater than this! Through the Holy Spirit, the fruit of God’s love is produced in us, enabling us to live out the Law of Love. These two—love and the Spirit—work hand in hand to produce the kind of love that only God can give us. It’s the Holy Spirit who makes it possible for us to love God and others the way Jesus taught. Without the Spirit, we could never achieve this on our own. Romans 5:5 reminds us, “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” This isn’t just any love; it’s a supernatural gift, poured into us by the Spirit. We’re empowered to love in a way that not only glorifies God but also blesses those around us.

In Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT), when Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, he didn’t give a long list of dos and don’ts. Instead, he boiled everything down to two powerful commandments that encapsulate the entirety of God’s Law of Love and His heart for us and the world. Jesus teaches us: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Our blessed Lord cuts through the noise and reminds us that the essence of life, the very purpose for our existence, is love.

Loving God

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

n John 10:10, Jesus speaks of the abundant life that he offers, which is far more than just material blessings— it’s a life overflowing with purpose, peace, and true fulfillment. This level of abundance that Jesus promises is rooted in our relationship with God through him, and that relationship begins with loving God with everything we have—our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. We must understand that nothing less than loving God as fully and completely as we possibly can will suffice; it will not meet His requirement. We cannot offer Him sloppy seconds, but sadly, this is what many of us do.

It’s natural to love the people closest to us— our spouses, children, friends, and family. We often pour so much of ourselves into those relationships, desiring to be there for them, support them, and show them love. It’s easy to think that as long as we’re loving others, we’re doing right by God. However, Jesus shows us that true love for others flows from our love for God. We are to love through Him, and this is only possible when we love Him most.

Jesus Christ teaches us this in Luke 14:26 (NLT): “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by

comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters— yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” This is strong language, and it is used to make a point. The key to understanding this verse lies in the word “hate.” Jesus isn’t telling us to have actual hatred or animosity toward those we love. He is emphasizing the priority of our relationship with God through him. He is stressing that our commitment to God should be so strong, so allconsuming, that no other relationship, no matter how dear, can take precedence over our devotion to our Heavenly Father. This is not negotiable. We must have this level of love and devotion towards our Creator.

He has empowered us through His Holy Spirit to return to Him a level of love that pleases Him. It’s not a love we can manufacture on our own, but a love that flows from the Spirit’s work within us. It is the highest expression of the kind of mutual, reciprocal relationship that God created and equipped us to have with Him. The love He calls us to isn’t one-sided or based on obligation; it’s meant to be a vibrant exchange. As we draw near to Him in love, He draws near to us, and we experience the fullness of His presence in our lives.

Loving Others

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

esus takes it a step further by giving us a second commandment that fully embraces the love of God in our hearts: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s easy to love people who love us back, but loving those who might not seem deserving or easy to love requires something deeper. It requires empathy, patience, and humility. It requires seeing others the way God sees them— worthy of love, grace, and respect. As 1 John 4:19 (NLT) reminds us, “We love each other because he loved us first.” Our love for others is a natural overflow of the love we’ve experienced from God. When we recognize how deeply He loves us, how undeserved and yet unconditional His love is, it becomes easier to love others in the same way.

This Law of Love isn’t just about following rules; it’s about living out a relationship with God moment by moment, and this relationship should shape everything we do. It’s a law that doesn’t bind us, but instead frees us to experience life at its fullest. By loving God and loving others, we are living the very life we were created for, one that reflects God’s heart and transforms us and everything we impact and influence. It’s more than a call to action; it’s a call to be different in a dark and cruel world. It’s being a living testimony of the love that changes everything. As we grow in our understanding of God’s love for us, we begin to live with that same love toward others. And in doing so, we fulfill the Law of Love in the most beautiful and life-giving way. ■

ife can sometimes feel like a neverending cycle. One bad decision can lead to another, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a pattern of mistakes, regrets, and frustration. This is where Jill is in her life, and she’s blaming everyone but herself. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a lovely woman of faith, truly dedicated to serving others, but Jill is struggling with bitterness, even to the point of wishing harm on her ex who divorced her almost five years ago.

Adventurous and outgoing, Jill loves to travel. Her ex-husband never did, and when she’d go on trips with her girlfriends, he was dutiful—took care of everything and supported her living a carefree existence. But when a financial rough patch hit, and his desire to start a family took a back seat, Jill was unsympathetic. She blamed him for not having enough ambition and trying to hold her back. This more than anything, caused the demise of their marriage. Her ex remarried and started a family with his new wife, and Jill is so full of resentment that she vents to anyone that will listen. We all come into this world with tremendous potential to do good things for God’s Kingdom. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) tells us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

As long as we’re razor-sharp clear that God is the One with the plan, and we’re the ones responsible for following it, a life of abundance is our reward. However, when we neglect our potential to do good things for God’s Kingdom, and become overly focused on our own personal agendas, we invest our energies in the wrong

places, and there’s a consequence for this.

God commands us in Ephesians 4:23 to be renewed in the spirit of our minds. This means renewal at the deepest core—a total revamp in the way we think and the kinds of attitudes we may have. Most of us grow up having learned lessons that are both productive and unproductive. We sometimes develop habit patterns and ways of thinking that are unproductive to our walk in Christ. It isn’t the easiest thing to hear, but we must stretch outside our comfort zones and learn to be flexible and pliable to the plan God has for our lives.

In other words, it’s our responsibility to create an environment in our hearts and minds where renewal to God’s Word and Will takes place. This is a place where we’re not constantly bombarded with negativity boomeranging back at us from the negative thoughts and behaviors that we’ve put out there.

In Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT), through the Apostle Paul, God gives us a straightforward reminder of His Law of Sowing and Reaping: “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

The law of sowing and reaping is simple: if you sow good things—kindness, love, self-control, and faithfulness—you will eventually reap a harvest of peace, joy, and blessing. But if you sow bad things— bitterness, anger, selfishness, and sin—you will find yourself harvesting pain, regret, and destruction.

The law of sowing and reaping is simple: if you sow good things—kindness, love, self-control, and faithfulness—you will eventually reap a harvest of peace, joy, and blessing. But if you sow bad things—bitterness, anger, selfishness, and sin—you will find yourself harvesting pain, regret, and destruction.

Bitterness, resentment, anger, arrogance, and any other remnant of darkness will block our blessings, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to stay stuck. Even if you’ve been sowing seeds of negativity or living in the consequences of past mistakes, God offers a way out. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages us: “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” The harvest of blessing comes when we choose to follow the Spirit’s leading and step out of our cycle of bad choices. This can be challenging. Jill might not feel like forgiving, but she can trust that doing so will eventually bear fruit. She might not see the change right away, but the seeds she plants today will lead to a harvest of joy, peace, and life.

When we sow to the flesh by holding onto our hurt and allowing anger to fester, it doesn’t just affect us in one moment. The cycle continues. Jill’s relationships are strained. Her spiritual life becomes dry, and she feels disconnected from God. She tries to pray but can’t seem to shake the bitterness that clouds her thoughts. It’s like she’s stuck in a cycle of sowing and reaping, where each wrong decision keeps coming back around.

Whether you’re like Jill, holding onto bitterness, or facing a different struggle, it’s time to break the cycle. Choose today to sow to the Spirit. Choose love over anger, grace over bitterness, and forgiveness over resentment. God will honor those choices and will bring about a harvest of life and peace in your heart. God’s grace is always available to help you start sowing something new and fresh. Don’t grow weary of doing good, for in the right time, you will reap a harvest of blessings. ■

e all long for a life of true fulfillment— a life enriched with meaningful relationships, prosperity, good health, and the kind of blessings that propel us toward our fullest potential. In John 10:10, Jesus speaks a truth that stirs the deepest parts of our hearts: He came to give us a life that is not merely abundant, but overflowing, immeasurably rich with His grace and purpose.

Deep within, we all sense this reality. There’s a part of us, perhaps quiet but persistent, that always yearns for something greater, something more. While gratitude for our current blessings grounds us, it doesn’t silence the longing to grow, to expand, and to receive the gifts that align us with

the person God has destined us to become. This longing isn’t just a personal ambition; it’s a divine work within us. As Philippians 2:13 (NLT) reminds us, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” That inner yearning is God Himself, shaping our desires to reflect His Will, drawing us closer to Him and His extraordinary plans for our lives.

But how do we experience that increase in our lives? Jesus made it clear that there is a law— the Law of Giving and Receiving—that unlocks the abundance we seek. It’s not about wishful thinking or waiting for things to happen by chance. No, God’s kingdom operates on principles that are rooted in His divine order.

God, being a God of order, has structured everything in creation with intention and perfection. Nothing in this universe happens randomly. Every detail, from the smallest atom to the greatest star, exists because of God’s perfect design. And because of this, every law He set in motion, including the Law of Giving and Receiving, functions with precision and consistency.

Think of the Law of Gravity—a fundamental principle God wove into the fabric of the universe. It’s a law we all intuitively understand. If we leap from a high place, we won’t float or hover in midair; we’ll inevitably fall to the ground. Gravity is absolute, unyielding, and entirely unaffected by our feelings, opinions, or beliefs about it.

In much the same way, the Law of Giving and Receiving operates with divine precision. This spiritual law ensures that when we give—whether it’s our time, resources, love, or forgiveness—we will receive in return. It’s not a matter of chance or coincidence but a reflection of God’s order and faithfulness. Just as gravity governs the physical world, this law governs the flow of blessings in our lives.

Jesus beautifully teaches this powerful principle in Luke 6:38 (NLT): “Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” This is not just about the physical act of giving; it’s a reflection of a spiritual law that governs the level of abundance we experience. God commands us to be generous, and generosity creates a landing strip for His blessings to land. More than any other law, the Law of Giving and Receiving impacts the fullness of life we experience.

When we give—whether it’s our time, talents, or resources—we’re not only showing kindness; we’re creating a pathway for God’s blessings to flow into our lives. Again, giving makes room for God to pour out His abundance, but it requires a generous heart. This is an act of faith. Sometimes, our answers to prayer are delayed not because God is withholding them from us, but because we are unintentionally withholding them from ourselves. Our minds may not be renewed about giving, and we have not followed the example of Christ as closely in this area as we should. Too often, we cling tightly to our resources because we believe our security lies in money rather than in God. This conveys that our faith isn’t where it needs to be, and we need to make a shift in our perspective and place our confidence

fully in the One who is the true source of all provision.

In Malachi 3:10 (NLT), God tells us: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” God blesses us exceedingly, abundantly, above anything we could ask or think. Even on our worst day, we’re overflowing with potential. When we pour into His Kingdom, it is an act of faith that demonstrates our gratitude towards Him. It is us blessing Him back for all the ways in which He has blessed us. This produces increase in our lives because God rewards us for our giving. It becomes a cycle of continuous giving and receiving, and this is His Will for us.

But we often make all kinds of excuses not to tithe: “That’s an Old Testament practice…” we argue. “We don’t have to do that because we’re under the administration of grace.” However, Jesus Christ teaches us in Luke 12:48 that to whom much is given, much is required. Under God’s amazing grace, we are given more than we can ever fully live out. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have access to unlimited potential and divine resources. As Ephesians 1:3 reveals, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessings because of our union with Jesus Christ.

With such abundant blessings, it’s only natural— and in perfect alignment with God’s divine order—that more would be expected of us than of those who lived under the Old Testament covenant. As sons and daughters of God, we shouldn’t view giving as a burden but as one of life’s greatest privileges: an opportunity to sow into His Kingdom and partner with Him in His work. When we fail to see giving this way, our lives often reflect that limited perspective—lacking the fullness of joy and blessing that comes from living in harmony with God’s design.

In God’s kingdom, generosity expands the borders of our lives. Proverbs 11:24 (NLT) says: “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” Our generosity makes room for more blessings, more opportunities, and more growth, but when we hold onto things tightly, we shrink our world. We need to let go and trust in God’s provision, then we can create space for abundance to multiply.

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) tells us: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” When we give to others, we open ourselves to the very blessings we seek. We become a vessel that carries goodness and grace, and in return, we are refreshed by the very same kindness we extend.

But God is after more than just obligatory giving. He desires that we give with joy, not out of compulsion or reluctance. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) makes this clear: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” The attitude with which we give matters. When we give cheerfully, we align our hearts with God’s Will, and that’s where the real blessing lies.

And let’s not forget the most profound truth about giving: Acts 20:35 (NLT) reminds us: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In God’s economy, giving isn’t just about getting something in return; it’s about the joy and blessing that comes from the very act of giving. There’s a deep and unexplainable satisfaction that comes from meeting the needs of others, and through this selflessness, we often encounter the richest blessings of all. Let’s be intentional about how we live, give, and bless others. The Law of Giving and Receiving is not just a principle for our material blessings, but a divine pathway to spiritual abundance as well. When we give with open hands and trusting hearts, we align ourselves with God’s unchanging order. This posture of generosity unlocks the life Jesus promised us: one that is overflowing, immeasurably rich, and truly more than abundant.■

ost people around the world live in countries with governing bodies that oversee and regulate various aspects of life. These bodies typically include political institutions, like governments, that are responsible for creating and enforcing laws and regulations. The role of laws in a society are to help maintain order, protect rights and freedoms, promote well-being, and ensure justice. These frameworks vary across the world, but the nature of their governance is mostly the same, which is to make life better for the citizens. Although these systems have become hugely more intricate and complex than what God originally intended, they are all based on the perfect foundation that our Creator established. He is the Righteous Judge, and His laws keep the entire universe thriving in His abundance and love.

Moses’ song in Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT) says, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” The world is a perilous place and many people are anxious about the future. Uncertainty makes them feel unsteady. Yet, for the believer, our faith should be anchored in our God, whose unwavering dependability is the foundation upon which we build our lives. He is our Rock, our reliable refuge in times of trouble, and He cannot fail.

His Works Are Perfect

Our Heavenly Father’s majesty is supreme. He is magnificent beyond magnificence, and brilliant beyond brilliance. Everything that

God does is in accordance with His divine nature and purpose, and nothing He does is incomplete or flawed. All of His plans, including those for our individual existences, are brilliantly executed with absolute wisdom and justice. Everything He does has a purpose that reflects His perfect character.

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) tells us, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Human beings plan; this is what we do. God has created us with the capacity to be forward-thinking, but our plans will never supersede His purpose. Whether it’s guiding nations, establishing and elevating leaders, or guiding our individual lives through His Holy Spirit, God’s purpose encompasses everything. Not one decision or choice that we make goes to waste; they will all either be used to teach us more about His sovereignty and move us closer to Christ or to shape us, and everything else, in ways we don’t fully understand.

God’s works are perfect, and we can have tremendous comfort and security that each of our lives are important and fit perfectly into His plan. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) reminds us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” In life, our plans may not turn out the way we expect, and some of them fail miserably, but following God and heeding His guidance will lead us towards His perfect Will. We can have peace of mind knowing that, in every circumstance, God’s perfect works prevail over everything.

He Judges Righteously

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, something miraculous happens. God, in His infinite grace, declares us righteous—not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what He has done for us through Christ. As we stand before God, we wear the righteousness of our wonderful Redeemer, and it is a privilege to live according to that righteousness. This is the greatest gift we could ever receive—the gift of being seen as just, holy, and blameless in God’s eyes. It is our joy and our calling to follow Christ’s example, to live as he lived, to love as he loved, and to walk in the righteousness he has given us.

But let’s not make the mistake of thinking that being declared righteous means that life will suddenly become perfect, and we will be free from struggles or heartache. That’s not life on earth. Our precious Savior tells us in John 16:33 (NLT), “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” When the storms rage and the weight of life presses in, we must look to Jesus who overcame it all. Sometimes, we make the mistake of thinking that our trials and tribulations are a sign of God’s displeasure. We might feel as though He has abandoned us or allowed something unjust to happen, but this could never be true.

The psalmist, King David, said in Psalm 7:11 (NLT), “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” The description of our Heavenly Father as a “righteous judge” points to His unwavering commitment to justice and fairness. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s judgments are rooted in perfect righteousness. Romans 1:18 (NLT) tells us, “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” God’s judgment is directed against sin, satan, and all who follow the

evil one, on this we can be sure. Our Heavenly Father’s judgments are always right, and we must not lean on our limited understanding, but trust Him with all our hearts. Of course, there will be times when life feels unfair, when we are overwhelmed with sorrow or injustice. Our political and governing institutions, our places of employment, even those we admire can appear to be corrupt and far from being just. We can be sure that God is not overlooking these injustices. Nothing slips by Him, and in His perfect timing, He will deal with those who rebel against Him.

Psalm 9:7-8 (NLT) echoes this truth and declares, “The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.” God’s reign is eternal, and His judgment is not bound by temporary circumstances. He rules with righteousness, always acting justly, even in our suffering. When we face adversity, like Job did—losing his children, his wealth, and his health, enduring betrayal and misunderstanding—we may be tempted to question God’s justice. Job, in his grief, wondered if he had done something wrong to deserve such suffering. But despite his pain, Job came to understand that God’s judgment is never flawed or unjust.

Proverbs 24:16 (NLT) tells us, “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Even when the storms of life come crashing down on us, we must remember that our Heavenly Father sees us as righteous before Him. When we fall, He will lift us up with His mighty right hand. We may not always understand the “why” behind our trials, but we can stand firm in the assurance that God, our Righteous Judge, is sovereign over all things. He rules justly, and He will one day make all things right. ■

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Thank you for helping us strive for excellence for the Kingdom of God.

salm 37:4 (NLT) is a verse that should be imprinted on the minds and hearts of every person with a dream. It tells us, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” This truth sets the priorities of our sojourn on earth, and then it provides the promise of reward for fulfilling our purpose as God’s beloved children. We are to delight not just in Him, but also in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It’s not just about feeling happy in the Lord; it’s about finding joy in His presence, His Will, and His plans for our lives. This kind of delight means we are fully surrendered to God, trusting that He knows what’s best for us. Now, let me ask you: How many single

Christian women truly want to stay single? How many of us are asking God to give us the desires of our hearts? It’s clear that God wants His daughters to be joyful and fulfilled. And if a woman desires a husband, God desires to bless her with a man who will enrich her life. But here’s the thing—there’s a requirement: we must delight in the Lord first. When a woman’s heart is distracted by the world—whether through work, relationships, or friendships—it’s easy to miss what God is doing. After all, if we’re focused on everything else but God, why would He bless us with a relationship that could take our attention further away from Him?

Focusing our hearts and minds on God is what sustains us. It helps us grow closer to Him and keeps us spiritually strong so that we can stand strong amidst any attack of the enemy. Our entire purpose for living is to have oneness with our Heavenly Father as we follow the example of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. God knows that if we are not spiritually mature enough to always prioritize our relationship with Him, our significant relationships will ultimately fail. Sometimes, women complain about there not being enough good men out there. But the truth is, that’s not the problem at all. Philippians 4:19 (NLT) reminds us: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Long before you were born, God took care of your every need. We have received all these wonderful blessings because of our union with Christ. Because of our blessed Savior, we can be confident that our Heavenly Father has taken care of all the details concerning our marriages. Increasing our faith in this truth and seeking God’s Will for our lives are the spiritual practices that delight the Father. We can’t focus on ourselves or put all our focus on the man that’s in our lives if we’re delighting in our relationship with God. When we do this, our eyes will not even recognize an opportunity that positions us for the desire of our hearts. So, failing to delight in God is the real issue that separates us from what God has already provided.

In the Old Testament story of Ruth and Naomi, both women were widowed, and Ruth, a Moabite, chose to stay with her Israelite mother-inlaw rather than return to her own people. Ruth's loyalty, humility, and kindness toward Naomi were a sweet fragrance to God, because she chose to care for Naomi instead of pursuing her own future. Ruth’s faithfulness led her to Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, who showed her kindness and expressed a desire to redeem her. After Ruth meets with Boaz, Ruth 3:16-18 (NLT) tells us: “16 When Ruth went back to her mother-in -law, Naomi asked, "What happened, my daughter?” Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, 17 and she added, "He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” 18 Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won't rest

“God

until he has settled things today.”

Notice Naomi’s words: “The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.” As single women, there’s a tremendous amount of timeless wisdom we can glean from this. Boaz wasn’t going to waste time. He saw Ruth’s value, and he was determined to make things right. A good man of God will do the same. When he meets the woman that God has ordained to walk with him through life, he won’t rest until he’s settled matters of the heart. He will pursue a woman with purpose and commitment.

Now, here’s a hard truth: for many independent, self-reliant women, the idea of letting a man lead can be difficult to accept. We’ve been conditioned to be strong, successful, and capable— sometimes to the point where it makes us feel like we don’t need anyone. But God’s design for marriage doesn’t diminish the woman’s strength or role—it actually honors both partners in different ways. God created both men and women with purpose, and there’s strength in allowing the man to lead in a way that honors God.

All of us need to model Ruth’s loyalty, humility, patience, and willingness to serve. She learned how to honor God by listening to her mother-in-law. It was that very faithfulness that led to her being blessed with a man who would not rest until the matter was settled. Ruth didn’t rush the process; she allowed God’s timing to unfold, knowing that Boaz’s pursuit was part of God’s plan.

Colossians 3:15 (NLT) tells us, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” When we allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts, we trust in God’s timing and His plan for our lives. This means letting go of impatience and focusing on the peace that comes from Christ.

When a woman delights in the Lord, she becomes attuned to His voice and finds peace, trusting that the right man will come at the right time. A woman who delights in the Lord understands that she doesn’t have to chase after a man; the right man will pursue her, just as Boaz pursued Ruth. Be confident that if your focus is on God, and you’re trusting and delighting in Him, He will bring a man who will not rest until your relationship is settled. Like Boaz, the right man will pursue you with a commitment that honors God. ■

Whether you're handling health emergencies, personal safety, or managing the home, life can throw a lot your way and staying ahead of the game is key. Being proactive and prepared doesn’t just help you stay calm in the chaos, it gives you the wisdom to navigate tough situations. Proverbs 14:8 (NLT) reminds us, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” These tips—like learning basic first aid, practicing self-defense, and even managing your budget—are all about taking control and being smart with what you’ve got. They’ll help you feel more secure, self-sufficient, and ready to handle whatever comes your way.

Basic First Aid & Medical Skills

Why? Emergencies happen and knowing how to handle basic health issues can keep you calm and prepared.

What to Know: Learn basic first aid for cuts, burns, or simple illnesses. Keep a small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and pain relief on hand. Consider taking free or low-cost CPR classes in your community or online.

Water & Power Backup

Why? Having clean water and backup power sources is crucial if things go sideways. What to Know: Keep water bottles on hand (you can buy in bulk) and know where to find emergency water sources in your area. A flashlight, candles, and plenty of batteries are essential if the power goes out. You don’t need a fancy generator—just keep a few backup power sources like power banks for phones and rechargeable flashlights.

Emergency Communication

Why? Staying connected with loved ones or neighbors is crucial, especially when things get chaotic. What to Know: Have a list of important phone numbers saved somewhere—preferably offline, in case your phone dies. It’s a good idea to choose an emergency contact person outside your immediate family who can act as a go-between if needed, helping relay info if you can't reach everyone directly. For the kids, make sure they know who to contact and when, and that they understand the importance of staying calm and safe. If you can’t always rely on phones, keep a small notebook or whiteboard at home to leave messages for each other. Also, have a plan in place for checking in during an emergency, so everyone knows what to do and where to go.

Stay Warm with Layering

Why? Losing heat during colder months can make things uncomfortable or even dangerous.

What to Know: If the power goes out and your home gets cold, layering up is one of the quickest ways to stay warm. Use whatever you have—extra clothes, blankets, even towels or sheets to trap heat. Make sure everyone in the household is bundled up and cozy until the heat comes back on or you can find other sources of warmth.

Follow His Lead

Why? In times of uncertainty, God’s guidance can bring peace and clarity. What to Know: In every situation, follow the Spirit’s lead. Pray without ceasing, trusting that God will guide you through challenges. Lean into your faith for strength, wisdom, and comfort when things feel overwhelming. By staying connected to Him, you’ll find the peace to handle any storm with grace and clarity.

olossians 2:13 (NLT) tells us, “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins.” Before we confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, believed in His resurrection, and gave our lives to Him, we were spiritually dead, separated from God because of our sins. Our spirits were not alive to Him, and we lived in a way that did not honor our Heavenly Father. But when we surrendered our lives to Christ, everything changed. God sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us, and through Him, our dead spirits were made alive! We became new creations, forgiven of all our sins, and now we have the promise of eternal life with Him!

Jesus himself declared in John 3:16 (NKJV), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus holds a place of unimaginable importance to God. Yet, our Heavenly Father allowed His beloved Son to endure the humiliation and suffering of the cross so that we, you and I, could have eternal life with Him. Through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, God made us His sons and daughters. Because of this, we have been invited into His eternal presence and will be with Him forever.

John 3:16 is often called the love verse because it perfectly captures the depth of God’s unyielding, unconditional, and limitless love for each of us. While the love of friends and loved ones can be powerful, it’s still conditional. People come and go, and sometimes, when things get tough, they may choose to withdraw their love and walk away. But God’s love is different. He will never walk away or treat us poorly. His love is steadfast, and He invites everyone to come to Him and be transformed by His love. When we choose to accept His invitation through Jesus Christ, we are saying yes to a future with Him—one that is eternal and filled with His love. Those who reject this invitation choose to turn away from that future, rejecting the gift of eternal life God offers.

In Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message), God declares His promise: “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you,

not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Nothing in this life is guaranteed, but the goodness and righteousness of God can always be trusted. He is unwavering in His commitment to give us a future full of hope and peace. Life with Him just keeps getting better as we walk closer to Him.

God’s promise to be with us forever is sealed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. If anyone truly understood the weight of eternal separation from God—the terror of hell—they would never question the importance of this gift. It’s a fate worse than we can imagine, but in His overwhelming love, mercy, and grace, God made a way for us to escape it through Christ. He’s given us a home in His Kingdom, a place where we can live with Him for all eternity. The good news is that all we have to do is accept His gift with an open heart, and He will do the rest. The choice is ours to make, and it’s a decision that shapes not just our future but our eternity. ■

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