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Apr 9 2025

Protected on the Journey, Empowered in the Mission: A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:8

As followers of Jesus, we often experience moments that remind us just how real and near our God truly is. Recently, our team from Second Adam Church in Lahore, Pakistan encountered such a moment—one that blended powerful ministry, unexpected danger, and undeniable divine protection.

A Mission 400 Kilometers Away

We were invited to minister at a house church nearly 400 kilometers from Lahore, where a group of passionate believers and leaders had gathered for a leadership conference. Our mission was to encourage, equip, and assist in strengthening the foundations of this new fellowship in Christ.

During one of the sessions, the Holy Spirit led me to share a message using a simple metaphor of an onion:

“You don’t eat an onion in its raw, unpeeled state. You peel back the layers and wash it before it can be used. In the same way, how can we expect God to use us while holding onto the old layers of our sinful nature—the lies of the world and the schemes of the enemy? We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. It’s time to peel off the old habits and be cleansed by the Word and the Spirit.”

The response was overwhelming. People were moved to tears. Many testified of deep personal conviction, inner healing, and spiritual breakthroughs—just from hearing the Word of God. Some even experienced freedom from bondage and healing without a single prayer request—just through the Spirit speaking directly to their hearts.

This moment was a clear reminder: God’s Word is alive and powerful. We’ve already received an invitation to return and continue ministering there.

A Sudden Accident on the Way Home

As we journeyed back home to Lahore, still rejoicing over the fruit of the ministry trip, the enemy tried to shake us. While driving at a normal speed on the highway, we suddenly encountered a stopped vehicle in our lane. The driver—a man traveling with his wife and sick child—explained that in the chaos, his leg had gotten stuck in the gear lever, causing him to lose awareness of the traffic behind him.

We collided with their car. But by the grace of God, no one was injured. The driver was apologetic and even offered to cover the damages. But what stood out to us most was that, despite the impact, our vehicle remained drivable and we were able to safely return to Lahore.

In that moment, we remembered God’s promise in Psalm 121:8:

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

We experienced this truth firsthand. We believe that angels were guarding us, and the Lord Himself ensured our safety so we could continue the mission He has placed before us.

You Are Part of This Story
To all our supporters, prayer partners, and donors—thank you. Your faithfulness and generosity are what make these trips possible. You are sending us into cities and villages across Pakistan to preach the Gospel, raise up leaders, and plant churches.

Each time we travel, minister, and witness transformation, it is your seed bearing fruit.

Please continue to lift us up in prayer. The journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it—for every soul saved, every believer strengthened, and every dark place lit up by the truth of Jesus Christ.

With gratitude and bold faith,
Pastor Usman
Second Adam Church

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Apr 3 2025

The Christian and Anger: Dealing with Life’s Most Powerful Emotion

Book Review by Zeeva Usman

Anger is a deeply human emotion—one that everyone experiences, yet few know how to handle in a healthy, biblical way. In The Christian and Anger: Dealing with Life’s Most Powerful Emotion, Charlie Avila tackles this complex topic with wisdom, depth, and a strong foundation in Scripture.

Avila begins by establishing an undeniable truth: anger is everywhere. From global conflicts to personal struggles, anger is at the root of much of the world’s suffering. But what makes this book stand out is how it reframes anger—not as something to suppress or ignore, but as an emotion that must be understood and properly managed. Avila acknowledges that even Christians are not exempt from anger and that the Bible itself is full of examples of both righteous and unrighteous anger.

Drawing from biblical narratives, Avila explores how anger appears throughout Scripture—from Cain’s deadly rage to Jesus’ righteous indignation in the temple. He skillfully weaves these examples into practical lessons for believers today, showing that anger, when left unchecked, can lead to destructive consequences. However, when surrendered to God, it can be transformed into a tool for justice, personal growth, and reconciliation.

What makes this book truly powerful is its practicality. Avila doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he provides biblically grounded solutions. Readers will find guidance on how to control their temper, avoid bitterness, and respond to anger in ways that honor God. His writing is clear, engaging, and deeply convicting, making this book accessible to anyone struggling with anger or seeking to help others navigate this emotion.

In a world filled with conflict, The Christian and Anger is a timely and much-needed resource. Whether you are someone who wrestles with anger daily or simply wants to understand this emotion from a biblical perspective, this book offers wisdom, hope, and a clear path toward healing. A must-read for any believer seeking to grow in emotional and spiritual maturity.

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Mar 20 2025

Seven Reasons for Suffering

Suffering as Training for Future Mission

Joseph’s story (Genesis 37-50) illustrates this well. His trials prepared him to save many lives during the famine. Similarly, James 1:2-4 teaches that trials build perseverance, making us mature and complete.

Suffering Due to Ignoring Our Responsibilities

The Israelites in Judges repeatedly suffered oppression because they abandoned God’s commands. Likewise, Haggai 1:5-6 shows that neglecting God’s work led to hardship.

Suffering to Be a Model for Others

Job is a prime example. He suffered not because of wrongdoing but as a testimony of faithfulness (Job 1:8). Similarly, Paul’s sufferings (2 Corinthians 1:6-7) encouraged other believers.

Suffering as Judgment on the Hard-Hearted

Pharaoh’s plagues in Exodus demonstrate this. Also, Romans 1:24-28 describes how God allows people to suffer the consequences of their hardened hearts.

Suffering Comes When We Disrespect Our God-Given Gifts

The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows that ignoring or misusing God’s gifts leads to loss and suffering.

Esau despised his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34), and later, he suffered the consequences when he could not inherit the blessing (Hebrews 12:16-17).

Suffering Comes When We Prioritize Selfish Desires Over God’s Purpose

Jonah suffered inside the great fish (Jonah 1:17) because he ran from God’s mission.

Solomon turned to worldly pleasures instead of God’s wisdom, leading to disillusionment (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11).

Luke 12:16-21 tells of a rich fool who focused on selfish gain but lost everything.

Suffering Intervenes When We Become Stubborn

Pharaoh’s hardened heart (Exodus 7-11) led to plagues upon Egypt.

Israelites wandering for 40 years (Numbers 14:26-35) was a direct result of their stubborn rebellion against God.

Saul’s downfall (1 Samuel 15:22-23) came from his stubborn disobedience, leading to his suffering and the loss of his kingship.

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Feb 18 2025

The Power of Testimony: How Sharing Your Story Glorifies God

Our testimonies are powerful tools that bring glory to God. When we share our stories of faith, transformation, and God’s work in our lives, we not only strengthen our own belief but also inspire others to draw closer to Him.

Why Testimonies Matter

The Bible is filled with stories of people whose lives were changed by God. From the woman at the well to the apostle Paul, testimonies have always played a vital role in spreading the Gospel. Revelation 12:11 states, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” This verse reminds us that our testimonies are an essential part of our spiritual journey.

Overcoming Fear to Share

Many believers hesitate to share their stories due to fear of judgment or doubt about their impact. However, Jesus calls us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). By stepping out in faith and telling others about our experiences, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love and mercy.

The Role of Spiritual Life Stories

Spiritual Life Stories is a platform that encourages believers to document and share their spiritual journeys. Founded on the idea that every faith story is unique and valuable, Spiritual Life Stories provides a space where individuals can record their testimonies, preserve their spiritual legacies, and inspire future generations. By writing down these experiences, believers can look back on their faith journey and see God’s hand in their lives.

Encouraging Others Through Your Story

When we openly discuss our faith, we encourage others to reflect on their own spiritual walk. Our stories have the potential to bring hope, comfort, and guidance to those facing similar struggles. Whether through spoken word, written testimony, or digital platforms like Spiritual Life Stories, our narratives serve as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness.

Conclusion

Sharing your testimony is a way to glorify God and uplift others. Each story holds the power to change lives, and through platforms like Spiritual Life Stories, believers have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact. If you’ve experienced God’s love and transformation, consider sharing your journey—it may be the light that someone else needs to find their way to Christ.

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Feb 2 2025

Standing Firm in Truth: Breaking Free from the Snare of Compromise

Devotional: The Snare of Compromise

Scripture Focus: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” – Mark 8:36 (KJV)

Reflection:
In the first chapter of the book Words in Red by Colin Rank, we see Simon Ish Kerioth, a man caught in a web of compromise and manipulation. The High Priest Caiaphas uses Simon’s past sins and hidden secrets to coerce him into a dangerous mission—one that will ultimately betray an innocent man, Yeshua of Nazareth.

How often do we, like Simon, find ourselves trapped by past choices, fearing exposure, and succumbing to pressure? Simon had built a life of deception, and when confronted, he had little choice but to obey. The fear of losing status, reputation, or security can lead us into further compromise.

Yet, Jesus calls us to live in truth. The enemy thrives on secrecy and shame, but God offers freedom through confession and repentance. If Simon had turned to God instead of Caiaphas, he might have found redemption instead of deeper entanglement.

This principle applies even in Christ marketing—when sharing the gospel or promoting faith-based initiatives, integrity must be at the core. Compromising biblical values for worldly success can be a subtle trap, but true impact comes when we remain faithful to God’s truth.

Application:

Are there areas in your life where you feel trapped by past mistakes? Bring them to God in prayer, knowing that His mercy is greater than any failure.
When faced with moral dilemmas, ask yourself: Am I making this decision out of fear or faith?
Choose integrity over compromise, knowing that the temporary approval of men can never replace the eternal approval of God.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to stand firm in truth and not be swayed by fear, manipulation, or past mistakes. Give me the courage to walk in integrity and trust that Your grace is sufficient. Amen.

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