Pressure is Unavoidable, Bowing is Optional
We cannot always escape pressure, but we can decide how we respond to it. In this short reflection, Pastor Ras encourages us to stay grounded in Christ even when life feels overwhelming.
Pressure is Unavoidable, Bowing is Optional
Standing firm when life gets heavy.
“What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: Pressure is unavoidable, bowing is optional. Pastor Ras teaches that while storms and pressure are inevitable, surrender is a choice, encouraging believers to keep standing in faith when everything else is shaking. From Week 2 of the Victory Mindset series.”
Hello church, Pastor Ras here.
Let’s be honest, pressure is unavoidable. Life has a way of piling things on when we least expect it. There are seasons when everything seems to hit at once: deadlines, family worries, financial needs, or emotional strain. It can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on you. But the good news is this: while pressure is unavoidable, bowing is optional.
You cannot always choose what comes against you, but you can choose how you respond. You can either bow to fear, or you can stand in faith. You can either collapse under the weight, or you can lean on the Lord who strengthens you.
Psalm 84 tells us that joy belongs to those whose strength comes from the Lord. It describes people who have set their hearts on pilgrimage, meaning they have made up their minds to keep walking even through the valley. They know pressure is part of the journey, but not the final destination.
When life presses you, remember what happens to an olive: it only releases oil under pressure. Sometimes the pressure you feel is what God is using to bring something precious out of you. Growth, faith, endurance, and anointing all develop under pressure.
So don’t see pressure as a punishment. See it as preparation. You might not be able to avoid it, but you can outlast it.
Take a moment today to breathe, to pause, and to say these words quietly to yourself:
“Pressure is unavoidable, but I will not bow. My strength comes from the Lord.”
When you do that, you shift your focus from the weight on your shoulders to the One who carries it all.
Prayer of the Day:
Father, thank You that You are my strength when life feels heavy. Help me to keep standing when pressure comes. Teach me to lean on You and to trust that You are working in every challenge I face. I choose to stand in faith today, knowing You are with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I Won’t Bow to Pressure, I Bow to Jesus
When pressure comes, we all have a choice. Will we bow to fear, or will we bow to Jesus? In this week’s reflection, Pastor Ras reminds us that the presence of pressure is not the absence of God.
I Won’t Bow to Pressure, I Bow to Jesus
Standing firm in faith when life turns up the heat.
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: I won’t bow to pressure, I bow to Jesus. Pastor Ras encourages believers to stay firm in faith when the fire turns up, reminding them that pressure wants their worship but only Jesus deserves it. From Week 2 of the Victory Mindset series.
Hello church, Pastor Ras here.
Life can press us from every side, can’t it? Pressure from work, family, finances, or even our own thoughts. It can feel like the walls are closing in. But I’ve learned that pressure does not have to control you. The truth is, pressure often reveals what is inside of you. When life squeezes, what comes out? Is it fear, frustration, or faith?
In Daniel chapter 3, three young men were thrown into a literal furnace for refusing to bow to an idol. Everyone around them bowed under pressure, but they stood. Their faith wasn’t in their ability to escape the fire; it was in the God who was with them inside it. That is the posture of victory. They said, “Even if He does not deliver us, we still won’t bow.” That kind of faith shakes heaven and silences hell.
Sometimes, the greatest testimony is not when God takes the fire away, but when He joins you in it. When you stand your ground in the middle of stress, uncertainty, or criticism, you are saying, “I trust God more than my feelings.”
Maybe you are facing a situation right now where it feels easier to bow than to stand. You might feel the heat of disappointment, rejection, or financial strain. But I want to remind you today, you are not standing alone. The same Jesus who stood with those men in the fire is standing with you right now.
So lift your head, take a deep breath, and declare this out loud with me: “I won’t bow to pressure, I bow to Jesus.” You can stand strong today because Christ is in you, and His presence changes everything.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You stand with me in every fire. Help me to keep my eyes on You when pressure rises. Strengthen my heart to trust You, to hold my peace, and to stand firm in faith. Today I choose to bow only to You. In Your precious name, Amen.
The Verdict is In: Living as 'More Than a Conqueror'
The courtroom drama is over. The Judge has ruled, and His verdict over your life is final. Discover what it means to stop living on trial and start living from your victory.
The Verdict is In: Living as 'More Than a Conqueror'
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Hello church, Pastor Ras here.
I want you to picture a scene with me. Imagine you're standing in a courtroom. The atmosphere is heavy. The charges against you are being read aloud: Failure. Shame. Fear. Inadequacy. The evidence seems stacked against you, and the accuser's voice echoes in your mind.
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: Heaven’s verdict over you is final — ‘More than a conqueror.’ Pastor Ras reminds believers that God has already ruled through Christ’s finished work and calls them to stop arguing with the verdict and start living from it. From Week 1 of the Victory Mindset series.
But then the Judge enters. This is no ordinary judge - this is God Himself, full of mercy and truth. He listens to all the accusations. He sees all the evidence. Then He does something extraordinary. He doesn't just dismiss the case. He doesn't just declare you "not guilty." He leans forward from His bench, and with absolute authority, He declares His final verdict over your life: "More than a conqueror."
This isn't a suggestion, friends. This isn't a motivational phrase to make us feel better. This is heaven's official, legal verdict over your life, right now, based completely on what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
The trial is over. The gavel has come down. The decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Yet so many of us keep living as if we're still on trial. We wake up each morning trying to prove our worth. We strive to earn what has already been freely given. We plead our case before God as if the verdict were still pending, when in reality, the Judge has already ruled in our favor.
What would change today if you truly lived from this verdict rather than for it?
If you're more than a conqueror, then that difficult situation you're facing isn't a threat to your survival - it's an opportunity to demonstrate the victory you already possess.
If you're more than a conqueror, then that sin you struggle with doesn't get to define you - Christ's victory over it does.
If you're more than a conqueror, then you don't have to fear failure - because even in apparent setbacks, you're still standing in Christ's triumph.
The challenge isn't to become more than a conqueror. The challenge is to believe you already are, and to let that truth reshape how you think, how you pray, and how you face each day.
Stop arguing with the verdict. Stop trying to retry your case. The ruling has been made. You are more than a conqueror through Him who loved you. Now go live like it.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, thank you that the courtroom drama is over. Thank you that because of Jesus, your verdict over my life is "more than a conqueror." Help me to stop living like I'm still on trial. Help me to receive this truth deep in my spirit and to walk in the victory you've already secured for me. May my life today reflect the confident peace of someone whose case is permanently closed in Christ. Amen.
Who's Defining You? How to Stop Letting Your Emotions Be the Boss
Are your feelings writing your life story? Discover why you must define your identity in Christ each morning before your emotions get a vote.
Who's Defining You?
How to Stop Letting Your Emotions Be the Boss
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Hello everyone, Pastor Ras here.
Have you ever had one of those days where you wake up feeling off? Maybe you feel inadequate before your feet even hit the floor. Or perhaps a wave of anxiety greets you before your first sip of coffee. We have all been there.
Here is what I have learned in those moments. If I do not proactively tell my mind who I am, my emotions will happily try to define me instead. And friends, our emotions make terrible bosses.
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: If you don’t tell your mind who you are, your emotions will try to define you. Pastor Ras encourages believers to start each day declaring who they are in Christ before emotions take over, reminding them that truth must lead and feelings will follow. From Week 1 of the Victory Mindset series.
Feelings are important, but they are not truth. They are responders. They react to circumstances, to tiredness, to old memories. If we let them, they will write a story about our identity that is completely different from the story God tells.
But there is a better way. A simple practice that can change your entire day before it even begins. It is this: every morning, declare who you are in Christ before your emotions get a vote.
This is not about positive thinking. This is about truth telling. You are not making anything up. You are aligning your thoughts with what God has already declared to be true about you in His Word.
Before you check your phone, before you scroll through social media, before the day's demands start shouting, speak the truth to your soul. Stand in front of your bathroom mirror if you need to and say:
"I am a new creation in Christ."
"I am deeply loved by God."
"I am forgiven and free."
"I am chosen and called."
"I am more than a conqueror."
You are setting the thermostat for your soul. Instead of letting your emotional temperature rise and fall with every changing circumstance, you are setting it to the constant, unwavering truth of God's Word.
Your feelings will eventually catch up to what your faith declares. It might not happen in an instant, but as you consistently feed your mind truth, your emotions will learn to fall in line. They will begin to respond to God's reality rather than defining your own.
Do not wait to feel loved to act loved. Do not wait to feel strong to walk in strength. Declare it first. Believe it first. Watch how your feelings follow.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, thank you that my identity is secure in Christ. Help me to start each day by declaring who I am in you. When my feelings rise up and try to tell me a different story, bring your truth to my mind. Teach me to trust your Word more than my emotions. May my life be built on the solid foundation of who you say I am. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How to Put a Bouncer at the Door of Your Mind
Tired of negative thoughts crashing the party in your head? Discover how the Holy Spirit can be your mind's bouncer and filter out what doesn't belong.
How to Put a Bouncer at the Door of Your Mind
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Hello everyone, Pastor Ras here.
Have you ever felt like your mind is a busy place where any thought can wander in and make itself at home? Worries about tomorrow, regrets from yesterday, fears about today. They all come knocking, and before we know it, we've let them in and they're putting their feet up on the furniture of our minds.
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: Put a bouncer at the door of your mind. His name is the Holy Spirit. Pastor Ras teaches believers to let the Holy Spirit filter every thought against God’s Word and reject anything that doesn’t align with truth. From Week 1 of the Victory Mindset series.
I want to share with you a picture that has helped me tremendously. It is the idea of putting a bouncer at the door of your mind. And this is not just any bouncer. His name is the Holy Spirit.
Think about what a good bouncer does. He does not let everyone in. He has a list. He knows who belongs inside and who needs to be turned away. He is strong, he is discerning, and he protects what is valuable.
Now, imagine applying that to your thought life. When a thought comes knocking. Maybe it is "You will never be good enough," or "This situation is hopeless," or "God does not care about you." Instead of automatically letting it in, you hand it over to the Bouncer. You say, "Holy Spirit, does this thought match what You say about me in Your Word?"
If that thought does not align with the truth that you are loved, chosen, forgiven, and more than a conqueror through Christ, then the Bouncer says, "Not on the list. You are not coming in."
This is what it means to take every thought captive. It is not about fighting these battles in your own strength. It is about partnering with the Holy Spirit who lives in you. Your job is to recognise the unwanted thought and hand it over. His job is to filter it out with the truth of Scripture.
So how do we practice this? It starts with knowing the Guest List. The more we read our Bibles, the more familiar we become with the truth. We learn what thoughts are from God. Thoughts of peace, hope, love, and grace. And we learn to recognise the impostors. Thoughts of condemnation, fear, and despair.
Next time a worrying or negative thought pops up, pause. Do not let it straight in. Ask the Holy Spirit to check it. If it is not from Him, kindly but firmly show it the door. Your mind is a sacred space, a place where God Himself dwells by His Spirit. It is worth protecting.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Today, I ask you to help me partner with Him as the bouncer of my mind. Help me to recognise thoughts that are not from you. Give me the wisdom to take every thought captive and the courage to reject what does not align with your truth. Fill my mind with your peace today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
You Can't Drive North Looking South: The Mind-Life Connection
Feeling stuck in a negative cycle? Your thoughts might be the culprit. Discover the simple but profound link between your mindset and the life you're living.
You Can't Drive North Looking South
The Mind-Life Connection
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Hello everyone, Pastor Ras here.
I want to talk about something that seems simple, but I have found it changes everything. It is this. You cannot live a positive life with a negative mind.
It is a straightforward principle, isn't it? But if we are honest, we often try to bypass it. We hope that if we just get a better job, or if that person changes, or if our circumstances improve, then we will finally be able to think happy, positive thoughts. We believe our life needs to change first, and then our mind will follow.
But friends, I believe we have it backwards.
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: You cannot live a positive life with a negative mind. Pastor Ras teaches that where the mind goes, the man follows, reminding believers that life follows the path of their strongest thoughts. From Week 1 of the Victory Mindset series.
The truth is, your mind leads, and your life follows. It is like a car and its GPS. Your life is the car, and your mind is the navigation system. If your GPS is set for 'Worry,' or 'Bitterness,' or 'I'm Not Good Enough,' that is exactly where your life will end up, no matter how much you wish you were somewhere else. Your life will follow the path of your strongest, most persistent thoughts.
This is not just modern psychology. This is a timeless biblical truth. Proverbs tells us, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Your inner world of thoughts ultimately shapes your outer world of reality.
If your mind constantly dwells on fear, your life will become smaller, filled with avoidance and anxiety. If your mind is filled with thoughts of resentment, your life will become isolated and hard. You cannot harbour negative thoughts and expect to reap a positive life. It is a spiritual law. You reap what you sow, even in the soil of your own mind.
But here is the wonderful hope. This principle works both ways. If your mind is filled with God's truth, your life cannot help but follow that path. When you set your mind on things above, on His promises, on your identity as a loved and redeemed child of God, your life begins to move in that direction. It moves toward peace, toward purpose, and toward a courage you did not know you had.
So today, I want to encourage you to check your coordinates. What destination is your mind set on? Is it set on your problems, or on God's faithfulness? Is it set on your failures, or on His grace?
Renewing your mind is not about ignoring reality. It is about choosing which reality you will give the most power to. Will it be the reality of your circumstances, or the greater reality of God's truth?
Your life is following. Let's make sure our thoughts are leading us to the good places God has for us.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, I surrender my thought life to you today. Forgive me for the times I have let my mind lead me into fear and negativity. Help me to set my mind on you. Transform my thinking by your Word and your Spirit. Guide my thoughts so that my life follows you into all truth, peace, and victory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Your Mind is the Battlefield: How to Win the War for Your Peace
Feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances? The real fight isn't happening out there. Discover why your mind is the true battlefield and how you can start winning today.
Your Mind is the Battlefield: How to Win the War for Your Peace
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Hello everyone, Pastor Ras here.
I want you to think for a moment about the last time you felt truly defeated. What did it look like? Most of us, when we feel that way, can immediately point to a circumstance. A financial pressure. A relationship breakdown. A health scare. It is natural to look at the situation unfolding around us and think, "That is my problem."
But what if I told you that you are looking in the wrong place?
The circumstance is often just the symptom. The real illness, the place where defeat is actually born, is not in your bank account or your doctor's report. The true battlefield is in your mind.
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: The battlefield where defeat is born isn’t in your circumstances, it’s in your mind. A message from Pastor Ras teaching that victory begins with a renewed mind and that the real battle for peace, purpose, and joy is internal, from Week 1 of the Victory Mindset series.
Think about it. Defeat does not start the moment the bill arrives. It starts the moment the thought arrives. The thought that whispers, "You are not going to make it. God has forgotten you. You are on your own." That thought, if we let it, builds a home in our minds. It brings its friends, fear and anxiety, and before we know it, we are living in a state of defeat, long before our circumstance has actually overcome us.
This is why the enemy is so focused on your thought life. He knows that if he can control your thinking, he can control your life. If he can get you to believe his lies, you will live as if they are true, regardless of what God's Word says.
But here is the glorious truth. God gave us a strategy for this exact battle. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is not a one time event. It is a daily, moment by moment practice of taking our thoughts and making them obedient to Christ.
So, what does that look like on a Tuesday afternoon when worry tries to creep in?
It means you become a gatekeeper for your own mind. When the thought comes, "This situation is impossible," you don't just accept it. You arrest it. You take it captive. And you replace it with the truth. You say, "No. The Bible says with God, all things are possible. That is the truth I choose to believe."
You are not denying the reality of the situation. You are simply choosing to define that reality by God's Word, not by your feelings or fears.
Victory does not begin when your situation finally changes. It begins the moment your mind changes. It begins when you decide that God's truth has more authority over your life than your anxious thoughts.
The battle for your joy, your purpose, and your peace is won right here, between your ears. So stand firm today. Guard your mind. Renew it with truth. And watch how your perspective on everything else begins to shift.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, I recognise that my mind is a battlefield. Today, I ask for your help in taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Jesus. When lies and fears come, help me to recognise them and replace them with your truth. Renew my mind, Lord, and fill it with your perfect peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Drawing Your Line in the Sand: The Power of Saying "I'm Done With Defeat"
Are you tired of the same old struggles? It's time to draw a line in the sand. Discover how a simple, powerful declaration can shift your entire perspective and open the door to a new season.
Drawing Your Line in the Sand
The Power of Saying "I'm Done With Defeat"
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Hello everyone, Pastor Ras here.
Can I be really honest with you? I meet so many wonderful people who feel stuck. They feel stuck in a pattern of negative thoughts, in a cycle of past mistakes, or in a season of life that just feels heavy. They pray, they try, but they can't seem to shake the feeling that defeat is just their normal.
If that is you today, I have a word for you. It is time to draw a line in the sand.
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: It’s not just a phrase; it’s a declaration: I’m done with defeat. Encouragement from Pastor Ras declaring a stand against defeat and choosing faith over fear, from Week 1 of the Victory Mindset series.
This is not about positive thinking. It is not about pretending your problems do not exist. This is about a spiritual decision. It is about looking at that cycle of defeat and saying, with all the faith you can muster, "Enough. I am done with you."
Saying "I am done with defeat" is not denying your struggle. It is denying defeat's right to have the final say in your life. It is denying its right to name you, to define your future, or to steal your joy any longer.
Think of it like this. Imagine you have an old, worn out mat you have been lying on for years. It is the mat of "I can't," or "I'm not good enough," or "This is just my lot in life." You have gotten so used to it that it feels familiar, almost comfortable. Jesus comes to you, just as He did to the man at the pool of Bethesda, and He says, "Pick up your mat and walk." He is not asking you to pretend the mat does not exist. He is commanding you to stop lying on it. He is telling you to pick it up, to show it that you are now in charge, and to walk away from that old place.
That is what this declaration is. It is you, by the power of the Holy Spirit, deciding to get up and walk. You are switching sides. You are moving from the side of fear, shame, and "I can't," and you are planting your feet firmly on the side of victory, faith, and "I am more than a conqueror through Christ."
So today, I want to invite you to do this with me. Do not just read these words. Speak them. Let this be your line in the sand.
Say it out loud, right now: "I am done with defeat."
This is the decision that comes before the miracle. This is the moment your future changes. You are not declaring that the battle is over. You are declaring that you are now fighting from a place of victory, not for it. You are done.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, I come to you today and I draw my line in the sand. I am done with defeat. I am done with its lies, its shame, and its fear. By the power of Jesus Christ, I renounce its hold on my life. I choose today to walk in the victory You have already won for me. Help me to stand firm in this declaration. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Stop Striving, Start Standing: The Secret to a Victorious Life
Are you tired of fighting for a win? What if I told you the battle has already been won? Let's explore how to stop striving and start standing in Jesus's victory.
Stop Striving, Start Standing
The Secret to a Victorious Life
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Hello everyone, Pastor Ras here.
I don't know about you, but I have had seasons where I feel completely worn out by life. It feels like I am in a constant, wearying battle. Maybe you can relate. You pray, you fight negative thoughts, you try to do the right thing, but it can feel like you are just swinging in the dark, never quite landing the knockout punch. You are fighting hard, but you are not seeing the breakthrough.
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: You are not fighting for victory; you are fighting from it. The war has already been won. Encouragement from Pastor Ras reminding believers to stop striving and start standing in what Christ has already accomplished, from Week 1 of the Victory Mindset series.
If that is you, I want to share a truth that changed everything for me. It is this: You are not fighting for victory. You are fighting from it.
Let that sink in for a moment.
The most exhausting thing we can do is spend our energy striving for a win that has already been declared. When Jesus said "It is finished" on the cross, He meant it. He did not just give you a fighting chance. He secured your overwhelming, undeniable victory over sin, fear, shame, and every form of defeat. The battle has been won. The outcome is settled.
Think of it like this. Imagine your team has already won the cup final. The whistle has blown, the score is final. Now you are walking out onto the pitch for a victory lap. You are not running around desperately trying to score another goal. You are celebrating the win that is already yours. Your posture is different. You are not striving. You are standing in confidence.
This is what it means to be "more than a conqueror." It is not about mustering up enough strength to barely scrape through. It is about living from a place of settled triumph because of what Jesus has done.
So what does this look like on a tough Tuesday? It means when anxiety whispers that you cannot cope, you do not pray, "God, please give me victory over this fear." Instead, you stand firm and declare, "Thank you, God, that your perfect love has already given me victory over fear. I stand in that truth right now."
Your posture changes from leaning forward, straining to see a win, to standing firm with your feet on the solid ground of Christ's finished work. You stop trying to achieve victory and start applying it. You rest in the fact that because He has won, you cannot lose.
So today, my friend, take a deep breath. Let the pressure fall away. You are not fighting for victory. You are fighting from it. Now, stand.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, thank you that the victory is already won. Help me to stop striving today and to simply stand in the triumph Jesus secured for me. When I feel weak, remind me that I am strong in you. When I feel afraid, remind me that I am more than a conqueror through your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Forgive Like a Child
Children forgive quickly and move on. God calls us to do the same, letting go of bitterness and walking in freedom.
Forgive Like a Child
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 05 October 2025
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
One of the most beautiful traits of a child is how quickly they forgive. They can have a disagreement one moment and be playing together happily the next. They do not hold grudges or replay the offence in their minds for weeks. They simply let it go.
Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God has forgiven us in Christ. This kind of forgiveness is not always easy, especially when the hurt runs deep. But it is possible when we allow God’s love to work in our hearts.
When we refuse to forgive, we end up carrying a weight that God never intended for us to carry. Bitterness, resentment, and anger can drain our joy and affect every part of our lives. Forgiveness does not mean we say what happened was okay; it means we choose to release the person into God’s hands and allow Him to deal with the situation.
Forgiving like a child requires humility. It is admitting that we too have needed forgiveness, and that the same grace we have received from God should flow through us to others.
I have learned that forgiveness is not just a one-time decision; it is often a process. We may need to keep bringing our hurt to God until it loses its hold on us. But each time we choose to forgive, we take a step toward freedom.
If you are holding on to hurt today, ask God to help you let it go. Choose to forgive as He has forgiven you. And watch how your heart becomes lighter, your relationships healthier, and your spirit freer.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You for forgiving me fully and freely. Help me to forgive others with the same grace, letting go of every hurt so I can live in Your freedom. Amen.
Joy in the Small Things
A child’s heart finds joy in simple blessings. We can too when we slow down and notice God’s daily gifts.
Joy in the Small Things
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 04 October 2025
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Children have an amazing ability to enjoy the moment. They can find delight in something as simple as a puddle to splash in, a flower to pick, or a story read aloud. They do not need everything to be perfect to be happy; they simply take in the moment and enjoy it.
Psalm 118:24 reminds us that each day is a gift from God, and we are invited to rejoice and be glad in it. That does not mean every day will be free from challenges, but it does mean that joy can be found even in the middle of them.
Joy in the small things begins with gratitude. When we start thanking God for little blessings, our perspective shifts. A warm cup of tea, a kind word from a friend, a beautiful sunrise, all of these are reminders of God’s goodness. Gratitude opens our eyes to see the beauty we might otherwise overlook.
I have found that when I slow down to notice God’s gifts, my heart becomes lighter. Worry loses its grip, and peace takes its place. The more I practise this, the more I realise that joy is not something we wait to have once life is perfect; it is something we choose to experience today.
This childlike joy also impacts those around us. People are drawn to a joyful heart. Our gratitude and positivity can encourage others to see the good in their own lives too.
So today, take a moment to pause and thank God for three small blessings. Let your heart rejoice in them, and ask Him to help you see more of His goodness in the everyday moments. Joy will follow.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You for the gift of today. Open my eyes to see the blessings all around me, and help me to rejoice in both the small and great things You give. Amen.
Depend on Your Father
You were never meant to carry life on your own. God delights when you lean on Him completely.
Depend on Your Father
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 03 October 2025
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
One of the first things children learn is that they can turn to their parents when they need help. They do not worry about how the bills will be paid or whether there will be food on the table. They simply trust that their parents will take care of it. That is the kind of trust God wants us to have in Him.
Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and to avoid leaning on our own understanding. This is an invitation to live without the constant pressure of figuring everything out on our own. Instead, we are called to depend on the wisdom and strength of our heavenly Father.
When we rely on ourselves, we carry burdens we were never meant to carry. We try to plan every detail, solve every problem, and make everything work in our timing. It is exhausting. But when we turn to God first, acknowledging Him in all our ways, we open the door for Him to guide and provide in ways we could never imagine.
Depending on God does not mean we do nothing. It means we walk in obedience, doing what He asks while trusting Him with the outcome. It means we pray before we plan. We wait for His direction before we rush into decisions. And when we face challenges, we choose faith over fear.
I have learned that dependence on God grows in the everyday moments. It is developed when we trust Him with small decisions as well as big ones, when we thank Him for provision before it comes, and when we lean into His peace instead of our own understanding.
Today, take a moment to release your worries into God’s hands. Trust that your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. He is faithful, and His ways are higher than ours.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, teach me to depend on You completely. Help me to trust Your wisdom more than my own understanding, and to submit every part of my life into Your hands. Amen.
Childlike Trust in God
God calls us to trust Him with the simple, joyful faith of a child, knowing He will care for us completely.
Childlike Trust in God
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 02 October 2025
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Children have a beautiful way of seeing the world. They believe what they are told, they trust easily, and they find joy in the smallest things. While some might call this gullible, it is not gullibility, it is trust. It is part of a child’s nature to believe unless something has happened to teach them not to.
Think about how children can take even a chore and turn it into a game. They find ways to enjoy life without overcomplicating it. Jesus points to this kind of simplicity and says we should approach God in the same way. Matthew 18:4 reminds us that whoever humbles themselves and becomes like a little child is considered great in the kingdom of heaven.
Our heavenly Father wants us to know we are His precious children. He invites us to put our complete faith in Him to care for us. He wants us to take His hand, lean on Him, and continually ask for His help. Nothing He asks of us is something He expects us to do alone. If He calls us to it, He will give us the strength and grace to do it.
Coming to God as a child means we approach Him sincerely, without pretense. We are honest about our needs, open about our struggles, and humble enough to admit we cannot do anything without Him. It also means we enjoy the relationship. Just as a child delights in spending time with a loving parent, we are invited to delight in our time with God.
God never intended for His children to live in bondage, whether that is fear, worry, guilt, or anything else that robs us of joy. In Christ, we are given glorious freedom. Freedom to trust. Freedom to live with peace in our hearts. Freedom to enjoy all that He has given us.
The more we embrace a childlike trust, the less weighed down we become by the pressures of life. We begin to see blessings where before we only saw burdens. We find ourselves thankful for the small things. We laugh more. We worry less. Our faith grows because we are focused not on what we can control, but on the One who controls it all.
So today, take a moment to ask yourself, am I trusting God as a child trusts a loving parent? Am I coming to Him openly, joyfully, and with confidence that He will take care of me? If not, ask Him to help you lay down the heavy load of self-reliance and pick up the lightness of childlike faith. It will change the way you see life, and it will deepen your walk with Him.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, help me to trust You with the faith of a child. Teach me to come to You honestly, joyfully, and humbly, knowing You will take care of me. Amen.
Think on These Things
Focusing your mind on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy will fill your life with peace.
Think on These Things
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 01 October 2025
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
The mind is a powerful place. Where our thoughts go, our attitudes, emotions, and actions follow. That is why Paul gives us a clear list in Philippians 4:8 of the kinds of things we should be thinking about—true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
This is not simply about positive thinking. It is about aligning our minds with the things that reflect God’s character. When we set our thoughts on these qualities, we are creating an environment in our minds where faith, peace, and hope can grow.
The reality is that life is full of things that can easily fill our minds with fear, worry, or frustration. The news, social media, and daily challenges can all feed negativity if we are not careful. That is why we must be intentional about what we dwell on.
Choosing to think on what is good does not mean we ignore problems. It means we look for God’s presence in the middle of them. Instead of replaying worst-case scenarios, we remember His past faithfulness. Instead of fixating on what is lacking, we thank Him for what He has already provided.
One way to put this into practice is to start and end each day by naming three things you are thankful for. Another is to keep a Scripture nearby that reminds you of God’s promises, and bring it to mind whenever worry or negativity tries to take over.
When we train our minds to focus on the things of God, His peace begins to guard our hearts. Over time, our thinking changes, our emotions stabilise, and our lives reflect the joy and strength that come from walking closely with Him.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, help me to set my mind on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy. Fill my thoughts with Your goodness so that my heart and life reflect Your peace. Amen.
Speak Life-Giving Words
Your words have power. Speak what God says, and you will see His truth shape your life.
Speak Life-Giving Words
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 30 September 2025
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
The Bible teaches that our words carry incredible power. They can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, bring life or bring harm. And since our words come from our thoughts, the way we think will eventually be reflected in what we say.
Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue has the power of life and death. This is not just poetic language; it is a spiritual reality. Words can shape the atmosphere in our homes, influence the direction of our lives, and even affect the faith of those around us.
Speaking life begins with agreeing with what God says. If His Word calls you loved, speak that over yourself. If His Word says you are forgiven, say it out loud. When His Word promises peace, declare that peace over your life. Speaking the truth of Scripture helps to strengthen our faith and remind us of what is real in God’s kingdom.
It also matters how we speak to others. Words of encouragement can lift someone who feels forgotten. A timely reminder of God’s promises can strengthen someone who is weary. Just as negativity can be contagious, so can hope-filled, life-giving words.
I have learned that speaking life is a choice. It does not mean ignoring reality or pretending struggles do not exist. It means choosing to see and speak about those situations from God’s perspective. Instead of saying, “This will never change,” we can say, “God is working, even if I cannot see it yet.”
Ask God today to help you guard your tongue and fill it with His words. Let your speech be an overflow of a mind renewed by His truth. You may be surprised at how your atmosphere changes when your words line up with His promises.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, help me to speak words that give life. Let my tongue be an instrument of encouragement, truth, and blessing to myself and others. Amen.
Guard Your Thoughts
Your mind is a battleground. God’s Word gives you the authority to take every thought captive.
Guard Your Thoughts
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 29 September 2025
“…We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Your thoughts matter more than you might realise. What you think shapes what you believe, and what you believe shapes how you live. That is why the enemy works so hard to plant lies in our minds. If he can get us to agree with his lies, he can weaken our faith and limit our obedience.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we have the authority to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This means we do not have to accept every thought that comes into our minds. We can test it against God’s Word and decide whether to receive it or reject it.
I often think of our minds as gates. We are the gatekeepers. Not every thought deserves access. When a thought enters your mind, ask yourself: “Does this align with God’s truth? Does it reflect His character? Does it lead me closer to Him or further away?” If it does not line up with Scripture, it needs to be dismissed immediately.
For example, a thought might say, “You are worthless.” That is a lie, because God’s Word says you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Another thought might whisper, “God has abandoned you.” That is a lie, because Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
The more familiar we are with Scripture, the easier it becomes to recognise these lies and replace them with truth. This is why time in the Word is so vital. It equips us to stand firm in our minds and live in freedom.
Guarding your thoughts is not about living in fear of what might come into your mind. It is about being alert and ready, confident that God has given you everything you need to stand strong.
Today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognise thoughts that are not from Him. Replace every lie with the truth of God’s Word. As you do, you will begin to think more like Christ, and that will change the way you live.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You for giving me the authority to take every thought captive. Help me to recognise lies quickly and replace them with Your truth. Amen.
Be Positive
With the mind of Christ, we can choose hope over negativity, no matter what life brings.
Be Positive
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 28 September 2025
“.... But we have the mind of Christ.”
Our thoughts shape so much of our lives. If we are honest, it is easy to slip into a pattern of negativity without even realising it. We notice what is wrong instead of what is right, what is missing instead of what is present, and what could go wrong instead of what God can make go right.
I can tell you from personal experience that learning to think positively, in line with God’s truth, changes everything. Ever since I began asking God to renew my mind and help me think in a positive pattern, I have seen so many good changes. Now, when negative thinking tries to creep in, it feels completely out of place.
If you have struggled with staying positive, here is a simple starting point: ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware each time you begin to slip into negative thinking. This is part of His work in our lives. Jesus said in John 16:7–8 that the Holy Spirit would convict us of sin and lead us into truth. When that gentle conviction comes, do not brush it aside. Acknowledge it, and ask God to help you turn your thoughts around.
Being positive does not mean ignoring reality or pretending problems do not exist. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:13 to do all the crisis demands and then stand firm. Our place of standing firm is “in Christ.” And in Him, we always have reason to be hopeful and confident, because nothing is too hard for Him.
Jesus is our perfect example. He faced rejection, misunderstanding, betrayal, and the cross itself, yet He was never hopeless or negative. He trusted His Father completely and spoke words of faith even in the most difficult moments. The same mind that was in Christ is available to us today through the Holy Spirit.
When we think like God thinks, we begin to respond to situations the way He would. We see possibilities where others see problems. We look for His hand at work instead of assuming the worst. And over time, this way of thinking transforms our emotions, our words, and our actions.
So today, make a decision to think God’s thoughts. Fill your mind with His Word. Speak His promises over your situation. And when negativity tries to take over, stop and ask for His help. The mind of Christ is in you, and with His help, you can live with hope and faith no matter what comes your way.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that I have the mind of Christ. Teach me to think Your thoughts, to reject negativity, and to walk in hope and faith every day. Amen.
Finishing Well in Faith
It is not just how you start that matters, but how you finish. God calls us to end our race strong in faith.
Finishing Well in Faith
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 27 September 2025
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
There is something powerful about finishing well. Anyone can start a race, but it takes perseverance, discipline, and faith to cross the finish line with strength. Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7 are a reminder that the Christian life is not a sprint, but a lifelong journey.
Paul endured hardship, persecution, and setbacks, yet he kept the faith. He refused to let the challenges of life pull him away from his mission. He knew that the reward at the end was far greater than any trial along the way.
Finishing well means staying faithful to God’s calling until the very end. It means holding on to truth when the world pressures you to compromise. It means loving others even when it is not easy, and trusting God even when you do not understand His timing.
One of the keys to finishing well is remembering that the strength to do so comes from God. We cannot rely solely on our own endurance. Just as a runner is fuelled by water and nourishment along the way, we are fuelled by the Word of God, prayer, and the fellowship of other believers.
There will be moments when you stumble, when you feel like slowing down, or even stopping. But God’s grace can pick you up, steady your steps, and set your eyes back on the finish line.
When we finally stand before Jesus, nothing will compare to hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That is the ultimate prize.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, help me to stay faithful to You until the very end. Strengthen me to finish well, so that my life brings glory to Your name. Amen.
Strength for the Journey
You do not have to walk through life in your own strength. God promises to renew your strength every day.
Strength for the Journey
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 26 September 2025
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
There are days when the road ahead feels long and the weight we carry seems heavy. We start strong, but over time, our energy fades and our enthusiasm wavers. It is in these moments that we must remember: God never intended for us to finish the journey in our own strength.
Isaiah 40:31 gives us a powerful promise. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. This is not about trying harder or pushing through by sheer willpower. It is about leaning into God’s presence, trusting Him, and drawing from His endless supply of strength.
When we hope in the Lord, we place our confidence in His ability, not our own. Just like an eagle catches the wind and soars higher without flapping harder, we can rest in God’s power to lift us above the weight of our struggles.
Sometimes strength comes as a fresh burst of energy, giving us what we need to run forward. Other times it comes as quiet endurance, helping us take one more step when we feel like stopping. Either way, God is faithful to give us exactly what we need at the right time.
I have learned that strength is renewed in His presence. Prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word refresh our hearts and minds. The more we turn to Him, the more we find that His strength truly is perfect in our weakness.
If you are weary today, take a moment to stop and breathe. Invite God to fill you again. Trust Him to give you the strength for the next step. You do not have to see the entire path, just walk in the strength He gives you for today.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that You are my source of strength. Renew me today so that I can walk, run, and soar as You lead me forward. Amen.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
When life gets tough, focus on where God is leading you, not just on what you are going through right now.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 25 September 2025
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
When life gets hard, it is easy to focus on the obstacles right in front of us. The pressure, the delays, the disappointments, they can cloud our vision and make us forget where God is leading us. Paul faced more challenges than most of us can imagine, yet he kept moving forward with determination. His secret? He kept his eyes on the prize.
Paul wrote in Philippians 3:14 that he pressed on toward the goal to win the prize for which God had called him heavenward in Christ Jesus. This was not just about finishing a task; it was about living with a clear focus on the eternal reward. Paul’s mindset reminds us that what we are moving toward matters more than what we are going through.
Keeping your eyes on the prize means refusing to be distracted by the temporary. It means remembering that God is working for your good, even in seasons when nothing seems to be moving. It is holding on to the vision He has given you and trusting His timing.
Think of an athlete training for a race. The hours of practice, the early mornings, and the sacrifices all make sense because they know there is a finish line. They endure the struggle because they can see the reward ahead. In the same way, we can endure trials when we remember that God has promised a future full of hope.
This focus does not mean ignoring reality. We still face the challenges, but we face them with a perspective anchored in faith. Instead of asking “Why is this happening?” we can start asking “How will God use this?” That shift in thinking changes how we move forward.
If you are feeling weary, pause today and remind yourself of the bigger picture. God has called you, equipped you, and promised to finish what He started in you. The road may be long, but the prize is worth it.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and on the prize You have promised. Give me the strength to press on, no matter what I face, trusting that You are leading me toward Your perfect plan. Amen.