Christian love is one of the central themes in the Bible. The Bible teaches that love is the greatest commandment and that we are to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. Here are some Bible verses that speak to … Continue reading Christian Love
“Be Fruitful” is a common phrase found in the Bible, and it carries a deep spiritual meaning that can be applied to many aspects of life. In Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply,” which … Continue reading Be Fruitful
As a Christian, we are called to be joyful in all circumstances. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Joy is not just an emotion that comes and … Continue reading Be Joyful – PAROUSIA Magazine
Once in awhile I have what some Might call nightmares Or confessional dialogues With God, as I see it. I’ll lie in bed, Not uncomfortable & actually peaceful & my mind Races happily Telling God My side Of the story & asking For help To rectify Angry feelings Usually when It feels Like some unfeeling Or uncaring soul Has deliberately Annoyed me To the point That I ask God For guidance To rise above Their mud Or for help Detaching from The tangled & dirtied Strings That entwine Heart, body & soul. These might seem Like nightmares But actually They’re … Continue reading Honest Conversations with God: A Nightly Ritual of Healing by Rick Davis – PAROUSIA Magazine
The portion Shemot tells the famous story of the birth of Moses, his being taken into Pharaoh’s home, and how he was eventually chosen to lead the Israelites out of exile. This portion, therefore, teaches us about leadership, and reveals … Continue reading The Spiritual Importance of Empathy: Learning from Moses in Shemot by Rick Davis – PAROUSIA Magazine
At half past five he kissed her cheek, ready to go and meet the day?! I’m not a morning person you know; give me a minute was her reply. They mounted the horse, riding double today. Her arms around his waist, head against his back, what better way to start the day! Continue reading At Half Past Five by Richard Paul Davis – A Short Story
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Welcome to the year 2023 and Happy New Year to you and yours. Today, I write to you about the most important aspect of our faith: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. For many … Continue reading A New Year Message To Embrace Salvation Through Faith In Christ Jesus | PAROUSIA Magazine
Ritual for Crossover Night Hold the scripture in your hand. Open––open to wherever sayshappy is [ ]. Insert your name. There’s nothing wrongto be present in the book of life. Sanctify the season of griefinto the lake of fire. Bless … Continue reading Ritual for Crossover Night by Blessing Omeiza Ojo | Poetry | PAROUSIA Magazine
Chapter 1 Ijeoma “A heart.” “What?” I asked softly as I raised my head from my position on the floor where I was picking beans to stare at my daughter who had just answered a question my mother asked. “Grandma asked what I want for Christmas,” she said, shifting her eyes warily like someone who was caught stealing meat from the pot. “I said I want a heart.” I looked at her tender face and my heart broke. How could I explain to my daughter that we weren’t even on the list for those in need of a new heart … Continue reading A HEART FOR CHRISTMAS by E. C. Hannah | WINNER – Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022 | PAROUSIA
It has been eight months since I had an abortion. Today, I sat on the third pew of the second row. The pastor climbed the altar with his flowing buba. He brought the mic to his lips and asked; “What’s … Continue reading BALM by Peace Ufedojo Haruna | Shortlist | Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022 | PAROUSIA
Christmas After Thirty-One 1. The chilly December wind subsides just about halfway into the month, but to your surprise, it’s sweeping over Akoka-Ijaiye again. The sizzling cold is sending everyone into anything that can keep their bodies warm. … Continue reading Christmas After Thirty – One by Adesina Ajala | Shortlist Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022 | PAROUSIA
Like Calves Released From The Stall (For Emmanuel, on Christmas morning) And they shall leap joyfully like calves released from the stall Malachi 4:2 Before you arrived, we were charged With law-breaking Offenses for which we were imprisoned Behind the bars of guilt Wallowing in woes, swallowing reproach We were destined for destruction. Before you arrived, we were bruised By a dragon The adversary who bit us every night Writhing in pain, laden with wounds We fell under hell’s spell And became accustomed to affliction. Before you arrived, we were slaves To lust Flames with which we fiddled our bodies … Continue reading Like Calves Released From The Stall by Ayooluwa E. Adekoya Ìmísí | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will towards men”. Luke 2:14. When we hear of Christmas in a Nigerian home, different things come to mind; the holidays, family gathering, travelling to one’s home town, community … Continue reading Christmas In Ngwa Land By Wokoma Ihekerenma Onyinyechi – Joy to the World Issue 14 – PAROUSIA
For All To a world that is sordid and cold Came a warmth that is purer than gold. Amongst leaders that plunder and take Entered He who bestows and equilibrates. Scoffing the seekers of personal gain Was born He who … Continue reading FOR ALL by Lusia Kay Reyes | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
Today, let this earth arise & worship the Christ with a mass of tongues & merry hearts. Today, hearts are clanging like tambourines, feets are twirling for boundless joy. Today, let this earth flies the banner of God’s kindness, chants the anthem of salvation. & Say, “Earth meet thy Saviour cradled in a bed of fodder.” Today, heaven breaks into smithereens of holy songs & grace drips on earth’s waning tongue. Today, heaven is a bursting joy in earth’s belly & a baby’s cry startles a manger in Bethlehem. A pearl lies in the rubble of pebbles & the bleatings … Continue reading Heaven Breaks into Smithereens of Holy Songs & Grace Drips on Earth’s Waning Tongue by Adesina Ajala | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
Premier Christian Arts And Literary Magazine
