Christian Encouragement

The Lord of Transformation: Unexpected Ways Jesus Changed My Everyday Life

| Flo

When I first got saved, I began noticing changes in myself, how I carried myself and lived my life.

Some changes were major while others seemed minor. Some happened gradually, and others almost instantaneously. Certain transformations were so subtle that I did not even notice them until someone pointed them out or God brought them to my attention.

I must say, though, that some of the relatively minor shifts surprised me at first. But I came to understand that Jesus transforms us from the inside out, completely and holistically. He cares about every detail of our lives, both big and small. Nothing escapes His attention.

Here are a few of those unexpected changes I noticed:

Returning to Childhood Lessons – Not Eating While Walking

One of the first things I realised was that I suddenly stopped eating while walking in public. Growing up, my parents – especially my father – strongly discouraged it. Even eating while standing was not encouraged in our home. I can still hear daddy telling me, “Why don’t you grab a plate instead, then sit down to eat properly?”

But when I moved out and started living on my own, I naturally relaxed some of those rules. I started allowing myself to walk about and eat when “the occasion called for it”. I’d buy a pie or ice cream while running errands or just out and about. Sometimes, I’d be running late and grab a piece of fruit or a sandwich “for the road” and eat it as I went on my way.

Over time, those exceptions became habitual.

Then, after I got saved, I noticed this habit fell away. It was like an unconscious return to the lessons my parents taught me. While I still make an exception occasionally, eating while walking about or standing is no longer my norm.

And just to be clear, this is not a judgment on anyone. It was simply one of the personal changes I noticed in myself.

Improved Handwriting

Another thing I noticed was how my handwriting seemed to improve overnight!

I wasn’t practicing or intentionally trying to write more neatly; it just happened! I started writing more clearly, neatly and even straighter on unruled paper.

I remember taking notes one day and suddenly realizing, “Wait… my handwriting looks different.”

It genuinely pleased me because neat handwriting had always been difficult for me. Even when I made an effort, it never came naturally. But after getting saved, it felt as though the effort required became much less while the results improved significantly.

Nowadays, I don’t have many opportunities to write by hand much anymore. So I guess my handwriting has taken a bit of a hit as a result. Still, it remains one of those small but meaningful reminders of how God was working in me in ways I never expected.

A New Appreciation for Creation

Another interesting change was how I began seeing insects, reptiles and small creatures differently.

Before, I would have thought nothing of killing bugs or moths out of annoyance or fear. My perspective shifted as I began to see God in everything.

I began to see annoying or scary creatures as part of God’s beautiful creation. They are a reflection of His creative wisdom – the diversity and beauty He chose to inject into His design. As a result, I became less fearful and more appreciative of most creatures. I say most because I still really dislike mosquitoes, cockroaches and flies.

I remember seeing a grasshopper thrashing about in a pool as I was swimming with my friend one day. I went out of my way to rescue it. This is something I probably wouldn’t have done previously. I’d have left it to its fate, reluctant to touch it. It amazed me how salvation softened certain parts of my heart in unexpected ways.

Conviction in Everyday Conduct

Lastly, at my first job, I had a long three-hour commute – two connecting trains, then a minibus taxi each way, totalling about 1.5 hours. By the end of the workday, I would be exhausted. So whenever the carriage wasn’t full, I’d put my feet up on the seat opposite me and either read or chat on my phone or just be alone with my thoughts.

Over time, this habit faded, no matter how tired I was. I started feeling uncomfortable doing it, regardless of whether the carriage was full or not. I began to find it inconsiderate and undignified. This was surprising, and if I’m honest, a little annoying to me at first, but it soon became second nature.

Again, this is not me condemning anyone who does it. It was simply one of those personal changes in mindset and conduct that naturally developed after I gave my life to Christ.

There were many other little changes I noticed, too:

I’ve always disliked littering, but I eventually found myself picking up litter left behind by other people. I started cleaning spaces I hadn’t messed up. Even though I strongly dislike washing dishes, it somehow became an act of service whenever we had church gatherings or events. I became more mindful about how I leave spaces for others.

I am far from perfect, and I am certainly not trying to blow my own horn. If anything, these changes remind me that transformation is God’s work, not mine. I believe God transformed me and He is still perfecting me. Anyone who knew me before would understand why these examples are indeed a testimony.

God truly transforms the whole person from the inside out. Every detail that makes up who we are matters to Him.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

I love this about Jesus – how intentional He is and how nothing escapes His attention. He cares deeply about every aspect of our lives – every habit, every attitude, every fibre of our being.

There is something incredibly comforting about that. It reminds us that we can trust Him fully, knowing that the God who cares about the smallest details of our lives will surely be faithful with the bigger things too.

Love,

Did You Know? The Devil is a Paper Lion!

| Flo 
Be alert and of sober mind. 
Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
- 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

In this Bible verse, the operative word is ‘like’. While it likens the devil to a lion, it doesn’t say the devil is actually a lion. It tells us that the devil walks about as if he were a lion, roaring and looking for prey.

But we know something … 

There is only one Lion. And that is The Lion of Judah.

In the not-so-distant past, I heard a revelation about this verse that has since become my own. The speaker had travelled to South Africa and had gone on safari – as one does. They learnt that in a pride of lions, there can only be one Alpha.

At times, though, there may be juveniles in the pride who wish to challenge the Alpha but do not have the strength or the ability to do so. So, they stand off at a distance and roar loudly. 

However, it’s not a true challenge to the Alpha. It can’t be. The juvenile doesn’t have the authority, the power, the capacity to back it up. The devil is the juvenile lion, wanting to challenge God but unable to. He’s a defeated foe. So, he goes after God’s children instead.

I was sharing this revelation with my mum and saying, “In essence, he’s a toothless lion.” She laughed and said, “He’s a paper lion.” I found that quite amusing and we laughed about it. But the words stayed with me long after that conversation.

What I didn’t know is that they would become a revelation to me and minister to my soul more than I could have imagined then. Because a toothless lion is still a lion. It still has some power. It has claws and brute strength. The mere thought of encountering one can still strike fear. 

A paper lion on the other hand has no power whatsoever. It’s not real. It’s a counterfeit.

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, 
he made a public spectacle of them, 
triumphing over them by the cross.
- Colossians 2:15 NIV

Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, took away the power of the enemy of our souls completely through the finished work on the cross. On our own, we’re powerless, helpless, defeated. In Christ, we are victorious. That is why He, being God Himself, chose to lay down His life to set us free from the trap that sin placed us in.

We do not have to be afraid, even when things go south. When we face trials and tribulations, we know we have ultimate victory. We have an inheritance in Christ. Love, joy, and peace never depart, irrespective of circumstances. Goodness and mercy pursue relentlessly and overtake. Always!

We do not cower or turn back. Ever. We take a stand! And when everything is said and done, we’re found standing. We have life and life in abundance. In high school, I had a teacher who used to like saying that empty vessels are the most sonorous. The loudest.

The juvenile lion roars so loudly, at a distance, but it knows it has no substance. The Alpha stepped in for once and for all. We could either accept or reject that truth, but there is no undoing it.

Beloved, if you haven’t already, I implore you to accept it. Ask Jesus to show you, to teach you. If you have already accepted this Good News, ask for a deeper revelation and watch and see what the King of kings will do! 

I invite you to pray the prayer at the end.

Love,

Dear Jesus,
Thank you so much that you love me. Thank you for dying for me on the cross. You took away my sin and shame; I have absolutely no guilt now. I ask you to completely take over every aspect of my life. I place myself, my whole heart and my life in your hands. 
Show me what life in abundance looks like. Please give me a deeper revelation of You and Your finished work on the cross for my sake. Teach me Your Truth and Your Ways.
Again, thank you. 
I look forward to all that you have in store for me with anticipation.
Amen and amen 🙏🏾

An Invitation: Let’s Get Yoked – Experience the Rest Jesus Promises

| Flo

This morning, I was feeling the weight of the past on me. Things said and done. Things that happened. They replayed in my mind and they felt heavy. Then, I felt my heavenly Dad say, “Call on me.” So, I did and I instinctively turned to Matthew 11:28-30 to encourage myself in the Word. There, Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, 
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

I love my Dad’s revelations. They’re always so timely, so spot on. I’ve read that passage many times before, but today, I thought, “But what is the purpose of a yoke?” So, I looked it up and discovered that a yoke is used so animals can pull loads together more efficiently.

Wow! So, Christ is saying to you and me, “Yoke yourself to Me and let’s deal with your heavy burdens efficiently together!” He is saying surrender to Me. Be reliant on Me. Cling to Me. And you will find rest.

This is consistent with God’s heart and design for us. A yoke is metaphorically used to describe the joining or linking of things or people (as in marriage or a contract much like our covenantal relationship with God). We were created to glorify Him and have relationship with Him. We were never meant to carry anything alone but partner with Him in surrender. 

So, if you’re feeling heavy laden, chances are you’re trying to carry a load alone. In the verses preceding this passage, Jesus spoke about the truth being hidden from those who are wise and learned. He said the truth is revealed to little children i.e. to those who are like trusting dependants (Matthew 11:25-26). Elsewhere, Jesus said the kingdom belongs to those who are like little children (Luke 18:16)

So, when your trust and confidence is in God, and you call on him again and again, the kingdom belongs to you!

In the passage, another thing Jesus is saying is, “Learn from Me”. A yoke is used to instruct (showing one what to do and not do) and direct (showing one where to go and where not to go). Unlike the typical yoke, Jesus assures you that His yoke is easy because He guides and instructs you with a gentle hand and humble heart. That is His character. He also assures you that His burden is light. That’s because He gives you Grace, the supernatural ability to carry it. You cast your burdens on Him because He cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. What a lovely picture. What an amazing God and Father!

So, let’s get and stay yoked, folks.

If ever you find yourself feeling tired or carrying the weight of something, make that call. Call on Jesus. Let Him show you the way. Allow Him to lighten your burden.

He is a covenant-keeping God!

Love,

The Story of a Man on a Hill

| Flo

A Picture from My Dad, the Greatest Artist of All Time

I was walking home, enjoying some much-needed quality time with my heavenly Dad. We’d walked to the shops together because I needed a few things, and I decided to turn the errand into intentional connection time. Now, I was on my way back. 

On the way there, we talked about nothing in particular, and yet, we talked about everything. About half-way, I passed a couple of ladies selling metal wares by the road side, a familiar and permanent fixture on that stretch. God prompted me to pray for them – their protection, their business, their salvation.

On the journey back, I noticed their kids had joined them. God prompted me to pray again, including their children. That simple act of obedience would later turn into a ministry moment – but that’s a story for another time.

As I was nearing home, I saw a striking image. It was one of those moments you wish you had a top-of-the-range camera on hand and the skill to match. But I had intentionally left my phone at home and couldn’t capture the moment. So instead, I took a mental picture. Sometimes this is better because you can really immerse yourself in the moment when you’re not looking at it through a lens (I’m certain there’s a deeper life lesson in that as well).

Here’s what I saw: 

It was twilight, with the sun dipping just below the horizon. The road I was walking on ascended to the crest of a small hill before disappearing beyond view. At the top of the hill, a young man of athletic build appeared on the right side of the road, and began descending. Behind him was a breathtaking sunset with layers of red, orange and amber hues blending into one another, rising to meet a slowly darkening sky. 

As he walked down, he playfully tossed something in the air and lifted his right arm to catch it. It looked like a victory pose, a fist raised in joyful triumph. Framing him, on either side was nature – trees, flowers, shrubs, grass –  juxtaposed against the concrete urban setting. Rising up, tall and proud, on his left, was a tall metal tower. All of it was silhouetted by the fading light. 

The whole view looked like art work. Like a staged photo. Like a gift.

I spontaneously started thanking my Dad. It was so beautiful, so intentional. It felt like it was painted just for me, for my pleasure. I couldn’t see anyone else in sight, just me and this man on a hill. Just as I was delighting in the sight, a car appeared at the top of the hill. Its bright headlights penetrated the deepening dusk, accentuating the scene, adding another layer of contrast and depth to the beautiful synergy of man, man-made structures and nature.

My heart was full as I continued to appreciate what I had seen. I prayed, “You did that, Dad! I see it. Thank you so much. It is blessing me.” I named my picture “Man On A Hill”. That was not the end of it. When God blesses, He blesses abundantly, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over (Luke 6:38). 

As I was nearing home, I saw another view. The same sunset but from a new angle. The same amber, orange and red hues were rising to an oddly bright sky this time, almost as though daylight was not quite ready to depart just yet. I remember thinking, “It’s as if the sun is saying even in darkness, when you cannot see me, I’ll always be bright, bringing light, just like the Son.” 

I thanked God for that image and that amazing message as well. To me, He had painted two beautiful pictures simple for my enjoyment. Just because… What a delight they were!

Love,

Dare to Rise Above and Walk by Faith

| Flo

It was the festive season not so long ago. Christmas was upon us. I was chatting to my sister and I said to her, “Christmas is just not the same. I haven’t felt festive for the last couple of years, and this year is no different.” I wasn’t complaining or whining; I was just making an observation. Then she asked, “Has this been since Daddy passed away?” I realised it had. I hadn’t made the connection. Also, six months before this conversation, we had buried my Bestie, my Mbuya, my maternal grandmother. I was still processing that grief.

Sometimes things happen that break our hearts. We don’t feel like celebrating like we used to. We see the world in muted colours, not the vibrant ones we once saw. Perhaps we don’t laugh as easily, and we feel lacklustre. We’re just tired. At times, we get knocked down enough times that we may start to ask ourselves, “What’s the point?” We may even start getting tempted to stay down. To just accept that that’s life. We shouldn’t, though. We must choose to hold on to hope and faith and joy and peace, and all that is good. We must choose to hold on to Christ Jesus.

The festive season, for example, is more than just a holiday, a time for festivities and family and fun. Those are all great things, of course. But more than that, it’s also a commemoration of the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the redemption He secured for us. Christmastime is an opportunity to celebrate the ultimate new beginning we have in Him – the dawn of a new era.

A kingdom was birthed and made available to all for the taking. In this kingdom, the old are made new, the broken restored, the heartbroken comforted, the poor made rich, the lonely placed in families, and the homeless given a home. The list goes on and on. It’s for us to discover the things on this endless list and live by them.

As citizens of this kingdom, you and I have fellowship with our King, and that’s the greatest gift of all. So, then, as much as we may feel a little tired and a little dampened at times, we do not allow that to steal our joy. So, I personally found ways to celebrate the real reason behind the season this past Christmas despite how I was feeling. I remembered the Lord’s goodness and expected to see more of it. I expected a new lease on life from The Author of Life. And boy, did it happen! That’s a story for another day.

Today, I want to encourage you that if you’re facing heartbreak, if things are difficult and you’re barely holding on, if you feel like you’ve lost, if ever you start to feel like, “What’s the point?”, remind yourself that Jesus is! He’s the answer to all things. That’s Who has carried me again and again. He is more than sufficient in all things.

“Listen to Me, [insert your name], you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

– Isaiah 46:3 – 4 NIV

So, enjoy fellowship with The King. And out of that close connection with Him, may all the good things He has for you flow freely and fully. 

Love,

Days Are Coming!

| Flo

Growing up, we had a house keeper with whom I shared a surprisingly close bond. I was a teenager then, and despite the difference in our circumstances, we had so much in common.  had many things in common. She was more like a friend than an employee. She was funny, kind, and genuinely enjoyed my company. I, too, loved spending time with her. We had long conversations, shared laughs, and occasionally went on little outings together.

At some point, she started cryptically saying, “Days are coming.” When I’d ask what she meant, she would just smile. There was a palpable level of excitement and anticipation when she said it, a knowing look on her face. One day, she resigned and left. A guy had swept her off her feet. I believe they got married and relocated. Although I missed her and felt a little upset that she left without a proper goodbye, I couldn’t begrudge her her happiness.

The weird saying finally made sense, days are coming. She was on a countdown to a life-changing event, and she just couldn’t wait. I’m sure it marked the beginning of an exciting and new life.

That phrase came back to me today as I was reading my Bible.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:1 – 2 NIV

As I reflected on this verse, something struck me again: everything God calls me to do is something He has already done. He leads by example. Not only that, He gives me the grace to do it too. As Christians, we are imitators of Christ. When God calls us to love, forgive, give, and pray, He is not asking us to do anything foreign to His own nature.

God loves to bless. In Philippians 4:19 (NLT), it says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:32 (NLT) tells us, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” 

Second, Christ is generous. We’re told to give, and the gift will be return to us – a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into our laps (Luke 6:38). God is also slow to anger and quick to forgive (Psalm 145:8 NIV) and he calls us to completely forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 18:21-22).

Even prayer—something He urges us to practice—is something He models. Jesus is an intercessor himself. He often withdrew to pray while He was on earth (Luke 5:16; Luke 22:32; John 17:9) , and even now He intercedes for us before the Father (Romans 8:34). Finally, perhaps the most profound example is love. God is love. He loved us all to the point of death, withholding nothing good from us. He calls us to follow His example and love others unconditionally.

I don’t know about you, but I find that can be incredibly difficult. People disappoint us. They hurt us. They behave in ways that feel impossible to love. Generosity can feel risky in a world that tells us to look out for ourselves. Forgiveness can feel unfair when there’s no apology, no change, and no guarantee it won’t happen again.

Sometimes, it’s tempting to give up and think, “This is too hard.” At times I’m painfully aware of how unlike Christ I can be. Then I remember that I am exactly like Christ:

Because as He is, so are we in this world. – 1 John 4:17

I remember God’s grace. Grace is God’s help. It is His power working in me, enabling me to do what I cannot do on my own. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. And when I fall short—and I do—grace meets me there too. Christ offers forgiveness, restoration, and another chance to begin again.

This is one of the things I love most about God’s character. He doesn’t simply give commands from a distance. He leads by example and walks with us every step of the way, offering strength, mercy, and guidance. He is righteous and perfect, yet gentle and compassionate. And He calls me to become more like Him. That thought fills me with the same sense of anticipation my old friend once carried. I’m not perfect yet. But days are coming.

Days when I will love more fully. Days when Christ’s character will shine more clearly in my life. Each day I grow to be more like Him. And one day, I will be completely transformed—perfect, radiant, and whole in His presence.

Days are coming!!

Love,