Joshua was not a superman. He was simply afraid and discouraged like any one of us. He needed encouragement. And God was gracious enough to provide it to him repeatedly (see Deuteronomy 31:7, 8, 23; Joshua 1:6, 7, 9; 8:1). His encouragement is available to you today. God is telling you to be strong … Read the rest
Do you love your sin?
Do you call your sin weakness?
Do you trust in your good deeds (righteousness)?
Do you blame your family background for your sins?
Do you term some sins small and others as big?
Do you allow anger to burn within you?
Do you think homosexuality and lesbianism is OK?
Do … Read the rest
BFG #1:
Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow (Proverbs 13:11).
Small drops make a big ocean. Likewise honest money deposited in small amounts can become a big amount when you need it most.
BFG #2:
Do not wear yourself out to get rich (Proverbs 23:4).
Even
Solomon was given great wisdom. Yet he did not rely on the wisdom of the Scriptures. That was the single biggest cause of his downfall.
Compare these two Bible Portions–The first portion contains rules and guidelines that God established to be observed by a king of Israel. The second portion talks about how
| Adam | Jesus Christ |
|---|---|
| Trespass | Gift |
| Sin | Grace |
| Judgment | Justification |
| Condemnation | Righteousness (no more condemnation) |
| Death (wages of sin) | Eternal Life (gift of God) |
| Disobedience | Obedience |
| People made sinners | People made righteous |
| First man | Last Adam |
| Living being | Life-giving spirit |
| Natural | Spiritual |
| From the dust of the earth | From |
Here is an interesting and easy comparison between the first 3 chapters and the last 3 chapters of the Bible. Hope you’ll know that God Himself authored the Scriptures as you see the unmistakable connection between the First and the Last.
| Genesis 1 — 3 | Revelation 20 — 22 |
|---|---|
| Creation of heaven and earth (1:1) |
The world is moving towards the only possible logical conclusion—its end! Every turn of current events is also preparing the world for its final judgment.
Yet on careful observation we find that not many believe that a judgment on the world is coming. Many laugh at the truth that each person would have to stand … Read the rest
There is great immorality in the world today. But the danger from it is more because we are taught to tolerate it.
If we look at the way in which concepts of morality has changed in the last few decades, it would be very clear. Those actions that were thought to be the ultimate form … Read the rest
The world places a high premium on feminine beauty. That is one reason why the cosmetics industry is big business.
This business has made great inroads into the Christian world also. They are also unfortunately caught in a mad rush to make themselves beautiful the way the world does.
Now, having said that, it should … Read the rest
God constantly has His eyes on His work on earth. And He has placed His children in key positions of leadership to take care of His flock. He does this by calling people into His service.
The methods and circumstances through which His chosen are called may vary. Yet what underlies it all is the … Read the rest
As we look at the way many Christians spend money in making their homes look impressive and beautiful; a few questions need to be asked. The questions are not about spending money though one has to give account to God for it.
But the more important questions are about attitude. To be very specific the … Read the rest
We live by choices. Everyday we make hundreds of them. Some of them like choosing what to eat are simple choices.
But there are certain choices that demand careful thought. Because these choices can affect the way we live, act and think.
They can determine the final outcome of our life. It can bring success … Read the rest
We live in a fast-paced world. Everybody seems to be in a hurry; speeding towards meeting one deadline or the other. And in all this busyness we are fast losing the fruit of the Spirit of patience.
We also begin to expect instant achievements and success. But they are not won that way. And sadly … Read the rest
Most Christians carry a wrong idea that the saints of the Bible were extraordinary people. This is a very wrong thought. The saints may have been outstanding in their achievements for God.
But in their nature, they were quite ordinary people like you and me. It might seem hard to believe.
But that it is … Read the rest
One of the difficulties in obeying God are delays. When God delays more than we expect we tend to disobey. The reason we give for this disobedience is that God failed to meet us at our expected time.
There are a few things that should be noted about this. One fact is that we may … Read the rest
Many Christians are called to live in unfavorable situations and circumstances. They usually find themselves a minority in a Non-Christian majority environment. This causes a sense of helplessness and frustration at times.
But the fact is that we cannot escape these realities. We have to live in the midst of them. But there is one … Read the rest
There has always been a spirit of criticism and judgment among God’s children. This is most evident on two occasions: The first occasion is when a child of God is caught in a sin.
The second occasion, though it may sound strange, is when a child of God lavishes his or her love on God. … Read the rest
Throughout history God’s Word has been under attack. Yet it has survived. Not only that it continues to transform lives. That is precisely one reason why God’s Word is opposed.
People down through the centuries have tried every known method to destroy God’s Word. Many times it almost seemed that they had achieved their goal. … Read the rest
Guard your strength. This is a crucial lesson that Christians need to learn. Our defeats may not be always in the areas of our weakness. It can easily be in the area of our strengths.
One folly that Christians often commit is that they reveal their strengths to everyone they talk to. This exposes them … Read the rest
Great moments of communion with God are often followed by great attacks from the devil. Many Christians are taken off guard when this happens.
They then begin to wonder whether their recently concluded session of communion with God was real or just make-believe. If it was real, they continue to wonder, why was it that … Read the rest
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines the word “confirm” thus: to state or show that something is definitely true or correct, especially by providing evidence.
Webster’s New World Dictionary says that the word “confirm” means: to make firm; strengthen; establish. These two definitions of the word “confirm” will help us to understand this pattern better.… Read the rest
There are phases in life when there are experiences of great emptiness. This emptiness cannot be described but it is immediately understood when it comes.
During such times there is a possibility of having a vision of God. The way God chooses to reveal Himself may be a dramatic one or it could happen in … Read the rest
We always hope for good things to happen. In fact we anticipate them. That means we look forward to the event happening. In the meantime we wait with great expectation.
And then the opportunity we had waited for with great anticipation arrives. We then say that finally the great moment has arrived.
But the excitement … Read the rest
There are times when God gives us a specific message. It can come in different ways; through the Bible, through gentle and strong impressions in the heart while in prayer, through Christian friends or even through circumstances.
Sometimes what God tells us looks highly improbable. The circumstances around us will make us doubt whether what … Read the rest
This pattern represents four distinct stages that can happen in the life of Christian. It doesn’t mean that it should happen; but it only means that there is a possibility of this happening.
The first stage is marked by a moving away from God. It can happen suddenly and deliberately; or it can happen gradually … Read the rest
The Christian life is not without its troubles. By using the word “trouble” it is not meant problems common to all mankind like sickness or unemployment. The word “trouble” here denotes a host of things that give unrest to the mind. They are capable of destroying the peace of a Christian.
One of the difficulties … Read the rest
There are many names that rush to our minds when we think of Christian Ministry. Those names belong to those who have big organizations and who do ministry through the media. But there are two problems arising from this kind of association in our minds about Christian Ministry:
One problem is that we think that … Read the rest
Christian life sometimes springs surprises that are not pleasant at all. One of such surprises is that of coming to know that Satan has carried away what rightfully belonged to us. In other words, the devil during unexpected times, conquers and takes away what God had given us.
Some Christians never realize that they have … Read the rest
There is a common thought among people that God’s commands are burdensome. Therefore we act the way we like quite often clearly going against the command of God.
Then we use mainly two reasons to justify our actions: The first reason is that what we do is of little consequence and the second is that … Read the rest
