Living The Word

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) Life is a journey full of unexpected turns. Sometimes the road is smooth, and the sun shines brightly overhead. Other times, we walk through dark valleys, unsure of where the next step will lead. But through every moment—whether joyful or painful—God calls us to trust Him along the way. Trusting God is not just a command; it is a lifeline. It is the anchor that holds us steady when our plans fail and our strength fades. It is the quiet confidence that God is working even when we cannot see it. For the believer, trust is not blind optimism; it is rooted in the character of a faithful and sovereign God. Why We Struggle to Trust We often find it difficult to trust God because we prefer certainty. We want to know the outcome, control the process, and avoid discomfort. But faith requires surrender. Trustin...

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves at crossroads—facing decisions, uncertainties, and transitions that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or unsure. Yet, for those who trust in the Lord, there is a steadfast assurance: God leads us to a path, not by accident, but by divine purpose. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) : "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." God does not leave His children to wander aimlessly. He leads intentionally—with wisdom, grace, and perfect timing. The path He sets before us may not always be the easiest or the most popular, but it is always for our ultimate good and His greater glory. Sometimes, His guidance is clear and immediate; at other times, it is revealed through stillness, waiting, and faith. As believers, we are called not merely to seek the destination but to trust the Guide. To walk with God means to embrace...

“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” — Mark 4:26–27 (ESV) We often long to see God's hand in bold and dramatic ways — immediate answers to prayer, visible miracles, sudden breakthroughs. But much of the work of God in our lives and in the world is quiet, gradual, and unseen. Jesus tells us the kingdom of God grows like a seed in the soil. No one watches it grow in real-time. The farmer can’t explain the exact moment the seed begins to sprout. Yet he trusts the process. God is always at work — even when we do not perceive it. This truth invites us to rest in His sovereignty. It calls us to patience when progress seems slow, and to faith when our efforts appear fruitless. Like the seed beneath the soil, God's purposes are unfolding in hidden and holy ways. Today, if you find yourself waiting, wondering, or weary, remember that God is not idle. He is neve...

In a small mountain village where the clouds kissed the treetops, there lived an old man named Elias. Elias was known for one thing: his lantern. Every evening, no matter the weather, Elias would walk the winding paths of the village holding a rusted lantern that shone with a golden glow. He never missed a night. Children would wave to him, and elders would nod in respect. He rarely spoke, but his presence reassured everyone. The villagers called him The Keeper of the Light. One year, a terrible storm rolled through the mountains—fierce winds, torrential rain, and a fog so thick it swallowed even the strongest torchlight. The power went out, and panic began to settle over the village. People cried out in fear, unable to see their way home. But suddenly, through the dense mist, a soft golden glow appeared. It was Elias, walking steadily with his lantern. One by one, he found the villagers and led them home. His light did not flicker. It did not dim. Somehow, it burned even brigh...

This morning, as I sat with my Bible and listened to the gentle stirring of the wind through the trees, I was reminded of something very simple—yet profoundly spiritual: God meets us in the ordinary. We often wait for grand moments, supernatural signs, or thunderous revelations. But the God of Scripture is also the God who spoke through a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12), who chose to be born in a manger, and who walked dusty roads with fishermen, widows, and children. The longer I walk with Christ, the more I’ve learned this: Holiness is not always wrapped in greatness. Sometimes, it is hidden in our quiet obedience. It’s found in the father who prays silently before his workday. In the mother who gently teaches her children to trust Jesus. In the believer who forgives even when no one says sorry. Simple acts. Eternal meaning. Today, I encourage you to look at your life—your very ordinary life—and see the potential for the sacred. The dishes you wash, the neighbor you gree...

In the highlands of western Kenya, where the morning mist dances across the green hills and the sound of birdsong mingles with the rustle of banana leaves, Pastor Baraka rose before the first cock crowed. His small homestead lay just behind the local church, a humble structure made of only iron sheets, familiar of Simple Faith Church. As was his custom, he wrapped a khanga over his shoulders, picked up a small calabash from the wooden stool outside his door, and set off on the narrow footpath that led down to the river. The calabash wasn’t for fetching water—it was his prayer companion. He called it "Kikombe Changu Tupu" —“My Empty Cup.” Each morning, Pastor Baraka prayed the same quiet prayer as he walked through dew-covered grass: “Bwana, nifanye kama hiki kikombe—tupu, safi, na tayari kwa huduma.” "Lord, make me like this calabash—empty, clean, and ready for Your service." He was not a man of titles. Most in the village simply called him Mchungaji , or...

A Pastor’s Journey in Simple Faith Church Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am honored to welcome you to my personal blog—a space created to encourage, equip, and edify believers and seekers alike through the unchanging truth of God's Word. My name is Julius M Ongoko, and I have the privilege of serving as the Lead Pastor of Simple Faith Church , a Christ-centered fellowship committed to living out the Gospel in humility, love, and grace. My Calling From an early age, I sensed the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit drawing me toward ministry. It wasn’t through a dramatic experience but rather a steady, faithful unfolding of God’s plan through seasons of discipleship, study, and surrender. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that pastoral ministry is not a profession but a calling—a holy assignment that requires deep dependence on God, a shepherd’s heart, and an unwavering commitment to biblical truth. Ministry Philosophy At the heart of my ministry ...