How sad to see the name of the Lord used in ways not intended in the Bible. One such example is God’s name Jehovah-Jireh. It is translated as The LORD will provide (Genesis 22;14).
The common use of this name of God is to say that God provided for our material needs like a house, … Read the rest
Run as to get the prize. Not aimlessly. So says Paul.
So what is your aim? If it is to be like Jesus, then God’s goal and yours are in alignment. Unlike earthly races where only one gets the prize, here in this spiritual race each one has the opportunity to win the prize!
What … Read the rest
If at all you would like to end up in prison; for what crime might that be? Shocked? We now look at a man who landed in a den of lions for the sole crime of praying to God. That too at the age of eighty plus. His name is Daniel.
When a law was … Read the rest
Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:22, 24). He walked with God after he married and had children. His responsibilities and duties at home did not affect his walk with God. So those who say that family needs leave them with little time for God are without excuse.
The Bible asks this question: “Do two walk … Read the rest
But now. So begins what some teachers say the most important paragraph in the entire Bible (Romans 3:21). Now what does it say.
First of all what was before “but now.” Before this was the time the law of Moses governed human behaviour. But the law could not make anyone righteous or perfect in God’s … Read the rest
What were the challenges this young man faced?
First of all he was a captive. He most likely was torn away from his family. He was young (about sixteen years). His homeland was now devastated. The centre of his Jewish faith the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. He was taken to a foreign land, given … Read the rest
So many believers are discouraged because their faithful service for God seems to go unnoticed.
At the same time they see many who served God along with them backslide and go astray. Yet again that is discouraging. When people close to you backslide you feel like giving up as well.
In the last chapter of … Read the rest
I would rather be a doorkeeper!
I hope you will not say that. But then the Psalmist was speaking about being a doorkeeper in the house of God (Psalm 84:10).
What was so special about the house of God?
One, he experienced God’s presence there. It is not the church building that makes the presence … Read the rest
You should know your enemy as well as his strategy. By the way if you are believer in Jesus, you are in a battlefield. Nobody sleeps there. You have to be alert and fight.
So what is the enemy’s strategy? There are several. But the great one of them all is the question, “Did God … Read the rest
“Where are you?”
This was God’s first question to man. It is recorded in Genesis 3:9 in the Bible. He is asking the same question to you today.
“Where are you?”
Are you hiding from God today? If so God desires you to come into the light (John 3:20; 1 John 1:7).
“Where are you?”… Read the rest
Abraham believed God. Not when every situation was positive. Quite the opposite. He believed God’s promise to him regarding a son when his body was as good as dead.
Is something dead in your life? The God of Abraham is your God; isn’t he? If God has given you a promise he is able to … Read the rest
What is your passion? Paul had one passion—to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. He was unstoppable because this passion drove him on. He very early expressed his desire to go to Rome (Acts 19:21).
After some time he finds himself in Roman barracks as a prisoner in Jerusalem. He might have thought his … Read the rest
Fear strikes at times we least expect it.
Does being a believer insure you from being afraid? No is the answer.
Is being afraid something to be ashamed about? Again, no is the answer. The Bible honestly shows us how great saints of God were afraid at certain difficult times in their lives. We also … Read the rest
God is not limited by numbers. In fact he often has to take away our confidence in our resources before he will act on our behalf.
The Bible shows us a remarkable incident in the life of Gideon. As he and his army were getting ready for battle God said to him that he had … Read the rest
We are saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus (Acts 15:11). What does this mean?
First of all it means that our salvation does not depend on anything else like our family heritage, church traditions, our good living or works of charity (see Ephesians 2:7–9). Our salvation is God-given as a gift. You can … Read the rest
Repent and live (Ezekiel 18:32)!
What is our understanding of repentance? Usually, it is sinning and then telling God “I am sorry.” Maybe we add “I will never do it again Lord.”
But you know very well in your heart that it is not the repentance the Bible talks about.
First of all you should … Read the rest
He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:14).
Seeking God does not happen automatically or by chance. It is a deliberate effort you take. The absence of such an effort can allow a vacuum in your heart which makes it easy for you slip into evil.… Read the rest
Following the death and resurrection of Jesus his name began to impact people. Even today it does with the same dynamite power. Jesus! What does his name mean to you?
First of all the Bible declares that the name of Jesus is the only name given under heaven by which people will be saved (Acts … Read the rest
So many youngsters are worried about finding God’s will. In today’s world they are more in confusion about right sexual conduct.
The Bible speaks about this in very clear terms.
Flee.
That means run away from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Tim 2:22). So do not stay in a place, situation or in front … Read the rest
Being confident in God is a great thing. If you can sustain that confidence even into your sunset years it is still greater.
The Bible showcases for us Caleb who had an unwavering confidence in God. He and Joshua were the only two who crossed into Canaan from their generation.
After reaching the land of … Read the rest
Did you wake up with heaviness in your heart this morning?
Perhaps you were troubled by disturbing dreams at night. Or you had promised God not to do something again; but did it one more time.
Sometimes your problems and worries looked so large and threatening. There was great fear in your heart and mind.… Read the rest
If you trust in God be assured that exaltation comes from God. This is especially true when God promotes you to leadership.
God told Joshua that he will exalt him (Joshua 3:7). Then God exalted him (Joshua 4:14).
But what happened in between? Did Joshua have any role to play? The answer is yes.
He … Read the rest
All that was needed was a word from Jesus. The man took Jesus at his word and left (John 4:50). This is the story of great faith we all can attempt to follow.
In this story we have a royal official seeking out Jesus for the healing of his son who was dying. This man … Read the rest
Some moments in life cannot be forgotten. One such moment is when God comes searching for you. It can be a time when you had sinned and walked away from him.
More often it can be a time of barrenness when nothing good seems to happen and you are depressed. Out of nowhere God brings … Read the rest
Luke says that Jesus spoke a parable to teach us to always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). Plainly stated. But easily forgotten.
Why do we give up praying? It mostly happens because most of our prayers are wishes only. Such prayers cannot be sustained.
Then there is the problem of no visible change … Read the rest
Jesus sent us another helper. Just like him. The Holy Spirit.
+ He is the one who makes God’s presence and love real in our lives.
+ He is the one called alongside to help. That is what his name parakletos (in Greek) means.
+ He is the one who not only authored the Scriptures … Read the rest
Honestly, how many of us take Jesus’ command “Do not worry” seriously? If we are not taking it seriously it means that our relationship with him has to improve. We need to spend more quality time with God.
Remember Jesus did not worry because he took time to be with God everyday. The more public … Read the rest
Sometimes your stand for God and truth can put you in trouble. Can there be a higher purpose in such suffering?
Let us look at Jeremiah. He was put in a mud pit for his message of coming judgement (Jeremiah 38:6). He cried out to God (Lamentations 3:55–57).
It was a foreigner, a Cushite, whose … Read the rest
Are you discouraged now? Most likely you felt close to God yesterday. Today it is back to the ordinary life. And emotionally you do not feel God near.
But God is an unchanging God (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). He is faithful. So do not try to judge God by your feelings. He will never leave … Read the rest
Why a list of names to begin the story of Jesus (Matthew 1)? What is its personal application to you?
First of all, you as an individual is of great value to God. Therefore he remembers names, knows you by name and calls you by name. You are personally known by God (Pslam 139, Isaiah … Read the rest
