by Christian International | Apr 14, 2026 | Articles
Have you ever done something for someone, helped them, given to them, or made a way for them, and instead of gratitude, received frustration in return? Not always immediately. Sometimes it starts small. A lack of appreciation. A shift in tone. And over time, something changes.
Recently, I came to a realization about our hearts: there is a difference between gratitude and attitude, and how we respond to what we receive matters more than we realize.
Jesus illustrates this in Matthew 18 when He tells the story of a servant who was forgiven a debt he could never repay. It was an act of incredible mercy. Instead of having gratitude, he had an attitude of entitlement. The servant went out and demanded payment from someone who owed him far less. When the king heard about it, his response wasn’t just to the action; it was to the heart behind it.
That contrast reveals how easy it is to receive something meaningful and still respond in a way that doesn’t reflect its value.
I’ve seen this play out in real life more than once.
There have been times when I’ve opened my home to my children’s and grandchildren’s friends who were going through a hard time. That’s not something I take lightly; it comes from a desire to help in a real and practical way.
I remember one young person in particular who came into our home with a humble and grateful spirit. They understood they were being helped, and they didn’t take it for granted. We gave them a place to stay, provided room and board, and simply asked them to help around the house and be part of the family.
Every time something was asked of them, their response reflected appreciation. They said thank you. They were willing to help. There was a genuine sense of honor in how they carried themselves—not just in words, but in attitude. You could feel the depth of their gratitude.
It made giving feel like a joy, not a burden. It made you want to continue helping, because gratitude has a way of multiplying what is given.
But then there was another time.
We opened our home again. We gave another young person a place to live, paid for their tuition to a private school, and provided room and board. Just like before, we asked them to help around the house and be part of the household.
But this experience was different.
At first, it was subtle. There wasn’t much acknowledgment. Simple requests were met with resistance. Over time, that response became clearer. What had been given freely began to be treated as though it was expected.
The tone shifted.
Gratitude was replaced with entitlement, and eventually that entitlement turned into frustration. What had been offered as kindness was no longer received in that spirit.
And it created distance.
Both individuals were given help. Both were shown care. But their response shaped the outcome.
One carried gratitude, and it brought peace, connection, and a desire to give more. The other carried an attitude, and it led to tension and separation.
That difference highlights something deeper than the situation itself; it reveals the condition of the heart.
Jesus shares a similar contrast in Luke 17 when ten lepers were healed. All ten received a miracle, but only one returned to say thank you. The miracle was the same, but the response was not.
Over time, I’ve come to a personal decision when it comes to giving. I don’t loan money unless I am at peace with never receiving it back. Once it is given, my responsibility is complete. What happens after that is no longer mine to carry. Because expectation opens the door for frustration, offense, and disappointment. But when it is released, there is freedom.
No one owes you anything.
That may sound direct, but it protects the heart. When that truth is settled, it removes the weight of expectation and keeps gratitude in its proper place. Instead of thinking, “They owe me,” I remind myself, “God trusted me enough to be able to give.”
The same principle applies in our relationship with God. There are times when people give, but then closely watch how it is used. And if it doesn’t align with what they expected, it can lead to frustration. But giving to God requires trust. If something has truly been given to Him, then the outcome is in His hands. Our responsibility is obedience, not control. Gratitude keeps the heart aligned in that place.
When gratitude is not guarded, other things begin to surface. Comparison. Offense. A growing awareness of what is lacking instead of what has already been given. And over time, the heart can begin to harden. But Scripture calls us to something different; to walk in love and to give thanks in all circumstances. Not just when things are going well, but in every situation.
There is also something powerful in how we express gratitude to others.
Simple words carry weight. The way we speak reflects what is happening internally. Saying “please,” “thank you,” “I appreciate you,” or even “would you mind” may seem small, but they reveal something deeper.
They reveal whether the heart is expecting or appreciating.
Gratitude is not a reaction. It is a choice. And that choice shapes everything.
It brings peace. It keeps the heart steady. It allows us to continue walking in love, even when things are not perfect.
You can never go wrong choosing to be grateful.
Prayer
Lord, help us to not take for granted all You have done for us.
I thank You, and I am so grateful You paid a debt I could not pay.
You owed mankind nothing, yet You gave Your only Son for us.
Teach us in turn to show kindness to others.
To be grateful for all You have blessed us with in our lives.
Thank You that I woke up this morning and praise You.
I was able to go to work, see my family and friends, do all that I need to do,
and then lay down to get a good night’s rest.
You are a good God,
and I am grateful.
by Christian International | Feb 12, 2026 | Articles
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” — 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV)
Over the years, I have learned that God rarely works the way I expect Him to.
If I am honest, much of my life has felt a little odd and unusual and not always in a comfortable way.
I did not always fit in. I was not quite the same as the rest of my family. I did not always think the same way, respond the same way, or even catch the joke when everyone else laughed. For a long time, I wondered if something was wrong with me.
Now I know better.
God uses that.
When You Feel Like You Don’t Belong
Jesus tells a parable in Luke 14:16–24 that has always spoken deeply to me. A man prepares a great feast and invites those who were first called. The honored. The religious. The respected.
But they make excuses. They decline the invitation.
So the master does something unexpected.
He sends his servants into the streets and lanes to bring in the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. When there is still room, he sends them even farther, to the highways and hedges, compelling others to come.
The people who assumed they belonged missed the feast.
The ones who never thought they would be invited filled the table.
That parable tells me something powerful. God often welcomes those who feel out of place.
God’s Instructions Are Not Always Comfortable
We do not set out to be odd or unusual. But when God speaks, His instructions do not always make sense to the natural mind.
If a donkey speaks to you like it did to Balaam, you should probably pay attention. There may be an angel standing in front of you that you cannot see.
If God tells you to build an ark because a flood is coming, even though no one has ever seen rain, you obey. You might be saving your family and the future of the earth.
If you are blind and Jesus uses spit and mud to heal you, you do not complain about the method. You receive the miracle.
If you are running from God’s purpose and find yourself living inside a great fish for three days, you do not argue. You repent.
If God tells you not to cut your hair and you decide you know better, do not be surprised when consequences follow.
If God tells you to be silent, walk around a city for seven days, and then shout, listen carefully. Walls are about to fall.
Even Moses, a man who spoke with God face to face, suffered consequences when he allowed anger to override obedience and struck the rock instead of speaking to it.
These stories remind me that obedience matters, even when the instructions feel strange or uncomfortable.
God’s Strength Shines Through Weakness
One of the clearest examples of this is Gideon’s army.
God intentionally reduced an army of 32,000 down to just 300. In the natural, it makes no sense. In the Spirit, it makes perfect sense.
God wanted everyone to know the victory did not come from numbers, strategy, or human ability. It came from Him.
I have seen this truth play out again and again in my own life. When I felt weak, unsure, or unqualified, God showed Himself strong. It was never about what I could do. It was always about what God could do through me.
The Call to Humility
That is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to humility.
“If My people will humble themselves…”
“Humble yourselves before the Lord…”
“Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand…”
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled…”
Humility keeps us teachable. It keeps us listening. It keeps us obedient, even when God asks us to do something outside the box.
Be Who God Called You to Be
God may be asking you to do something that feels odd or unusual. Something that does not fit neatly into other people’s expectations.
When that happens, pray. Seek godly counsel. Weigh it carefully. And if it truly comes from God, be obedient.
I have learned that trying to be “normal” is overrated anyway.
God did not call me to be like everyone else.
He did not call you to be like everyone else.
He called us to be who He created us to be. Unique. Purpose-filled. Dependent on Him.
Sometimes God’s ways look odd.
Sometimes obedience feels uncomfortable.
But God is always faithful.
And He always knows exactly what He is doing.
A Prayer for the One Reading This
Jesus, I ask that whoever is reading this would know, right now, that no matter what state they are in, they are accepted by You. You love them just as they are, and You will use them for Your glory.
If they feel small like Zacchaeus and only want a glimpse of You, remind them that You see them and will meet with them personally.
If they feel like a woman hidden in the crowd, carrying weakness, frailty, or an issue that has gone on too long, let them know that if they reach out right where they are and touch You, they will be healed.
God, You do not see us as odd or unusual. You see us as the vessels You intentionally formed.
We do not have to become good enough, smart enough, good-looking enough, or spiritual enough to receive Your love and acceptance.
We receive it now.
Amen.
by Christian International | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
I’ve heard it said many times that this is a year of new beginnings.
But the truth goes deeper than that.
Every day you wake up is a new beginning.
While you sleep, God designed your body to reset. Your brain rests. Your body repairs. Hormones rebalance. Your immune system strengthens. Your heart slows. Your emotions settle.
Renewal is built into your design.
When you open your eyes in the morning, you are not stepping back into yesterday. You are stepping into a fresh start God has already prepared.
Scripture reminds us:
“He grants sleep to those He loves.”
Psalm 127:2
Sleep is not only rest.
It is mercy preparing you for what comes next.
The Reality of New Beginnings
New beginnings often arrive quietly. Sometimes they come with anticipation. Other times they arrive in the middle of uncertainty. Either way, every new beginning requires something to end.
Change does not mean what ended was wrong. It simply means God is doing something different.
I have experienced several moments in my life where everything seemed settled. My direction felt clear. My plans appeared secure. Then in a moment, everything shifted.
What I thought would happen did not.
How I believed it would unfold never did.
God’s direction looked completely different than I expected.
That is why I have always held to this perspective:
Plan like you are going to live a long life.
But live each day aware that life is a gift.
We plan wisely. We prepare responsibly. But circumstances change. People make choices. And God sometimes redirects our steps.
One conversation can change everything.
One decision can shift a season.
One moment can alter a future.
Learning Where Control Ends
One of the most important lessons we learn in life is this:
You cannot make people fit into your plan.
God gave every person free will. You can pray. You can intercede. You can ask God to move in hearts and situations. But you cannot control outcomes.
That realization can be difficult. But it also teaches us trust.
Trust in God’s sovereignty.
Trust in His timing.
Trust in His ability to work beyond what we can see.
Seasons Change Without Warning
There have been seasons when my life appeared stable while others were facing hardship.
There have also been seasons when I was the one walking through difficulty while others seemed to be thriving.
At times, families appear strong. At other times, they are under pressure.
At times, health is steady. At other times, challenges arise.
At times, finances are secure. Then circumstances shift.
Life can change quickly.
New beginnings and reversals happen day by day.
Scripture shows us this pattern over and over again.
Joseph and the Unpredictability of Purpose
Joseph’s life is a powerful example.
One season, he was favored by his father. He wore a beautiful robe and lived with promise and expectation.
Then everything changed.
His robe was torn. He was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. While they returned home, Joseph was carried into captivity.
Later, he was promoted. Then falsely accused. Then imprisoned.
And then, once again, God lifted him up. Joseph interpreted dreams and was placed in authority over Egypt.
His story moved through favor, loss, confinement, and leadership.
God was present in every season.
The Danger of Comparison
Because life shifts so quickly, comparison is dangerous.
Someone may appear to be doing well while you are struggling. But circumstances can change in a moment.
Judgment is just as dangerous.
I have seen people speak critically about another person’s family, ministry, finances, or health, only to later walk through similar situations themselves.
Scripture warns us:
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Proverbs 27:1
None of us knows what tomorrow holds.
But we do know the One who holds tomorrow.
Mercy Is Waiting Each Morning
Every breath you take is a gift.
Every heartbeat is evidence of God’s faithfulness.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23
New beginnings are not limited to seasons on a calendar.
They are not dependent on circumstances lining up.
They are available every morning.
Living Well in Every Season
We are called to live with joy in the middle of difficulty.
To hold hope when answers are not yet clear.
To walk in peace that goes beyond understanding.
And when God’s favor is evident in our lives, we must guard our hearts. We remain grateful, humble, and compassionate toward others.
Because seasons shift.
Situations change.
And God remains faithful.
Every morning is mercy.
Every breath is grace.
Every day is a new beginning.
by Christian International | Dec 2, 2025 | Articles
This time of year, my inbox fills up with Christmas deals, countdown clocks, and “Only 3 left!” alerts.
Christmas shopping season is officially here — and if you’re anything like me, online shopping becomes a lifeline.
Instacart. Uber Eats. DoorDash. Amazon. Etsy.
If it can be delivered, it has probably made its way to my porch.
Life is full for me — caring for my 91-year-old father, loving on my four children and eight grandchildren, helping lead our ministry, and trying to keep up with everything in between.
So yes… sometimes that “Order Now” button is a gift from Heaven.
But recently, while placing yet another Christmas-season order, the Lord whispered something that stopped me in my tracks:
“This is how faith works.”
Right there — in the middle of carts, checkout buttons, and tracking numbers — God started showing me a spiritual picture I had never considered before.
And suddenly… it all made sense.
🌱 Hope: The Picture That Starts the Journey
Hebrews 11:1 tells us:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Every online order begins with hope.
Before the package ever exists in your hands, it exists in your imagination.
Hope is the desire.
The picture of something needed.
The vision of something better than what you currently have.
Spiritually, my life has been shaped by that same kind of hope:
hope for family restoration
hope for healing
hope for open doors
hope for God to transform what looked impossible
Hope gives direction.
But hope doesn’t deliver the package.
Something else has to happen.
1️⃣ Placing the Order: The Moment Faith Takes Action
When I click “Place Order,” something amazing happens:
I commit to something I don’t yet have.
I haven’t held it, seen it, or touched it.
In fact, it may still be in a warehouse across the country.
But the moment I place the order, I believe it exists — and I believe it’s coming.
That’s faith.
Jesus said in Mark 11:24:
“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
When I stand on God’s promises, it’s just like pressing the Submit button in the spirit.
I’m not waiting for proof.
I’m believing because God already said it.
📦 Faith places the order. Trust waits for delivery.
2️⃣ The Confirmation Email: God’s Word as My Receipt
Seconds after ordering, a confirmation pops into my inbox:
order received
payment approved
process started
I still don’t have the item…
but I have proof it’s mine.
God showed me His promises work the same way.
Every verse in Scripture is Heaven’s confirmation email.
2 Corinthians 1:20 says:
“All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen.”
When God speaks, that settles it.
His Word is my receipt.
3️⃣ The Waiting Period: When Things Happen Behind the Scenes
Now comes the part no one loves — spiritually or naturally.
Waiting.
Sometimes packages arrive fast.
Sometimes they seem to circle the earth for two weeks.
But even when I see nothing, I trust things are moving behind the scenes — processing, packaging, preparing, transporting.
Daniel knew this feeling. He prayed, and the answer took 21 days because an angel was fighting unseen battles on the way (Daniel 10).
I’ve prayed through seasons like that too.
Seasons where I cried out and believed with everything in me… and yet nothing changed immediately.
But delay never meant denial.
🕊️ Just because I don’t see movement doesn’t mean God hasn’t already started working.
Habakkuk 2:3 tells us:
“Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come.”
4️⃣ The Tracking Number: The Holy Spirit’s Inner Updates
Eventually, the tracking number arrives.
And suddenly, those small updates bring reassurance:
“Order processed”
“Shipped”
“In transit”
“Out for delivery”
Spiritually, the Holy Spirit does this for me every day.
He gives me peace.
Assurance.
Joy.
And that quiet inner knowing that God heard me.
Romans 8:16 says:
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit…”
He whispers, “It’s on the way.”
5️⃣ Delivery Day: When Hope Turns Into Reality
Then finally — the knock on the door.
What started as hope…
What shifted into faith…
What survived the waiting…
arrives in my hands.
Jesus said:
“If you believe, you will see the glory of God.” (John 11:40)
I’ve experienced that knock in so many ways — healing, provision, restoration, protection, breakthroughs I prayed for with tears in my eyes.
God is faithful.
Every time.
🎁 What This Journey Taught Me
Online shopping — especially during Christmas — reminded me:
Hope gives me the picture.
Faith makes the request.
Trust carries me through the waiting.
God brings the answer.
I don’t email Amazon begging for reassurance.
I don’t panic-text DoorDash.
I don’t stalk Etsy like something went wrong.
I simply trust the process.
Rest.
And expect the knock.
If I can trust earthly companies with my orders…
how much more should I trust the God who has never failed me?
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
— Mark 11:24 NIV
🕊️ A Prayer for You
Father, I lift up every person reading these words. You see their hopes, their needs, their longings, and every prayer they’ve whispered in faith. I ask that You strengthen their hearts in the waiting and remind them that You are already working behind the scenes. Let Your peace be their confirmation, Your promises be their certainty, and Your Spirit be their daily reassurance.
Increase their confidence to believe before they see, and let this be a season where prayers, long held in faith, finally arrive at their doorstep. Let hope rise, let faith grow, and let trust deepen as they walk with You.
Amen.
by Christian International | Nov 4, 2025 | Articles
I have seen many people in my life who lack self-control (NIV) or temperance (KJV). It is one of the fruits of the Spirit and affects every aspect of your life.
Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) –
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Self-control isn’t just willpower—it’s evidence of the Spirit at work in us. God calls us to be in control of our tongue (what we say), our mind (what we think), and our body (what we do).
Sowing and Reaping
I’ve seen people without self-control, also known as self-discipline. Some couldn’t control their anger and became verbally or physically abusive. Others lost control of their thought life and fell into perversion and immorality.
“Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.”
This is based on the biblical principle of sowing and reaping.
Control Over the Body
When people don’t have control over their bodies, they can become obese or anorexic. They might not exercise or care for their health, becoming weak and unable to function properly. Some fall into addiction or alcoholism because they don’t control what they put into their bodies. We have to remember our bodies are the Temple of God.
Control Over Words
It is important to think before you speak. God warns us not to gossip or backbite. Scripture tells us to listen more than we speak. Hurtful words can sometimes hit harder than a physical blow.
Proverbs 17:27–28 (NIV) –
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
It’s better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Control Over Thoughts
Mental illness is a big topic today. I do believe many people experience real trauma and mental challenges. But sometimes, the issue is not illness, it’s a lack of self-control over emotions and thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) –
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
What you focus on shapes who you become. Every choice you make affects your life—positively or negatively—and often affects your family and friends as well.
Let God Take Control
God wants to be in control of your life. He asks for your whole heart, mind, soul, and body.
Titus 2:2 (NIV) calls older men to be “temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled.”
Temperance implies a lifestyle of steady moderation that fosters long-term wisdom and stability.
There have been many times in my life when I couldn’t see a way out of a bad situation. But when I placed it in God’s hands and let Him take control, I was amazed at how He directed my steps and worked all things together for good.
Self-Control in Daily Life
Peer pressure and social norms can test our self-control. For example, some say, “To do my job, I have to drink.” Or to fit in a social setting” But there are many leaders in government and business who have never taken a drink.
I’m not saying that having a drink is always wrong, but if you lack self-control, then for you—it may be wrong.
You also need control over your money. If you spend more than you earn, you’ll fall into debt. If you gamble or fail to give tithes, you’re not being a wise steward. God calls us to be faithful managers of the resources He entrusts to us.
And you need self-control with your family—to be faithful to your spouse, and to raise your children with love and discipline. Without self-control, you may become abusive if you can’t manage anger or patience, or you may become overly lenient, failing to teach your children boundaries and self-control in their lives.
Final Thoughts
Self-control touches every area of life—spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, financial, and relational. It is not something we can achieve in our own strength. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, developed as we yield ourselves to God daily. Scripture says we are to know them by the fruit and self-control they have in their lives.
When we let God’s Spirit rule in us, our actions, words, and thoughts begin to align with His will. And through that, we not only change our destiny—we reflect Christ to the world.
