Grace Upon Grace Families

Does God Trap Us Sometimes?

The answer is both yes and no—but not in the way we might think.

A trap is meant to ensnare and destroy, but when God allows difficult situations, His purpose is always redemption, not ruin. He may let us feel stuck—only to steer us toward something far greater.

How God Used a "Detour" to Redirect Me

Years ago, while working in a factory, I was stuck in an unhealthy relationship that left me empty. Then, I met another girl—vibrant, kind, and full of life. For the first time in a long while, I felt hope.

But there was a catch: She had a boyfriend serving in a dangerous military operation. She hadn’t heard from him in months and feared he might have died. "If he returns," she told me, "I’ll have to leave you. If not, I’ll stay." I agreed, thinking this was my chance at happiness.

Months later, the news came—he was alive and coming home. Heartbroken, I did the only thing I could: I blessed her and walked away.

The Divine Strategy

At the time, it felt like a cruel twist of fate. But now I see God’s brilliant strategy:

He used her to pull me out of an unhealthy relationship—she was the fresh air I needed to break free from what was harming me.
He let me taste hope again—so I’d recognize what real love could feel like.
He closed that door—because His best was still ahead.

This wasn’t a trap—it was a rescue mission. Soon after, I met Jesus in my brokenness, and not long after, my wife—a woman of God who became my lifelong partner. We’ve built a beautiful marriage and raised two incredible daughters.

God’s Detours Are Deliverance

The Bible says:

" No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11)

What felt like a dead end was actually God rerouting me. That girl wasn’t my destination—she was the bridge that led me out of dysfunction and into God’s perfect will.

Your Turn: Trusting God’s Process

Are you in a situation that feels like a trap? Maybe:

A relationship that isn’t right, but you’re afraid to let go?
A closed door that feels like a punishment?
A season of waiting that seems pointless?

Remember:

God’s "no" is protection.
His delays are not denials.
His detours have divine purpose.

If this speaks to you, leave a comment—I’d love to pray for you!

A Prayer for Trusting God’s Plan

"Father, thank You for being a God who doesn’t trap us but transforms our trials into triumphs. When I can’t see Your purpose, help me trust Your heart. Give me the courage to let go when You say ‘no,’ and the faith to believe that Your best is still coming. Thank You for Jesus, my Savior and Guide. In His name, Amen."

Glory to God, who makes all things beautiful in His time!

NEW HUSBAND OR OLD?

NEW HUSBAND OR OLD? – ROMANS 7 AND YOUR MARRIAGE TO CHRIST

INTRODUCTION: A DIVINE DIVORCE

"What if I told you God had to legally kill your first husband to set you free for a better love?"

In Romans 7:1-6, Paul drops a bombshell: You were once ‘married’ to the Law—but now you belong to Christ. This isn’t just theology—it’s the key to living in radical freedom. Let’s break it down.

1. THE OLD HUSBAND: MARRIED TO THE LAW

Baptized into Moses: A Covenant of Works

1 Corinthians 10:2 – Israel was "baptized into Moses" (bound to the Law).

Delivered from Pharaoh… but led to Sinai’s demands.
The Law could command, but never give life (Galatians 3:21).

BUT HERE’S THE GOSPEL SHIFT:

Romans 5:6-8 – "Christ died for the ungodly... God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Moses couldn’t die for you—he was just a man.
Jesus became your substitute, fulfilling the Law’s demands for you (Matthew 5:17).

2. THE DIVORCE: DEATH SET YOU FREE

The Legal Loophole

Romans 7:2-3: Marriage binds until death.
God’s Radical Solution:

You didn’t just get a divorce—your old husband (the Law) died (Romans 7:4).
How? You died with Christ (Galatians 2:19-20).

"It Is Finished—Move On Victorious!"

The Law’s demands were fully satisfied at the Cross (John 19:30).
No more cycles of guilt/shame. You’re free to leave the grave (Romans 6:4).

3. THE NEW HUSBAND: UNITED TO CHRIST

Bound to the Life-Giving Spirit

Romans 7:4: "Now you belong to Him who was raised from the dead."

Christ doesn’t demand—He supplies (John 1:16).
The Spirit writes God’s laws on your heart (Jeremiah 31:33).

Fruit flows from intimacy, not obligation (John 15:5).

Baptized into Christ: A Covenant of Grace

Old Covenant (Moses)	New Covenant (Christ)
"Do this and live"	"It is finished— move on!"
Behavior modification	Heart transformation
Leads to condemnation	Leads to liberty (2 Cor. 3:17)

4. WARNING: DON’T RETURN TO THE GRAVE

Modern Legalism: Adding rules to grace (e.g., "God only accepts you if…").
The Temptation: Acting like you’re still married to Moses.
The Truth: You’re "seated with Christ" (Ephesians 2:6)—stop living like a slave!

5. HOW TO LIVE AS CHRIST’S BRIDE

REST in His finished work (Hebrews 4:10).
WALK in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
LOVE fiercely—it’s the Law’s fulfillment (Romans 13:10).

✨ YOUR TURN TO RESPOND

Reflect & Share:

Have you ever felt torn between two "husbands"—trying to earn grace?
How has union with Christ changed your view of God’s commands?

Drop a comment below! Your story could unlock someone’s chains.

⚡ "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Giving Is a Blessing – A Testimony of Faith

When We Give to the Poor, We Lend to God – A True Story

Introduction:
The end of the year is often a time of reflection, gratitude, and giving. But what happens when you feel like you have little to spare? This is the story of how a small act of faith led to an unexpected harvest—and a powerful reminder that God sees every act of kindness.

A Season of Financial Struggle

It was the end of the year, and like many families, ours had faced unexpected expenses. With two young children and the holidays approaching, even my year-end bonus didn’t stretch as far as we’d hoped. My wife and I were carefully counting every dollar, praying for wisdom to make ends meet.

A Divine Nudge to Give

During a visit to a family from our church, we learned they were in dire need—facing hardships we couldn’t ignore. Though our own budget was tight, we felt a quiet but unmistakable prompting in our hearts: "Share what you have."

I’ll admit, hesitation crept in. "Lord, we have so little ourselves—how can this make a difference?" But faith isn’t about logic; it’s about obedience. We gave what we could, trusting that God would use it.

That’s when I remembered Proverbs 19:17:
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done."

We weren’t just helping a family in need—we were lending to God. And if Scripture promised He would repay, we could rest in that.

The Unexpected Blessing

A few days later, a plain envelope arrived at my office. Inside was a greeting card—no return address, no signature—just a simple message of encouragement. But when I opened it further, my breath caught. There was money inside. A significant amount.

When my wife and I counted it, we were stunned. The total was nearly 22 times what we’d given days earlier. Tears filled our eyes as we realized: God had taken our "small seed" and multiplied it beyond imagination.

This wasn’t just a financial blessing; it was a divine confirmation. When we give to those in need, we aren’t just helping people—we’re partnering with Heaven.

The Lesson We Carry Forward

God Sees Hidden Acts of Love – Whether it’s a gift given in secret or a sacrifice no one else notices, He honors it (Matthew 6:3-4).
He Multiplies in His Way – Our return wasn’t just "equal"; it was abundant (Ephesians 3:20).
Giving Is Eternal Investment – Proverbs 19:17 reassures us: what we give to the poor isn’t lost—it’s stored up (Luke 12:33-34).

Closing Reflection:
Have you ever experienced a moment where giving—especially when it hurt—led to an unexpected blessing? Maybe not always financially, but in joy, peace, or divine provision? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

Let’s keep sowing seeds of kindness, not because we expect a return, but because we serve a God who keeps His promises. When we give to the poor, we’re not just meeting a need—we’re lending to the Lord Himself.

Train Your Life in God’s Ways

Growing Beyond Spiritual Infancy

Spiritual dependence is necessary at first—like a baby relying on parents—but God calls us to mature. The Apostle Paul writes:

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways."
—1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)

The writer of Hebrews confronts stagnation sharply:

"You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food!"
—Hebrews 5:12 (NLT)

God’s desire is for us to "grow up in every way into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).

Taking Responsibility for Your Spiritual Training

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes active pursuit of godliness—it’s not passive.

Train Your Mind

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind."
—Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
—2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)

Exercise Spiritual Discernment

"Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
—Hebrews 5:14 (ESV)

Discipline Yourself for Godliness

"Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
—1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)
"I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
—1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit: Your Divine Coach

You’re not left to train alone. God’s Spirit empowers you:

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
—John 14:26 (ESV)
"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth."
—John 16:13 (ESV)
"Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
—Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

A Call to Action

Will you commit to daily training? Start with:

5 minutes in Scripture (Joshua 1:8)
Prayerful reflection (Psalm 119:15)
Accountability (Romans 14:12)

"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day."
—Proverbs 4:18 (ESV)

Question for Reflection:
"What ‘spiritual muscle’ do you need to strengthen this week? Identify one verse to meditate on and one action step (e.g., fasting from distractions, memorizing Scripture)."

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.