The Promise Chronicle, February 2025 Newsletter
We are a monthly newsletter where our aim is to provide actionable ideas to help you grow and implement God’s word into your life.
Abundant Live
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came so that they would have life, and
[a]have it abundantly.
[a] Or have abundance
John 10:10 (NASB)
Today At A Glance
Health Tips
Habit Building, Part 2
Clear Command from Jesus: Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross
List of Small Things with Large Impact
Bible Verse I Can’t Stop Thinking About
How to Choose (New)
Ask Boldly to Unlock New Possibilities (New)
Health Tip
A popular and widely shared morning hack is drinking water with lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt shortly after waking up.
This combination is often praised for its potential health benefits and simplicity.
Here's how it works and why it's recommended:
How to Make It:
Ingredients:8-12 ounces of warm (not hot) water
Juice of half a fresh lemon
A small pinch of high-quality sea salt
(e.g., Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt)
How to Make It:
Ingredients:8-12 ounces of warm (not hot) water
Juice of half a fresh lemon
A small pinch of high-quality sea salt (e.g., Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt)
Published Benefits:
Hydration: Starting the day with water helps rehydrate your body after a night of fasting.
The added sea salt contains trace minerals that aid in hydration and electrolyte balance.Improved Digestion: Lemon juice stimulates stomach acid production, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Boosts Metabolism: The mixture may help kickstart your metabolism and prepare your body for the day.
Alkalizing Effect: Although lemon is acidic, it has an alkalizing effect on the body, potentially reducing acidity levels and supporting overall health.
Detoxification: Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting liver function and helping flush out toxins.
Electrolyte Balance: Sea salt contains minerals like magnesium and potassium, which support nerve and muscle function.
Habit Building, Part 2
Why is Habit Building in a Christian Newsletter?
Philosopher Viktor Frankl said, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.”
This space allows us to pause, reflect, and align with God’s Word. In our busy world, this space is often lost, leaving us stuck in cycles of doing without growing. Without creating intentional habits, we miss out on the transformative power of God’s wisdom and the abundant life He promises (John 10:10).
Design Your Environment for Success
To build and sustain habits, we can use environment design, a technique that makes good habits easier to follow by removing friction and highlighting desired behaviors.
Understanding the Cue-Behavior Link
Every habit begins with a cue, something that triggers an action. However, poor environments make responding to cues harder. For example, if your Bible is hidden in a drawer, you’re less likely to read it consistently. Redesigning your environment ensures that good habits are visible, easy, and natural to follow.
Building the Habit of Reading the Bible
To establish a Bible-reading habit, apply these principles of environment design:
Make It Obvious: Place your Bible where you’ll see it first thing in the morning—on your nightstand, next to your coffee maker, or on top of your phone. Use a Bible app with reminders to help if needed.
Make It Attractive: Pair Bible reading with something you enjoy, such as your morning coffee or tea. For instance, “After I pour my coffee, I will open my Bible.”
Make It Easy: Start small to build consistency. Read just one verse or spend two minutes in Scripture. Use a Bible reading plan or devotional to simplify decision-making.
Make It Satisfying: Track your progress on a calendar or app. Reflect on how Scripture impacts your day to reinforce the habit.
Actionable Steps: Applying Environment Design
Redesign Your Space: Keep your Bible in visible, accessible spots, like a bedside table or desk.
Remove Barriers: Make your Bible easy to access or set daily reminders in a Bible app.
Use Habit Stacking: Tie Bible reading to an existing habit, such as drinking coffee or brushing
your teeth.
By redesigning your environment and linking habits to routines, you make Bible reading a natural
part of your day.
Challenge Yourself This Month
If you’re not yet reading the Bible daily, now is the perfect time to start. Apply environment design by making your Bible more visible and tying it to your morning routine. If you’re already reading, choose another habit to build or strengthen. Small tweaks in your environment can lead to meaningful changes in your spiritual growth.
habit
/hăb′ĭt/
…………………………
a routine or practice performed regularly; an automatic response to a specific situation
1% BETTER EVERY DAY
1% worse every day for one year 0.99 X 365 = 00.03
1% better every day for one year 1.01 X 365 = 37.78
The effects of small habits compound over time.
Jesus Tells Us Clearly: Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross.
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily
and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
Jesus is saying to us that we must first desire to follow Him, and if we choose Him, we must commit fully and completely.
God, in His love, grants us free will—He does not force Himself upon us but calls us to receive Jesus as our Savior and follow Him. John 3:16 affirms, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ The greatest gift of following Jesus is the promise of eternal life with God in heaven.
Through Him, we are freed from the burden of sin in this life, and even in our trials, His peace will sustains us, as Jesus assures us in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In Christ, we are made new, given a renewed purpose, and guided by His truth, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Understanding the importance of self-denial, we can learn directly from Jesus’ experience during His time on earth.
There are only three recorded instances in the New Testament where God the Father audibly spoke over God the Son, Jesus Christ. Each instance marks a significant moment in Jesus' journey of obedience and submission to the Father’s will, emphasizing Jesus' continual dying to self in order to fully live and act in accordance with God's purpose.
At His Baptism – A Commitment to God’s Mission
Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV): "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”This moment represents Jesus' public declaration of submission to God's mission for His life. Baptism was a symbolic act of humility and obedience, marking His willingness to fully align with the Father’s will. God’s audible affirmation was a response to Jesus’ self-emptying act of readiness to begin His redemptive work.
At the Transfiguration – A Glimpse of Glory Amid Surrender
Matthew 17:5 (NIV): "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'"Here, Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John, but this revelation also foreshadowed His impending suffering and death. Speaking of His mission, Jesus had already predicted His death (Matthew 16:21). The Father's voice affirmed Jesus as the chosen one, even as He prepared to take the ultimate path of humility and sacrifice.
Before His Crucifixion – A Surrender to Glorify the Father
John 12:28 (NIV): "Father, glorify your name!' Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.'"This moment occurred as Jesus anticipated the cross, acknowledging the immense cost of His obedience. Despite His anguish, Jesus' prayer was not for deliverance but for God’s glory to be revealed through His submission. The Father responded, affirming that Jesus’ sacrificial obedience would bring about the ultimate glorification of His name.
What Does "Deny Oneself" Mean?
To deny oneself means to set aside personal desires, ambitions, or self-centered tendencies in favor of God's will. It is not about self-hatred but rather about surrendering control and prioritizing God's purposes over personal comfort, pride, or worldly attachments. It requires humility and a willingness to trust in God's plan rather than our own.
What Does "Take Up One’s Cross Daily" Mean?
In Jesus' time, the cross was a symbol of suffering, shame, and death. When He told His disciples to "take up their cross daily," He was calling them to be willing to endure hardship, persecution, and sacrifice for the sake of following Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean literal martyrdom for everyone, but it does mean being ready to face struggles, make difficult choices, and endure trials that come with being a follower of Christ.
By saying "daily," Jesus emphasizes that this is an ongoing commitment, not just a one-time decision. It’s about daily surrender, obedience, and perseverance in faith, even when it's difficult.
The Lord sees our denying ourselves as an accomplishment.
It’s so important that God the Father celebrated audibly each time Jesus took self-denying to a higher level. Denying ourselves activates and deepens our Father-to-child relationship with God. He is waiting for us to step into this relationship by aligning our lives with His Word and fully surrendering to His will.
Dying to self enables God’s glory to shine through us: Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This verse paints a clear picture of self-denial: it is not merely rejecting desires but fundamentally surrendering one's identity, will, and life to Christ. It means dying to self—letting go of self-rule—so that Christ can reign in every aspect of one's life. True self-denial is not just about giving things up; it is about replacing self with Christ.
A few more KEY Reasons
It Reflects True Love and Obedience. Jesus exemplified the highest form of love by denying Himself and laying down His life for others (John 15:13).
It is 100% in Our Control to Align Ourselves with Jesus’ Example. Jesus told us in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
He also modeled in His life exactly the standard by which we are to work each and every day to be more and more like. It’s a lifelong journey to work and train with the goal of being Jesus like. A life of humility, service, and complete surrender to the Father’s will. By denying ourselves and taking up our cross, we follow the same path of obedience and submission that Jesus walked.It Glorifies God. God is most glorified through "dead vessels"—those who have surrendered their pride, selfishness, and desires to fully reflect His power and grace. As we die to self, God’s glory becomes evident in our lives, demonstrating His transformative work to the world.
It Brings True Freedom. By letting go of worldly attachments and selfish ambitions, we free ourselves from the bondage of sin and self-centeredness. This allows us to live in the freedom of Christ, fully aligned with His purpose and experiencing the abundant life He promises (John 10:10).
It Prepares Us for Eternal Life. Come on now, if we can be selfish in any area of life here on earth, this is it. Jesus taught that “whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39). Denying ourselves and taking up our cross prepares us for eternity with Jesus by aligning our hearts here on earth with God’s values and purposes, rather than the fleeting pursuits of the world.
It Demonstrates Faith and Trust in God. Denying ourselves and taking up our cross requires us to trust God completely, even in the face of hardship or uncertainty. It is an active demonstration of our faith in His plan and our willingness to let Him lead our lives, even when it involves sacrifice or suffering.
Dying to self and being firmly grounded in God’s Word must go hand in hand. Together, they keep us fully focused on surrendering ourselves to Jesus and aligning with His purposes for our lives. These two principles equip us to endure and overcome the struggles, trials, and tribulations that we will inevitably face.
Denying ourselves and taking up our cross requires a daily, deliberate, and strategic choice against self-centered tendencies.
We must think STRATEGICALLY.
Remember: Before the devil could get control of the world, there was no selfishness, now everything is reversed, we are born selfish. Jesus calls us to become totally like Adam and Eve were before they were deceived (Genesis 1:26 -Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”)
Knowing This: The enemy attacks through an unrenewed mind and unchecked flesh. While Jesus has shown us how to live victoriously, equally the Bible shows us the enemy strategies to come against us.
The devil’s tactics have never changed. Just as he deceived Eve (Genesis 3:1-6) in the Garden, he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) after His 40-day fast. Satan targets our physical senses—he lured Eve with the sight and appeal of the forbidden fruit, and he tempted Jesus with food, power, and the illusion of control.
But there is a key difference: Eve entertained the lie; Jesus rebuked it with the actual word of God.
Satan can only succeed when our minds are unrenewed and our flesh is not in check. If we do not actively submit our desires, thoughts, and will to the Lord, we make room for deception. The battle is won or lost in the mind—will we choose the enemy’s voice or God’s truth?
Admitting and acknowledging, Our flesh is weak, as Paul reminds us in Romans 7:18 (ESV): "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out." This is why daily renewal of our minds and dying to self is critical. We can overcome the enemy's schemes by living in submission to God’s Spirit.
Let The JOURNEY Begin.
Proverbs 23:7 (AMP) says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Reading Gods word from the Bible is the very same thing as hearing God speak directly to us. His word is His voice. So, when Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23), He’s standing in front of you, telling this to your face! Now, what will you do about it?
Whatever hinders you—your willpower, distractions, or personal desires—remember that these struggles are not merely physical but spiritual; Ephesians 6:12 tells us that these struggles are not against flesh and blood but are spiritual in nature. The enemy wants to keep you from fully submitting to Jesus’ call in Luke 9:23.
Our key to victory? A renewed mind (Bible) and a surrendered heart. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, asking for His help, and working more and more to deny selfish desires, we take control of what is within our power and position ourselves to overcome the enemy’s tactics."
Actionable Steps:
Daily: Using habit-building, MAKE Prayer and Bible reading a daily part of your life.
Remembering …. This is you aligning with the King Himself; the battle is for your mind, in your mind.Verbal Self-Denial Challenge: For one week, only speak words that build others up (Ephesians 4:29). Catch yourself when tempted to complain, gossip, or self-promote.
Be Humble: selfishness, and the desire for self-recognition can subtly creep into our hearts. Be on the Watch—if you intentionally look for them, you’ll start to notice them. Then take them before God and renounce them.
Serve Others: Jesus came to serve, so we should, too, look for opportunities. Do something inconvenient for someone else each week—whether it’s helping a neighbor, offering a ride, or giving up a personal plan to serve someone’s needs.
Forgive: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, anyone and everyone you need to forgive. Once you can honestly and sincerely pray for them and their well-being, Ask the Lord for the next person on the list.
Let Go of Worldly Attachments: Release your grip on materialism and focus on heavenly treasures (1 John 2:15-17).
Example: Declutter for Christ: Identify five possessions that no longer serve you and donate them to someone in need.Practice Self-Control: Say no to indulgences to stay focused on God (1 Cor. 9:27). Start small—fast from something you enjoy, limit distractions, or replace entertainment with prayer. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23); as you grow closer to God, He will strengthen you. The more you say no to the temporary, the easier it is to say yes to the eternal.
Glorify God in Everything: Make sure your actions, words, and decisions honor God and reflect His greatness (1 Corinthians 10:31)..
Continually remind yourself throughout the day that God works through those who have surrendered their own desires, seeking only to glorify Him. Their lives reflect His power because they no longer live for themselves but for His purpose.
Living for God’s glory requires daily choices to deny oneself. By applying biblical principles and cultivating practical habits, you can deepen your relationship with the Lord each day and experience the freedom and joy that come from a fully surrendered life.
Denying oneself may mean choosing integrity over personal gain, forgiving rather than holding grudges, or prioritizing serving others over self-interest.
Blessings! Embrace the joy of surrendering to the Lord and witnessing His glory shine :-
Bible Verse I Can’t Stop Thinking About
Hebrews 4:1 (NKJV)
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
The idea of entering God’s rest comes from Hebrews 3–4. What is this rest? How can we enter it, and what keeps us from it? The writer of Hebrews begins by looking back at the Israelites in the desert. God promised to give them the land of Canaan, where they could live securely, with Him defeating their enemies (Deuteronomy 12:9–10). All they needed to do was trust Him and His promises. However, they disobeyed, grumbled against Him, and even longed to return to their slavery in Egypt (Exodus 16:3; 17:1–7; Numbers 20:3–13).
Using the Israelites as an example of those who were not resting in God’s promises, the writer of Hebrews goes on in chapter 4 to make the application personal, both to the Hebrew Christians and to us: “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it” (Hebrews 4:1).
We must not run the risk of falling short of our inheritance. If we’re seriously living the Christian life, we will run into challenges and trial, no doubt about that. Our temptation is to acquiesce to our environment to ease the pressure. But if we follow the route of least resistance, we will fail to be Christ’s companion or fellow partaker (1:9; 3:1, 14). And while we won’t lose our salvation, we will lose the opportunity to experience His plans for us in His kingdom. Don’t squander your inheritance (i.e., your rest)
God-Honoring Decision-Making
Decision-making can feel overwhelming, but the Bible assures us that God generously provides wisdom to those who ask. James 1:5 (NIV) says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Start with time to pray in a quiet place, asking for clarity and discernment. Most importantly, be attentive to God’s response and trust that He will guide you.
Next, make sure your decision is aligned with Scripture. The Bible serves as a reliable compass, teaching us God’s values and priorities (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Seek Wise Counsel, the Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from Godly people. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Surround yourself with trusted, faith-filled individuals who can provide biblical perspective and sound advice
Practical Application:
Reducing Complexity in Decisions.
Even in daily decisions, simplifying choices can reduce mental stress and align your mind with God’s guidance. Here’s a practical example:Cognitive Load Reduction: With fewer choices, mental effort decreases.
Avoiding Decision Paralysis: Too many options can overwhelm and lead to inaction.
Focused Comparison: Two clear options create straightforward comparisons. Pray for wisdom and trust that God will provide clarity.
Ask Boldly to Unlock New Possibilities
You Will Receive 100% of What You Don’t Ask For
What am I not achieving simply because I haven't asked?
The Bold Ask: The Story of Nehemiah
In the Bible, Nehemiah’s story offers a powerful example of someone who boldly asked for what he needed to achieve a great purpose. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, serving in the Persian palace, when he heard the devastating news about the broken walls of Jerusalem. The city of his ancestors lay in ruins, leaving his people vulnerable and disgraced.
Nehemiah’s heart was deeply moved, and he knew something had to be done. But rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was no small task. He would need resources, time, and the king's permission to leave his post—an audacious request for someone in his position.
Instead of hesitating or waiting for an opportunity to present itself, Nehemiah prayed and prepared. Then, when the king noticed his sadness and asked what was troubling him, Nehemiah made his bold request:“
If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it" (Nehemiah 2:5).
The result? Not only did the king grant Nehemiah's request, but he also provided letters for safe passage and timber from the royal forests to aid in the construction. Nehemiah’s courage to ask set the stage for the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls—a monumental achievement that restored the city and strengthened his people.
Actionable Ideas (Lots more you could apply)
Faith-Based Goal Setting: Write down one big, bold request you need from God (according to His will). Then, create an action plan for steps of faith you will take while waiting on Him.
3-Day Bold Prayer Challenge: Commit to praying boldly for something specific for three days straight, aligning it with God’s will. Remember, Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
“Ask & Act” Week: Challenge yourself to make one bold ask each day—whether it's asking God in prayer, requesting help from a friend, or pursuing a big opportunity with confidence.
List of Small Things with Large Impact
Great list of tiny life hacks that created outsized rewards in people's lives.
A few of our favorites:
Cultivate Meaningful Relationships: Nurture strong, loving connections with family, friends, and your community, living out the biblical command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). Express gratitude and let others know how much they mean to you. Share God’s blessings and your appreciation for their presence in your life. By building caring, supportive relationships and grounding your actions in biblical teachings, you can create meaningful and enduring bonds that reflect God’s love.
If it’s Not About You: Avoid getting involved in matters that don’t directly concern you. The Bible encourages us to "let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up" (Ephesians 4:29). Rather than engaging in idle gossip or stressing over things beyond your control, focus on speaking words that uplift others and place your trust in God to handle the rest. By aligning your thoughts and conversations with kindness and purpose, you can nurture peace, build stronger relationships, and live a life grounded in faith and integrity.
Pursue Lifelong Learning: Engage in activities that challenge and stimulate your mind, such as reading, learning a new skill, or exploring a new hobby. Our minds thrive when they are continually learning and evolving, and the more we grow intellectually, the more fulfilled and content we become. Expanding your knowledge not only boosts confidence and creativity but also adds to your overall satisfaction and sense of purpose in life.
Proverbs 1:5 – "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.
Biblical Word of the Month!
Hineni" (הִנֵּנִי)
Pronunciation: hee-NAY-nee
“Hineni” is a profound Hebrew word meaning, “Here I am”, expressing full presence, readiness, and surrender to God’s call.
What It Means:
"Hineni" (הִנֵּנִי) is a Hebrew word that means "Here I am." But it’s much more than just a statement of physical presence—it’s a declaration of readiness, openness, and total availability to God’s calling.
Fun Fact:
When Isaiah encounters God in his heavenly vision (Isaiah 6:8), he responds with "Hineni—Here am I, send me!" This bold answer sets the stage for his prophetic ministry. But did you know the word "Hineni" can also carry emotional weight? It conveys an intimate readiness to be at someone’s service, whether it’s for God, a loved one, or a mission bigger than oneself.
What About You?:
Are you ready to say "Hineni" to God’s call in your life?
Morning “Hineni” Prayer: Every morning, pray “Lord, here I am—use me today.”
Ask God to bring divine appointments into your path.
Hineni Journal: Keep a log of ways you’ve said “Here I am” to God’s call each day. At the end of the week, reflect on how obedience opened doors for spiritual growth.
Kingdom Promise Foundation
As we reflect on the insights shared in this issue of The Promise Chronicle, let’s remember that true transformation comes from small, consistent steps of faith. Whether it’s taking an evening walk for better health, praying daily, trusting God’s promises to overcome fear, or building habits that align with His will, the key is making a firm decision and starting right where you are.
This Newsletter’s Challenge:
Choose actionable steps from this newsletter—whether it’s developing a prayer habit, memorizing scripture, or doing something selfless—and commit to them consistently. Watch how even the smallest efforts can yield significant results when guided by God’s grace
Closing Thought:
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11) Let’s live as victors in God’s Winner’s Game each day. You are loved, called, and equipped to walk in His best!
Until next time, many blessings from,
The Promise Chronicle Team
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Wrapping It Up
