THE HERALDS DEVOTIONAL

THE BLACK BOX: FINDING THE TRUTH AFTER THE CRASH PART 4: THE COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER (CVR): CONVERSATIONS THAT CAN SAVE OR SINK YOU Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Recap of Part 3: We learned how the flight data recorder captures every hidden metric of a journey, reminding us that God also records the unseen details of our lives — spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, and mentally. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) is the other half of the black box. It captures every conversation, every instruction, every urgent warning, and sometimes even background noises that give clues about what happened. In an investigation, the CVR often reveals whether crew members worked in harmony or clashed in chaos. That hit me hard — because our lives have “ voice recordings ” too. What we say to ourselves. What we say to others. What we allow others to speak into us. Spiritually , your voice builds or destroys...

THE BLACK BOX: FINDING THE TRUTH AFTER THE CRASH PART 3: THE FLIGHT DATA RECORDER (FDR): YOUR LIFE’S HIDDEN METRICS Luke 8:17 " There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open." Recap of Part 2: Last time, we explored how the black box survives the fire when everything else burns, showing that God can build you with a resilience that outlasts every storm. When I learned about the flight data recorder — one part of the black box — I was stunned. It records hundreds of details: altitude, speed, engine pressure, direction, even subtle changes in the pilot’s control inputs. All those tiny bits of data matter because they tell the real story of what led to the crash — or the safe landing. It made me think: What’s my life’s flight data? Not just the big events people notice, but the small, hidden choices shaping my journey. Spiritually , your “ data ” is the time spent in the Word, the consistency of pray...

THE BLACK BOX: FINDING THE TRUTH AFTER THE CRASH PART 2: CRASH-PROOF CONSTRUCTION: WHY THE BLACK BOX SURVIVES WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE BURNS Proverbs 10:25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." Recap from Part 1 — Hooked by a Word Last time, we spoke about how, after any disaster, the first thing investigators look for is the black box — because it holds the truth of what happened. We likened this to God’s coming harvest, when all hidden deeds will be brought to light. We also shared how a brief mention of the term black box by the blogger I follow on YouTube hooked my interest and sparked this research series. When a plane goes down, much of it is destroyed — yet the black box almost always survives. Why? Because it’s built with layers of protection: heat shields for fire, shock absorbers for impact, insulation for water, and casing to withstand pressure. It isn’t built on the assumption that everything will go smoothly. It’s built k...

THE BLACK BOX: FINDING THE TRUTH AFTER THE CRASH PART 1: HOOKED BY A WORD Ecclesiastes 12:14 God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” –  Our flags were at half-mast. The nation’s heart was heavy. In the days following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight of Ghana’s finest — two ministers, three crew members, and other gallant heroes — the whole nation was grieving. News channels repeated the details; social media was flooded with condolences. It was one of those moments where silence feels heavier than words. As the nation continued to mourn, I tuned into one of my regular YouTube stops — the channel of a blogger I follow closely, known to many as The Headless YouTuber. I often comment there using his real-name initials, FM. Although he’s no more anonymous to the general public than before, he remains true to his style — insightful, witty, and bold. But on that day, something unusual happened. In the middle...

DON'T WASTE YOUR WAITING. 🏁 PART 10 — FINAL LAP: RISING ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES   Isaiah 40:31b “They shall mount up with wings as eagles…”  Recap of Part 9: We discussed The Risk of Silence — how failing to speak or act when God prompts us can cost opportunities, relationships, and even destinies. We learned that silence at the wrong time can slow our race, but speaking in faith keeps us moving forward. The final stretch of a race is where focus matters most. In life’s spiritual race, what you do and say in your last lap will determine how you finish. Just as silence can stall you, the right declaration in the right season can lift you. This is where Isaiah’s promise shines: “ They will soar on wings like eagles…”  (Isaiah 40:31b). 1. Speaking to Soar Eagles rise on winds; believers rise on words of faith. In your final lap, your confession must align with God’s promises. Your words are either a runway or a weight. 2. The Urgency of the Lap The closer you are to the finish...

DON'T WASTE YOUR WAITING. PART 9: THE RISK OF SILENCE   Esther 4:14 “ If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance… will arise from another place, but you and your family will perish.”  Recap of Part 8 We learned that divine connections don’t just exist for companionship—they are often channels for God’s voice. Hearing is good, but listening with discernment and acting in obedience is what moves destiny forward. Divine connections are two-way streets. In Part 8, we explored listening to the voice of your connection. In this part, the lens flips—you may be the one God wants to use to speak, warn, or encourage someone else. The danger? Silence. Keeping quiet when you are the voice God intends to use can lead to missed breakthroughs, delayed destinies, and even preventable disasters. 1) Silence Can Be Disobedience (Spiritual) Jonah’s initial silence toward Nineveh was disobedience, not caution. Sometimes we call it “ minding our business ” when God calls it withholdi...

DON'T WASTE YOUR WAITING. PART 8: WHEN THE CONNECTION SPEAKS   John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”  Recap of Part 7 We saw that availability is more important than ability. God uses those who show up, stay open to His interruptions, and are present for others in their low seasons. Sometimes, the turning point in your journey comes not when you speak, but when you listen. Divine connections are not just relationships—they are also channels through which God sends instruction , correction , and confirmation . The difference between seizing your moment and missing it often lies in your ability to recognize and respond when the connection speaks. 1) God’s Voice Through People (Spiritual) God rarely sends angels with glowing robes; He often speaks through the counsel of your divine connections. Samuel guided Saul into kingship; Elizabeth confirmed Mary’s calling. Ignoring such voices can delay your destiny. 2) The Art of Discernment (Emotional/...

DON'T WASTE YOUR WAITING. PART 7: THE MINISTRY OF AVAILABILITY Isaiah 6:8 “Here I am, send me.”  Recap of Part 6: We learned that serving while you wait is not optional—it’s a catalyst for growth and a magnet for God’s favor. We saw that service sharpens your readiness, trains your spirit, and connects you to divine opportunities. One of the most underrated spiritual gifts is being available. Talent impresses people, but availability positions you for God’s timing. Sometimes the breakthrough is not about being the most gifted—it’s about being the one who shows up when the King calls. 1) Availability Over Ability (Spiritual) God doesn’t need your perfection; He needs your “ yes .” Many in scripture (like Moses, Gideon, and Mary) didn’t feel qualified, but their willingness made them usable. Your divine connection often starts with, “ Lord, here I am.” 2) Flexibility for God’s Interruptions (Emotional/Mental) Availability means allowing God to disrupt your schedule. Keep margins in y...

DON'T WASTE YOUR WAITING. PART 6: IN THEIR WAITING, THEY SERVE Isaiah 40:31 " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" Recap of Part 5 In Part 5, we learned that real waiting is active, not idle. Like the Mukase waiter, staying near, alert, and responsive positions us for God’s timing. Waiting becomes fruitful when we serve God, serve people, and maintain faithfulness in small, daily actions. Some people think “ waiting ” means stepping back from all activity until God moves. But in Scripture, waiting often looks like working — in God’s vineyard, in others’ lives, and in the secret place . Joseph served in Potiphar’s house and the prison while waiting for the palace. David tended sheep and played his harp in Saul’s court while waiting for the throne. Esther served her people in the palace while waiting for the king’s decision. Serving while you wait is both an act of obedience and a training ground for where God is taking you. 1) Serving Keeps You Spir...

DON'T WASTE YOUR WAITING. PART 5: ACTIVE WAITING: SERVE WHILE YOU WAIT. Galatians 6:9 “Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Recap of Part 4 In Part 4, Walk and Not Faint, we learned that God’s strength allows us to keep moving forward without collapsing, even when progress feels slow. We discovered that steady steps of obedience build long-term endurance. From Mukase in Koforidua, that attentive waiter taught us something profound: real waiting is active. He didn’t sit idle; he stayed near, watched closely, and responded quickly. That’s the posture God blesses—servants who stay close and ready. 1) Spiritually — Nearness fuels readiness Waiting is worship + watchfulness. Stay close enough to hear the whisper and obey fast. Exchange old strength for new daily: Word, prayer, worship → instruction → obedience. 2) Catch the Wind — Don’t flap, soar Eagles ride currents; believers ride the Spirit’s leading. Stop striving in your effort; l...