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Why am I? What is my purpose?

Why am I here? What is life all about? What is the meaning of life? How we answer these big-picture questions is important so we can live with hope and a sense of purpose in times of uncertainty, pain, and frustration.

What is the meaning of life according to the Bible? According to the Bible, knowing God is the meaning of life because He is the “author of life” (John 17:3). The meaning of life is not based on things we see in the world “for life is more than food, and the body more than clothing” (Luke 12:23).

What does it mean to know God? Why can’t we base the meaning of life on relationships, career, or personal happiness? Understanding the answer to these questions in the Bible gives a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives.

https://www.openbible.info/topics/why_do_i_exist

What is the meaning to life? Why am I? What is my reason/purpose? A routine question that strikes us at moments of reflection/trial. What is “Life”?

God, as The Author of life, brings meaning to life. Everything God created was meant to show what God is like. God created a world with a purpose, by His design. The world we live in and the life of every person has a purpose and is not just the product of chance, random events, and biological selection.

What Is the Meaning of Life According to the Bible?

1

Prayer helps you develop a relationship with God

Just like your parents here on earth, your Heavenly Father wants to hear from you and talk to you. When you pray, He listens. Then He answers your prayers in the form of thoughts, spiritual feelings, scripture, or even the actions of other people.

2

Prayer helps you gain an understanding of God’s loving nature

The scriptures teach, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). You can feel that love as you speak daily with Him through prayer, seeking His guidance in your life.

3

Prayer provides answers

Praying and listening to the answers God gives you can help you better understand your purpose in life. God will help you understand why you are here and what you can do to return to live with Him after this life.

4

Prayer helps you find direction in your life

When you privately pray to God, you can work through serious decisions in your life. God always listens and often provides the specific answers and guidance we seek. Even when He chooses not to answer immediately or in the way we might have hoped, prayer itself is a way to find peace.

5

Prayer gives you strength to avoid temptation

Jesus counseled His disciples, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Through prayer, we can overcome temptations to sin. Pray for God’s help to keep you from making wrong choices. This will give you the strength to do what is right.

6

Prayer aligns your will with God’s will

The purpose of prayer is not necessarily to tell God how you want Him to do things. Rather, it’s to better understand Him and His ways, bringing yourself into alignment with His will. As C.S. Lewis is often attributed as saying, prayer “doesn’t change God. It changes me.”

7

Prayer and regular fasting can help you accept God’s will

Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before He began His ministry on the earth. As He did this, He communed with His Father in Heaven in prayer. Likewise, if you pray and fast, you can feel closer to God and better understand the things He wants you to do.

 

8

Prayer can work miracles

Throughout the scriptures, we see many examples of the Lord working miracles as an answer to prayer. In Old Testament times, the prophet Daniel was thrown into a lions’ den because he refused to stop praying. When he prayed to God in the lions’ den, angels appeared and closed the mouths of the lions. Through daily prayer, you can also experience personal miracles such as healing, peace, and forgiveness for sins.

9

Prayer invites the Holy Spirit into your life

As you pray daily, you invite the Holy Spirit to be with you and to comfort and direct you. The Holy Spirit can give you answers, help you feel God’s love, and bring feelings of peace and joy into your heart.

10

Prayer helps you become more like Jesus

Jesus set the perfect example of prayer. If you try to follow His example through prayer, you will become more like Him and develop a better relationship with Him and Heavenly Father.

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Be blessed. Because we ARE! Amen

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 4:13-15

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 4:13-15

AI!

What’s the most annoying trope in books or movies?

The most annoying trope in books and movies today is “the artificial misunderstanding,” where an entire plot or relationship conflict hinges completely on two characters refusing to have a basic, 30-second conversation.

While this trope has been around for decades, audiences in 2026 find it especially frustrating because we live in a hyper-connected world dominated by smartphones, instant messaging, and constant communication. Watching characters completely ghost, block, or misinterpret a text without simply asking for clarification feels incredibly forced and lazy.

Why It Drives Audiences Mad

  • It destroys character intelligence: Otherwise smart, capable protagonists suddenly become entirely incapable of speaking a coherent sentence.
  • It relies on eavesdropping: Plots often require a character to overhear exactly half of a conversation, assume the absolute worst, and run away crying.
  • It stretches the plot: Instead of building genuine, complex obstacles, writers use this trope as filler to artificially prolong the story’s conflict until the final act.

Moreso, the most annoying trope for many born-again Christians in modern media is the “Legalistic Hypocrite” or “Rebellious Deconstructionist” binary.

In 2026’s media landscape, faithful characters are rarely allowed to just be normal, mentally healthy people. Instead, Hollywood and modern authors almost always force Christian characters into one of two predictable boxes:

1. The Judgmental, Out-of-Touch Legalist

This character is usually the villain or a major roadblock. They wear dated clothes, constantly quote Scripture out of context to condemn others, and harbor a dark, hypocritical secret.

  • Why it’s annoying: It reduces a rich, grace-centered relationship with Jesus down to a list of angry rules. It completely ignores the everyday reality of modern believers who love their neighbors, serve their communities, and navigate the exact same 2026 cultural and technological shifts as everyone else.

2. The “Enlightened” Character Who Leaves the Faith

In this trope, a character starts as a Christian but is portrayed as sheltered, naive, or repressed. True personal growth or “finding themselves” is always written as a journey away from their faith.

  • Why it’s annoying: It pushes the narrative that intelligence, open-mindedness, and emotional maturity are incompatible with a vibrant Christian faith. It erases the millions of believers who have deep, intellectually rigorous faith and choose to stay “heaven-bound” precisely because they’ve examined the world and found the Gospel to be true.

Honoring Mention: The “Magic Wand” Prayer Trope

In faith-based or mainstream spiritual media, another frustrating trope is the instant fix. A character prays once, and their addiction, financial ruin, or severe trauma is instantly cured by the next scene.

  • Why it’s annoying: While God absolutely performs miracles, real life in a broken world involves sanctification—a slow, daily, sometimes painful walk with God through messy trials. This trope makes real-world struggles feel like a personal failure of faith rather than a normal part of the Christian walk.

https://www.leaningontherock.com/welcome

https://www.surrenderproject.com/homepage.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23808633347&gbraid=0AAAAACgYqehvW1u8EfTnDGPiFCRCLOl5L&gclid=Cj0KCQjw–7UBhCpARIsAGJBpthVc6y2-KdbtqwSux2B1dojHP2KAqvuDtaIdZyp4lg5b15xvi9bzuoaApTsEALw_wcB

To God be ALL the glory as we recieve in faith the bounties of our Home, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today a reading/study of Luke 2 through 10

Luke chapters 2 through 10 trace Jesus from His humble birth and childhood through the launch of His powerful Galilean ministry, highlighting His divine identity, humanity, and radical upside-down Kingdom.

Luke 2: The Humble Arrival and Human Growth of Jesus

The Manger Birth: Jesus is born in a lowly stable and laid in a feeding trough, showing that God’s glory bypasses human status to meet the lowly.

The Shepherds’ News: Angels announce “good news of great joy” meant for all people, prioritizing society’s marginalized outsiders.

Temple Recognition: Simeon and Anna identify the infant Jesus as God’s salvation and a light to the nations.

Childhood Wisdom: At age twelve, Jesus prioritizes His “Father’s house,” yet returns home to humbly submit to His earthly parents.

Luke 3: Preparation, Repentance, and Identity

John’s Call to Fruitful Change: John the Baptist demands concrete lifestyle proof of repentance—like sharing food and honest work—rather than relying on religious heritage.

The Father’s Affirmation: At His baptism, Jesus receives the Holy Spirit and the audible approval of God as the beloved Son.

Human Lineage: Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam, anchoring His identity in real history and true humanity.

Luke 4: Authority and Rejection

Victory Over Temptation: Jesus uses Scripture to resist Satan in the wilderness, modeling dependence on God’s word.

The Manifesto of Grace: Reading Isaiah in Nazareth, Jesus declares His mission to free the captive, blind, and poor, but is rejected by His own townspeople.

Demonstrated Power: Jesus heals the sick and casts out demons, proving His word carries absolute authority over physical and spiritual brokenness.

Luke 5: Calling the Unlikely

Catching Fishermen: Jesus uses Peter’s empty boat and yields a miraculous catch, turning ordinary fishermen into lifelong disciples.

Cleansing the Leper: Jesus touches an unclean leper instead of staying back, showing His purity overcomes disease and isolation.

Dining with Sinners: Jesus calls Levi the tax collector and declares He came to call sinners to repentance, shocking the religious elite.

Luke 6: Lord of the Sabbath and the Sermon on the PlainSabbath Priority: Jesus heals on the Sabbath, teaching that human need and mercy override rigid legalistic traditions.

Choosing the Twelve: Jesus spends a night in prayer before appointing His twelve apostles.

The Upside-Down Blessings: The Beatitudes pronounce blessings on the poor, hungry, and persecuted, while warning the self-satisfied.

Love for Enemies: Jesus commands radical love, non-retaliation, and mercy, mirroring God’s character.

Luke 7: Great Faith and Deep Compassion

The Centurion’s Faith: A Roman soldier recognizes Jesus’ Authority by mere word alone, prompting Jesus to marvel at his faith.

Raising the Widow’s Son: Moved to deep pity at Nain, Jesus interrupts a funeral to restore a widow’s dead son.

The Forgiven Sinner: A woman washes Jesus’ feet with her tears; Jesus explains that the one who is forgiven much loves muc.h

Luke 8: Parables and Power Over Chaos

The Sower and the Soils: Jesus tells the parable of the sower, emphasizing the condition of the human heart in receiving truth.

Calming the Storm: Jesus rebukes the wind and waves with a word, instilling awe in His disciples over His elemental power.

Healing the Bleeding Woman and Jairus’s Daughter: Amid a crowded mob, Jesus responds to quiet, desperate faith and brings a young girl back to life.

Luke 9: Mission, Transfiguration, and Costly Following

Empowering the Twelve: Jesus sends out the disciples with power to preach the kingdom and heal the sick.

Feeding the Five Thousand: Jesus multiplies small rations to feed a massive crowd, foreshadowing spiritual bread.

The Transfiguration: Peter, James, and John witness Jesus glowing in heavenly glory alongside Moses and Elijah.

The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus warns that following Him requires daily self-denial and unwavering focus.

Luke 10: The Harvest and the Good Samaritan

Sending the Seventy-Two: Jesus expands the mission field, sending out more followers to prepare towns for His arrival.

The Good Samaritan: Jesus redefines a “neighbor” through an outcast Samaritan who shows mercy, subverting ethnic and religious prejudice.

Mary and Martha: Jesus tells a distracted Martha that Mary chose the “better part” by simply sitting at Jesus’ feet to listen.

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-luke/

This question/challenge/suggestion is NOT biblical!

If you could relive one year of your life, which one would it be?

The Bible teaches that human life has no earthly “do-overs” or second chances after death, and that God’s written commands cannot be altered or rewritten.

Life and Judgment

  • One life: The Bible states in Hebrews 9:27 that people are destined to die once, and after that comes judgment, leaving no room for reincarnation or a second mortal life.
  • No repeating folly: Proverbs 26:11 warns against repeating past foolish mistakes, comparing a person who goes back to their old sins to a dog returning to its vomit.

Changing God’s Word

  • Do not modify: Passages like Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18–19 explicitly warn people not to add to or take away from God’s Word.
  • Fixed standard: Believers are taught to accept Scripture as final truth rather than trying to edit it to fit modern trends or personal convenience.

What the Bible Teaches About the Past and Present

  • No going back: The Bible teaches that human life happens only once on Earth (Job 16:22). People cannot turn back time or repeat past years.
  • Forgetting what lies behind: Philippians 3:13-14 encourages believers to forget what is behind and strain forward toward what is ahead.
  • Living today: Ephesians 5:15-16 tells people to make the most of every current opportunity instead of wishing for the past.

A significant example in the Bible is the life of Job when Satan was ‘allowed‘ to affect him!

Job 16:22 says, “For when a few years are finished, I shall go the way of no return” (NKJV).

Verse Meaning

  • Short life: Job feels his time on Earth is very short and nearly over.
  • Death as a journey: He views death as a road or path that he cannot come back from.
  • Deep sorrow: Job says this while expressing his intense pain, feeling misunderstood by his friends, and crying out to God for justice.

Philippians 3:13-14 says,“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV).

Key Themes & Meaning

  • Forgetting the Past: The Apostle Paul emphasizes letting go of past mistakes, failures, and even past achievements so they do not hold you back.
  • Forward Focus: The image is like a runner in a race, looking straight ahead at the finish line rather than looking backward.
  • The Ultimate Goal: The “prize” is the spiritual completion and eternal life found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Types of Relationships | Apostle Joshua Selman

Pray as led…Heavenly spiritual battles are successfully fought in ealy morning hours…

2 Bible verses to pray against delay…

And as we rise, we pray…

Dear God, thank You for this new day and for the free gift of salvation that alone is enough reason to praise You. Your Word in Philippians 4:11 says, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” God, help me examine my faith today and be honest with myself. Am I following You because of Who You are, or only because of what I want You to fix? I don’t want to treat You like a genie who owes me answers on my timeline. Even if the situation doesn’t change the way I’m hoping, Your glory is still greater than anything this life can throw at me. Help me Love You for Who You are, not just for what You can do for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. -Philippians 4:11

Bible Verse Text

  • ESV: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content.”
  • KJV: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Meaning and Context

  • Apostle Paul’s Message: Paul wrote this letter from prison while thanking the church in Philippi for their generous gift.
  • True Contentment: Paul clarified that he was not complaining or begging for help. He had learned how to stay at peace whether he had plenty of food and resources or suffered from hunger and hardship.
  • Dependence on Christ: This contentment does not come from having an easy life. It comes from trusting God and finding strength through Jesus Christ in every changing circumstance.

May your Saturday morning be filled with peace, joy, and God’s abundant grace as you step into the weekend.

A Saturday Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of a new day and for bringing us safely through the week. As this Saturday dawns, we surrender our plans to Your hands. Fill our hearts with gratitude, guide our steps with wisdom, and grant our minds true rest. Bless our families, protect our loved ones, and let Your peace rule in our homes today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Saturday Blessings

  • May your day overflow with simple moments of laughter, sunshine, and quiet refreshment.
  • May your worries be replaced by the quiet assurance of God’s gentle care.
  • May your weekend open new doors of opportunity and bring good news to your path.

NB: Standing aware, keep everything in prayer for a discerning spirit.

Everybody’s normal till you get to know them is a popular phrase and the title of a bestselling book by John Ortberg, though it is not a direct quote from the Bible. [1]

Core Book Concepts

  • No Normal People: The book teaches that an ideal of “normal” does not exist and expecting people to be normal hurts relationships.
  • Accepting Flaws: Maturity means accepting that everyone comes with unique quirks, flaws, and brokenness.
  • Grace and Community: True Christian community happens when imperfect people love and forgive each other. [1, 2]

Biblical Principles on Human Imperfection

While the exact phrase isn’t in scripture, the Bible addresses human flaws:

  • All Have Sinned: Romans 3:23 states that everyone falls short of perfection.
  • Bearing Burdens: Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to support one another’s weaknesses.
  • Unconditional Love: 1 Peter 4:8 emphasizes loving deeply because love covers a multitude of faults.

The Bible encourages believers to get to know others by building deep relationships, showing love, and sharing one another’s lives. 

Key Verses on Knowing and Loving Others

  • Romans 12:10 — “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This verse calls for genuine care and mutual respect in relationships. 
  • Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” This highlights how spending time with others helps mutual spiritual and personal growth. l
  • Hebrews 10:24-25 — “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.” The writer stresses the importance of physical presence and community. 
  • Philippians 2:3-4 — “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This points to setting aside pride to truly understand people.
  • Galatians 6:2 — “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Getting to know people includes walking with them through hard times. 

THE TIMELESS MIRROR.

📌Wrong ASSUMPTION often nullifies our assessment.

>>ASSUMPTION?

It’s taking something to be true without proof; jumping to conclusion unverified; it’s a life by sight… sounds familiar? We’re in it together!

The implication?

We misunderstand, overestimate or underestimate one another and sometimes mistakes ENEMIES for FRIENDS and vice-versa. Terrible!

Jeremiah 17:9 is a Bible verse that says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” [1]

Meaning of the Verse

  • Flawed Nature: Human beings are prone to self-deception and moral failure.
  • Tricky Emotions: Our feelings and desires can easily mislead us into making poor choices.
  • Divine Knowledge: People cannot fully understand their own motives, but God searches and knows every heart. [1, 2, 3]

Biblical Context

  • Found in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah.
  • Part of a larger warning against trusting entirely in human strength rather than in God.

Reflection: Is your CRITICISM or CONCLUSION always true and justified?

Spiritually, none of us is perfect; each carries certain limitations or deficiencies due to our depraved nature but we’re naturally good in managing it. Physical a person may be attractive but the HEART may not be godly.- Rom.3:11-11; 22-23.

The truth? We need to see and live with the EYES of GOD, instinct can’t screen the ICEBERG of human’s heart… so, let the words of God TRANSFORM your HEART to better understanding!

God bless us.🙏🔥

Jeremiah 17:9 is a Bible verse that says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” [1]

Meaning of the Verse

  • Flawed Nature: Human beings are prone to self-deception and moral failure.
  • Tricky Emotions: Our feelings and desires can easily mislead us into making poor choices.
  • Divine Knowledge: People cannot fully understand their own motives, but God searches and knows every heart. [1, 2, 3]

Biblical Context

  • Found in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah.
  • Part of a larger warning against trusting entirely in human strength rather than in God.