r/Christ_Is_Lord

Your Weapon in Times of Crisis

When a crisis hits, the first question we all ask is, “What do I do now?”
Today, I want to share with you that one of the most powerful postures of faith in a crisis is simply this: to surrender to the Lord and worship Him.
Surrendering to the Lord is simply a humble acknowledgment that while we don’t know what to do in the midst of a raging storm, our eyes are fixed upon Him.
That’s what happened in 2 Chronicles 20.
With three armies gathered against him, King Jehoshaphat feared greatly. He looked at the opposition, and it was overwhelming. Yet his response was one of humility and surrender unto the Lord.
He didn’t first assemble the military strategists or call for a war council… he didn’t even pretend he had it under control… he gathered all the people to seek the Lord.
When crisis hits, seek the Lord! That’s what Jehoshaphat did that day.
Picture this with me: The king and every family in the nation, with their little ones in tow, gathered before the temple of the Lord’s presence.
And out of that place of deep vulnerability, Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord in surrender: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
And I love what happens next.
The Lord didn’t leave them in silence. Scripture tells us that the Spirit of the Lord came upon the prophet Jahaziel, and he began to prophesy: “Do not be afraid… the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
In other words, “I, the Lord of Hosts, have got this…”
And the next day, in one of the greatest acts of dependence and trust, Jehoshaphat prepared the army not with his best warriors at the front… but instead, he sent the worshipers, the psalmists, and the musicians to sing praises to the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.
And then the Bible says something that still stirs my heart: “when they began to sing... the LORD set ambushes against the enemy” (2 Chron. 20:22).
I love how it says, “when they began to sing… the LORD set ambushes.” Not before they sang, but as they sang.
That means while their praises were lifted up, something was happening in the spirit realm… Angels were deployed, and the Spirit of God was moving and orchestrating their deliverance from their enemies.
The Bible tells us that the enemy’s camp was in such chaos and confusion that they began to fight against each other, killing themselves, all without God’s people lifting a finger.
Oftentimes, when faced with a crisis, our natural instinct might be to panic, to rush, to control, or to start fixing things in our own might. And that’s precisely what the enemy wants. He wants us anxious, striving, and completely worn down.
Instead of remaining in fear and anxiety, can I encourage you to just come before the Lord and worship Him today? Trust that He is going ahead of you and defeating your enemies as you begin to sing and praise His wonderful name.
I want you to catch this today:
Your praise is a standard against the enemy.
Your melody is a weapon.
Your hallelujah is your declaration of victory.
Your worship isn’t “empty” or made up of vain words. It’s you magnifying a greater reality than any challenge that is before you.
It’s you laying hold of the Lord Himself, the One who fights for you and wins.
Whatever the “army” coming against you today—a family situation you can’t fix, pressure at work that keeps piling up, a health crisis, or those thoughts that show up late at night, trying to convince you that the worst is coming—can I encourage you to do what Jehoshaphat did?
Bring that situation before the Lord. Put on a worship song… invite His presence into the room right where you are today.
Lift your hands and tell Him, “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on You.” And then worship. Don’t rush, just linger in that anointing that breaks every yoke and lifts every burden.
There’s nothing more powerful you can do than to seek the Lord.

In that place of worship, you’re letting the Lord place into your hands what our Lord Jesus has already secured at the cross—peace for your mind, wisdom for your next step, and a confidence that He’s working even when you can’t see it yet.

Realign Your Vision of Success with These Five Words
I want to ask you this important question: What does success look like to you?
Why is this important? Because whether you realize it or not, how you define success shapes the way you live. It guides your decision-making, what you pour your time and energy into, and what you choose to pursue.
Maybe you’ve been working hard… striving, pushing, trying to build a better life. And that’s not wrong. Because we all want to take care of our families. We all want to do well.
But just take a moment with me here. Pause and ask yourself, “Am I actually fulfilled?”
So often, amidst all of that chasing, all the pursuits in our lives, we end up carrying burdens we were never meant to carry. Stress creeps in. Our health starts to suffer. And even when the blessing is right there in front of us—our family, our loved ones—we’re too tired to enjoy them.
Now here’s something the Lord put on my heart to tell you today.
Don’t spend your life climbing the ladder of success… only to look back and realize the ladder was leaning against the wrong building.
Let me show you something powerful about what true success looks like from God’s Word.
Genesis 39:2 tells us, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man.”
Now think about this. When those words were spoken, Joseph was still a slave. No freedom. No influence. Nothing to his name. And yet, God called him successful.
That’s a whole different definition of success, isn’t it?
You see, true success isn’t about what you have. It’s about Who you have.
Joseph had the Lord with him. And that changed everything.
These five words, “The Lord is with me,” changed everything for Joseph. They turned a slave into a steward. A prisoner into a prince. And they can do the same for you.
Jesus is with you, too. Right now. Even if life feels a little messy or incomplete.
When you have His presence, you have His peace, His wisdom, His favor. That’s the kind of success the world cannot give.
So let me ask you again. What are you really chasing? And who are you becoming along the way?
Maybe today is a good time to fix your eyes back on Jesus. Not on what the world says success should look like, but on the One who right now walks with you.
So, here’s something simple I want you to do today and for the rest of this week. Speak this over yourself: “The Lord is with me.”
Declare it in the morning. Mutter it under your breath as you go about your day. Let it be the last thing on your lips before you sleep.
Every time you say it, be conscious of His presence right there with you.
And remember, because He is with you… you already have true success.

Heart Too Big for Small Things

We live in a world that’s constantly chasing after more.
Everywhere you turn, there’s this pressure to achieve, to accumulate, to get ahead.
The idea is that if you can just have a bit more success, more recognition, more things, you’ll finally feel secure, settled, and fulfilled.
And on top of that, we’re bombarded every day by ads—on our phones, our feeds, our screens—telling us what we need to wear, drive, or upgrade to.
The message may be subtle, but it’s relentless: “You’re not quite there yet. But if you just had this one more thing…”
And without even realizing it, our hearts begin to believe that a good life is defined by how much we have.
The neighborhood we live in. The car we drive. The bag we carry. The clothes we wear.
But is that really the measure of life?
In Luke 12, the Lord was speaking to a crowd, and someone asked Him a very down-to-earth, practical question. And He gave this profound answer:
“For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
That’s clear, isn’t it?
Life isn’t found in what we accumulate. It’s not found in the kind of lifestyle we lead or the things we own.
Then where is it found?
I love how David puts it in Psalm 4:7.
“You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.”
In other words, “Lord, what You’ve given me—Your joy, Your presence, Your love—has filled me far more than any material increase ever could.”
That’s true fulfillment. That’s lasting joy.
Because the truth is, your heart is too big to be filled by small things.
It wasn’t created to be satisfied by earthly things. It was created for something greater… Someone greater.
So, let me ask you today… Has your heart been caught up in the pursuit of more?
Have you been waiting for the next thing—that promotion, that breakthrough—to finally make you feel settled?
If so, you’re not alone. But the Lord loves you too much to let you keep running after what can’t truly satisfy. Today, He’s gently inviting you to center your heart. Not on possessions, but on Him.
And I want you to hear His words to you from Matthew 6:25–26.
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on… Look at the birds of the air… your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
The Lord sees you. He knows every practical need on your heart. He’s not distant or indifferent. In fact, He’s already gone ahead of you to provide.
But He doesn’t want those things to define your life. He wants Himself to be your portion. Your source. Your joy.
Because when you have Jesus… you truly have everything.
He is the One who satisfies your soul, and He fills you with gladness that the world can’t give, and can never take away.
And yes, He’ll take care of all the rest.

I am starting a series of 5 studies based on the bible verses used in the YouTube video accessible in the image or link shown. This very encouraging video reminds us that when all is lost in the midst of dying, perseverance of our will to live is everything, And by clinging to Jesus, we eventually recover and thrive.

Be blessed watching the video and feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

Put Down the Broken Ruler of Comparison
I remember when I visited New Zealand for the first time.
I saw this vast field that was lush, green, and beautiful. It looked like the perfect picture of peace and serenity. And I thought to myself, “Wow, the grass really is greener on the other side.”
So, I decided to walk across that field. But you know what I found once I got there?
Cow dung. Everywhere.
From a distance, it looked perfect. But up close, it was a very different picture.
And often, that’s what comparison is like.
The apostle Paul tells us plainly in 2 Corinthians 10:12:
“But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
This verse is such a timely reminder because it’s so easy these days to fall into the comparison trap.
Maybe you see someone on social media living what looks like a better life, or maybe it’s someone close to you—a friend, a colleague—who seems to be getting all the breaks. And without even realizing it, you start to measure yourself against them.
But that’s not wise.
Why? Because when you compare yourself with others, it is like you’re using a broken ruler. It blinds you to the blessings in your own life, steals your joy, and robs you of gratitude.
One moment, you might feel like you’re doing okay. The next moment, someone else’s success or blessing makes you feel small, disqualified, or not good enough.
And even if you do feel better by comparison, it never lasts. There’s always someone more talented, more accomplished.
Today, your heavenly Father is inviting you to put that broken ruler down.
There is only one accurate ruler to measure your worth, your value, and how deeply you are loved: the cross of Jesus Christ.
When you look at the cross, you see the truest reflection of your value.
At the cross, the Father didn’t just say He loves you—He demonstrated it. He gave up His most treasured, most beloved Son… for you. He didn’t hold back. He spared nothing.
You’ll never know how much your Father loves you until you realize how much He loves Jesus. And yet, He gave Jesus up… for you.
This is what John, the disciple whom Jesus loves, is telling us in 1 John 4:9,
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”
So, if you’ve been comparing yourself lately… measuring your worth by someone else’s life or journey… stop for a moment and come back to the cross.
That’s where your worth was established once and for all.
And when you see what your Father gave up to make you His, you’ll begin to walk with a new confidence.
Not the kind found only at the expense of someone else, or the kind that is shaken when you see others getting ahead.
But the kind that comes from knowing, “I am fully known, completely accepted, and deeply loved.”

Your Very Present Help for Every Need
These days, it feels like we’re always connected… but not really present.
Our phones are with us everywhere. At the dinner table. Beside our bed. And for some, even in the washroom.
Without realizing it, we’ve become so used to escaping into other people’s lives. Scrolling through social media, chasing updates, binging on another drama series.
If we’re not careful, we end up traveling everywhere else and engaging with everything else, all from that tiny screen, except where it really matters—the present.
Present with the people who matter. Present with the blessings right in front of us.
And the most sobering part? When we’re not present, we miss the Lord.
Because it’s only in the present that we can encounter His presence.
Now, maybe for you, it’s not your phone robbing you of being more present. But wouldn’t you agree that we so often get caught up in the regrets of the past… or the fears and worries of our tomorrow?
“If only I had chosen that path...”
“If only I hadn’t taken up that opportunity…”
“If only I had known this would happen…”
“What if there is a recession…”
“What if I develop that condition…”
“What if my children can’t keep up…”
Living anywhere but today, in the now.
There’s a story in John 11 that shows this so clearly. When Lazarus had died, and Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Martha ran out to meet Him. Her first words?
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21).
Do you see it? She pushed Jesus into the past, saying, “If You had been here…”
Then, she swung to the other extreme and pushed Him into the future, saying, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24).
But Jesus responded to her so gently and powerfully, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
Not I was. Not I will be. I AM.
She was face-to-face with the very answer she needed… the miracle she was longing for. The Lord Himself was standing right in front of her, not promising her a miracle someday but offering it in that very moment, in the now.
And yet, she missed it.
Let me ask you this:
Have you been living in the past, replaying regrets and wondering where the Lord was? Or have you been caught up in the future, worried about what might go wrong?
Or maybe you’ve just been so distracted. Your phone’s always in your hand. You’re following someone else’s story while missing your own.
I pray you don’t miss the very answer that’s right in front of you—the Lord’s presence with you, right where you are.
And do you know what else is in the present? His help in times of trouble!
One of the most comforting promises we can hold onto is found in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Not a someday help. Not a maybe help. But a very present help.
If you’re facing something today… or if you’re feeling overwhelmed even in this very moment… the Lord is calling you back to Him now to be in this moment, present with Him.
He is the great I AM. Hear Him whisper to you:
“I am your healing.”
“I am your wisdom.”
“I am your peace.”
“I am your supply.”
“I am your joy.”
“I am your more-than-enough.”
And as you begin to live in the moment with Jesus, something beautiful happens.
You begin to slow down. You start to notice and cherish the people around you again—your children, your spouse, your friends.
And most importantly… you become aware of Him.
His peace.
His presence.
His promptings.
His leading.
His love.
So today, come back to the present, because that’s where He is.
And where He is, is where true rest, strength, and grace begin.

Hear His Whisper of Love
Do you remember Elijah, the great prophet who called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel?
Not long after that amazing victory, we find him at his lowest point. He was running for his life and spiraling into a state of depression. The same prophet, who just a little while ago stood so boldly before the people, was now cowering all alone in a cave.
But in the midst of his despair, the Lord came to him.
First, there was a powerful wind that tore through the mountains. Then an earthquake shook the ground he stood on. After that, a blazing fire swept across the hills.
Elijah must have thought, “Surely this must be the Lord’s voice!” But the Bible says, “the LORD was not in the wind… not in the earthquake… not in the fire” (1 Kings 19:11–12).
Then, after the shaking stopped and all the noise had faded… came a gentle whisper. A still small voice.
And there in that stillness, Elijah heard the Lord’s voice. It was a gentle whisper full of love, imparting the confidence, assurance, and shalom he needed.
You see, lovers don’t shout. Imagine a couple sitting close together on a bench in a quiet park one night. Suddenly, one of them yells a loud “I LOVE YOU!” And then, the other party responds at equal volume, “YOU’RE MY ONE AND ONLY!” That would sound almost comical!
No, that’s not what lovers do. They speak softly because love draws near. And that’s how your heavenly Father speaks to you.
He’s not impatient with you. He’s not barking orders at you. He’s not shouting in anger. He leans in close and whispers. His tone is tender. His words are filled with grace.
Now Elijah may have expected God’s voice to thunder, just as it did back on Mount Sinai when the Law was given. But the Lord was showing him a new way that was to come—a new covenant. The Law thundered with demands, but grace whispers with love.
Know this: Under the new covenant of grace, He does not come to you with condemnation, wrath, anger, or shame.
He comes to you in the still small voice of the Spirit, assuring you: You are forgiven. You are beloved. You are righteous in Christ!
So here’s my encouragement for you today. Take a moment, quiet your heart. In the middle of the busyness, the stress, and the noise, be still. And just listen to that whisper of love deep on the inside.
That’s the Lord leaning in close, reminding you: “You are Mine. You are loved. You are secure in Me.”

Dare to Step Out at His Word

This morning, I want to take you to a powerful moment from the Gospels.

Picture this: It’s early morning, the shoreline is quiet except for the sounds of tired fishermen washing their nets. Among them is Simon, weary from a whole night of effort… casting, rowing, trying again and again… and catching absolutely nothing.

And then our Lord Jesus shows up.

He steps into Simon’s boat and begins to teach the crowd from the water. And after He’s done, He turns to Simon with a surprising instruction:

“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).

Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “Try again near the shore.” He said, “Launch out into the deep.”

Now, the deep is unfamiliar territory. It’s sometimes the place beyond our idea of what’s comfortable. It’s beyond our experience, our skill set, beyond what’s familiar.

And Simon candidly replies: “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing…”

You can almost hear the exhaustion in his voice, and maybe even these unspoken thoughts:

“We’re professionals. We have been doing this for a long time. We know these waters. There’s no fish out there today.”

“What could a carpenter from Nazareth possibly know about fishing?”

But then comes this quiet surrender that changes everything: “… nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.”

That, right there, was the turning point.

Simon chose to take the Lord at His word, even when it didn’t make sense. Even when it went against his own experience. Even when his logic, his training, and his instincts all said, “This won’t work.”

And what happened?

They pulled in the biggest catch of their lives! There were so many fish that the nets began to break, and the boats began to sink.

That’s what happens when you dare to step out and follow the Lord.

Maybe you’re feeling like Simon today. Maybe for you, the Lord has been putting something on your heart that feels a little scary. Maybe it’s a new assignment, a conversation you’ve been avoiding, a change you sense coming. And part of you wants to stay where it feels safe, where you’ve done things before, and you know what to expect.

But could it be… He’s calling you to launch out into the deep?

Now hear me, I’m not saying be reckless. I’m not telling you to throw counsel to the wind or make decisions out of emotion. But I am inviting you to take the dreams, the promptings, and the ideas the Lord has placed in your heart and bring them before Him.

Talk to Him about them.

Search His Word.

Lean in to godly leadership and wise counsel.

And then, when you sense His peace, step out.

Stepping out can simply look like seeking advice in the church, sharing with your godly friends, and coming together to pray.

It might not look like much at first. But when it’s His Word you’re standing on… get ready.

Because just like Simon, you may be on the verge of the greatest catch of your life when you follow the Lord’s leading.