This morning, as I studied Matthew 8:7–8, the Lord dropped a simple yet profound truth into my heart: “Our word is our first messenger.”
Those words settled in my spirit like a seed. The more I meditated on the passage, the clearer it became.
In verse 7, Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
But in verse 8, the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”
That moment revealed something deeper than just healing. It revealed the power of a spoken word, the authority of faith, and the truth that our words often go ahead of us to do what our hands cannot.
From our very first cry at birth to our last breath, our words carry weight, meaning, and mission.

Before our presence enters a space,
Before our hands get to work,
Before our feet cross the threshold, our word goes first.

The Roman centurion understood something profound. He didn’t ask Jesus to touch, travel, or even arrive. He knew that words, when spoken with authority, are messengers that obey command.
“Speak the word only,” he said, “and my servant shall be healed.”
Because he believed the word could go ahead and get the work done.
Words move things.
They carry weight.
They command healing, invite peace, or stir change.
They echo our faith or reveal our fear.

Like soldiers under authority, words respond to direction:
“Go!”—and it goes.
“Come!”—and it comes.
“Do this!”—and it is done.

That is the power of a spoken word.
Not idle sound, but intent in motion.
Not mere letters, but life in transit https://www.gcu.edu/blog/spiritual-life/weekly-devotional-power-our-words

So what are your words saying ahead of you?
What message are they carrying?
Are they building or breaking?
Are they sowing peace or stirring storms?

Just like God sends out His Word to heal and deliver, we too must be intentional with the words we release. Because our words are not idle—they carry power, presence, and purpose. And if they carry such power, they must be seasoned with grace, guided by wisdom, and rooted in truth

“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
— Psalm 107:20 (KJV)

Written and illustrated by Omolola Funmilayo Edokpayi

The post OUR WORD IS OUR FIRST MESSENGER (I) first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

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One of the things I learned from my late stepmother is that she didn’t mind her business. Yes, you heard me right. My late stepmother was that rare soul who refused to look away when things went wrong.

In today’s world, people are quick to chant the proverb: “Bá mi nà ọmọ mi, ko de inu olomo.” (Help me discipline my child? Never!). The idea of correcting another person’s child is now seen as an invitation to trouble. But back in the days of my stepmother, that proverb was meaningless. She did not believe in minding her business when it came to values, discipline, and the well-being of those around her.

I am not saying people should not mind their business. It all depends on the area where you are minding your business.

She was the kind of woman who would see a child going astray and intervene, even if that child was not hers. If she spot a young boy disrespecting an elder, she would call him out: “Come here, young man! Is this how you were raised?” She would speak the truth, back to back, without fear or favour. It didn’t matter if the child’s mother frowned or the father grumbled. To her, wrong was wrong, and silence in the face of wrong was even worse.

She particularly hated disrespect. Why growing up, I remembered she was the one that stopped some of my younger ones from calling me by name without adding ‘Aatii’ which is a respectful Yoruba term for female elders, she addresses issues immediately. She wouldn’t wait for tomorrow to come before correcting disrespectful behaviours. To her, respect was fundamental, and she made sure we understood that.

This wasn’t just limited to children. She would correct adults too, questioning unethical behaviours, confronting injustices. In her eyes, a person’s immediate family did not define their responsibility to society. We were all part of a larger family, and keeping quiet about what was wrong meant being complicit in it.

But in today’s society, this kind of boldness is almost extinct. People now tread carefully, afraid of stepping on toes. Why should I correct someone else’s child? What if their parents insult me? So, we turn our faces the other way, we walk past wrongdoing, and we let children grow wild because “it’s not our business.” My stepmother never subscribed to that philosophy, and now I realize how valuable her stance was.

Nowadays, correcting a child doesn’t go down well with their mother, especially because of what our society is turning into and the way people wickedly correct other people’s children. However, when someone corrects a child with love, we should not take it as an offense. It is for our own good and for the child’s benefit.

This lesson I learned from her has taught me that when we see something wrong, we need to address it with goodness and God’s happiness.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers out there! May your love and wisdom continue to shape generations to come. Amen

Written and Illustrated by Omolola Funmilayo Edokpayi

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The scribes and Pharisees were highly respected religious leaders in Jesus’ time, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. Their righteousness refers to the kind of religious conduct they displayed, which was often based on external appearances and strict rule-keeping rather than inner transformation or sincere devotion to God.

Outwardly, they appeared righteous and holy. But Jesus saw beyond their robes and rituals—He saw their hearts. He had to address it in Matthew 5:20.
Here are seven of those forms of righteousness to look out for:

1. Outward show of religion without inward purity:
The Pharisees cared about appearances. They looked pure on the outside, but their hearts were far from God. They were so corrupt inside that Jesus had to address it in Matthew 23:27-28

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres… within full of dead men’s bones” https://www.bible.com/bible/1/MAT.23.27-28.KJV

2. Pride in religious status and titles:
They loved titles and positions of honour rather than humble service. They loved to be called “Rabbi” and sought the praises of men rather than God. They loved public recognition.
This can be seen in Matthew 23:5-7.

“they make broad their phylacteries… and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues”

3. Strict observance of minor laws but neglecting weightier matters:
The Pharisees focused excessively on tithing even the smallest herbs. They were so meticulous about religious rules but ignored the most important aspects of God’s law, which are justice, mercy, and faith—even love.

Matthew 23:23

“Woe unto you… for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law…”

4. Hypocrisy in teaching but not practicing:
They preached righteousness but didn’t practice it.
Matthew 23:2-3

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat… but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”

5. Seeking praise from men rather than God:
The Pharisees’ righteousness was for show, to gain the approval of people. Even their acts of charity and prayer were done to impress others. And Jesus corrected this in Matthew 6:1

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them”

6. Burdening people:
They burdened others with laws, making religion hard for others but didn’t lift a finger to help them. In fact, they imposed rules without offering compassion or grace.

Luke 11:46

“ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens…”

7. Rejection of Jesus and the gospel truth:
Despite all their knowledge, they rejected the Messiah. Though they knew the Scriptures, they rejected Jesus Himself.

John 5:39-40

“Search the scriptures… and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”

In summary:
The righteousness of the Pharisees was based on:

Outward appearance

Pride and self-righteousness

Legalism over love

Hypocrisy

Neglect of heart transformation

In this powerful statement in Matthew 5:20, Jesus challenges His followers to a deeper and authentic walk with God—one that goes beyond surface religion. He is calling us to a higher righteousness, one that flows from a changed heart full of humility, love, mercy, and truth

Question
What kind of righteousness did they display, and why wasn’t it enough?

Prayer: Pray this for yourself.
Lord, help me not to settle for outward religion. Change me from the inside out. Let my righteousness be real, not rooted in pride or performance, but in love, faith, and obedience to You. Amen.

The post 7 Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees You Need to Know and Check Out For first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

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1. Lent lasts for 40 days, representing the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/lent/about-lent.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqYQ9dpneqHH1sNPrZFVUsrCeqO1scCxXUNOERbTMLNgZP7nKFJ
2. Lent falls on different dates each year, and its observance varies among Christians worldwide.
3. Not all Christians observe lent. Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and some Protestants observe it.
4. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance and reflection.
5. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are placed on foreheads as a sign of humility and mortality.
6. Lent is a time for fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
7. Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent.
8. Lent is a period of preparation for celebrating the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter.
9. Lent ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
10. The colours used during Lent enrich the spiritual experience by evoking emotions and serving as visual reminders of Jesus’ suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate victory over death—especially during Holy Week.
11. Purple is the primary colour of Lent; it also represents the purple robe that Pontius Pilate placed on Jesus before His crucifixion, reminding us of His royalty as King.
12. On Palm Sunday, the priest wears bright red, symbolising Jesus’ impending sacrifice on the Cross.
13. White, used on Easter, represents the joy of Jesus’ resurrection.
14. Meat is traditionally avoided on Fridays during Lent.https://www.catholic.com/tract/top-20-questions-and-answers-about-lent
15. Lenten fasting is meant to promote spiritual discipline, not to serve as a dieting method.
16. Giving up something for Lent is a form of sacrifice and self-denial.
17. Lent is a time to reflect on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice.
18. Prayer is emphasized during Lent as a way to strengthen one’s relationship with God.
19. Almsgiving (charity) is encouraged during Lent, with a focus on helping the needy.
20. Lent is a call to repentance and turning back to God.
21. Confession and reconciliation are important aspects of Lenten observance.
22. Mothering Sunday falls during Lent—specifically on the fourth Sunday—and is also known as Laetare Sunday.
23. The Stations of the Cross are often prayed during Lent.
24. Holy Monday (sometimes referred to in some programs as the “Monday Day Program”) is part of the week leading up to Easter.
25. The final week of Lent, known as Holy Week, includes significant days such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
26. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.
27. Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and His disciples.
28. Maundy Thursday also recalls the washing of the feet, symbolising service and humility.
29. Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
30. Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and reflection before Easter.
31. Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus’ resurrection and marks the end of Lent.
32. Lent is not just about personal sacrifice; it is also an opportunity for spiritual growth.
33. Giving up bad habits during Lent can lead to lasting positive change.
34. Some churches hold Lenten retreats or special services to deepen spiritual focus.
35. Lent is a time for personal and spiritual renewal.
36. Some Christians follow the Daniel Fast during Lent, eating only plant-based foods.
37. Lent reminds us that suffering can lead to glory, just as the cross led to the resurrection.
38. Although Lent is a period of penance, it ultimately ends with a great celebration.
39. Fasting during Lent reminds us of our dependence on God.
40. The liturgies of Holy Week—including the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday—are among the most significant in the Church calendar.

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You claim to love someone, yet your words leave scars,
Love shouldn’t hurt like shattered stars.
You promise forever, yet treat them like a phase,
Love isn’t fleeting; it stands through the days.

You claim to love someone, yet your hands push away,
Love isn’t silence when there’s more to say.
You vow to listen, yet ignore their cries,
Love is attention, not convenient lies.

You claim to love someone, yet your eyes still roam,
Love stays rooted; it doesn’t search for home.
You swear they’re enough, yet you crave something new,
Love isn’t restless; it stays loyal and true.

You claim to love someone, yet trust wears thin,
Love isn’t real when deceit creeps in.
You speak of patience but demand too much,
Love doesn’t rush; it moves with a touch.

You claim to love someone, yet your presence is rare,
Love doesn’t vanish; it’s always there.
You say you protect, yet leave them exposed,
Love isn’t careless; it guards and holds.

You claim to love someone, yet let wounds remain,
Love doesn’t nurture unnecessary pain.
You swear you cherish, yet take them for granted,
Love isn’t selfish; it gives what is wanted.

You claim to love someone, yet flee when it’s tough,
Love isn’t easy, but real love is enough.
You call them home, yet wander away,
Love doesn’t falter when skies turn gray.

You claim to love someone, yet let them feel small,
Love lifts higher, it won’t let them fall.
You promise honesty, yet truths stay untold,
Love is transparent, not secrets grown cold.

You claim to love someone, yet your love feels cold,
Love isn’t distant; it’s warm to hold.
You whisper sweet words, yet actions betray,
Love isn’t fleeting; it chooses to stay.

You promise a future, yet leave them in doubt,
Love isn’t silence; it speaks things out.
You swear devotion, yet turn away,
Love doesn’t waver; it finds a way.

God is love only in HIM we can exhibit true love. https://sctcoc.org/love-is-the-greatest-christian-blog/

By Omolola F. Edokpayi

The post DOES YOUR LOVE TRULY SHOW? first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

The post DOES YOUR LOVE TRULY SHOW? appeared first on ArtPreachiate.