Grace Upon Grace Families

Faith as a Paddy Field: A Lesson in Patience, Effort, and Trust

Faith, much like a paddy field, requires patience, effort, and trust in God’s timing. Just as a farmer cannot expect to sow seeds one day and harvest the next, our spiritual journey involves a process that demands dedication, perseverance, and reliance on God’s provision.

1. Preparing the Ground: The Foundation of Faith

Before a single seed is planted, the farmer must prepare the soil. This involves clearing the land, plowing, and ensuring the ground is fertile. Similarly, faith begins with preparation. We must clear the "weeds" of doubt, fear, and distractions from our hearts. This is the time to cultivate a receptive spirit through prayer, meditation, and studying God’s Word. Just as the farmer cannot skip this step, we cannot rush the foundation of our faith.

“Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12)

2. Planting the Seeds: Taking the First Step

Once the ground is ready, the farmer plants the seeds. This act requires faith—faith that the seeds will grow, that the rain will come, and that the sun will shine. In our lives, planting seeds of faith means stepping out in obedience to God’s calling, even when the outcome is uncertain. It could be starting a new ministry, trusting God in a difficult season, or simply showing kindness to others. The farmer doesn’t know exactly how the seeds will grow, but he trusts in the process.

“So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how.” (Mark 4:26-27)

3. Nurturing the Crop: Patience and Perseverance

After planting, the farmer doesn’t just walk away. He waters the field, protects it from pests, and ensures it gets enough sunlight. Similarly, faith requires ongoing care. We must nurture our relationship with God through consistent prayer, fellowship, and obedience. There will be seasons of waiting, challenges, and even storms, but we must remain steadfast. Just as the farmer trusts that the seeds will grow in due time, we must trust God’s timing.

“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4)

4. The Harvest: Reaping the Rewards of Faith

When the time is right, the farmer reaps the harvest. He gathers the fruits of his labor, saves some seeds for the next planting season, shares with his family, and sells the rest. This is the season of abundance, where faith bears fruit. In our lives, the harvest represents the blessings, breakthroughs, and answered prayers that come from trusting God. However, the farmer doesn’t take credit for the harvest—he knows it was God who made the seeds grow. Likewise, we must honor God for the blessings in our lives and use them to bless others.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

5. The Cycle Repeats: Faith as a Lifelong Journey

After the harvest, the farmer doesn’t stop. He saves some seeds and begins the process again. Faith, too, is a continuous cycle. Each season of life brings new challenges and opportunities to trust God. Just as the farmer’s yield increases over time when he follows the process faithfully, our faith grows stronger as we walk with God through every season.

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

The Problem of Impatience in Modern Life

In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle with patience. They jump from one job to another, one relationship to another, or even one church to another, hoping for instant results. But faith doesn’t work that way. Just as a paddy field requires time and effort, so does our spiritual growth. We must resist the temptation to give up too soon and trust that God is working, even when we can’t see the results.

Honoring God in the Process

Ultimately, the farmer knows that his efforts alone are not enough. It is God who sends the rain, the sun, and the growth. In the same way, we must honor God as the source of all blessings. Whether we are in the planting, nurturing, or harvesting season, our faith must remain rooted in gratitude and dependence on Him.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (Psalm 127:1)

Conclusion: Faith is a Paddy Field

Faith, like a paddy field, is a journey of preparation, planting, nurturing, and harvesting. It requires patience, effort, and trust in God’s timing. Just as the farmer cannot rush the growth of his crops, we cannot rush our spiritual growth. But when we remain faithful, honoring God in every season, we will see the fruit of our labor. Let us remember that faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong process—one that yields a harvest of blessings when we trust in the Lord.

Christianity Is a Decision—And Comfort Is Not an Option

Christianity Is a Decision—And Comfort Is Not an Option

The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). Yet, we often see people who are "Sunday Christians" but live as "Monday Bastians"—compromising their faith the moment the world demands it. Why? Because true Christianity isn’t just a label; it’s a daily decision—one that often requires us to leave our comfort zones behind.

Faith That Doesn’t Grow in Comfort

Let’s be honest: faith was never meant to be safe. Jesus didn’t call His disciples to a life of convenience but to a life of conviction. "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Yet, many of us treat Christianity like a cozy blanket—something to keep us warm but never to challenge us.

I’ve learned this firsthand. In my work, I’ve encountered two types of people: those who live for the world and those who claim Christ but refuse to stand for Him when it’s costly. There were moments when I had to say "no" to unethical practices, even when it meant risking my job. And while some unbelievers respected that decision—even thanking me for my integrity—the so-called "Christians" around me were the ones who turned away.

That’s the irony: the world sometimes recognizes righteousness faster than those who wear the name of Christ but refuse to live it.

The Danger of Wavering Faith

Some believers are like poles stuck in mud—unsteady, shifting with every pressure, unable to say "no" when it matters. Their faith is built on convenience, not conviction. They chase blessings, promotions, and approval, never realizing that true obedience often comes with a cost.

And here’s the painful truth: comfort zones are where faith goes to die.
When we refuse to stand because it’s uncomfortable, we don’t just fail ourselves—we fail those watching us. Our silence becomes permission for compromise. Our fear becomes a stumbling block for others.

When Obedience Leads to Rejection

Scripture commands: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). I clung to this when I took a stand at work—only to face backlash from those who called themselves believers. To please their superiors, they mocked my integrity, twisted my actions, and ensured my contract wasn’t renewed.

Losing a job hurts. Being betrayed by fellow Christians stings even more. But here’s what I know: God doesn’t waste our suffering. He sees. He knows. And He rewards faithfulness—not with worldly approval, but with something greater: His presence and purpose.

The Choice: Comfort or Christ?

Christianity isn’t about blending in. It’s about standing out—even when it’s costly.

Will we be Sunday believers but Monday compromisers?
Will we choose silence over truth to keep our comfort intact?
Will we fear man more than God?

The world doesn’t need more lukewarm Christians (Revelation 3:16). It needs bold followers of Christ—people who refuse to let comfort dictate their convictions.

I lost a job, but I kept my faith. And I know God isn’t done writing this story.

What about you? Will you stay comfortable—or will you stand?

Teaching Through Everyday Moments

“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way…” — Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NKJV)

Some of the most powerful lessons in life don’t happen at a desk or during a structured lesson. They happen in the everyday moments—when you’re cooking dinner, driving to the store, or working through a challenge together. Faith, character, and wisdom are often taught in the conversations you have, the decisions you make, and the way you respond to life’s ups and downs.

As parents, we have the incredible opportunity to use these everyday moments as teaching opportunities. Your child is watching and learning from you more than you realize!

The Power of Everyday Teaching

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us that teaching our children is not a one-time event or a rigid curriculum. It’s a lifestyle. It’s about weaving lessons into the fabric of daily life—whether you’re sitting at home, walking along the road, or lying down at night.

Here are some ways everyday moments can become powerful teaching opportunities:

In the Kitchen: Teach fractions while baking, discuss nutrition while preparing meals, or talk about the importance of gratitude as you share a meal together.
On a Walk: Point out the beauty of God’s creation, discuss the seasons of life, or use the time to talk about perseverance and endurance.
During Chores: Use household tasks to teach responsibility, teamwork, and the value of hard work.
In Conversations: Share stories from your own life, discuss current events, or talk about how to handle challenges with faith and wisdom.

These moments may seem small, but they leave a lasting impact.

Modeling Faith and Character

Children learn not only from what we say but also from what we do. They watch how we handle stress, how we treat others, and how we prioritize our time. This is why modeling is such a powerful teaching tool.

For example:

If you want to teach kindness, let your children see you helping a neighbor or showing compassion to someone in need.
If you want to teach perseverance, let them see you working through a challenge without giving up.
If you want to teach faith, let them hear you pray and see you trust God in difficult situations.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

As parents, we are our children’s first and most influential role models. Let’s make the most of this responsibility by living out the values we want to instill in them.

Turning Mistakes into Lessons

No parent is perfect, and that’s okay. In fact, our mistakes can be some of the most powerful teaching moments. When we admit our faults, apologize, and seek forgiveness, we’re teaching our children humility, grace, and the importance of reconciliation.

For example:

If you lose your temper, take a moment to calm down, then apologize and explain how you’re working to handle your emotions better.
If you make a wrong decision, talk to your children about what you learned from the experience and how you plan to make better choices in the future.

These moments show your children that it’s okay to make mistakes—and that what matters most is how we respond to them.

A Message for Parents

If you’re feeling the pressure to stick to a rigid curriculum or meet certain academic standards, take a deep breath. Remember that some of the most important lessons your child will learn happen outside the pages of a book.

Embrace the everyday moments. Use them to teach, to connect, and to disciple. And most importantly, trust that God is with you in this journey. He has given you everything you need to raise your children well.

Call-to-Action

What are some of your favorite “everyday teaching” moments with your children? Share your stories and ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire and encourage one another to make the most of every teaching opportunity.

Remember, education is not just about what’s in the books—it’s about the life you live and the lessons you share along the way.

Your Words Shape Their Future

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." — Proverbs 18:21

Every word you speak over your child is a seed planted in their heart. Your words have the power to shape their identity, confidence, and faith. In a world filled with negativity and doubt, your voice should be the one that speaks life, encouragement, and truth. Let them hear what God says about them more than what the world says.

The Power of Words

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our words hold incredible power. We can either build up or tear down, bless or discourage, instill faith or plant fear. Children absorb the words spoken to them, and those words shape their beliefs about themselves and their future.

Ephesians 4:29 instructs us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." As parents, we must be intentional about speaking words that strengthen and uplift our children.

Speaking Life Over Your Child

Affirm Their Identity in Christ – Remind your child that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that they have a God-given purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).
Encourage Their Strengths – Celebrate their unique gifts and talents, reinforcing their confidence in how God has created them.
Speak Words of Love and Grace – Even when correcting, let your words be filled with love and wisdom rather than frustration.
Pray Over Them Daily – Declare God’s promises over their lives, covering them in protection, wisdom, and favor.
Model Positive Speech – Children learn from what they hear. Let your speech reflect kindness, faith, and encouragement.

Protecting Their Hearts from Negative Words

The world will try to define your child’s worth, often in ways that do not align with God’s truth. Your voice should be the counterbalance, filling their hearts with God’s promises. Be mindful of words spoken in moments of frustration—words spoken in haste can leave lasting wounds. Instead, choose words that bring healing and direction (Proverbs 15:4).

If negative words have been spoken, it’s never too late to replace them with truth. Apologize when needed, and reaffirm God’s love and purpose for your child.

The Lasting Impact of Your Words

Just as a garden flourishes with care, the seeds of life-giving words will produce a harvest in your child’s heart. They will carry those words into their future, influencing how they see themselves, interact with others, and trust in God.

Speak blessings, declare God’s truth, and be a voice of love and encouragement in your child’s life. The words you sow today will shape their tomorrow.

We Are the Image of God—But There’s a Counterfeit

"God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." — Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

Yes, you read that right. You were made to reflect God’s glory. But here’s the catch: the devil hates this truth. Just as God works to restore His image in us, Satan works overtime to distort, counterfeit, and hijack this divine design.

Let’s break it down.

1. God’s Original Blueprint: Top-Down Transformation

God’s plan for humanity has always been clear and unchanging:

Created in His image (Gen. 1:27).
Fell into sin, breaking that reflection (Rom. 3:23).
Redeemed through Christ—the "express image" of God (Heb. 1:3).
Restored by the Spirit: "We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." (2 Cor. 3:18).

This is God’s top-down process:

He initiates (salvation).
We respond (faith, obedience).
The Spirit transforms us into Christ’s likeness.

2. The Devil’s Counterfeit: Bottom-Up Imitation

Satan can’t create—he twists. Just as he misquoted Scripture to Jesus (Matt. 4:6), he deceives people today with cheap imitations of God’s image:

Self-made spirituality ("Enlightenment within! No need for Christ!").
Moralism ("Be a good person—that’s enough!").
Humanism ("You are the god of your own life!").

These are counterfeits—man’s attempt to "build" godliness from the bottom up, relying on human effort rather than divine grace.

The result? A distorted image. Like a cracked mirror, it reflects something—but not the true glory of God.

3. Spotting the Fake: How to Stay Genuine

The world is full of knockoffs, but you’re called to be the real deal. Here’s how to discern:

✅ GOD’S WAY (Top-Down)

Source: Christ’s finished work (John 19:30).
Power: The Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Result: "As He is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17).

❌ COUNTERFEIT (Bottom-Up)

Source: Human wisdom (Col. 2:8).
Power: Self-effort (Gal. 3:3).
Result: "Having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Tim. 3:5).

4. The Ultimate Goal: Fully Like Jesus

One day, the process will be complete:
"We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2).

Until then, we fight to stay true:

Fix your eyes on Christ (Heb. 12:2).
Renew your mind daily (Rom. 12:2).
Resist the devil’s shortcuts (James 4:7).

Final Thought: You’re Not a Cheap Imitation

The world sells duplicates, but you’re an original—crafted by God, redeemed by Christ, and shaped by the Spirit. Don’t settle for a self-made identity. Walk in the one you were made for.

"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." (Rom. 8:29).

Question for reflection: Where have you seen counterfeits try to replace God’s design? How are you guarding your heart?

From Deception to Deliverance: A Mother's Miraculous Freedom

A True Story of Spiritual Warfare and Victory in Christ

A House in Bondage

My wife's childhood home was a battleground. After her father abandoned the family when she was three, her mother - though nominally Catholic - began worshipping other gods, claiming special spiritual gifts. A deceptive spirit masquerading as a "helpful grandfather" regularly possessed her mother. Each manifestation required my wife to perform rituals: folded-hand prayers to the spirit and applications of "healing water" to revive her mother's withered, lifeless body.

The Divine Invitation

Everything changed when a neighbor invited my wife's mother to a Christian church service (to consider a potential match for the neighbor's family). Though her purpose was social, she returned strangely moved. "There was something different about that place," she told my wife. "You should go."

When my wife attended, the living Jesus met her powerfully. For the first time, she repented and surrendered her life to Christ. That night, the spiritual atmosphere in their home shifted dramatically.

The Night of Power

As the familiar spirit attempted its usual entry, it recoiled in terror, crying:
"I cannot enter here like earlier! There is now a child of Almighty God here!"

When it begged, "Please, let me come in like before!" my wife - now filled with the Holy Spirit - commanded: "Who are you? Leave my mother in Jesus' name!"

The spirit lied: "I am your grandfather, a clean spirit!" Undeceived, she prayed fervently. The demon threatened: "Stop praying or I'll kill her now!"

"Only God holds life and death!" she declared. Her mother collapsed, lifeless.

With unwavering faith, my wife cried: "Lord, bring my mother back to life in Jesus' mighty name!"

INSTANTLY, her mother gasped back to life.
The spirit never returned.

A Family Transformed

The deliverance was complete. My wife's mother:

Renounced all idol worship
Abandoned occult practices
Even quit her betel nut addiction
Joined a vibrant Christian community

"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

Key Scriptures for Depth

"Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (1 John 3:8)
"I have given you authority...to overcome all the power of the enemy." (Luke 10:19)

Call to Action

Has God delivered you or someone you love from darkness? Your story could set others free! Share your testimony in the comments below. If this post encouraged you, share it with someone fighting spiritual battles today!

All glory to Jesus Christ, the Mighty Deliverer!

Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, just as You delivered this family, I ask You to break every chain of deception in my life. Expose every lie, cast out every unclean spirit, and establish Your victory in me. I declare that I am Yours—fill me with Your Holy Spirit and power. In Your mighty name, Amen."

The Good Samaritan’s Wisdom: When to Say No

Introduction: The Kindness Trap

We all know the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)—the hero who stopped to help a wounded stranger when others passed by. Christians are called to love sacrificially, but what if helping others actually harms your own family?

Consider these real-life examples:

A grandmother neglects babysitting her grandchild to help a neighbor. While she’s away, the child gets injured, leaving the family in distress.
A housewife lets a low-income neighbor take water from her supply, only for them to waste it—leaving her with skyrocketing bills.
A husband buys expired groceries from a friend to "be nice," then tells his frustrated wife, "Let’s just forget it," causing needless conflict.

These aren’t stories of true kindness—they’re examples of toxic generosity, where helping hurts more than it heals.

1. The Good Samaritan Had Limits

The original Good Samaritan didn’t:

Abandon his own journey indefinitely
Give the wounded man all his money
Stay in the dangerous area (bandits were still nearby)
Adopt the man as his permanent responsibility

Biblical Principle: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) means you must care for yourself to love others well.

When to Apply It:

If helping a neighbor means neglecting your crying grandchild, say no.
If lending money means your own bills go unpaid, say no.
If saying "yes" to others means saying "no" to your family’s needs, it’s not kindness—it’s imbalance.

2. When Helping Actually Hurts

A. Enabling Irresponsibility (The Water-Wasting Neighbor)

The housewife’s neighbor didn’t need water—they wasted it. Her "help" taught them to exploit her instead of managing their own resources.

Scripture: "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Wisdom Step: "I’m happy to show you how to conserve water, but I can’t keep supplying it."

B. Rewarding Dishonesty (The Expired Groceries)

The husband’s "kindness" rewarded a dishonest seller. His avoidance of conflict created more conflict at home.

Scripture: "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." (Proverbs 22:3)
Wisdom Step: "I’ll shop elsewhere unless the quality improves."

C. Neglecting Primary Duties (The Grandmother’s Choice)

God calls us to care for our household first (1 Timothy 5:8). A grandmother’s first duty is to her grandchild—not a neighbor’s convenience.

Scripture: "Whoever does not provide for relatives has denied the faith." (1 Timothy 5:8)
Wisdom Step: "I can’t help today—my family needs me."

3. How to Say "No" Without Guilt

You don’t owe endless help to those who exploit it. Try these responses:

"I wish I could, but I have a prior commitment." (No further explanation needed.)
"Let’s find another solution together." (Shifts responsibility back to them.)
"I’ve helped before, but I can’t this time." (Sets a boundary without apology.)

Scripture Backing: "Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no." (James 5:12)

Conclusion: Love Wisely

The Good Samaritan didn’t bankrupt himself to help—he gave what he reasonably could. True Christian love requires discernment, not blind self-sacrifice.

Final Thought: "Sometimes the kindest word is ‘no’—for their sake, and yours."

Discussion Questions for Readers

Have you ever said "yes" when you should’ve said "no"? What happened?
Where do you struggle most with setting boundaries?
How can we help others without enabling harm?