A Model of Spirit-Led Boldness: Ministering Like Philip

Ministry

A Model of Spirit-Led Boldness: Ministering Like Philip:

In the book of Acts, Philip stands out as a powerful example of what it means to minister with obedience, boldness, and Spirit-led direction. When the angel of the Lord told Philip to go to the desert road, he didn’t hesitate—he went (Acts 8:26-27).

• He was Willing. His willingness to follow God’s leading positioned him to encounter the Ethiopian eunuch, a divine appointment that led to a life transformed.

• He was Prepared. Philip wasn’t just willing; he was prepared. When the eunuch was reading from Isaiah, Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” and then “beginning with that very passage of Scripture, told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:30-35). He knew the Word and could clearly explain it, guiding others to Christ.

• Philip was also bold. He ran to the chariot (Acts 8:30), initiated the conversation, and shared the gospel with confidence. His courage, paired with obedience, opened the door for the gospel to spread beyond Israel.

Let’s be like Philip—open to the Spirit’s leading (Acts 8:29), obedient without delay, bold in our witness, and grounded in the Word. God continues to direct His people to divine encounters. The question is, are we listening and ready to go?

Honoring Mothers: The Heart of the Home

Mother and Daughter

Mothers are the unsung heroes of everyday life. They are nurturing leaders who guide with love, patience, and quiet strength. From managing busy schedules to offering a comforting word at the end of a hard day, mothers provide unwavering care and support to their families. They are often the backbone of the household, balancing meals, emotions, and finances with grace.

A mother’s role goes beyond caregiving. She is a teacher, a counselor, and a leader, shaping values and instilling wisdom that lasts a lifetime. She stretches every dollar, plans every detail, and makes countless sacrifices—often unseen—just to create a place of warmth and safety.

As Proverbs 31:25-26 reminds us: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Today, we pause to recognize these extraordinary women, not just for what they do, but for who they are. Their strength, wisdom, and love leave an eternal imprint on every heart they touch. Let us honor them not only on Mother’s Day, but every day, with our gratitude and our presence.

#nurturing #care #leader #strength #wisdom

Forgiveness and Moving Forward: A Path to Healing

Lincoln advocate for forgivness

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and challenging acts of the human spirit. It asks us to release bitterness, let go of hurt, and move forward with grace—even when justice feels unfinished. Yet, forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing the pain; it’s about freeing ourselves from the chains of anger and allowing healing to begin. Scripture calls us to this higher path. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

This verse reminds us that our ability to forgive comes from recognizing how much we have been forgiven. Forgiveness is not earned—it’s given. It’s not about who’s right but about choosing mercy over resentment. Another powerful reminder comes from Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse speaks directly to the struggle of daily life—where offenses, misunderstandings, and disappointments are unavoidable. Still, we are called to meet them with grace, knowing that forgiveness is not a single act but often a lifelong posture.

History, too, offers voices that echo this call. In his Second Inaugural Address, delivered near the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln did not speak with triumph or vengeance, though the Union stood victorious. Instead, he called for healing: “With malice toward none; with charity for all… let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds.” Lincoln understood that for a divided country to move forward, forgiveness was essential. Not as a dismissal of wrongs, but as a deliberate choice to seek peace over retribution.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean justice is ignored. It means we choose to stop letting the past poison our future. It’s not always immediate. Sometimes, it’s a daily decision. But each time we forgive, we chip away at bitterness and make room for love to grow again.

Moving forward doesn’t erase the past—it honors it by learning from it. Whether in our relationships, communities, or our own hearts, choosing forgiveness allows new beginnings to take root. It’s not easy. But as Christ showed us, it’s the way to true freedom.

In a world often eager for revenge, may we be people of mercy. May we remember the strength it takes to forgive and the peace that follows when we do.

Teaching from the Cross. 7 Teachings to Understand our Salvation

The Crown of Thorns

7 Phrases from the Cross

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

The first message of the cross is forgiveness.

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”-Luke 23:34 NLT

As he is nailed to the cross, he forgives those who are killing him. No mistake, the greatest act of forgiveness would coincide with the greatest declaration of forgiveness. Hurt people hurt other people. Pain is a vicious cycle of agony. Jesus ends that cycle here. He is hurt beyond recognition, but instead of lashing out in vengeance, he chooses to embrace forgiveness. Forgiveness is God’s saber to break bondage, the cycle of hurt and pain.

“Today you will be with me in paradise”

“But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.””-Luke 23:40-43 NLT

The criminal is the first Christian. He addressed Jesus as God. He admitted his sin. He humbly asked for salvation to be remembered. There was no baptism, not communion, no sinners prayer no “Jesus come into my heart”, just a humble recognition that he needed salvation and forgiveness.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,-For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

“Woman, Behold thy Son” “Behold thy Mother”

“There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.””-Mark 3:32-35 NLT

Jesus shows compassion for his mother here and in his final hours prepares her health, wellbeing, and aging years. Brotherly love is the distinguishing factor of the church. It is based on the Greek word Phila. This was a mark of the early christian church from other groups that met during that time. They stood out because of their love.

John 3:16 shares the love of Jesus toward us, but 1 John 3:16 shares the love we should have for each other.

“My God My God why have you forsaken me?”

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”-Matthew 27:46

As the sin mounted, he felt separated from God. A demonstration of hell, the separation from God. Jesus is feeling hell at this point. If you reject his free gift of salvation, it will result in you being removed from God. Jesus was abandoned by the Father so that we can gain the Father. He experienced hell on earth so that we can have Heaven on earth. ( John 10:10 )

“I Thirst”

After this, Jesus, [a]knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!”-John 19:28

Another prophecy he fulfilled in Psalm 22:15

Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth-John 19:29

Hyssop is used at the Passover to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorpost. Jesus, the lamb of God, is offered vinegar and hyssop. A symbol of his blood applied for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus thirsted and was given a bit of vinegary wine. We thirst and are given everlasting life. He suffered that we might be saved. He died that we might live. Jesus drank of the bitterness so that we can drink of the fountain of living water.

“It is Finished”

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!”- John 19:30

His earthly ministry was finished. He completed the work His Father showed Him. He completed the work on the cross.

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”-Colossians 2:13-15 ESV

“Into Your hands I commit my Spirit”

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.-Luke 23:46

From his first breath to his last, Jesus committed His life to the Hands of His father. We should operate the same way. When people look at us, they should see Jesus. We are to take our lives’ instruction from the living Word and the Holy Spirit. Commit all that we do in our family, work, and ministry to God.