Living by God's Will

 

“Come now, you who say, “today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit, ¹⁴yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:13-14)

How many of us have repeated this saying: "If God wills, or If the Lord wills..."? Many times, when we say this saying, we don't think about the profound and true meaning of these words. Why? Because in reality, our entire life—every day, every hour, every minute of it—depends on God's will.

These three simple words carry within them a universe of meaning that we often overlook in our hurried daily existence. When we calmly say, "If God wills," we're acknowledging, perhaps without realizing it, one of the most fundamental truths of human existence: we are not the ultimate authors of our own story. Yet how often do we live as if we were?

James asks a critical question for us to reflect on: What is our life? Have you thought about the answer to that question? It's a question that stops us in our tracks, forcing us to confront the reality of our existence beyond the noise of our daily routines, our plans, and our carefully built schedules.

The answer James gives us is also significant: “We are like a mist that appears and disappears in a short time”. In other words, our lives are temporary. This metaphor is both humbling and beautiful. Think of morning mist rising from a lake or a mountain, present one moment and gone the next. There's something almost poetic about this comparison, yet it carries a sobering truth. Our lives, no matter how significant they may seem to us, are but a brief moment in the grand tapestry of eternity.

Nothing and no one guarantees that you will live another day. This isn't meant to instill fear, but rather to awaken us to the preciousness of each moment we're given. Every sunrise is a gift, every breath an act of divine grace. It is only by God's will that we live, that our hearts continue to beat, that our lungs continue to draw air.

We often live lives out of control, outside of God's will. How easy it is to fall into this pattern! We wake up each morning assuming the day belongs to us, making plans as if we were guaranteed tomorrow, pursuing goals as if our strength and wisdom alone would secure them. We schedule our lives down to the minute, fill our calendars with appointments and commitments, and rarely pause to ask, "Lord, what would You have me do today?"

We often want to use this saying to justify our behavior or the decisions we make, as if God's will be for us not to obey Him. This is perhaps one of our greatest spiritual deceptions—using God's sovereignty as an excuse for our disobedience or laziness. We might say, "Well, if God wills it, it will happen," while neglecting the very responsibilities and callings He has placed before us.

James commends us to think differently. Instead of seeing the Christian life as just another commitment in life, we must understand that everything we do, we do to serve the Lord. My plans are His plans. This shift in perspective changes everything. Suddenly, our work becomes worship, our relationships become ministry opportunities, and our challenges become chances to demonstrate faith.

The story goes that the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach, upon finishing each of his compositions, would write the letters SDG. These letters stand for Soli Deo Gloria, to God Alone be the Glory. This was Bach's way of reminding himself that his music wasn't a way to do a job, it was a way to honor God. Bach understood that his extraordinary talent was not his own achievement, but a gift from the Creator to be used for the Creator's glory.

Imagine if we approached every task, every conversation, every decision with Bach's mindset. What if we ended our workdays, our parenting moments, our acts of service with the same dedication: "To God alone be the glory"? How different would our lives look if we truly believed that our abilities, our opportunities, and our very existence are gifts to be stewarded for His purposes?

We must learn to depend on God's self-sufficiency and understand that His will for our lives is to give us His best. This doesn't mean life will be easy or that all our desires will be fulfilled according to our timeline. Rather, it means trusting that the One who created us knows what we truly need for abundant life, both now and in eternity.

We, too, must honor God by giving Him our best. Not our leftovers, not our second efforts, not what remains after we've served our interests first. Our best energy, our finest gifts, our deepest devotion belong to Him who gave us life itself.

May God bless you and keep you, and may these words renew your spirit as you surrender each moment to His perfect will.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

Cast It All on Him

 

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22

Are you overwhelmed by the weight of a burden you were never meant to carry? Life often piles responsibilities, anxieties, and fears on our shoulders, and before we know it, we bend under the load. King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, offers timeless counsel that can free us from the crushing pressure: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”

The word cast in Hebrew is vivid. It means to throw, hurl, shed, or fling—using all your strength to propel something as far from you as possible. The picture is not of gently setting something down or tucking it in a corner, but of forcefully removing it from your possession. It’s as if God is saying, “Don’t just hand it to Me—get rid of it. I’ll take it.”

David understood the need for such action. As King of Israel, he carried enormous responsibility for the nation’s security, justice, and worship. But beyond the weight of his office, David bore personal burdens—betrayals from friends, attacks from enemies, and deep regret over his own failures. His record was far from spotless. His sins were public, his family struggles were messy, and his enemies were relentless.

Yet David knew where to take the crushing weight. He didn’t hide it, carry it alone, or pretend it didn’t exist. He brought it to the Lord. He knew God was not just able to hear, but willing to sustain him. David had learned that God’s grace is deeper than our guilt, His mercy wider than our mistakes, and His strength greater than our weakness.

So, what about you? What burdens are you carrying right now? Perhaps it’s the financial strain that keeps you up at night. Maybe it’s a fractured relationship that leaves you feeling powerless to fix what’s broken. It could be the anxiety of an uncertain future, the guilt over past decisions, or the quiet ache of grief that no one else fully understands. You might be shouldering expectations that feel impossible to meet—at work, at home, or even in your own mind.

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to carry them. You were never meant to. God has not called you to be self-sufficient; He has called you to be God-dependent.

When Peter echoes this same truth in the New Testament— “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7), he reminds us that casting is an act of trust. It’s saying, “God, I believe You can handle this better than I can.” It’s releasing control to the only One who truly has control.

But here’s the challenge: we often “set” our burdens before God rather than “casting” them. We lay them down in prayer, but before we say amen, we’ve picked them back up again. Casting requires decisive action, a choice, to remove the burden from your hands completely.

This is not a one-time action. You may have to cast the same burden repeatedly, every time it tries to creep back onto your shoulders. But with each act of surrender, you will discover that God really does sustain you. His promise is sure: “He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” That means no storm can topple you, no weight can crush you, and no fear can undo you when you are resting in His care.

So today, throw your burden far from you. Picture yourself hurling it to the foot of the cross, where Jesus already bores its weight. Trust that He will hold you up, not just for today, but for every day that follows. You don’t have to crumble under the pressure, because the One who carried the cross will carry you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord allow these words to help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

You May Feel Unworthy, But God

 

 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Have you ever looked at your past and thought, “There’s no way God could love someone like me”? Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s love? Maybe the guilt of past decisions still lingers. Maybe you’ve walked away from God before—or perhaps you’ve never felt close to Him at all. At times, feelings of unworthiness can grip us so tightly that they silence our prayers, isolate us from Christian community, and convince us that we are beyond redemption. If so, you’re not alone. But the heart of the gospel is this: God didn’t wait for you to become lovable before He loved you.

But God. These two words in Romans 5:8 mark a turning point, not just in Scripture, but in the story of every believer. Paul writes that we were weak, ungodly, sinners, and even enemies of God. That’s a sobering diagnosis of the human heart—and not one we like to admit. But the Scripture doesn’t stop there. It doesn’t leave us in our brokenness. Instead, it lifts our eyes to the cross, where the most powerful demonstration of love took place.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus didn’t die for perfect people. He didn’t come for the already-cleaned-up or spiritually polished. He came for the broken, the outcast, the ashamed, the guilty—He came for us in our *worst* condition. His sacrifice wasn’t a response to our goodness; it was a response to our need. His love wasn’t earned; it was given.

The truth is none of us are worthy of God’s love on our own. That’s why grace is so amazing. The cross didn’t happen because we were lovable—but because God is love. The weight of our sin was so great that only the death of God’s Son could pay for it. But even more powerful than the reality of our sin is the reality of God’s mercy.

This love transforms us. It frees us from shame. It gives us a new identity—not based on what we’ve done, but on what Christ has done for us. It gives us boldness to approach God, not as strangers or failures, but as forgiven sons and daughters.

So today, if you’re feeling unworthy—remember this truth: remember the gospel. Remember the cross. Remember that God loved you at your worst, and nothing can separate you from that love. You don’t need to earn His affection. Your salvation is not based on your performance but on the cross, where love, justice, and mercy meet. You are forgiven, welcomed, and eternally secure—not because you are good, but because God is. You simply need to receive it.

Take a moment to think about the areas of your life where shame still speaks loudly. Then speak this truth over yourself: “But God loved me there. Even there.”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that Your love doesn’t wait for me to get it right. Thank You that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. Help me to trust in that love today, to let go of shame, and to live in the freedom Your grace provides. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rooted in Christ

 

"Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,and overflowing with gratitude." Colossians 2:6–7

Not long ago, I had a conversation with someone who truly loved gardening. As they shared their passion, I was reminded how much goes on beneath the surface of a plant—how much we never see. My friend told me, “Under every tree, you will find an elaborate and fascinating system of roots.” That imagery struck me deeply.

Curious, I looked into it further. I found that roots are far more than just anchors in the soil—they are lifelines. They draw in essential nutrients, water, and oxygen. They stabilize the plant in storms. They store nourishment for difficult seasons. In other words, if a plant’s roots aren’t healthy and deep, the rest of it cannot survive, much less thrive.! What a powerful image of our life in Christ!

Rooted and Built Up in Him

Paul’s words in Colossians 2:6–7 remind us of the foundation of the Christian life. Just as we received Jesus Christ as Lord—by faith, with humility, in dependence, we are to *continue* in Him the same way. Not with self-effort, but by staying connected to our source.

We are to be *rooted* in Him—meaning our lives are to draw from Him constantly. Not occasionally. Not only on Sundays. But daily, deeply, consistently.

·       When the winds of life blow—whether it’s sickness, loss, uncertainty, or fear—it is only the roots that hold us firm.

·       When the spiritual drought comes, it is the unseen root system of trust, prayer, and Scripture that keeps our faith green and alive.

Just as a gardener places each plant in the right soil for maximum growth, so God has planted us in Christ. And Christ, in turn, nurtures us with His Word, His Spirit, His presence, and His love.

Established in Faith

The more rooted we are, the more *established* we become. This is not about being perfect, it’s about being grounded. Just as a tree with deep roots can bend but not break in a storm, a believer rooted in Christ can stand firm through hardship.

Paul adds that we are to overflow with *thanksgiving*. Gratitude is the fruit of someone whose roots are drinking deeply from the well of grace. The more we grasp what Christ has done for us, the more grateful we become—not just in good times, but even in seasons of trial.

Letting Jesus Be the Gardener of Our Soul

Jesus is not only the soil we are planted in—He is also the gardener who cares for our souls. He prunes what needs cutting. He waters with compassion. He nurtures with truth. He is patient, persistent, and passionate about your growth.

Jeremiah 17:8 paints a beautiful picture of a person who trusts in the Lord: "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

You were not meant to survive on your own strength. You were meant to *abide* in Him—to let your roots go down deep into Christ.

Reflection and Application

·       Are your roots in Christ healthy and deep, or shallow and struggling?

·       Are you regularly drawing nourishment from His Word?

·       Are you allowing Him to stabilize and strengthen you during storms?

Perhaps today is the day to stop merely surviving and start thriving by choosing to abide in Jesus more intentionally. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

Trapped… but Not Defeated

 

Exodus 14:10–18

Key Verse: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

Have you ever felt like you were trapped with no way out? Maybe it was a financial burden that came out of nowhere, a health crisis with no clear solution, a relationship that unraveled, or a time when false accusations turned trusted friends into skeptics. Life can quickly back us into corners that feel impossible to escape.

That’s exactly where the Israelites found themselves in Exodus 14. After being miraculously delivered from Egypt, they found themselves stuck: the Red Sea in front of them, the desert to the side, and the Egyptian army charging from behind. There was no visible way out. They were, in every human sense, trapped on a dead-end street.

But their story didn’t end there—and neither does ours when we walk by faith.

1. God Uses Tough Times to Grow Us

What’s remarkable is that God led them to this spot. Exodus 14:1–4 makes clear that their path—though it looked like a mistake—was part of God’s plan. Why would God do that? Because He wanted to reveal something deeper: His power, His faithfulness, and His ability to make a way where there was none.

Hard times often feel like punishment. But more often, they’re preparation. God uses difficulty to correct, deepen, and strengthen our faith. Just like plants grow deeper roots when surface water is scarce, our spiritual roots grow deeper when life is hard. Faith isn’t proven in comfort; it’s revealed in crisis.

2. Peace Is a Choice, Not a Feeling

The Israelites responded like many of us would; they panicked. “Why did you bring us here to die?” they cried. (Exodus 14:11). In fear, they lashed out at Moses and doubted God's goodness.

Yet Moses responded not with a strategic plan, but with a profound truth: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord…” (v.13).

Fear is natural, but faith is intentional. Peace in the midst of pressure doesn’t come from understanding the plan; it comes from knowing the One who holds the plan. When we choose to look at our problems more than we look at God, anxiety grows. But when we fix our eyes on the Lord, peace becomes possible—even in impossible places. 

3. When You Don’t Know What to Do, Do What You Know

God told Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to move forward” (v.15). It may sound strange; move forward where? There was a sea in front of them! But Moses obeyed. He raised his staff, and God did the impossible; He parted the waters.

There will be times when we don’t understand what God is doing. But in those moments, we’re called to keep doing what we know is right. Keep walking in obedience. Keep praying. Keep trusting. And then watch—watch with anticipation to see what God will do.

Conclusion: Trust, Wait, and Watch

In conclusion, we should notice several things about the times when our backs are against the wall.  First, dead ends are God’s opportunity to show His glory. The Israelites learned that day that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s power. What they thought would be their death became their deliverance. What seemed like an ending became the beginning of something unforgettable.

Second, we should remember that tough times do not mean that God is mad at us. There is a harmful notion going around that says that a true and faithful believer never encounters hard times unless they have done something wrong. This is bad and destructive theology. There are scores of references in the Bible that show God's saints going through adversity, not because they are being punished but because they are being used and trained by God. Tough times do not mean that God has turned His back on you.

Third, we need to be reminded that we must choose the attitude that we have for difficult times. We can panic or we can trust.  We can focus on opportunities or liabilities. We can turn away from the Lord or turn toward the Lord. It may not feel like we have the choice of what attitude we will have, but we do.  The negative responses will come naturally.  You will have to make a choice to respond in faithful confidence.

Finally, we are reminded once again that we should never underestimate the power and wisdom of God. No matter how hopeless a situation may seem, we may be on the threshold of one of God's incredible displays of His wisdom and power. We may not see the waters’ part, but we may see lives transformed, circumstances changed, and opportunities provided that would have never happened if we hadn't trusted, waited, and watched what God would do.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

“Come, Follow Me" – The Call to Be Fishers of Men

 

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once, they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:18-20)

The scene is simple, yet powerful. Jesus, walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, sees two ordinary men at work—Simon and Andrew, casting their nets, engaged in their daily task as fishermen. But in an instant, everything changes. With just one sentence, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, Jesus radically redefines their purpose.

This invitation was not just for Peter and Andrew. It is extended to each of us today. Jesus calls you and me to follow Him, to walk in His steps, and to become fishers of men, people who, by God’s grace, lead others into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be a Fisher of Men?

To be a fisher of men is to be someone who reaches out to others with the good news of Jesus. It is a call to live on mission, not merely attending church or reading the Bible for personal benefit, but allowing Christ to use us to draw others into His kingdom. When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t offer them comfort, clarity, or control. He gave them a mission. He promised transformation; “I will make you…”—and purpose.

Notice the sequence:

·       Come”– an invitation to a relationship.

·       Follow Me” – a call to trust and obedience.

·       “I will make you” – a promise of transformation.

·       “Fishers of men” – a purpose beyond themselves.

Jesus does not merely call us to follow without direction. He shapes us into who we are meant to be as we walk with Him.

Responding to the Call

1.     Accept His Invitation:

“Follow me” requires a step of faith. For Peter and Andrew, it meant leaving behind their nets—their livelihood, their security, and everything familiar. Following Jesus will cost something. It may mean letting go of comfort, status, or even certain relationships. But the reward is greater than anything we leave behind.

 Be Willing to Be Transformed:

“I will make you” speaks to a process. We are not instantly perfected. Jesus takes our raw potential and begins shaping us through the Holy Spirit, the Word, and our experiences. Discipleship is not passive; it requires surrender, growth, and continual learning. We must be teachable and open to change.

3.     Embrace the Mission:

To fish for men is to engage in the redemptive work of Christ. It’s not just about “catching” people and moving on—it’s about walking alongside them, discipling them, and helping them grow in Christ. Evangelism is only the beginning. True discipleship involves community, accountability, and spiritual investment.

 A Lifelong Commitment

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision; It’s a daily journey—a commitment to grow through worship, devotion, fellowship, and service. The call to discipleship is lifelong. It challenges our priorities and reorients our purpose. We grow as we read God’s Word, pray, gather with other believers, and obey His leading.

So, how will you respond? Jesus still walked by the shores of ordinary lives and extended the same invitation: “Come, follow me.” Will you follow Him? Will you allow Him to shape your heart, your purpose, and your path? Will you let Him make you a fisher of men?

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He renew your passion for Him and give you courage to step out in faith. The choice is yours. Will you follow?

Dr. Dimas Castillo

 

Persevering in Prayer

 

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ—on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:2–4)

We live in a consumer-based economy where we are conditioned to believe that life revolves around us and that the consumer is always right, and if you don't like the service offered here, go somewhere else. This type of thinking has not only affected the way we live our lives, but also the way we treat our spiritual lives.

We often treat our prayers to God in a similar way. We believe we have to present God with everything we want, regardless of what God wants from us. We believe God owes us something, and we pray to be paid for our services.

In our culture, we tend to struggle with prayer. Instead of struggling, we should develop a prayer life focused on the Lord, not on ourselves. In this passage, Paul presents us with several ideas on how we can develop a prayer life focused on the needs of God's Kingdom, not on ourselves.

Have you ever noticed what happens when prayer begins to slip from your daily life? Often, things begin to feel off—our hearts grow restless, our minds unsettled, and a sense of spiritual emptiness creeps in. Prayer is not just a spiritual discipline; it is the lifeline of our relationship with Christ. Through prayer, we speak to our Heavenly Father, bringing Him our hopes, questions, confessions, needs, and gratitude. It is in prayer that we are reminded of who He is—and who we are in Him.

We believe God hears our prayers, even in moments of doubt. And we trust that, in His perfect timing, He answers them. Throughout Scripture, we are not merely encouraged but COMMANDED to be people of prayer. When we prioritize prayer, we place our burdens into God’s capable hands, and in return, we receive His peace. A consistent prayer life keeps us in close communion with God and in step with His will.

Even Jesus made prayer a central part of His life. So impactful was His prayer life that His disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” If Jesus—the Son of God—needed regular time with the Father, how much more do we?

In Colossians 4, the apostle Paul, writing from prison, urges the believers in Colossae to be steadfast in prayer. Notice his request: he doesn’t ask them to pray for his release. Instead, he asks them to pray “that God may open a door” for the gospel to be proclaimed. Paul’s focus, even in chains, was on spreading the message of Christ. His request reveals a heart that prioritized the mission of God over personal comfort.

When was the last time you asked God to use you to share His message? When did you last pray for your church to be a light in the community, boldly proclaiming salvation in Christ?  A life marked by prayer is a life aligned with God’s purposes. As we persevere in prayer—watchful and thankful—God will use us to open doors, change lives, and bring His kingdom near.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo