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Ikoboy's Daily Doodle, Al Khaleej, Dammam (2024)

03/07/2024

Following the Way of Jesus

Discipleship is at the center of the Christian life. To be a disciple means to be a learner. It means following after Jesus, and patterning our life after His.

Jesus tells us that the starting point of following Him is to deny ourselves. Denying ourselves means we choose to put Jesus’ desires above our own. This means that we must come to recognize that we do not have all the answers, or know the right way to go through life.

Discipleship is not something we do once or twice. It is a lifestyle that must be lived out each and every day. We will spend our entire lives becoming more like Jesus.

The way of life Jesus modeled was to suffer on the cross. When we deny ourselves, we choose to humbly follow Jesus. And as we become more like Jesus, we will also need to take up our cross. We will also suffer for doing good, and for denying things that seem enticing in the moment, but ultimately keep us from God. When we bear our suffering, we represent Christ to those around us.

The paradox of following Jesus is that when we give up our life for His sake, we receive eternal life in return. When we hold onto our life and keep it from Jesus, we don’t get to experience the abundant life that He promises.

Take some time today to consider how you’re living a life of discipleship. Take inventory on the ways you are denying yourself and living for Christ, or living selfishly for your own pleasure and gain. Commit to following Jesus no matter how hard the path gets. And pray for strength and endurance as you follow Him.

02/07/2024

The Power of Life and Death

Think of a time you said something you regret, or were the target of someone's hurtful words. Now, reflect on a situation where you encouraged a friend who was hurting, or felt the life-giving effects of someone speaking kindly to you.

Words matter. Your words matter. And, God has given you the freedom to choose how you use them.

Are you using your words to tear down or build up? To provoke destruction or initiate restoration? Do your words stir up drama or encourage peace?

“What you say flows from what is in your heart,” Jesus explained in Luke 6:45.

Fruit reveals the health of a tree, just as a tongue reveals what is happening in the heart.

Most of us want to use our words for good and not for harm … we don’t want to be unkind or critical. But, James 3 tells us that the tongue is unstable and cannot seem to be tamed.

So, what can we do? Is there a way to control it?

Self-control is a fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us, which means we can’t get there on our own. We cannot, in our own power, control our tongues. But, we do have a part to play in the process: we need to stick close to Jesus.

When we read His Word, seek His face, and walk in His ways (no matter how many times we mess up and have to begin again), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begin to grow in our lives. The biblical term is abiding: staying, continuing, or remaining in Jesus’ presence.

As we abide with Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to guide the way we speak and change the way we act. When that happens, our words start to bring life and hope to the people around us.

Today, how will you use your words to bring healing and hope to people? How will you stick close to Jesus so that His power can equip you to speak life?

01/07/2024

Knowledge of God

Everywhere you look you can learn something about God. The earth is filled with information about Him. Psalm 19:1 says that the skies proclaim the wonders of God’s handiwork. Romans 1:20 says that since the beginning of creation, God’s attributes have been visible in the world.

Learning about God’s character through nature is called General Revelation. These are the things that anyone can learn about God by observing creation. Special Revelation is knowledge about God and salvation that only comes through His Word.

One example of Special Revelation is Habakkuk 2:14, which talks about a future day when the earth will be filled with true knowledge of God. When this was first proclaimed, the nation of Israel was in the midst of exile. They were experiencing injustice at the hands of their enemies. But God gave them a promise in the middle of their hopeless situation…

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14 NIV

A day will come when all people will know God. Knowledge of Him and His glory will cover the earth. Those who trust in God as their Savior will be with Him eternally in Heaven. But those who do not know Jesus will experience Him as their Judge, and be separated from God eternally.

When Jesus first came to earth, humanity got a glimpse of God’s glory. And because the Holy Spirit is still at work through the global Church—we still get glimpses of that glory. But on the day Jesus returns, all people will recognize Him as the true King. At that time, it will be too late for us to share the life-saving news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with others. That’s why we should use every opportunity we have to help people know Jesus as their Savior before it’s too late.

As Christians, we should pray for the day when Jesus returns and fills the earth with His glory. We should seek God continuously, and read God’s Word to be filled with knowledge of Him. But we should also be looking for opportunities to share the knowledge of God with others—right now.

So take some time today to consider who you can share the hope of Jesus with. And pray for those who do not know Jesus yet—ask that God would use you to help others get to know Him.

30/06/2024

A Cup Overflowing with Blessings

As Psalm 23 comes to a close, the psalmist paints a scene that is both dynamic and ironic: a lavish banquet is prepared right in front of his enemies.

Imagine God laying out a feast before you in the presence of adversity and fear. God gives abundantly in the middle of hardship. “You anoint my head with oil,” the psalmist adds, “my cup overflows.”

Anointing with oil demonstrates divine favor and strength. It's like a warrior receiving a blessing before battle. Every obstacle and doubt are met with God's presence. The psalmist’s cup isn’t just full, it’s running over! In God, we have blessings that joyfully spill over into the lives of others.

The psalmist concludes with wholehearted trust:

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:6

God's goodness and love are our constant companions, following us everywhere we go. God’s goodness and love surround us and lead to the perfect presence of our Shepherd, forever. There, we will live "in the house of the Lord." Now and forever, we are always welcome in His presence.

As you go about your day today, let the imagery of this passage fill your imagination: a banquet set before you. Your head anointed with oil. Goodness and love following you all the days of your life.

26/06/2024

There’s More

There are plenty of things we can see: trees, stars, mountains, oceans, people, penguins, our best friend's smile, elephants, skyscrapers, coffee beans, sunsets, and tulips, to name a few.

God created all those things. He made the natural world, as well as the laws that govern it.

But there are also things we cannot see: behind the breath of the wind, beyond the depths of the universe, beneath the foundations of love. Through Christ, all things were created—in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16).

And while our mortal eyes might not be able to see the wind or infrared light or the Spirit of God, we still experience their effects. Because there’s more than what meets the eye. There’s more beyond this life.

Paul’s friends, the Corinthians, were experiencing great hardship. They were being hunted and persecuted because of what they believed about Jesus—that He was the long-awaited Messiah. Some were even facing death. But Paul encouraged them to endure such fleeting trials with a hope that’s beyond this world. He wrote:

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Human eyes can only see so much. Human minds can only grasp so much. But we can trust God with all that we cannot see or comprehend.

God is real. We might not be able to see Him today, with our physical eyes, but we can experience the effects of His life. Jesus sacrificed Himself so that you might live, and an abundant life awaits you—both on earth and in heaven. There is more beyond the here and now.

So, will you fix your eyes on what’s seen or unseen? Will you trust your five senses, or turn your heart to trust in Him?

25/06/2024

Heavy Weight Removed

We’ve all done things that weigh us down and make us wonder, “Why do I do what I know is wrong?”

In Scripture, sin is used to describe actions that miss the target God has asked us to aim for: living a life centered around loving God and others. While there are universal actions that dishonor God, small acts of disobedience also pull us away from Him. The apostle James wrote that “it is a sin to know what the right thing to do is, and then not do it” (James 4:17).

In other words, if you know what God is asking you to do, yet you still decide to disobey Him—then you’re undermining God’s authority in your life. Sin entices us because it is self-gratifying, but it results in eternal separation from God and others.

For a long time, there was no way for most people to draw near to God because God cannot be a part of anything that undermines His perfect character.

But while we were controlled by sin, Jesus came and died for us. And because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can now experience a life that isn’t ruled by our mistakes.

Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice and separation from God can lead to our reconciliation with Him. None of this is because we deserve it, but because God has always desired it.

While we might continue to struggle between doing right and wrong, we don’t have to face this struggle alone. And the great news is: God wants to help because He knows that we can’t overcome sin on our own.

So right now, take note of some of the things you are currently struggling with. Where do you need to give God control? Picture handing those things over to Jesus and allow Him to show you His love for you. He paid the price for your forgiveness. You only need to receive it.

24/06/2024

The Truth of God

What is truth? Our world has many ways of answering this question. Often, this is what we see: truth is whatever you want it to be. It’s defined by the individual and nothing else.

God’s definition is different.

God is the Ruler and Creator of the universe. Everything He speaks is truth. He, being perfect, is completely incapable of lying. It is not in His nature! He is the only faultless source of truth that has ever existed.

And guess what? We have access to truth directly from God!

What God says is the foundation of His Word. The Bible is our path to discovering and knowing truth; more steady and solid than the opinions we hear, the information we see around us, or the feelings we feel. This truth never changes.

John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we know the truth, we are no longer living according to a lie. This is when we become free to live according to how God designed us to live. What a gift that He has made this truth available to us in His Word. It's right there at our fingertips!

Today, where do you need God's truth to replace lies in your life? Remember, truth brings freedom! His Word is available to you at all times. He is inviting you to step into truth and freedom today.

23/06/2024

Resting in Obedience

In Hebrews 4:11, the consequences of disbelief and disobedience are clear, urging us to avoid repeating the history of the Israelites' rebellion.

There's a danger in neglecting God's promised rest. This verse calls for active pursuit of rest, shifting from relying on ourselves to fully trusting in God. By actively seeking this rest, we trade the wilderness of doubt for the green pastures of God’s presence.

It sounds a little odd, doesn’t it? Making an effort to rest? What the verse is really saying, though, is that we need to actively trust in the One who provides, and make a conscious choice to surrender and release the burden of proving self-worth. We have to accept that His love and His comfort is enough. We can embrace an unconditional peace that doesn't depend on how well we perform.

We rest by setting aside dedicated time for prayer, reflection, and trusting in God’s guidance. We turn toward God and away from doubt and disobedience.

What do you need to say no to in order to step into God's rest today?

22/06/2024

Called to Contentment

Observing Sabbath-rest allows us to step into the same rhythm God established in creating the world. Scripture tells us when God rested from His work, it was because His work was complete (Genesis 2:1). God took joy in His accomplishment.

In Hebrews 4:10, the writer draws a parallel between God's rest and ours: "for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his." We're invited to delight in His presence and share in God’s divine contentment.

This rest isn't about taking a break from good works. It’s about surrendering the need to control by trusting in the completeness of God’s work. Our "rest" releases us from the burden of proving ourselves good enough to earn His love and approval. These things have been secured through Jesus’ finished work on the cross. When we step into this rhythm of rest can we find contentment that spills over into every part of our lives.

Is God is calling you to stop trying to do everything on your own and instead find peace in Jesus’ finished work on the cross?

Lay down your burdens, not out of laziness, but surrender. Believe that the One who made the world also takes care of you.

21/06/2024

Rest is a Reality

In Hebrews 4:9, the author offers a reassurance of hope: "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God." The author is referring to more than just observing a specific day of the week. It's about a spiritual inward peace and wholeness with God, not depending on external circumstances.

Through faith and trust in God, we can find a deep and lasting rest for our souls, reminding us of the eternal rest to come. This Sabbath-rest serves as a precursor—a promise that concludes in a future, perfect rest (Revelation 14:13). The rest we get to experience here is only a shadow, and what we hope for is the reality (Colossians 2:17).

Sabbath-rest isn't earned. It’s a gift God offers to all who seek Him.

As you contemplate Hebrews 4:9, consider: what it would look like for you to fully enter God's rest in your daily life. How can you practice releasing your burdens and anxieties?

The promise of Sabbath-rest is not just a concept. It's a reality for those who walk faithfully with God.

20/06/2024

Treasure that Lasts Forever

Every human grows up in a world filled with desires and needs. We learn from an early age that we prefer comfort over discomfort. We discover that it is easier to have plenty than it is to have little.

Material possessions can certainly create comfort in our lives—the new cars, the bigger houses, or the latest phones. It's easy to think that having more will make you happier, too.

But nothing you can buy will last forever.

Everything that we collect here on earth has an expiration date. Cars break down. Houses crumble. New phones become obsolete—really quickly. In the long run, we really have no control over the things of this world.

Jesus invites us to a different way of life when He tells us to focus on storing up treasures in heaven, where things do not deteriorate or disappear. Rather than focusing on piling up earthly things, He calls us to focus on heavenly things that will last eternally.

Everything we own was actually given to us by God’s grace.

We can break the habit of amassing treasure on earth by seeing all of our material possessions as something given by God for us to share with others. We can also shift our priorities toward making an eternal impact in people’s lives by sharing the hope of Jesus with them.

What small steps can you take today to begin to shift your focus from earthly treasure to heavenly treasure? What has God given you that you can share with others to make a difference in their life as well? Take some time to pray to God about these things.

19/06/2024

Do You Believe?

Brought out of slavery in Egypt. Saved from lions. Victorious in battle. The Word of God is full of stories of deliverance, full of accounts of God showing Himself strong as the Deliverer of His people. He hears His people's cry. He delivers them from their distress. We see it again and again.

But, do you believe it?

Do you truly believe God rescued an entire community from slavery and delivered them from a pursuing army by creating a pathway through the sea? Do you believe He’s the same God you can speak to right now?

Do you believe Jesus gave sight to a man who was born blind? Do you believe He is still able to perform miracles?

Do you believe a man who plotted murder against God’s people could suddenly, miraculously have a change of heart and become one of His greatest advocates? God did that with Saul who became Paul. When you think of the most wicked people in the world today, do you believe God could save and change them in the same way?

The God who is with you right now is the same God who delivered in every one of those circumstances. He can deliver you, too!

17/06/2024

Love One Another

Jesus gave a new command to His disciples toward the end of His life. He said to them…

“A new commandment I give you to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 ESV

John later wrote to Christians reminding them of this command. He said—

“And now I ask you … that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments: this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning so that you should walk in it.”
2 John 1:5-6 ESV

John taught that it was an act of love when Christians obeyed Jesus by loving one another.

This was important because it would show the world that they were His disciples. Christ-followers who loved one another despite their differences in race, country, background, and experience showed how much the saving grace and love of Jesus could change people and save people.

This is still a command for us.

The love we have for one another is vital to what others see when they look at Jesus' followers. If people who don’t believe in Jesus see Christians loving each other in the midst of difficult or violent times, it will be a picture of the love God has for all of us.

It’s while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. He loved us enough to die for us. This is the kind of love we are to have for one another.

Today, think of ways you can show Jesus' love to other believers. By doing so, you will obey your Lord Jesus and you will be walking in His ways.

15/06/2024

Godly and Wise

If you’re a parent figure, you know that raising children can be the greatest joy you ever experience and the biggest struggle you face. And if you’re a follower of Christ, you likely feel an added burden to make sure your kids grow up to know and love God.

In Proverbs 23:24, the author points out that joy in parenting comes when our children are two things: godly and wise. So, how do we help our kids become more like Jesus and develop the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life?

While there are different ways, here are two to start with:

Find a Christ-centered community.
As a parent, you’ll need to surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus so that way you’re not alone when raising kids gets challenging. If you don’t have that today, commit to taking the next step in that direction—join a small group, get connected at church, invite friends over for dinner, or get to know a neighbor.

Teach kids to ask for help.
Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, chances are high that they love being independent. “I can do it myself” might be one of the most common phrases you hear.

It's easy to think that developing wisdom comes from doing it all on our own, but James 1:5 reminds us that God will give us wisdom when we ask Him for it. The best way to help your kids develop wisdom is to point them to the source of wisdom.

Model what it looks like to seek help from God by praying with your kids—even if it’s uncomfortable.

Parenting is difficult, but it can also be rewarding. So as you commit to the daily challenges and joys of taking care of kids, remember this:

The greatest contribution you make to the world might not actually be what you do, but who you raise.

Think about the child or children in your life. Today, ask yourself, "What’s one thing I can start doing to help point the kids in my life toward Jesus?"

14/06/2024

Patience in the Waiting

Imagine what your life would be like if you had received everything you wished and prayed for right away. What would you be like as a person if you got every gift you asked for, every relationship you hoped for, and a “yes” to every opportunity you pursued?

There’s a reason God often answers “no” when we ask Him for things. Not getting what we want teaches us patience and humility. We become more like Christ as we grow in these things.

Wanting something and then having to wait for it can be frustrating, but God makes that time fruitful as He refines our desires in the waiting. Sometimes we ask for a very different thing once we’ve had some time to think about it!

Cold winter months may seem to be a dead season, but as trees shed their leaves and “wait” out the cold, their roots go deeper and their nourishment systems are replenished. Like a tree with deep roots, time spent waiting is not wasted for those who belong to God. Waiting is a worthwhile time, if we seek to wait with Him. Even when it seems like nothing is happening on the surface, God is doing a good work.

Taking a weekly Sabbath rest might not seem “productive” in light of all the important things God has called us to do, but we can trust that He’s at work in those days of quiet, too. The Lord is good to those who wait with and for Him.

13/06/2024

Resting to Restore

Hurry. Hustle. Go. Do. Achieve. Fix. How many of your days begin with thoughts like these at the front of your mind? Adulthood is marked by the pressures of so much to do and never enough time. There are due dates, bills to pay, people to speak to, and things that demand our attention.

We need reminding—as we did when we were children—sometimes it’s time to rest, even if we didn’t get our list of chores done. Jesus’ disciples were healthy men with energy and skills, but even they became overwhelmed by the strain of attending to a constant stream of needs. Jesus noticed this and called them away to be alone and get some much-needed rest.

No matter how great our capacity is, we all have limits. Even those with tremendous energy and passion need time to rest. It's not a sign of failure. It's a sign of trust in God.

Jesus took naps and spent time alone to regroup and rest. He made plans for His disciples to do the same. His pattern and invitation are there for us, too. He knows we need downtime.

If you’re exhausted, how might Jesus be inviting you to get away and rest in His presence? As you look around and see others who are weary and heavy-laden—maybe not even stopping to eat—how might you bless them by helping them to take a break?

12/06/2024

When You Need Support

Everyone carries burdens, and the things we go through shape the way we view the world, and ourselves. But we weren’t meant to carry our burdens alone.

In fact, Jesus says to the people following Him—

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. … For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

A yoke is a heavy wooden beam that lies across a pair of oxen, evenly distributing the weight of the loads they carry. But the term was also used by Jewish Rabbis. “The yoke of the law” symbolized complete submission to God’s law, and Rabbis taught that becoming yoked to it would free the Jews from enslavement to the world.

Jesus is using a phrase that His Jewish followers would have easily understood, but then He flips the illustration. He tells the crowd that they must yoke themselves to Him—because He is the fulfillment of their law.

When they do this, the burdens they carry won’t be heavy at all—because He will bear the weight of their burdens.

Paul references this teaching in his letter to the Galatian Christians:

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 NLT

The law of Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). But the only way we can fulfill the law of Christ is if we bind ourselves to Him. When we are yoked to Jesus, He becomes our source of strength.

He helps us endure hard situations and enables us to walk away from poor decisions. He fills us up with His love so that we can pour His love out onto others. He gives us the capacity to support other Christ-followers just like He supports us.

Just as Jesus bore our sins and suffering, we are called to bear the suffering of others. In this way, we show them the love of Christ and guide them toward Jesus.

Right now, spend a few minutes talking to God about the burdens you need help carrying, and then allow Him to show you the people in your life He wants you to support.

11/06/2024

Who Do You Trust?

Maybe it’s a dream you’re holding onto, or a promise you’ve been given. Maybe you’re waiting on a person to change, or a situation to shift. Maybe you’re waiting for a prayer to be answered, joy to replace sorrow, or clarity and hope to replace confusion and chaos.

It can be difficult in the midst of pain, loss, and suffering to patiently cling to the One who promises to come through for us.

Isaiah was a prophet to the leaders of Judah during a time of national corruption and spiritual destitution. He foretold of his people being dragged away into exile because they were trusting in idols, political rulers, and other momentary things.

But Isaiah also reminded the people that God was sovereign, God would bring them out of exile, and God would one day send a savior to rescue them forever.

Isaiah didn’t live to see all his prophecies fulfilled—but he held onto the hope that he prophesied about, and his words to the people of Israel can continue to encourage us today.

Trust in the Lord even when circumstances don’t make sense.
Trust in the Lord even when you’re suffering.
Trust in the Lord even when your heart is breaking.

Come what may, trust in the Lord.

Seasons may shift, situations may change, people may abandon, desert, or betray you—but the one who remains constant throughout history is the God over history. The Lord is unchanging and immovable. Nothing can stand against Him or overcome Him.

He knows what it’s like to suffer because He suffered for us. And so we can trust God because He keeps His promises—and He has promised to fight for us, never leave us, make a way for us, love us, protect us, and remain faithful to us.

Since God is our salvation, we can trust Him and not be afraid.

So come what may, let’s choose today to trust in the Lord.

10/06/2024

Choose Your Foundation

Imagine standing next to the sea as waves crash at your feet, storm clouds swallow the sky, and the wind whips your face.

You know you need shelter—and that’s when you see a small hut nestled in the sand nearby, and one further away that’s firmly built into a rocky hill. Which shelter would you choose to take cover in?

2,000 years ago, when Jesus walked this earth, He often told stories to the crowds that gathered around to hear Him teach. One day, He said to them:

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” ‭‭
Matthew‬ ‭7:24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As was His way, Jesus used real-life examples to help explain spiritual truths:

“But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:26-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We are all building our lives on something. Every decision we make reinforces what we believe our support system to be. So when life’s storms come, will the thing you’ve built your life on support you—or cause you to crumble?

Jesus’ teachings have remained reliable and steadfast through social upheaval, the rise and fall of government regimes, and generations of historic change. No matter what has happened—God’s Word still stands firm.

Teachings from the world, on the other hand, tend to shift with each generation. Like shifting sand, what current culture provides is usually unstable because its values are constantly changing.

Storms are inevitable and challenges will come, but you get to choose your foundation. You can choose to make Jesus the one thing you build your life upon, or you can choose whatever habit, idea, or desire feels good and accessible in the moment.

Today, what will you build your life upon?

09/06/2024

God’s Rhythm to Bless Us

Humans have a complicated relationship with rules. Even as small children, we struggle to understand the “why” behind them.

Consider how parents teach children to brush their teeth, reminding them morning and night. That child might only appreciate the chore years later, as they grow into adults and experience expensive and uncomfortable dental work. It’s then that a dull tooth-brushing routine feels valuable. What a shift in perspective!

We weren’t made to serve a strict toothbrushing schedule, but toothbrushing was made to serve us to help maintain healthy teeth.

Jesus brings similar wisdom and perspective to the expectation of taking a regular day of rest (Sabbath). The Jews knew that God was insistent on Sabbath observance, but they almost thought of it as if it were a chore. Jesus reminds them that people weren’t made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was created for people by God to provide much-needed rest.

Sabbath rest is God’s rhythm to bless us, not God’s requirement to burden us.

How can we know this is true? Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. He’s the maker (and fulfiller) of all God’s good rules, and He knows that regular rest is one of the rhythms that leads to an abundant life.