The Joy of Being an Heir
You are not a spiritual beggar. You are a joint heir with Christ. Live in the joy of what He has given you.
The Joy of Being an Heir
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 09 September 2025
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
Think about the most generous gift you’ve ever received. Maybe it was something you couldn’t afford yourself, yet it was given to you freely. That’s a small picture of what it means to be a joint heir with Christ.
When we put our faith in Jesus, we become part of God’s family. That means everything the Father has given to the Son is also ours – His peace, His joy, His victory, His eternal life. We didn’t earn it. We simply received it.
It’s easy to live like a spiritual beggar, always asking for scraps, when in reality we are seated at the table as beloved children. The enemy loves to convince us that we are outsiders, unworthy of the Father’s blessings. But God’s Word says otherwise.
Jesus has already conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness. We get to walk in His victory, not because we fought the battle, but because He did. Imagine a champion who wins the trophy, then turns to you and says, “This is yours too.” That’s the Gospel.
Living as an heir means living with confidence. Not arrogance, but assurance. It means facing challenges knowing that the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills is your Father. It means believing that no matter how things look today, your inheritance in Christ is secure.
So today, stop approaching God as if you are on the outside looking in. You belong to Him. You are loved, chosen, and included. And the inheritance you have in Christ is greater than anything this world can give.
Prayer of the Day:
Father, thank You that through Jesus I share in Your inheritance. Help me to live as a victorious heir, full of joy and gratitude. Amen.
The Freedom He Paid For
Jesus paid the full price for your freedom. Let’s stop carrying chains He has already broken.
The Freedom He Paid For
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 08 September 2025
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t just make a down payment on our freedom. He paid it in full. The chains of sin, guilt, shame, and fear were broken once and for all. Yet how often do we find ourselves picking them back up?
The “yoke of slavery” Paul talks about is anything that pulls us back into bondage. It could be the weight of past mistakes. It might be the constant feeling that you’re not good enough. It might even be religious legalism – trying to earn God’s love by ticking boxes instead of resting in His grace.
I’ve had moments where I’ve slipped back into striving. I’ve served God faithfully but found myself secretly wondering if I was doing enough to make Him pleased with me. In those moments, the Holy Spirit has reminded me of this truth: “You are free. Stop acting like you’re still in chains.”
The freedom Jesus gives is not fragile. It’s not based on our performance or our emotions. It’s based on His finished work. That’s why Paul says, “Stand firm.” Freedom is not just a gift, it’s a position we take and hold onto.
If you’ve been feeling heavy, maybe today is the day to lay those chains down for good. The chains of guilt. The chains of fear. The chains of trying to earn what Jesus already paid for. You don’t have to earn His love. You already have it.
Friend, Jesus did not free you so you could walk a few steps and then turn back. He freed you so you could run into His arms, live in His joy, and shine His light in the world.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord Jesus, thank You for paying the full price for my freedom. Help me to live in it every day and never return to the chains You have broken. Amen.
Living the New Life
God changes us so we can be living examples of His goodness in a world that desperately needs hope.
Living the New Life
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 07 September 2025
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
When we put our faith in Jesus, everything changes. We are not just forgiven, we are made new. This is more than a fresh start, it is a brand-new identity.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that the old has gone and the new is here. That means we no longer have to live under the weight of past mistakes, shame, or fear. We get to live with the confidence that we are children of God, loved, chosen, and called.
Living the new life is not about perfection, it is about direction. It is about choosing each day to walk in God’s ways. Some days will be easier than others, but every day is an opportunity to let His light shine through us.
I have met people who carry such peace and joy that you cannot help but notice. It is not because their lives are trouble-free, but because they have learnt to live in the reality of who they are in Christ. Their hope is not tied to circumstances, but to the unchanging goodness of God.
When we live as new creations, it impacts the people around us. Our kindness can lift someone’s spirit. Our patience can calm a tense situation. Our words can point someone to Jesus. Transformation is never just for us, it is so the world can see the difference Christ makes.
So, live the new life boldly. Let the fruit of the Spirit flow out of you. Walk in forgiveness, speak life, and love deeply. You are not who you used to be. The new has come, and it is beautiful.
Prayer of the Day:
Father, thank You for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me to live in the fullness of this new life, so others can see Your love through me. Amen.
Letting Go of the Old
You cannot fully step into the life God has for you if you are still holding on to the old one.
Letting Go of the Old
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 06 September 2025
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds.”
One of the hardest parts of transformation is letting go of what is familiar. Even if the old ways were not good for us, they can feel safe because we know them. Stepping into the new requires faith, and faith often means stepping out of our comfort zone.
Paul tells the Ephesians that following Jesus means taking off the old self and allowing God to renew our minds. That is not a one-time event. It is a daily choice. Each day we have opportunities to choose grace over anger, forgiveness over bitterness, generosity over selfishness.
I remember a time when I was holding on to hurt from a past situation. I told myself I had forgiven, but deep down I was still replaying the offence in my mind. It was only when I truly let go and gave that hurt to God that I felt the freedom I had been longing for. Holding on had been weighing me down, and I did not realise it until I released it.
Letting go of the old might mean changing the way we speak, the company we keep, or the habits we allow. It might mean admitting that we have been doing things in our own strength and it is time to surrender to God’s Spirit.
The good news is that God does not just ask us to let go, He fills the empty space with something better. When we release anger, He fills us with peace. When we drop fear, He fills us with faith. When we let go of pride, He fills us with humility and joy.
So if you feel God nudging you to release something today, do not be afraid. He has something better for you. Trust Him, and step into the new.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, help me to let go of anything that holds me back from becoming who You have called me to be. I give You my old ways and invite You to make me new. Amen.
Trusting the Process
God’s work in us takes time. Trust Him to complete what He started, even when the progress feels slow.
Trusting the Process
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 05 September 2025
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
We live in a world that loves instant results. Fast food. Same-day delivery. Quick fixes. But spiritual growth does not work like that. God’s transformation in our lives is a process, and it takes time.
Paul reminds the believers in Philippi that the God who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion. He does not start something and leave it half-finished. He is faithful to keep working in us, even when we cannot see the results right away.
Think about a seed planted in the ground. You cannot see what is happening under the soil, but that does not mean nothing is happening. Roots are forming. Growth is beginning. It is the same with our spiritual lives. There are seasons when it feels like nothing is changing, but God is working beneath the surface.
I have had times when I have prayed for patience, only to find myself facing situations that test my patience more than ever. At first, I wondered why God seemed to be making things harder. But over time, I realised He was answering my prayer in the most practical way possible. He was building my character, not just giving me a quick burst of patience.
Trusting the process means believing that every season matters. The joyful seasons and the difficult ones. The breakthroughs and the waiting. The times we feel close to God and the times we feel like we are just holding on.
You may feel like your progress is too slow. You may be wondering why God has not changed certain things yet. But be encouraged: He is still working. Your story is not finished. And when He is done, the beauty of His work in your life will be worth the wait.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that You never give up on me. Help me to trust Your timing and Your process. Even when I cannot see what You are doing, I choose to believe that You are at work in me. Amen.
Change Is a Good Thing
Real growth comes when we let God do the changing, not when we try to force it ourselves. His Spirit works in us little by little.
Change Is a Good Thing
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 04 September 2025
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Change can be a funny thing. Some people love it. Others avoid it at all costs. But for those of us who follow Jesus, change is not just a possibility, it is a promise. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that as we keep our eyes on Jesus, the Holy Spirit transforms us into His image, from glory to glory.
That means you and I are not meant to stay the same. God has more for us. He wants us to reflect more of His love, His patience, His kindness, and His joy each day. I do not know about you, but I want that. I want to see progress in my life. I want to be more loving tomorrow than I am today. I want to be the kind of person who remains gentle even when life feels rough.
The truth is, there are days when things do not go my way. Days when I feel stretched, tired, or even a little grumpy. Yet it is in those moments that the fruit of the Spirit is tested. Can I still be patient when the queue at the shop is long? Can I still speak kindly when I feel under pressure? Can I still walk in peace when circumstances are anything but peaceful?
The encouraging thing is this: we do not have to change ourselves in our own strength. I used to think I had to try harder, push more, and wrestle my way into becoming a better Christian. All that left me was frustrated. What I have learnt is that God changes me through His grace, not through my striving.
Little by little, the Holy Spirit works in us. He gently shows us areas where He wants to bring transformation. Then, as we surrender those areas to Him, He shapes us. He builds His character into us in ways we could never do on our own. Sometimes we notice big changes. Other times, it is only when we look back that we realise how far He has brought us.
So if you feel like you are still a work in progress, take heart. You are. We all are. And that is the point. God is not finished with you yet. Every season, every challenge, every joy is part of His plan to make you more like Jesus.
Let us welcome change, not fear it. Let us trust the Spirit to work in us from the inside out. And let us remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is moving us from glory to glory.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that You love me just as I am, but You also love me too much to leave me that way. Help me to trust You with every area of my life. Shape me into the image of Jesus, little by little, through the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
Living Secure in God’s Approval
You don’t have to live chasing people’s approval. God’s “yes” is enough, and His love makes you secure.
Living Secure in God’s Approval
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 02 September 2025
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
From the moment we’re young, we learn what it feels like to be praised—and what it feels like to be overlooked. Whether it’s at school, at work, or even in church, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking approval from people. A compliment lifts us, but a critical word can send us spiralling.
I’ve been there. I’ve felt the pull of wanting to be liked, noticed, and accepted by others. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying encouragement, but when our sense of worth rises and falls on people’s opinions, we’re standing on shaky ground.
The Bible reminds us of something far better: God’s love has been lavished on us. Not given sparingly. Not handed out in small portions depending on how well we perform. Lavished—poured out in abundance. And that love has given us the highest title we could ever have: children of God.
When you know you are fully approved by God, it changes everything. You no longer have to exhaust yourself trying to earn the approval of others. You don’t have to be crushed when someone doesn’t notice your efforts. You can walk in confidence knowing that your Father in heaven sees you, knows you, and delights in you.
I remember a time when I poured my heart into a project and expected certain people to acknowledge it. Their silence hurt. But in that moment, God whispered to my heart, “I saw it. I’m proud of you.” That reminder set me free from the need to be validated by everyone else.
Friend, God’s “yes” over your life is worth more than every human opinion put together. People’s approval is temporary. God’s approval is eternal. Let His voice be the loudest in your life. When you live from His approval instead of for people’s approval, you’ll find rest for your soul and confidence for your journey.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that I am loved and approved by You. Help me to rest in Your acceptance and not chase after the approval of others. Let Your “yes” be enough for my heart every day. Amen.
Trading a Critical Spirit for a Grateful Heart
When gratitude fills your heart, criticism loses its grip. God invites us to live with thankful eyes that see His goodness in every season.
Trading a Critical Spirit for a Grateful Heart
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 02 September 2025
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
It’s easy to see what’s wrong. A slow queue at the shop, a friend who didn’t return a call, the one thing that went wrong in an otherwise good day—it all stands out, doesn’t it? If we’re not careful, a habit of noticing faults can grow into a critical spirit, and before long, we find ourselves focusing more on what’s missing than on what’s present.
I’ve had moments where I caught myself grumbling more than giving thanks. It can happen so subtly. We start with a small complaint, but if we feed it, it begins to colour how we see life. Soon, we miss the joy of what God is doing because we’re too busy pointing out what He hasn’t done yet.
But God’s Word gives us a different way: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” That doesn’t mean we have to pretend everything is perfect. It means we choose to look for God’s goodness even when life is far from easy. Gratitude doesn’t ignore reality, but it refuses to let negativity be the loudest voice.
I remember speaking to someone in our church who was going through a tough season. They said something that stayed with me: “I decided to find one thing to thank God for every morning. It didn’t fix my problems overnight, but it changed how I saw them.” That’s the power of gratitude—it shifts our focus from what’s wrong to the God who is always right here with us.
When we trade a critical spirit for a grateful heart, our relationships change too. We become encouragers instead of complainers. We speak life instead of pointing out flaws. And perhaps most importantly, we begin to notice God’s blessings that were there all along.
Friend, maybe today is the day to start that trade. Let’s ask God to pull out any root of criticism and plant a deep, lasting gratitude in our hearts. When we do, we’ll find our joy growing, our peace deepening, and our eyes opening to His goodness in every season.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You for every blessing You’ve placed in my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve focused more on what’s wrong than on what’s right. Teach me to live with a grateful heart and to see Your goodness even in difficult seasons. Amen.
Overcoming the Fear of Abandonment
Even when people walk away, God never leaves. His presence is your anchor, your comfort, and your constant companion.
Overcoming the Fear of Abandonment
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 01 September 2025
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The fear of abandonment is a deep wound that can shape the way we see ourselves, others, and even God. It often begins with a painful moment, someone we trusted walked away, a parent was absent, a friend turned their back, or a promise was broken. Those moments leave us wondering, Will everyone eventually leave me?
I’ve met so many people who live with that fear quietly tucked away in their hearts. It can make us overly cautious in relationships, hesitant to trust, or desperate to please others so they won’t walk away. Sometimes, without even realising it, we can start thinking God might leave us too.
But Scripture reminds us of a powerful truth: The Lord himself goes before you and will never leave you nor forsake you. That’s not just a nice thought; it’s a promise from the One who cannot lie. People may leave, seasons may change, but God remains.
I’ve had seasons where I felt alone in the crowd, carrying burdens I didn’t think anyone understood. And in those moments, I found myself whispering, “Lord, are You still here?” Every single time, His presence reassured me: “I’m not going anywhere.”
The beauty of God’s presence is that it’s constant. He doesn’t just check in now and then; He walks with us through every high and low. The God who goes before you also stands beside you and lives within you.
If the fear of abandonment has taken root in your life, I want you to know that you can be free from it. You can build your life on the truth that God will never leave you. And as you do, that truth becomes an anchor in every storm.
Friend, you are not alone. You never have been, and you never will be. Even when it feels like everyone else has stepped away, God’s love steps in and holds you close. Rest in that promise today.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Heal every place in my heart where I have felt abandoned. Help me to trust in Your constant presence and to live free from the fear of being left. Amen.
Breaking the Chains of Shame
Shame is a heavy burden that keeps us from living in freedom, but Jesus has already unlocked the chains. You can walk in His grace today.
Breaking the Chains of Shame
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 31 August 2025
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Shame is one of the enemy’s favourite tools. It whispers, “You’re not good enough. Remember what you did? That’s who you are.” It clings to our hearts like a shadow, following us into every conversation, every relationship, every quiet moment.
I know what it’s like to feel the weight of shame. Sometimes it comes from mistakes we’ve made. Other times it’s the result of things that were done to us. Either way, it tells us we’re unworthy, and it convinces us that God must see us the same way. But that’s not the truth.
Romans 8:1 tells us plainly, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” No condemnation. That means God is not sitting in heaven pointing the finger at you. If you have given your life to Jesus, He has already taken your guilt and shame on Himself at the cross.
The problem is, we often keep holding on to what God has already forgiven. It’s like sitting in a prison cell with the door wide open, yet refusing to walk out. The chains are already broken, but shame convinces us to stay put.
One of the turning points in my own walk with God was realising that shame doesn’t have to have the last word. Yes, we might remember our past, but in Christ, we are no longer defined by it. God gives us a new name: redeemed, forgiven, child of God.
If you’ve been living under the weight of shame, I want to encourage you today: Jesus didn’t just save you from your sins; He saved you from the shame that comes with them. When He looks at you, He sees the righteousness of Christ, not the stain of your past.
It’s time to step out of that prison cell. You don’t need to explain your way out; you just need to believe the truth of God’s Word. Let His voice be louder than the lies. Walk in the freedom He’s already given you.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. I lay every memory, every regret, and every weight of shame at Your feet. Help me to see myself the way You see me: clean, forgiven, and free. Amen.
Rooted in Love, Not Rejection
Rejection tries to take root in our hearts, but God’s love is deeper, stronger, and unshakable. Let His truth define your worth.
Rooted in Love, Not Rejection
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 30 August 2025
Rejection is something we all encounter at some point in life. It might come from hurtful words spoken over us, being left out, a broken relationship, or even a season where we feel unnoticed or undervalued. It starts as a small seed, but if left unchecked, it can grow into something much bigger, a deep root that touches every part of our lives.
I’ve learned that whatever you are rooted in will always show up in the fruit you bear. If we are rooted in rejection, that root can produce bitterness, insecurity, anger, or self-pity. It can make us live as though something is wrong with us, even when God’s Word says the opposite. The enemy loves to steal the truth of God’s acceptance from us, replacing it with lies that we are unwanted or unworthy.
But here’s the good news: God’s love can replace every root of rejection. His acceptance is not based on what you’ve done or how others see you. It’s based on who He is and what Jesus has already accomplished on the cross. When Christ dwells in our hearts, when we let His love sink deep into our roots, everything changes.
I think of it like a tree. If the roots are healthy, the tree will bear good fruit. If the roots are damaged or poisoned, the fruit will reflect that. The same is true for us. If we are rooted in abuse, shame, guilt, or the thought that we are never enough, our lives will bear the fruit of that pain. But if we allow God’s love to be our foundation, we can stand strong, secure, and unshaken.
There have been seasons in my life when I felt overlooked or misunderstood. At times, rejection left me doubting my value. But each time I returned to the truth of Scripture, I found my footing again. God reminded me, “You are mine. You are loved. You are chosen.” Over time, I realised that healing doesn’t come from trying harder to be accepted by people. It comes from receiving the love and acceptance I already have in Christ.
Friend, you do not have to stay rooted in rejection. Those roots can be pulled out and replaced with the unshakable truth that you are loved and valued by God. If He could do it for me, He can do it for you too.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, I thank You that my worth is found in You and not in the opinions of others. Uproot every lie of rejection from my heart, and let Your love take deep root in me. Help me to stand secure in the truth that I am chosen, accepted, and loved by You. Amen.
Grace for the Journey
No matter how long or hard the road, God’s grace gives you the strength to keep going.
Grace for the Journey
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 29 August 2025
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
The truth is, we can’t walk God’s path in our own strength. We need His grace – His supernatural power working in us to do what we could never do alone.
When the Israelites walked through the wilderness, they didn’t survive by their own ability. God gave them food every morning, guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night, and kept their clothes from wearing out. That is what grace looks like – daily provision for the journey.
I’ve learned that when I try to push through challenges in my own strength, I quickly grow weary. But when I pause, pray, and lean on God’s grace, I find new strength to take the next step.
Whatever road you’re on, know this – His grace is enough for today. You don’t need to see the whole journey to keep moving forward. Just trust that the One who called you will also carry you.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You for Your grace that meets me every day. Help me to lean on You instead of my own strength and to trust You to carry me through every step of the journey. Amen.
When the Hard Way Is the Best Way
God doesn’t lead us down the harder path to punish us but to prepare us for His promises.
When the Hard Way Is the Best Way
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 28 August 2025
““For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.”
We often look for the easiest route in life – the one with the least resistance and the fastest results. But in God’s kingdom, the “easy way” is not always the best way.
The Israelites had to walk a difficult road through the wilderness, but it was along that road that they learned who God was. They saw Him provide manna from heaven, water from a rock, and victory over their enemies. The lessons they learned in the wilderness prepared them for the Promised Land.
I’ve seen this in my own life. Some of the most powerful seasons of growth have come in the middle of difficulty. It was in those moments I learned to pray more deeply, worship more passionately, and trust more fully.
If you are on a hard path right now, take heart. God is not wasting your struggle. He is using it to strengthen your faith and prepare you for what’s ahead.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You for leading me even when the path is hard. Help me to trust that You are working in me through every challenge and shaping me for Your purposes. Amen.
Trusting God When the Road Feels Long
Sometimes God takes us the long way because He’s preparing us for something greater. His way is always the best way.
Trusting God When the Road Feels Long
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 27 August 2025
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.””
When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He could have led them on a quick, direct path to the Promised Land. Instead, He took them on a longer route through the wilderness. Why? Because He knew they weren’t ready for the battles ahead.
Sometimes God does the same with us. We see the shortcut and think, “That’s the fastest way.” But God sees the dangers we can’t see, and He knows what still needs to grow in us before we face certain challenges.
I can think of times when I’ve asked God for something and felt ready to step into it, only to find the journey took much longer than I expected. Looking back, I realise He was building my faith, shaping my character, and teaching me to lean on Him rather than on my own strength.
Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” so we can find the help we need. That grace is His power working through us to do what we cannot do on our own. When the road feels long and the weight feels heavy, His grace is enough to carry us through.
So, if it feels like God is taking you the long way round, don’t lose heart. His way may not be the easiest, but it is always the best.
Prayer of the Day:
Father, thank You that Your ways are perfect, even when they take longer than I expect. Help me to trust Your timing, lean on Your strength, and keep moving forward with faith. Amen.
Choosing Power Over Pity
Self-pity robs us of strength, but God gives us the power to rise above and live in victory.
Choosing Power Over Pity
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 26 August 2025
“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.””
Self-pity drains our energy and blinds us to the blessings still around us. It keeps us looking inward at our pain instead of upward to our God. But when we choose God’s joy, we tap into a strength that self-pity can never give.
Nehemiah reminds us that joy, not perfect circumstances, is our strength. That means even in trials, we can stand strong because our hope is rooted in God’s character, not in life going our way.
I’ve seen believers walk through incredible hardship with a smile that confuses the world. It’s not that they’re pretending. It’s that they’ve made a decision to live in God’s joy, and that joy has become their strength.
We can be pitiful or powerful, but not both. Power comes when we trust that God is bigger than the problem, greater than the pain, and faithful to keep His promises.
Today, choose power over pity. Lean into His joy and let it fuel your faith.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, I choose Your joy over self-pity. Give me the strength to rise above my feelings and trust You in every situation. Fill me with Your peace and hope today. Amen.
Stop Rehearsing the Hurt
The more we replay the pain, the deeper it digs into our hearts. God invites us to change the channel and focus on His healing truth.
Stop Rehearsing the Hurt
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 25 August 2025
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
One of the hardest parts of healing is learning to stop replaying the past over and over again. Every time we relive what happened, we keep the wound open. It’s like picking at a scab; it never gets a chance to heal.
When we’ve been hurt, the enemy wants us to keep rehearsing the offence so that bitterness grows and trust fades. But God calls us to something better. Isaiah reminds us not to dwell on the past because God is doing something new. We cannot step into the new if we keep holding onto the old.
I’ve had moments when I caught myself telling the same painful story to different people, not because I needed advice, but because I wanted sympathy. And yet, each time I told it, I felt more trapped in it. It was only when I started speaking God’s promises over my life instead of my pain that I began to feel free.
The key is this: change the channel. Instead of replaying the hurt, rehearse God’s Word. Declare His truth until it becomes louder than the pain in your heart.
Prayer of the Day:
Father, help me to stop rehearsing the hurt and start declaring Your truth. Fill my heart with Your Word so that I can walk in freedom and peace. Amen.
Letting Go of Self-Pity to Step Into Freedom
Self-pity can keep us stuck longer than the problem itself. Jesus offers freedom, but we must be willing to let go of the past.
Letting Go of Self-Pity to Step Into Freedom
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 24 August 2025
“When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?””
Self-pity is a trap that can keep us bound for years. I know what it feels like to live with that constant “Why me, God?” running through your mind. When life has been unfair or painful, it’s easy to rehearse the hurt and expect others to make it right. But the truth is, people can never fully repay us for what we’ve lost – only God can.
In John 5, Jesus meets a man who had been unwell for thirty-eight years. Instead of immediately healing him, Jesus asks a question: “Do you want to get well?” It’s a strange question on the surface, but it gets to the heart of the matter. Sometimes, without realising it, we hold onto our pain because it has become part of our identity.
Letting go of self-pity means giving up the right to keep blaming others. It means refusing to let bitterness dictate our future. God promises beauty for ashes, but we have to hand Him the ashes first.
I’ve learned that we can be pitiful or powerful, but we cannot be both at the same time. Power comes when we choose to believe that God can write a new chapter for our lives, no matter how long we’ve been stuck in the old one.
If self-pity has been holding you back, make today your turning point. Tell Jesus, “Yes, I want to be made well.” Then take His hand and step into the freedom He offers.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, I choose to let go of self-pity, blame, and bitterness. I give You the ashes of my past and trust You to bring beauty in their place. Help me to walk forward in Your freedom and not look back. Amen.
Peace in the Middle of the Storm
You can have peace even when life feels chaotic, because Jesus is in the boat with you.
Peace in the Middle of the Storm
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 23 August 2025
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Life’s storms come in many forms, such as unexpected bills, health challenges, strained relationships, or sudden loss. Sometimes they hit without warning, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
In Mark 4, when the disciples were caught in a fierce storm, they panicked. But Jesus was in the boat, asleep. That wasn’t because He didn’t care, it was because He knew the storm was no match for His power.
The truth is, peace is not the absence of problems; it is the presence of Jesus. You can be surrounded by chaos and still have calm in your heart if your eyes are fixed on Him. I have found that the more I remind myself of God’s promises, the less space I have for fear.
If the waves feel high right now, take courage. Jesus is in your boat. The storm will not sink you because He has the final word.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are with me in every storm. Help me to trust Your presence and Your power more than the wind and the waves around me. Fill my heart with Your peace today. Amen.
God’s Timing Is Always Right
We often want answers now, but God sees the full picture. His timing is perfect, even when it feels delayed to us.
God’s Timing Is Always Right
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 22 August 2025
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
If you are anything like me, waiting is not your favourite thing to do. Whether it’s waiting for an answer to prayer, a breakthrough in your job, or a change in a difficult situation, it can feel like nothing is happening.
But God is never in a hurry and He is never late. Every season of our lives has a purpose, even the seasons that feel like delays. Joseph spent years in prison before stepping into his calling. David was anointed king long before he sat on the throne. In both cases, God was preparing them for the promise.
I remember praying for a particular door to open in ministry years ago. At the time, I couldn’t understand why God wasn’t answering. Years later, when the opportunity came, I realised I was not ready for it back then. God had been shaping me, teaching me, and preparing my heart.
If you feel stuck in a season of waiting, know this: God’s timing is not random. It is precise. You can trust Him to bring the right thing at the right time in the right way.
Prayer of the Day:
Father, thank You that Your timing is perfect. Help me to trust You when I feel impatient. Teach me to rest in the season I am in, knowing You are at work in ways I cannot see. Amen.
When Plans Change, God Is Still at Work
Life doesn’t always go to plan, but God’s plan always works for our good. Even in the setbacks, He is arranging things for our blessing.
When Plans Change, God Is Still at Work
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 21 August 2025
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”
We all have days when things simply do not go to plan. The car won’t start. The train is delayed. That meeting you prepared for gets cancelled. In those moments, we have a choice. We can let frustration take over, or we can pause and remember that God is still in control.
Paul makes it clear that he’s not saying all things are good. Some situations are genuinely hard, inconvenient, or painful. But he is saying that God weaves even those things into a bigger picture that is ultimately for our good.
I remember a time when I was running late because of traffic. I was frustrated, checking the clock every few seconds. Later, I found out that something had happened on the route I was supposed to take, and if I had been on time, I could have been caught in the middle of it. In that moment, I realised God might have been protecting me, even through what felt like an annoyance.
Romans 12:16 encourages us to “readily adjust” ourselves. That’s not always easy, but it is freeing. When we stop fighting every disruption, we make space for God to surprise us with unexpected blessings.
So, next time your plans fall apart, try this: take a deep breath, thank God that He sees the whole picture, and believe that He’s working it for your good. You might just find that what felt like a setback was actually setting you up for something better.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that nothing in my life is wasted. Help me to trust You when plans change and to believe that You are working all things for my good. Teach me to rest in Your timing and enjoy the moments You give me, even when they are unexpected. Amen.