Category: encouragement

Submission Brings Clarity — Surrendering Financial Control

July 11, 2025

Many Christians “commit” to budgeting, saving, or giving, but still hold the reins. Commitment without surrender still places you in control. Stewardship requires submission.

Jesus Is Not Just Savior — He Is Lord:

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

“You are not your own; you were bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)

We often want Jesus to rescue our finances, but not rule them. Yet He cannot be Lord over just some areas of life. If He’s Lord at all, He’s Lord over your budget, your spending, your debt, your income strategy, and your financial goals.

Ownership Transfer:

Salvation isn’t just an emotional decision; it’s a legal transfer of ownership. Jesus redeemed us—and our resources. Every dollar has a purpose tied to His Kingdom.

Surrender Brings Simplicity:

When you’re surrendered to the Lord, some financial decisions are already made for you:

Tithing isn’t optional—it’s obedience. Greed isn’t tolerated—it’s crucified. Contentment isn’t random—it’s cultivated.

Takeaway for Today:

Financial confusion often stems from spiritual rebellion. Surrender brings alignment—and peace.

Ask Yourself:

Is Jesus Lord over my budget? Do I consult Him before spending, saving, or borrowing?

Why We Call Jesus Lord (and What That Means for Your Money)

July 10, 2025

The Foundation of Stewardship — Jesus Is Lord

Key Scripture: Romans 14:7–12

Introduction:
When we say, “Jesus is Lord,” it’s more than a spiritual phrase—it’s a financial foundation. If we belong to Him, so does everything we have. But many believers live with a divided mindset: God gets Sundays, but we manage our wallets.

A Kingdom Financial Shift:
Paul’s reminder in Romans 14 is powerful:

“For whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (v.8)

If we are the Lord’s, our bank accounts, jobs, homes, and budgets are His too. Biblical stewardship begins with understanding that we are managers, not owners.

Lordship = Ownership:

  • We don’t ask, “God, what should I do with my money?”
  • We ask, “Lord, what should I do with Your money You’ve entrusted to me?”

That shift changes how we budget, how we spend, how we save—and how we give.

Takeaway for Today:
Proper stewardship starts with surrender. You can’t live like an owner and expect to thrive like a steward.

Ask Yourself:
Have I truly surrendered my financial decisions to the Lordship of Jesus? Or am I still running my money my way?

Pastor Q

The Embrace of Everlasting Life

November 19, 2024

John 3:15-16 is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible, often pointing us toward the afterlife—the promise of eternal life with God in heaven. But what if the concept of everlasting life is just as relevant to the here and now?

We often focus on everlasting life as a future reality, something we attain after death. Yet, Jesus came not only to secure our eternity but to transform our present. Everlasting life is not merely about the length of life; it’s about the quality and depth of life. It’s the richness of living in God’s presence today, allowing His will to manifest “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The Meaning of Everlasting Life

In the Greco-Roman world, eternity was often linked with the divine and the afterlife. Jewish tradition, reflected in the Old Testament, emphasized God’s eternal nature and His covenant promises. The New Testament writers blended these perspectives, using the term aiónios to describe the supernatural life God grants to believers—a life that begins now and stretches into eternity.

Everlasting life isn’t just a future promise; it’s a present possession. John 3:16 doesn’t say we will have everlasting life but that we have it. This reality shifts our perspective. It’s about living deeply, beyond the surface of our existence, into the very core of our being—our soul.

Life Beyond the Surface

We live in a world obsessed with appearances. Social media and daily interactions often reflect a shallow version of ourselves—the smiles we show, the successes we share. Beneath the surface, however, may lie pain, loneliness, and struggles.

Our souls crave something more. Material things, achievements, and even relationships can’t satisfy this longing. As Jesus tells us in John 4:14, only the living water He provides—the water that springs up into everlasting life—can quench the thirst of our souls.

Everlasting life invites us to confront our deepest issues, break through the walls we’ve built, and allow God’s transformative grace to shape us.

The Present Reality of Everlasting Life

Jesus came so that our souls could truly live. Everlasting life isn’t just about going to heaven; it’s about God dwelling with us here and now. When we believe into Him, as the original language implies, we enter a relationship where His life flows through us, illuminating our hearts and transforming our actions.

Scripture emphasizes this truth:

  • John 5:24 tells us we’ve already “passed from death unto life.”
  • John 6:27 urges us to labor for what endures unto everlasting life.
  • John 6:47 reminds us that belief in Jesus means we have everlasting life.

Living in this reality means embracing God’s purpose for us, digging deep into who He created us to be, and allowing His light to illuminate every part of our lives.

Everlasting Life Transforms Us

God sent everlasting life to:

  • Recover the fallen human spirit.
  • Restore hope in a broken world.
  • Reconcile us to the Father.
  • Reveal the depth and meaning of our existence.

This life empowers us to move past surface-level living and tap into the depths of our soul, where God’s grace works to transform us for His glory.

Will You Live Deeply?

Living in everlasting life challenges us to confront our fears, forgive, and embrace our God-given destiny. It’s about more than existing; it’s about fulfilling the dreams God has placed within us and living in the fullness of His purpose.

Don’t let the fear of dying with unfulfilled dreams hold you back. Choose to live deeply, allowing God’s everlasting life to guide you into the destiny He has designed.

Will you let Him work in the depths of your life today?

Part 2: Cultivating and Maintaining Spiritual Hunger

June 22, 2024

In the first part, we explored the essence of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Now, we will focus on practical ways to cultivate and maintain this spiritual hunger, ensuring that our lives are continually aligned with God’s will and filled with His righteousness.

One of the primary ways to cultivate spiritual hunger is by seeking God with intentionality. Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” This verse emphasizes that a wholehearted pursuit of God is met with His presence. To seek God intently means to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, dedicating time and effort to connect with Him through prayer, worship, and reading God’s Word.

Hunger for righteousness calls us to a place of intimacy with God. It is about answering His knock and inviting Him into the deepest parts of our lives. This intimacy requires us to be still, to listen, and to rest in His presence. Often, we are too busy moving and doing, but true intimacy with God happens in moments of stillness and quiet reflection.

God reveals Himself through His Word, and a hunger for righteousness will naturally lead us to scripture. In God’s Word, we find fresh revelations about His character, His promises, and His plans for our lives. Regular, intentional study of the Bible helps us understand what it means to be righteous and equips us to live in accordance with God’s will.

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in drawing us closer to God and awakening our spiritual hunger. When we feel spiritually weak, it is an invitation to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize our need for God and leads us into deeper communion with Him.

As we grow in our hunger for righteousness, we begin to find joy and satisfaction in God alone. The comforts and distractions of the world lose their appeal as we realize that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God. This shift in perspective helps us stay focused on what truly matters and prevents us from being swayed by temporary pleasures.

Hungering for righteousness is not just about an internal longing but also about living out God’s righteousness in our daily lives. This involves embodying the values and principles of God’s kingdom, such as justice, mercy, and love. When we actively seek to live righteously, we reflect God’s character to the world and fulfill our calling as His representatives.

Persistent prayer is essential for maintaining spiritual hunger. Through prayer, we communicate with God, express our needs and desires, and seek His guidance. Persistent prayer helps us stay connected to God and reinforces our dependence on Him for everything we need.

Hungering and thirsting after righteousness is a transformative journey that requires intentionality, intimacy, and reliance on God. By seeking God with all our hearts, embracing intimacy with Him, nourishing ourselves with His Word, relying on the Holy Spirit, finding joy in God alone, living out His righteousness, and staying persistent in prayer, we can cultivate and maintain a deep, enduring hunger for God. This spiritual hunger ensures that our lives are continually filled with God’s righteousness, enabling us to experience the fullness of His blessings and grace.

Blessings,

Pastor Q

Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness – Understanding the Call

June 21, 2024

In the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:6, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” This statement forms a cornerstone of Christian living, urging believers to seek righteousness as an essential part of their spiritual journey. In this two-part blog, we will dive into what it means to hunger and thirst after righteousness and explore the transformative power this pursuit holds for our lives.

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is more than a fleeting desire; it is a profound, enduring longing for a deeper relationship with God. This spiritual hunger is not akin to the physical sensation of missing a meal after a long day of work. Instead, it reflects an intense need for a relationship with Jehovah Shalom, the God of our peace, Jehovah Jireh, our provider, and Jehovah Tsuri, our rock. It signifies a yearning for God that transcends our daily routines and material pursuits.

According to Martin Lloyd, this beatitude follows logically from the previous ones, serving as a culmination of the teachings that precede it. The earlier beatitudes mentioned, being poor in spirit, mourning, and being meek prepare the believer’s heart to develop a genuine thirst for righteousness. This progression highlights that to truly receive and understand all that God has for us, we must first hunger and thirst for righteousness.

To be righteous means to be in right standing with God, reflecting His image and receiving the fullness of His grace. It involves understanding and accepting that through Jesus’s atonement on the cross, we are justified and made righteous in God’s eyes. This righteousness is not about human efforts but about recognizing and embracing the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Jesus’s statement provides both affirmation and promise: The Affirmation is – those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, and the promise is – they shall be filled. This assurance underscores the depth of spiritual hunger, calling us to seek God earnestly. Unlike the temporary satisfaction of physical hunger, spiritual hunger leads us to a fulfilling and eternal relationship with God.

Many times, we seek to fill our spiritual hunger with worldly pursuits such as financial success, relationships, and meeting the expectations of others only to find ourselves still wanting. True satisfaction, however, comes only from God. Our relationships, ambitions, and comforts are transitory and most are dependent upon the season we are in and the needs we have but the righteousness of God sustains us through all of life’s adversities. Far too often we seek are seeking to be filled as we eat at the wrong tables and drink from the wrong fountains, only to end up malnourished and spiritually weakened. Only a genuine relationship with God can truly nourish and fill us.

How do you know if you are truly hungering for God? Here are seven signs:

1. We are discontent with the life we are living: A profound sense of discontent with the status quo and a feeling that something is missing in your relationship with God.

2. We are inspired by a past experience: A longing for past spiritual experiences and a desire to recapture that closeness with God.

3. Spiritual Frailty: An acute awareness of your spiritual depletion and a desperate need for God’s strength.

4. Loss of Passion: Recognizing a decline in your love and zeal for God, similar to the church of Laodicea, which became lukewarm.

5. Diminished Appetite for Worldly Comforts: Losing interest in things that once brought you comfort, realizing that true comfort is found in God.

6. Being Out of Your Comfort Zone: Feeling unsettled as God draws you closer to Him, challenging you to seek Him with all your heart.

7. Turning to God’s Word: An intense desire to journey into scripture, seeking fresh revelations and understanding of God’s will and promises for your life.

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is an active pursuit that transforms our lives. It is a journey that begins with a profound longing for God and culminates in the promise of being filled. In the next part of this blog, we will explore how to cultivate and maintain this hunger for righteousness, ensuring that our spiritual lives are continually nourished and thriving.

Stay Encouraged,

Pastor Q

Embracing the Spirit of a Fighter (Spiritual Warfare) Part 1

June 11, 2024

Recognizing the Enemy and the Nature of the Battle 

Christians are in a perpetual state of spiritual conflict, fighting against principalities, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places as outlined in Ephesians 6:12. The battle is against Satan, who relentlessly attempts to twist hearts away from obedience and faithfulness to God. The enemy we are up against desires nothing more than to separate us from anything that is God and anything that is good. Therefore, there is a bounty on the head of a believer for hell to sever anything that connects us to God’s plan, will and purpose on our lives.  Christians must understand that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.  Jesus’ statement in Matthew 10:34 that “He came not to bring peace, but a sword” signifies the necessity of His followers to be equipped for spiritual warfare. We must recognize this reality, remaining vigilant and armed for battle, acknowledging the spiritual dimension from which they fight and the critical need for divine strength and guidance. 

Forgiveness and Unity in the Kingdom 

One of the significant hindrances within the Kingdom is internal conflict among believers. The scripture teaches that a divided kingdom cannot stand, emphasizing the importance of unity and forgiveness among God’s people. Before confronting external enemies, Christians must first forgive one another to prevent internal strife and betrayal. Unity and forgiveness are essential traits of a true fighter in the spiritual realm. In this age of social media it seems many people who call themselves defending the faith only ignorantly divide the church through targeting specific people within the kingdom.  Imperfections of character, theology and beliefs are disputed on platforms that were never created for the purpose of strengthening the church. Flawed pastors are labeled fake pastors and Pastor’s who fall into sin are labeled as the wolves in sheep clothing. We have weakened the Kingdom of God by declaring civil war against God’s people disregarding the greater war that is active against the principalities and spiritual wickedness that is at work to destroy God’s people.  

Humility and Dependence on God 

We must not be passive regarding spiritual conflict, and we must understand we have a grave reliance on the power of God. A true fighter acknowledges that their strength comes not from themselves but from God. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 instructs, believers must be steadfast and unmovable, firmly fixed in their position in Christ. This steadfastness is rooted in the understanding that victory is not based on personal strength but on God’s invincible power. The humility to recognize one’s weakness and depend on God for strength is crucial. Like the great men and women of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, believers must submit to God’s authority, embrace brokenness as a learning process, and remain obedient to His will. True spiritual fighters develop a mindset willing to fight because they know that God, who is their strength, is invincible. Our victory is not based on what we are able to accomplish within ourselves but because we have grasped the undeniable truth Greater is He that is in us,  The One True Living God, The Mighty God, He is greater than the one who is in the world.  

Remain Steadfast,  

Pastor Q

Part 2: The Power of Prayer and the Redemption of Imperfection

May 9, 2024

As we continue our exploration of the intricacies of heroism and redemption, we find ourselves drawn deeper into the narrative of Peter and his spiritual journey alongside Jesus. In the face of impending trials and tribulations, Peter grapples with doubt, fear, and the inexorable pull of his own imperfections.

In a moment of prophetic clarity, Jesus forewarns Peter of the trials that lie ahead, recognizing the enemy’s fervent desire to sow seeds of doubt and discord. Yet, amidst the looming shadows of despair, Jesus offers a beacon of hope: the power of prayer. He assures Peter that, despite his inevitable stumbles, his faith will not falter, buoyed by the unwavering strength of divine intercession.

This pivotal moment underscores the transformative potency of prayer, not as a means to alter external circumstances, but as a source of inner fortitude and resilience. Jesus himself exemplifies this truth as he grapples with the weight of his impending ordeal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Despite the crushing burden of sorrow and anguish, he finds solace in communion with the divine, his fervent prayers serving as a lifeline amidst the tempest of his emotions.

In the face of exhaustion, doubt, and despair, Jesus’s steadfast commitment to prayer serves as a testament to the indomitable power of faith. His example implores us to persevere in prayer, even when the darkness threatens to overwhelm us, for it is in our moments of greatest vulnerability that we find the strength to endure.

Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, Peter succumbs to the frailty of his humanity, succumbing to fear and doubt. In a moment of impulsive recklessness, he lashes out, severing the ear of an adversary. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of our resolve, the inherent imperfections that define our humanity.

However, even in the depths of his despair, Peter finds redemption. Despite his denials and betrayals, Jesus extends a hand of forgiveness and reconciliation, entrusting Peter with a sacred duty: to shepherd his flock. In this act of grace, we find solace and hope, a testament to the boundless depths of our Lord’s love and mercy.

In conclusion, the journey of Peter serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of faith, doubt, and redemption. Through the crucible of adversity, we confront the darkest recesses of our souls, grappling with our inner monsters and imperfections. Yet, it is in the embrace of divine grace and the power of prayer that we find the strength to rise anew, transformed by the crucible of our experiences.

Blessings,

Pastor Q

Part 1: Embracing the Monster Within

May 9, 2024

In the realm of heroes and monsters, there exists a delicate balance, a concept vividly encapsulated by American novelist Richard Kadrey’s words: “My head is full of Monsters, and I am one of them.” At first glance, this assertion may seem paradoxical, even absurd. However, investigate deeper, and you’ll unearth a profound truth about the nature of heroism and the human psyche.

A year ago, while perusing motivational content on YouTube, I stumbled upon a compelling discourse. The speaker argued that every hero, in order to fulfill their noble duty, must confront their inner monster. They must be willing to embrace a certain darkness, not for the sake of malevolence, but to safeguard the innocent. This sentiment resonated deeply with me, sparking introspection and reflection.

The speaker likened this internal struggle to the discipline of a martial arts student. Just as a skilled fighter learns to harness their strength judiciously, a hero must wield their inner monster with precision, unleashing it only when compelled by absolute necessity.

In Luke 22:51-52, this concept manifested vividly in the actions of Peter, one of the central figures in a poignant text. When faced with the imminent arrest of his beloved teacher, Jesus, Peter seized his sword with resolve, willing to wield it against those who threatened his mentor, friend and Messiah.  In that moment, Peter embodied the duality of hero and monster, driven by a fierce determination to protect the sacred.

Reflecting on this narrative, I couldn’t help but recall a personal anecdote from my time in the Marine Corps. Despite my own skepticisms and lack of commitment regarding matters of faith, I found myself fiercely defending my father’s honor when his integrity was challenged. To put it plainly I almost laid hands on someone whom I had no intentions on praying for.  Much like Peter, I was driven by a primal instinct to shield those I held dear, even if it meant embracing the inner monster within. In essence, the tale of Peter underscores the inherent tension between light and shadow, good and evil, within each of us. It serves as a poignant reminder that heroism often demands confronting the darkness within ourselves, harnessing it not for destruction, but for the greater good. Stay tuned for Part 2 as we discuss complexities of faith, doubt, and redemption.

Blessings,

Pastor Q

God’s Investment Part 2: The Transformative Power of God’s Investment

April 1, 2024

Building upon the foundation laid in our exploration of God’s investment in humanity, we delve deeper into the transformative power inherent in His investment. Rooted in the profound love of Christ, God’s investment in us transcends our past failures and shortcomings, ushering us into a new realm of existence characterized by redemption and restoration.

Central to this transformative journey is the sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His death, Christ identified with our humanity, experiencing the full spectrum of human suffering and frailty. His willingness to embrace death itself demonstrates the extent of His love and commitment to humanity, underscoring the depth of God’s investment in us.

The resurrection of Christ heralds a new beginning for humanity, offering access to abundant life and spiritual transformation. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, those who are in Christ are made new creatures, liberated from the shackles of sin and empowered to walk in victory. This transformative process entails a radical shift in mindset and identity, as believers embrace their status as vessels of divine treasure, empowered by God’s grace to fulfill His purposes.

Furthermore, we explore the profound implications of God’s investment in us for our daily lives. Rooted in Romans 8:28, we understand that all things work together for our good, shaping us into vessels of beauty and excellence. Despite the challenges and uncertainties we may face, God’s investment remains steadfast, insuring us against the curse of depreciation and empowering us to overcome every obstacle.

In conclusion, we are reminded of the invaluable truth that God’s investment in us is a testament to His boundless love and grace. Through His investment, we are transformed from vessels of clay into vessels of honor, reflecting the glory and power of our Creator. As we embrace this truth and walk in the reality of our new identity in Christ, we become living testimonies of God’s redemptive power and love.

Blessings,

Pastor Q

Nurturing Friendship in Marriage

March 29, 2024

In the sacred journey of marriage, Franz Schubert’s words resonate deeply: “Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.” Yet, the transition from courtship to matrimony presents a unique challenge, where the roles of husband-and-wife fuse into a complex relationship. To be frank, there has been times as husband I can understand why people have changed their social media status to “it’s complicated.”   While many couples start as best friends, it’s intriguing how this friendship often fades post-commitment. However, friendship isn’t just a pleasant addition to marriage; it’s a vital ingredient for growth, vitality, and intimacy.

Cultivating friendship is a key to growth for each person individually as well as a unit. Friendship within marriage is intentional—it’s about making choices that reflect genuine care and support. It’s about being there for each other, even in moments of hurt or disappointment. This friendship becomes a source of strength, enabling spouses to overlook weaknesses and forgive in times of strife. As individuals evolve, friendship provides a platform for continuous growth and understanding, ensuring couples grow together rather than apart.

A sense of vibrancy is sustained when friendship is held down as a position in marriage.  Friendship breathes life into marriage, infusing it with laughter, joy, and shared experiences. It serves as a support system during hardships, offering a sense of security and solace. While external relationships may seem appealing, true intimacy blossoms within the confines of friendship. Through open communication and shared moments, couples cultivate a bond that withstands the test of time.

In the realm of marriage, friendship lays the groundwork for deep emotional connections. Spouses become confidants, sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. This emotional intimacy fosters understanding and relatability, strengthening the marital bond. Moreover, the assurance of a true friend enhances feelings of love and security, fueling intimacy and affection.

Real friendship is not achieved without work and focused effort. So when possible, trim any fat out of your day to establish opportunities to spend quality with your spouse. Do not allow conflict to create walls between you but use it to sharpen each other. Lastly, remember that friendship requires one to be friendly, so don’t forget to smile, encourage, and uplift each other each and every day. 

Pastor Q