Crochet by Lilet

03/03/2026

The Art of Denying Oneself
Remaining Christlike Even When Misunderstood

There are seasons when following Christ does not bring clarity but confusion, not affirmation but misunderstanding. In these moments, denying oneself is not about doing more, it is about letting go.
Letting go of the urge to defend every accusation. Letting go of the need to be understood by everyone. Letting go of the expectation that obedience will always be met with approval.

Jesus Himself was constantly misunderstood; His motives questioned, His words twisted, even His silence misread. Scripture tells us that He was “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Yet He did not fight to preserve His image. When reviled, He did not revile in return, but “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). In this, we learn a hard truth: being right is not the same as being understood. The art of denying oneself chooses faithfulness over self-justification, even when doing the right thing results in being labeled wrong.

There are also seasons when suffering feels deeply unfair. Biblical self-denial does not pretend that pain is small or insignificant. Jesus Himself confessed, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow” (Matthew 26:38), yet He continued in obedience. Denying oneself here means surrendering the demand that life must feel fair, continuing to trust even when prayers seem unanswered, and believing that God’s purposes extend beyond what the eye can see. Like Job, faith learns to say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him” (Job 13:15).

At times, the most difficult act of self-denial is silence. There is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7), and Jesus showed this when He stood silent before His accusers. Silence, in this sense, is not weakness but restraint. It is choosing not to correct every false assumption, allowing God to reveal truth in His time, and guarding the heart from bitterness while waiting.

The art of denying oneself is quiet and often unseen. It is practiced in restraint when words could wound rather than heal, in patience when emotions demand release, and in faith when justice feels delayed. The cross carried in this season may not be dramatic or visible, it may be misunderstood intentions, quiet endurance, unanswered questions, and prayers whispered through tears. Yet Scripture assures us that what is hidden with God is never wasted. The art of denying oneself whispers, “I will remain Christlike, even when I am misunderstood.” And faith responds, “God sees, God knows, and God is at work

23/12/2025

Merry Christmas!🤍

‎The King Hidden in the Ordinary: The Greatest Gift
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‎“A shepherd or teacher is what you could be,
‎Or maybe a fisherman out on the sea,
‎Or maybe a carpenter building things—
‎But who would imagine a king?”
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‎These lines capture the quiet wonder of Christmas. They remind us that when God chose to enter the world, He did not come clothed in splendor or announced by power. Instead, He came wrapped in swaddling cloths, laid in a manger, and welcomed into the world not by royalty, but by shepherds—ordinary people doing ordinary work. Christmas is the story of a King who chose humility over honor and simplicity over spectacle.
‎The birth of Jesus challenges human expectations of greatness. In a world that equates value with influence, wealth, and recognition, God revealed His greatest gift through obscurity. Jesus grew up in the home of a carpenter, lived among fishermen, and walked with the poor, the broken, and the overlooked. Nothing about His arrival resembled earthly royalty, yet He was, and remains, the King of kings. Christmas reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, and that His power is most clearly revealed through humility.
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‎At its heart, Christmas is not merely a season of celebration, but a message of incarnation—God entering human history to rescue what was lost. The baby in the manger came with a divine purpose: to save sinners. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and ultimately to give His life as a ransom for many. The manger points forward to the cross, where the humble King would bear our sin so that we might receive forgiveness and new life.
‎This is where the true essence of Christmas becomes deeply personal. Salvation is not earned by good works, religious effort, or moral achievement; it is a gift of grace. Scripture declares that we are saved by grace through faith, and this not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. Christmas invites every heart to respond, not with performance, but with faith. The Christ who came quietly into the world now gently calls each person to trust Him alone for salvation.
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‎As we reflect on Christmas, we are invited to look beyond the lights, traditions, and festivities and see the miracle that truly matters. The King has come, not to impress us, but to redeem us; not to condemn us, but to save us. In the child born in Bethlehem, God offers forgiveness, hope, and eternal life to all who believe.
‎This Christmas, the greatest gift we can receive is not found under a tree, but in surrendering our hearts to Jesus Christ—the humble King, our Savior. Now is the right time: acknowledge that you are a sinner, repent of your sin, believe in Christ’s finished work on the cross, and receive Him by faith as your Savior—the only One Who can truly save and satisfy your soul.
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‎Merry Christmas!🌟

15/12/2025

‎When Possessions Possess Us
‎A Heart Check in the Season of Giving
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‎“It is not wrong for us to possess things, but it is wrong for things to possess us.”
‎— Warren W. Wiersbe
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‎The Bible never teaches that owning material things is sinful. What Scripture warns against is allowing possessions to own our hearts. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Our hearts naturally cling to what we value most, and when things become our source of security, identity, or satisfaction, they quietly replace God’s rightful place. This warning becomes especially relevant during the Christmas season, when the joy of giving can easily shift into the pressure to buy, impress, or accumulate.
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‎Jesus made it clear that divided loyalty is impossible “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Amid gifts, decorations, shopping, and celebrations, our focus can drift from Christ to consumption. Yet Christmas reminds us of a different kind of treasure. The Son of God entered the world not in wealth, but in humility—laid in a manger, wrapped not in luxury but in love. “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Christ Himself is the greatest gift, showing us that true joy is found not in what we receive, but in who we worship.
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‎The Bible calls believers to contentment and faithful stewardship. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5). Everything we own is a trust from God, meant to be used for His glory and the good of others, especially in a season that celebrates giving. This Christmas, ask yourself: What truly holds my heart? When Jesus remains our greatest treasure, everything else finds its proper place.

08/12/2025

Confidence Over Cowardice
‎Faith That Overcomes Fear
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‎There is a kind of confidence the world teaches—one built on talent, appearance, or success—but Scripture invites every believer to a deeper, stronger confidence: one rooted in God Himself. Whether we serve in a ministry or simply live out our faith at home, at work, or in everyday conversations, true confidence does not come from what we can do. It flows from who God is. As Jeremiah 17:7 reminds us, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” When we remember His power, His promises, and His presence, courage rises naturally. We can face daily challenges with steady assurance because the One who walks with us never fails.
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‎Cowardice, on the other hand, grows from fear, doubt, and forgetfulness. It shows up when we feel inadequate, worry about people’s opinions, or focus too much on our own weaknesses. Though God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), we often shrink back simply because we forget who is with us. Cowardice is not just a lack of bravery—it is a brief loss of trust in the God who calls us to be strong and courageous.
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‎Scripture gives us honest examples of this. Moses hesitated at the burning bush, convinced he was not eloquent enough or capable enough for God’s call. Yet God assured him, “I will be with you,” and that promise turned his fear into obedience. Gideon also doubted himself, hiding in fear and believing he was too insignificant to be used by God. But God called him a “mighty warrior” not because of who he was, but because of who was with him. Both men found courage not by becoming stronger, but by trusting the strength of the One who called them.
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‎The same is true for every believer today. When we turn our eyes back to the Lord, confidence returns. A God-rooted confidence is not shaken by circumstances, not controlled by fear, and not silenced by insecurity. It is the quiet but steady assurance that the God who holds us is greater than anything that stands against us. And in Him—whether in ministry or in the simple moments of daily life—we find the courage to keep moving forward, even when our knees tremble. His presence is our boldness, and His strength is our confidence.

01/12/2025

‎More Than Ministry
‎God desires our heart before our service.
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‎There is a quiet danger in the Christian life, the temptation to confuse doing for God with being with God. We can become so active, so involved, so busy in ministry that we fail to see what God has always desired from the beginning: our hearts. The Scriptures remind us again and again that service can never replace intimacy, and that ministry is not a substitute for an authentic, growing walk with Him.
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‎Jesus Himself teaches that love precedes service — that our hands may be full of work while our hearts drift away. Like the church in Ephesus, we can endure and labor faithfully, yet miss the most important thing: our first love. Service without relationship is not obedience; it is activity without intimacy. God looks deeper than our ministry schedules and church responsibilities, wanting something far simpler and more sacred: a heart that walks with Him daily.
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‎And so the Bible warns us that activity alone does not impress God. Saul offered sacrifices, but his heart was wandering. Many performed miracles in Jesus’ name, yet He said He never knew them. These are sobering reminders that God sees the heart behind the ministry, not the ministry itself. Apart from abiding in Christ, even the busiest worker becomes fruitless. A person can be busy for God but spiritually dry, and no amount of Christian service can replace time at Jesus’ feet.
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‎This is why Scripture calls every servant of God to guard their walk, not just their work. Paul tells Timothy to watch his life before his ministry. True spirituality flows from within — from a life rooted in the Word, anchored in prayer, and surrendered daily. Ultimately, relationship must come before responsibility, because genuine ministry does not spring from effort, but from intimacy with God.
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24/11/2025

When Busyness Becomes Emptiness
A Reflection on True Biblical Productivity

In a world that glorifies constant activity, many people equate busyness with success. Lives become crowded with tasks, responsibilities, and endless movement, yet Scripture reminds us that activity alone does not guarantee true productivity. Solomon described such empty striving as “a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14), showing us that motion without purpose leads to frustration and emptiness. We can work endlessly and still feel unfulfilled if our efforts lack direction rooted in God.
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‎Jesus illustrated this truth in the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha was busy with many things, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Jesus affirmed Mary’s choice, saying she had “chosen what is better” (Luke 10:42). This does not diminish Martha’s service but highlights that doing more is not the same as doing what truly matters. Productivity in God’s eyes is not measured by the number of tasks completed, but by the alignment of our actions with His presence and His will.
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‎Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain,” and Jesus reinforces this when He says, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). True fruitfulness comes from abiding in Him, not from hurried efforts. So today, it’s worth pausing to ask ourselves: Am I simply busy, or am I truly fruitful? Am I doing many things, or the things God has actually called me to do?

Real productivity grows from obedience, faithfulness, and living in step with God. Choose what matters. Choose what lasts. Choose what is better.

17/11/2025

The Blessing of Asking
When Our Needs Become Someone Else's Opportunity to Love

There are moments in life when our strength runs thin — when the load feels too heavy, the burden too deep, or the path too unclear. In those moments, many of us choose silence. We struggle quietly, fearing that asking for help makes us weak, needy, or a burden to others. But Scripture paints a different picture. It shows that asking for help is not a mark of shame, but a doorway to humility, connection, and shared blessing.

God never intended us to live life alone. From the beginning, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Throughout the Bible, the people God used in mighty ways were not self-sufficient heroes; they were human beings who needed hands, hearts, and voices beside them. Moses needed Aaron and Hur. Paul needed the support of churches. Even Jesus asked His closest friends to watch and pray with Him in His sorrow.

When we ask for help, we acknowledge our humanity. We confess that we are limited, and that confession is an invitation for grace. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Sometimes the deepest act of humility is not in giving, but in receiving.

And here is the mystery of God’s design: when we allow others to help us, they are blessed too. Scripture says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When someone serves you, supports you, or lifts you up, they are stepping into a place where God Himself pours out refreshment and reward. Your need becomes an opportunity for them to practice love, obedience, compassion, and generosity. Your vulnerability becomes the soil where their faith can grow.

Helping is not just an act of kindness — it is a pathway of blessing for the giver.
When someone chooses to help, they experience the joy of reflecting God’s heart. They taste what it means to be His hands and feet. The giver is strengthened in their own faith as they witness how God uses their simple gesture to lighten someone’s load. Their heart expands. Their compassion deepens. Their character is shaped to look more like Christ, who “came not to be served, but to serve.” And in God’s kingdom, no act of service goes unnoticed. He sees every lifted burden, every offered hand, every quiet act of love, and He rewards it in ways only He can.

Asking for help does not make us weak — it makes us connected. It lets us be part of God’s beautiful design where burdens are shared, hearts are strengthened, and love is expressed in practical ways. “Carry each other’s burdens,” Paul wrote, “and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” That command can only be fulfilled when someone is willing to speak up and say, “I need a hand.”

So the next time you feel hesitant to reach out, remember this:
Your request is not an inconvenience. It may be someone else’s blessing.
Your need is not a shame. It is a sacred space where God can work through others.
And your humility is not a weakness. It is a reflection of Christ, who Himself asked, invited, and welcomed the help of those around Him.

May we learn to give with joy, and receive with grace.
And may we never forget that in God’s family, help is not a burden but a blessing shared.

10/11/2025

‎So Be It, Lord
‎Grace in What God Allows
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‎There are moments in life when the weight of unexpected pain leaves us breathless—when everything we planned suddenly crumbles, and hope feels too far to reach. We ask “Why, Lord?” when things don’t turn out the way we prayed for. Yet in those moments of darkness, when tears fall and silence feels heavy, God quietly shines a ray of light that pierces through our despair. It may come as comfort through His Word, strength through prayer, or peace that surpasses all understanding. Slowly, that light leads our hearts from questioning to trusting, from resisting to accepting.
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‎We begin to realize that what God allows is never without purpose. Like Job, who lost everything yet found faith in the ashes, we are reminded that surrender is not weakness—it is the deepest form of trust. When we finally whisper “So be it, Lord,” it’s not resignation but renewal. It means we believe that even in the unexpected, God’s hand is still at work, weaving hope from heartbreak and purpose from pain. What once felt like an ending becomes a doorway to deeper faith, as we rest in the truth that His ways are higher, His plans better, and His love unwavering even in the storms we did not see coming.

03/11/2025

WHEN GOD HOLDS THE CARDS
‎Not Trying to Outsmart Life

‎“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5.

‎Life often feels like a game filled with choices, risks, and strategies. Many of us have learned how to “play our cards” well — we plan, analyze, and try to stay one step ahead. But even the most skilled players soon realize that real life is not about outsmarting others or mastering every move. It’s about trusting the One who holds the deck.

‎Some people are great at playing cards in a literal sense — sharp, patient, and observant. Yet in the game of life, even when they understand what’s happening, they often feel like they’re losing. The irony is that in God’s eyes, those moments of “losing” may actually be moments of spiritual victory. Life is not something to be outplayed; it’s something to be entrusted to God’s hand.

‎Each of us has been “dealt” a unique hand — our family, talents, personality, and circumstances. Some seem to have better cards than others, but what truly matters is not the hand we hold, but how we let God guide us to play it. Our “cards” symbolize everything He has given us: our time, opportunities, relationships, and even our struggles. When we try to outsmart life, we often end up exhausted. But when we surrender our moves to God, peace begins to take the place of pressure.

‎The danger lies in living as though we control the game. We rely on logic instead of faith, comparison instead of contentment, pride instead of humility. We think winning means having the best results — forgetting that God’s definition of success is faithfulness, not fame or fortune. Scripture reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7.

‎Sometimes, we may not understand why our plans fail or why we seem to lose even when we’ve done our best. But God sees the whole table — every card, every turn, every purpose. What feels like defeat may actually be His divine redirection. Romans 8:28 assures us that “all things work together for good to those who love God.”

‎When we stop trying to outsmart life and instead trust God’s perfect wisdom, we discover that the real victory has never depended on us. The game was already won at the cross. So even when we can’t see the outcome, we can rest in knowing that the One who holds our cards has never lost a game.

27/10/2025

‎‎Honoring God’s Name in Our Words
A ‎Reflection on the Phrase “For God’s Sake”
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‎Words carry power. They reveal what is in our hearts and often reflect how we view God Himself. Among the many expressions people use in daily speech, the phrase “for God’s sake” has become common, yet frequently misunderstood and misused. What was once a sacred appeal has turned, for many, into a careless exclamation.
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‎The Bible reminds us that our tongues are instruments of either blessing or dishonor, and the way we use God’s name is a direct reflection of our reverence for Him. When God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel, He made this clear “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” Exodus 20:7.
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‎To take God’s name in vain means to use it without meaning, care, or reverence — to reduce the holy to something ordinary. Today, phrases like “for God’s sake” are often spoken in moments of anger or frustration, stripped of any true spiritual purpose. Such misuse reveals how easily we forget the sacredness of the One we speak of. God’s name is not to be tossed around like a casual expression; it is to be lifted high with awe and worship.
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‎However, when used rightly, the phrase “for God’s sake” can carry deep and holy meaning. The Scriptures are filled with examples where God’s people appeal to Him “for Your name’s sake” — not in exasperation, but in reverence and dependence. The psalmist prayed, “For Your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great” Psalm 25:11.
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‎In these words, there is humility and trust. To say “for God’s sake” in the biblical sense is to ask God to act according to His character, for His glory, mercy, and righteousness to be displayed. It is not a cry of irritation but a prayer of surrender: “Lord, for who You are, please show Yourself strong and merciful.”
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‎As believers, we are called to be careful with our speech. Jesus taught that our words should be simple and sincere “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no” Matthew 5:37. Every word that passes from our lips should reflect our love and reverence for God. When we speak His name, may it always be with purpose, worship, and truth.
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‎Let us therefore guard our tongues and hearts. The next time we are tempted to use God’s name in a moment of frustration, may we pause and remember who He is — holy, righteous, and deserving of all honor. Instead of speaking His name in vain, let us speak it in praise.
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‎For God’s sake, let our words bring Him glory, not grief.

20/10/2025

‎‎Tired, But Thankful
Resting in His Strength when mine runs out
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‎There are seasons in life when we feel tired beyond what words can explain—not just physically, but emotionally drained and spiritually exhausted. Sometimes it comes from responsibilities that never seem to end, silent battles we carry alone, prayers that feel unanswered, or burdens we quietly hold in our hearts. Yet the Bible reminds us that tiredness is not a sin—it is a signal. It reminds us of our humanity and points us to our deep need for God’s strength.
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‎Throughout Scripture, even the greatest servants of God experienced weariness. Elijah, a mighty prophet of God, sat under a tree and said, “Lord, I’ve had enough” (1 Kings 19:4). Moses, overwhelmed by the weight of leadership, cried out to God because the burden was too heavy for him to bear alone (Numbers 11:14–15). David confessed, “I am weary with my groaning” (Psalm 6:6), as tears became his companion. Even Jesus, in His humanity, grew tired from His journey and sat down to rest (John 4:6). These stories remind us of a comforting truth: being tired does not mean we lack faith—it means we need God.
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‎But here is the beautiful reality—tiredness does not have to steal our thankfulness. Some of the strongest faith isn’t found in moments of victory but in moments of quiet endurance—when we keep trusting God even with weary hearts. The Bible doesn’t say to give thanks after the struggle; it says: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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‎That means we can still choose gratitude even when life feels heavy—not because everything is perfect, but because God remains faithful. We can be thankful that He woke us up today. Thankful that He carries us when we feel weak. Thankful that His grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9). Thankful that even in silence, He is working. Thankful that when our strength runs out, He renews it (Isaiah 40:31).
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‎Being thankful doesn’t deny our struggles—it shifts our focus. Instead of saying, “I’m so tired,” faith teaches us to say:
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‎✨ “I’m tired, but I’m thankful—God is still with me.”
‎✨ “I may feel weak, but I’m thankful—His grace strengthens me.”
‎✨ “The journey is heavy, but I’m thankful—He never leaves me alone.”
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‎Gratitude keeps the heart alive. It guards us against discouragement and reminds us that even in exhaustion, God is still worthy of praise.
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‎So if you’re tired today—serve God anyway. Keep believing. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep obeying. You don’t have to be strong every day, you're aloud to rest. Be honest about your weakness because your strength does not come from you. It comes from the One who never grows weary. You may be tired—but with God, you are not defeated. Now, remain thankful—not just because things are good, but because God is good

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13/10/2025

❤️‍🔥

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‎When Faith Still Asks: God Makes It Favorable
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‎In the life of a believer, prayer is not only an act of worship but also a reflection of the heart’s desire to communicate with God. We often end our prayers with the humble words, “Thy will be done,” echoing Christ’s own submission to the Father in Gethsemane. Yet as we grow in our relationship with God, we begin to realize that faith is not only about surrender but also about confidence—confidence that God listens to specific requests, even for things that may seem ordinary or personal. This brings us to the idea of praying for things to be favorable—favorable weather, favorable results, favorable outcomes. Some hesitate to pray this way, fearing it may seem selfish or shallow. However, the Bible shows us that praying for favorable outcomes is not only acceptable but also deeply biblical when done with the right heart.
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‎The word “favor” in Scripture is closely tied to grace—God’s unearned kindness and help. But the word “favorable” refers to the visible result of that favor working in our lives. When we pray for something to be favorable, we are not being worldly—rather, we are acknowledging that God alone has the power to shape circumstances. Nehemiah prayed, “Prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man” (Nehemiah 1:11), asking for a favorable response from the Persian king. This was not a selfish request but a prayer that aligned with God’s purpose. Joseph also received favor even in prison (Genesis 39:21), and that favor led to favorable circumstances that ultimately fulfilled God’s plan. Throughout Scripture, God’s people did not only pray to survive—they prayed to succeed, to move forward, to prosper, and yes, to see favorable outcomes, all while trusting God’s greater will.
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‎But some may still ask: If we pray for what is favorable, is that a lack of faith? The answer is no. Asking is not a sign of weak faith; asking is an expression of faith. Jesus Himself said, “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). James wrote, “Ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2). Faith does not avoid asking—it asks boldly because it believes God is both powerful and personal. The lack of faith is not in asking—it is in doubting that God cares enough to answer. Prayer becomes weak not when it asks too much, but when it expects too little. A heart that asks is a heart that still believes.
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‎However, favorable prayers must always walk hand in hand with humility. Praying for something specific is not wrong, as long as the heart remains surrendered to God. Jesus showed this balance when He prayed, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). He prayed with honesty and clarity, yet submitted to the Father’s perfect wisdom. This is the model for every Christian. To ask for what is favorable is to speak as a child does to a loving Father. To submit afterward to God’s will is to trust that the Father sees what we cannot.
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‎To pray, “Lord, may this exam be favorable,” is not to command God; it is to depend on Him. To ask, “Lord, grant us favorable weather today,” is not to reject rain as a blessing; it is simply to request God’s kindness for a specific purpose. To pray, “Lord, give me favor in this application,” is not selfish—it recognizes that success comes from God alone. Favorable prayer is not demanding. It is trusting.
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‎In the end, it is not the word “favorable” that defines the nature of a prayer, but the spirit behind it. God welcomes prayers that are bold yet humble, specific yet surrendered. It is possible to ask for a favorable outcome while still seeking God’s purpose above personal preference. Both can exist in one prayer: request and surrender, desire and trust, faith and obedience. Favor is not God giving us everything we want; favor is God working everything for our good and His glory. So pray boldly. Ask confidently. Trust completely. Because when faith still asks and still surrenders, God makes it favorable—in His way, in His time, and for His purpose.
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