Grace Upon Grace Families

We’re Taken by the Waves in Life Sometimes

Life as a believer in Christ can feel like being caught in the waves of the ocean. Sometimes, we’re tossed around by circumstances, emotions, or even spiritual battles. For new believers, this is natural—like newborn babies learning to walk, we’re growing in our faith and understanding. There’s no shame in this process, and no one is to blame for it.

However, the Bible gives us a clear warning: “Do not be deceived” (Galatians 6:7 NKJV). As believers, we must be vigilant against the traps of the enemy, who seeks to twist God’s Word and lead us astray. But when we stay rooted in Scripture and grow in our understanding, we can navigate life’s waves with wisdom and confidence.

The Danger of Deception

Jesus warned us that “a man’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matthew 10:36 NKJV). This isn’t just about physical family—it’s about the spiritual battles we face. The deceiver, Satan, doesn’t always attack us with obvious lies or false religions. Often, he uses subtle distortions of God’s Word to lead us astray.

For example, in the Garden of Eden, Satan didn’t outright deny God’s command. Instead, he twisted it. Eve added to God’s words, saying, “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die” (Genesis 3:3 NKJV). But God had only said, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17 NKJV).

Where did the extra part—“nor shall you touch it”—come from? It was a subtle addition, a distortion of God’s truth. This is how the enemy works. He takes God’s Word, twists it slightly, and mixes it with worldly ideas to create confusion and deception.

The Temporary Satisfaction of Deception

The enemy’s lies often come with a temporary sense of satisfaction. He makes sin feel comfortable, even appealing, by wrapping it in half-truths or worldly wisdom. For example:

He might tell you that God wants you to be happy, so it’s okay to ignore His commands.
He might twist Scripture to justify selfishness, pride, or compromise.
He might use feelings or emotions to convince you that you’re on the right path, even when it contradicts God’s Word.

But this satisfaction is fleeting. It leads to spiritual emptiness, confusion, and ultimately, separation from God’s best for our lives.

Growing in Understanding and Wisdom

The key to overcoming deception is to grow in our understanding of God’s Word. This doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a lifelong journey of studying Scripture, spending time in prayer, and fellowshipping with other believers.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more we’ll recognize His voice and discern the enemy’s lies. Here are a few practical steps to grow in understanding:

Study Scripture Daily: Make time to read and meditate on the Bible every day.
Pray for Discernment: Ask God to open your eyes to His truth and protect you from deception.
Seek Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with mature believers who can help you interpret Scripture accurately.
Test Everything: Compare what you hear—whether from sermons, books, or people—with the Bible.

Dealing with Life Wisely

The Bible warns, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19 NKJV). In a world filled with noise, opinions, and distractions, we must be careful not to let everything flow unchecked into our lives.

Wisdom means being intentional about what we listen to, what we say, and how we live. It means filtering everything through the lens of Scripture and seeking God’s guidance in every decision.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’ve been caught in the waves of life—whether through deception, confusion, or simply the challenges of growing in faith—take heart. God is with you, and His Word is your anchor.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)

Stay rooted in Scripture, grow in wisdom, and trust God to guide you through every storm.

Call-to-Action

Have you ever faced a situation where you felt deceived or confused by a twisted version of God’s Word? How did you overcome it? Share your story in the comments below to encourage others! Let’s build a community of believers who stand firm in God’s truth and support one another in the journey of faith.

Remember, the waves of life may come, but God’s Word is your anchor. Stay rooted, stay wise, and keep moving forward in His truth.

The Bible Factory Wars: When Faith Was Used as a Weapon

A Workplace Battle of Hypocrisy, Fear, and Divine Justice

I never expected to walk into a spiritual warzone when I stepped into the HR department of a small Bible-printing factory. On the surface, it was a place dedicated to producing sacred texts. But beneath that veneer of holiness, a toxic struggle for power raged—one where scripture was twisted into a weapon, and "Christian" labels masked cruel intentions.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

A House Divided

Foreign management struggled to maintain order among the workers, many of whom claimed to be devout believers. Yet, some of these so-called Christians operated with ruthless tactics—manipulating, scheming, and quoting Bible verses to justify their greed and aggression.

"They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work." (Titus 1:16)

I did my best to mediate conflicts, but soon, their true plan erupted: a calculated riot meant to turn workers against each other—and against me.

The Ambush

One day, as I stepped in to defuse tensions, a hostile crowd surrounded me. Their eyes burned with malice; their words were laced with threats. By God’s grace, I escaped unharmed and rushed to the foreign leaders, shaken but alive. The experience left me terrified—so much so that I couldn’t return for weeks.

"When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall." (Psalm 27:2)

The Comeback

Six weeks later, strengthened by faith, I returned alongside a new General Manager—a true man of God. Together, we restored order, dismantled the toxic power structures, and brought temporary peace to the factory.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

But the wicked don’t surrender easily.

The Second Attack

The same troublemakers resurfaced, this time targeting a disabled foreign employee—assaulting him after a Sunday church service and vandalizing his car. But this time, fear didn’t control me. We fought back legally, filing a court case that left them cornered. One by one, their defiance crumbled. Those who once hurled insults at me now hugged me as they resigned.

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14)

A New Enemy Rises

Just when harmony seemed restored, another self-proclaimed Christian—more educated, more influential—set his sights on destroying me. His tactics were subtler, his reach wider. The battle grew exhausting, and eventually, I walked away.

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

Divine Justice

Months later, I met a loyal factory technician who delivered shocking news: My accuser had been struck by a train and died.

"The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming." (Psalm 37:12-13)

The message was clear: God fights for those who stand for truth.

Lessons from the Bible Factory

This ordeal taught me hard lessons about hypocrisy, spiritual warfare, and the dangers of those who wield faith as a weapon. But it also reaffirmed a greater truth: No scheme of man can outlast the justice of God.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5)

If you’ve ever faced betrayal in a place that should have been righteous, know this—you’re not alone. And in the end, light always exposes darkness.

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17)

Rest in the Journey

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

Homeschooling and parenting can feel overwhelming at times. The daily demands, the unexpected challenges, and the constant need to be present for your children can leave you feeling weary. But in the midst of it all, remember this: you are not alone. God’s grace is enough for today, and He offers rest for your soul.

The Invitation to Rest

Jesus calls us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened. He does not expect us to carry the weight of parenting and homeschooling on our own. Instead, He invites us into His presence, where true rest is found. This rest is not just about physical renewal, but a deep, soul-refreshing peace that only He can provide.

When you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Step back from the chaos and remind yourself that you don’t have to do everything in your own strength. Philippians 4:13 reassures us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Your strength comes from Him, not from your ability to have everything perfectly planned or executed.

Grace for the Journey

Some days will feel like a battle. Lessons won’t go as planned, patience will wear thin, and doubts will creep in. But parenting and homeschooling are not about achieving perfection—they are about walking in God’s grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." When you feel inadequate, lean into His grace. He fills the gaps where you fall short, providing wisdom, patience, and endurance for each step of the journey.

Cultivating Peace in Your Home

A home filled with God’s peace does not mean a home without challenges. It means a home where His presence is invited into every moment—where prayers are spoken over struggles, where worship fills the air, and where love covers mistakes.

Here are some practical ways to invite His peace into your home:

Start the Day with Prayer – Dedicate each day to God, asking for His guidance and strength.
Release Expectations – Allow flexibility in your homeschooling and parenting journey. God’s plan may look different from your own.
Take Breaks When Needed – Rest is a gift, not a sign of weakness. Pause to reset when the day feels overwhelming.
Speak Life Over Your Children – Encourage them with words of truth and affirmation from Scripture.
Trust God with the Outcome – Your faithfulness in the small moments matters more than immediate results. Trust Him to work in your child's heart and mind over time.

Finding Rest in Him

Your best work happens from a place of rest in God. When you allow Him to carry your burdens, you create space for joy, connection, and growth in your home.

If today feels heavy, take a moment to pause. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and invite His presence to refresh you. Let His peace fill your heart, knowing that He walks with you through every step of the journey.

You are not alone. His grace is enough. Rest in Him and move forward with renewed strength.

Why You Don’t Need to ‘Clean Up’ to Come to Christ

"Tear Off the Strings: Why You Don’t Need to ‘Clean Up’ to Come to Christ"

Key Scripture:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
— Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

The Officer’s Dilemma

A pastor once shared the Gospel with a high-ranking army officer bound by Hindu temple strings—symbols of vows to idols. The man trembled: “I’m too unclean. My life is pledged elsewhere.”

The pastor replied:
“If rotten food lies on the ground, flies swarm it. You could waste hours swatting them—or simply remove the food. The flies vanish. Your sins are like those flies. Christ doesn’t ask you to chase them; He cleanses you.”

When the officer asked, “What do I do with these strings?” the answer was radical:
“If Jesus is your Lord, you’re now God’s child. Tear them off—you’re free.”

1. The Lie: “I Must Clean Myself First”

We often think God accepts us only when we’re “good enough.” But Scripture demolishes this:

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NKJV)
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." (Titus 3:5, NKJV)

The Gospel: Christ doesn’t reform you—He resurrects you (Ephesians 2:5).

2. The Truth: Grace Cleans the Root

Like the officer’s strings, our efforts to fix ourselves are powerless. But Christ:

Broke the chains: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free." (Galatians 5:1, NKJV)
Washed us clean: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7, NKJV)

No more bargaining with God. The price was paid; the strings are cut.

3. The Invitation: “Come As You Are”

Jesus calls the weary, not the worthy:

"The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." (John 6:37, NKJV)
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:37, NKJV)

Your part? Surrender. His part? Everything else.

4. The Freedom: Living as God’s Child

Those temple strings symbolized fear. But in Christ:

You’re adopted: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1, NKJV)
You’re secure: "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God." (Romans 8:39, NKJV)

Practical Step:
Is there a “string” you’re clinging to—guilt, religion, self-effort? Pray this:
“Jesus, I trade my vows for Your victory. I receive Your cleansing now.”

Closing Appeal

The officer left that day with cut strings and a new heart. Grace didn’t make him perfect—it made him alive.

You don’t need a moral resume to approach God. You just need empty hands.

Prayer:
“Lord, I stop trying to ‘fix’ myself. I come to You as I am. Tear off every lie, every chain. I receive Your rest today in Jesus' name. Amen.”

Discussion Questions

What “strings” (old vows, guilt, or rules) am I still trusting in?
How does Romans 5:8 change my view of God’s love?

PART 3: Rebuilding Trust in God’s True Church

How to Stay in Community Without Losing Your Discernment

Introduction: The Judas Hangover

After my betrayal, I eyed every Christian like a potential scammer. "What’s their real agenda?" I’d whisper. But God challenged me: "Don’t let one Judas cancel your 11 disciples."

Here’s how I learned to engage the Church again—wisely.

1. The Two Deadly Extremes

A. Cynicism: "All churches are corrupt!"

Risk: You reject God’s family—and His protection (Hebrews 10:25).
Truth: Even Paul had toxic teammates (Demas, Alexander—2 Timothy 4:10-14). He didn’t quit the mission.

B. Blind Trust: "I’ll never question leadership!"

Risk: You repeat the cycle.
Truth: The Bereans were praised for testing Paul’s teaching (Acts 17:11).

Healthy balance: "Trust, but verify."

2. 5 Marks of a Safe Spiritual Family

Look for a church/group where:

Leaders apologize without excuses (James 5:16).

Green flag: "I was wrong—will you forgive me?"
Red flag: "You’re too sensitive."

Money is transparent (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

Ask: "Can I see the annual budget?" Healthy churches won’t flinch.

Members are free to leave without shaming (1 Corinthians 7:15).

No guilt-tripping: "You’ll backslide if you go!"

The vulnerable are protected (James 1:27).

Watch: How do they treat single moms, the poor, or dissenters?

Jesus is the hero—not a leader (1 Corinthians 1:12-13).

Avoid: "Our apostle says…" instead of "The Bible says…"

3. How to Dip Your Toe Back In

Step 1: Attend as a "guest," not a member. Observe for 3-6 months.
Step 2: Join a small group first. Manipulation thrives in isolation.
Step 3: Ask hard questions early:

"What’s your process if a leader sins?"
"Has anyone ever left upset? Can I talk to them?"

My story: I found a church where the pastor said, "If I ever demand blind obedience, run." That’s when I knew—this is home.

4. The Church Jesus Is Building

Despite my pain, I still believe in the Church because:

Jesus died for her (Ephesians 5:25).
Gates of hell won’t stop her (Matthew 16:18).
One day, she’ll be flawless (Revelation 19:7).

Final challenge:
Don’t let wolves steal your love for Christ’s bride. Find your tribe—they’re out there.

Closing Prayer:
"God, give me courage to trust again—but with wisdom. Lead me to people who smell like Jesus. And make me that person for others in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Final Scripture:
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another."
—Hebrews 10:24-25

Discussion Question:
"What’s one ‘green flag’ you’ll look for in a church now?"

PART 2: How to Heal After Spiritual Manipulation

When Trust Is Broken—Where Do We Go Now?

Introduction: The Wound That Bleeds Faith

I’ll never forget the day I realized my "divine opportunity" overseas was a spiritual cage. The Pastor who once prayed over me now ignored my pleas for clarity. The "brother" assigned to help me became my watchdog, twisting my words to fit their narrative.

But the deepest cut wasn’t losing the job—it was losing my trust in God’s people. If you’ve been there, you know: Spiritual betrayal doesn’t just break promises; it fractures your ability to believe.

Yet here’s the hope: God doesn’t waste wounds. Let’s walk the path of healing together.

1. Name the Sin: Call It What It Is

For months, I minimized what happened:

"Maybe I misunderstood…"
"They did help me at first…"

But healing begins when we stop sanitizing sin.

Gaslighting (making you doubt your reality) is demonic (John 8:44).
Spiritual control (using God’s name to dominate) is witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23).
Broken covenants (false promises) grieve God’s heart (Malachi 2:14).

Your turn: Write down what actually happened. No sugarcoating.

"They used Scripture to silence me. That’s not God—that’s abuse."

2. Forgive—But Don’t Fake Amnesia

I struggled with this:

"If I forgive, do I have to trust them again?"
"Doesn’t forgiveness let them off the hook?"

God’s way is deeper:

Forgiveness = Releasing your right to punish (Romans 12:19).
Trust = Earned through repentance (Proverbs 22:3).

Practical step:
Pray this aloud:
"God, I choose to forgive [name]. I release them to Your justice. But until they prove changed, guard my heart from their influence in Jesus' name. Amen."

3. Rebuild Your Discernment Muscle

After betrayal, we either become:

Cynical ("No one is trustworthy!")
Desperate ("I’ll follow anyone who sounds spiritual!")

God’s antidote:

Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Ask:

Does this person welcome accountability?
Do their actions match their words over time?

Keep a "Red Flag Journal" – Note patterns (e.g., "When I asked for clarity, they deflected").

My breakthrough: I saw the brother’s "concerned questions" were really interrogations. Now, I spot manipulation faster.

4. Find Your Ezekiel 34 Shepherd

After my ordeal, I avoided churches for months—until I met a pastor who:

Said, "You’re allowed to question me—I’m not God."
Opened his books (literally!) when I asked about finances.

God’s model for leaders:

They feed sheep, not themselves (Ezekiel 34:2-3).
They weep over your wounds, not their image (2 Corinthians 2:4).

Action step:
Visit a small group or new church just to observe. Don’t commit—just look for:

Humility in leadership.
Joy in the congregation.

A Prayer for the Brokenhearted

"Father, my trust is shattered. But You’re the God who rebuilds ruins (Isaiah 61:4).
Expose every lie I believed. Help me forgive without foolishness.
Lead me to safe people, you’re my Shepherd always in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Closing Scripture:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
—Psalm 34:18

Discussion Question:
"What’s the hardest part of healing for you right now?"

You Are More Than Enough

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Doubt is a familiar companion for many homeschooling parents. It whispers things like, “I’m not qualified to teach my child,” or “What if I’m not doing enough?” These thoughts can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth: You are more than enough. Why? Because God has called you to this task, and He will equip you for it. You are exactly what your child needs—because Christ strengthens you!

The Lies of Doubt

Doubt often stems from comparison, fear, or unrealistic expectations. We look at other homeschooling families and wonder why ours doesn’t measure up. We worry about gaps in our children’s education or whether we’re preparing them well enough for the future. We pressure ourselves to be perfect teachers, parents, and role models.

But these doubts are not from God. They are lies meant to steal your confidence and joy. The enemy wants you to believe that you’re not qualified, not capable, and not enough. But God’s Word tells a different story.

God’s Promise of Strength

Philippians 4:13 is a powerful reminder that our strength doesn’t come from ourselves—it comes from Christ. When we feel inadequate, we can lean on His strength to carry us through.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This verse doesn’t mean we’ll never face challenges or feel overwhelmed. It means that, no matter what we’re facing, Christ will give us the strength we need to overcome it. Whether it’s teaching a difficult math concept, managing a busy schedule, or navigating the ups and downs of parenting, His strength is more than enough.

You Are Called and Equipped

If you’ve felt God’s call to homeschool your children, you can trust that He has equipped you for the task. You don’t need a teaching degree or a perfect plan to be a great homeschooling parent. What you need is a heart willing to follow God’s leading and a reliance on His strength.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” — 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

This verse reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge we face. He will provide everything we need—wisdom, patience, creativity, and more—to fulfill the calling He has placed on our lives.

You Are Exactly What Your Child Needs

No one knows your child better than you do. No one loves them more, understands their unique needs, or is more invested in their growth and success. You are not just a teacher—you are a guide, a mentor, and a role model.

God chose you to be your child’s parent for a reason. He knew that you would be the perfect person to nurture their mind, heart, and spirit. Even on the hard days, when doubt creeps in, remember this: You are exactly what your child needs.

Practical Ways to Overcome Doubt

Here are a few ways to silence doubt and embrace God’s truth:

Pray for Confidence: Ask God to remind you of His calling and to fill you with His strength.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate the small victories and remember that growth takes time.
Surround Yourself with Encouragement: Connect with other homeschooling parents who can offer support and perspective.
Meditate on Scripture: Write down verses like Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 9:8. Keep them where you can see them daily.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or inadequate today, take a moment to breathe and refocus. Remember that you are not alone, and you are not failing. God has called you to this journey, and He will equip you for it.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

This is God’s promise to you. He has a plan for your life and your child’s life—a plan filled with peace, hope, and purpose. Trust Him, lean on His strength, and know that you are more than enough.

Call-to-Action

Have you ever struggled with doubt in your homeschooling journey? How do you remind yourself that you are enough? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to trust God’s strength and embrace His calling!

Remember, you are more than enough—because Christ strengthens you.