“Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me” — Psalm 86:17.
David is praying. And at the end of his prayer, he is looking at his proud enemies who are attacking him. He pleads for … Read the rest
“I, the Lord, watch over it” — Isaiah 27:3
Have you ever wondered if God watches over you? Let us look at Isaiah 27:2–6 to find the answer. Here God is calling Israel, his people, a fruitful vineyard. Earlier he was disappointed with it (see Isaiah 5:1–7). But now God is saying that he watches … Read the rest
A Time of Change
Chapter 1:1—9
Life is full of change. It demands of us greater trust in God than before. But often we tremble in fear; both real and imagined. As we look at the opening chapter of the Book of Joshua we find a change in leadership and a change in direction of … Read the rest
We all love to run our own lives independently. But in David we find a man who tried his best to seek God for guidance in all situations of his life.
Of course he sinned and failed in the case of Bathsheba, Uriah, and the census he took of the Israelites to name a few … Read the rest
The promise of God will never fail. But the difficulty comes when there is delay in its fulfilment.
David was anointed by Prophet Samuel at a very young age. David and all who knew him understood what that meant. After Saul, David was to be king.
Yet hardships and trouble followed him wherever he went. … Read the rest
Reference: Haggai 1:13, 14
If you are discouraged today, “I am with you” is God’s word of encouragement for you. The task ahead might be huge, the enemies around you might try to intimidate you, and perhaps you find that your own strength is giving out. There is only one reply God has for you, … Read the rest
Reference: Numbers 31:6z
What is the importance of the signal?
The man who signals has to be in perfect tune and obedience to his commander. Though a huge army is prepared for war, the war will begin only when the trumpet is sounded. And when the command is given by the leader, the man who … Read the rest
Reference: Jonah 3:5
The message from God came through Prophet Jonah to the Ninevites. They believed God and repented at his preaching. God accepted their change of heart. He relented from the calamity he had planned to send on them.
Jonah was given a message of Judgement to proclaim. But he did not want to … Read the rest
He will not turn his face from you if you return to him (2 Chronicles 30:9b).
God is speaking a word of encouragement to you today. He will not turn his face from you. In response, will you say along with the Psalmist “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
The people of Judah and all … Read the rest
Reference: Numbers 2:2
What are the lessons we can learn from the way the Israelites camped?
First of all, it was not their idea, but it was God’s command. The Israelites camped in a particular way because God so commanded it. So it was obedience in action.
We also need to note that God is … Read the rest
Reference: 2 Chronicles 18:21
It is amazing to note how much lies are said today in the Christian world. This is nothing new.
As we look at the passage given above, we find how prophets of God spoke lies to gain the favour of the king. There were four hundred prophets who predicted success for … Read the rest
Reference: Hosea 9:10
This verse talks about the deep disappointment of God. The Israelites had showed great promise at the beginning of their journey with God.
God compares this to a traveller finding grapes in the desert. It would create a great expectation in the person’s heart about finding plenty more food and water in … Read the rest
Reference: 2 Chronicles 5:13b, 14.
Then. You might be curious to know what happened after “Then.” We are now trying to look at one the biggest moments in the history of Israel. It was the day the magnificent temple at Jerusalem was dedicated.
When they had done a few things under the leadership of Solomon … Read the rest
“Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2b NIV).
First of all, we should be thankful that God has given us no less a standard than he himself. There is no doubt about this command. “Be holy,” leaves us with no doubt that this is impossible.
Then why did God issue … Read the rest
This is the list of David’s mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:11)
What was the reason some of the finest men were attracted to David the king? We know that David came not from a royal line; he was simply a shepherd boy. But he had great confidence in his God.
This was seen when he … Read the rest
Reference: Psalm 42:1, 2
Discouraged brother/sister, there is no time like this to thirst after God. Many reasons might have clouded your mind with discouragement.
It can be some sin, some failure from your part, financial worries, broken relationships or even poor health. Whatever it be, now is the time to thirst after God.
Something … Read the rest
One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor (Exodus 2:11 NIV).
Growing up is an experience that all look forward to. Parents expect their children to grow up and behave like grown-ups.
Meanwhile children imitate their parents and act like … Read the rest
For I am your servant (Psalm 143:12z NIV).
The servant of God belongs to God. What a blessed privilege it is to belong to God. At the same time a servant is humble. He depends on God and asks God to teach him His will.
He is also dependent on the Spirit of God. He … Read the rest
The Lord has kept the promise he made (2 Chronicles 6:10 NIV).
This is characteristic of our Lord. If He has made a promise to you, be sure that it will be fulfilled. He never forgets the promise He makes! Solomon exclaims here the truth that God had indeed kept His promise.
To a Christian … Read the rest
He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land” (Genesis 26:22 NIV).
Progress is through opposition. When Isaac dug wells the water was disputed over and he was opposed. But … Read the rest
Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord (Genesis 19:27 NIV).
Why did Abraham return? It was to know the result of his standing before the Lord the day before. If you too have the habit of standing before the Lord you too will … Read the rest
For I delight in your deliverance (1 Samuel 2:1z NIV).
It is that simple. Hannah delighted in God’s deliverance. What about you?
This simple proclamation of her source of confidence and her joy in God’s deliverance comes in her prayer after God had given her the answer to her earlier prayer. Her deliverance was birthed … Read the rest
In those days the Lord began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael overpowered the Israelites throughout their territory . . . (2 Kings 10:32 NIV).
Look carefully at the text. Was it Hazael who overpowered the Israelites? Yes. But he was only an instrument. It was really the Lord who began to reduce the … Read the rest
Now your impurity is lewdness (Ezekiel 24:13a NIV).
Lewdness is a common sin today. It is no longer frowned upon. Now lewdness is referring to sex in rude and offensive ways with an intention of exciting lust or sexual desire.
God spoke about this sin of the Israelites. And Jesus pointed out that what comes … Read the rest
Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat their wheat in the valley, when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight (1 Samuel 6:13 NIV).
There are seasons of disappearances of God’s favor in the life of His children. It can be caused by many things. Sin and disobedience … Read the rest
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though yours sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV).
Have you all your life been in search of assurance of forgiveness of your sins? If yes, your search … Read the rest
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” (1 Samuel 17:10 NIV).
The challenge of evil is what you find here in this verse. It began in the garden of Eden when God created man and woman. Through deception Satan was … Read the rest
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7a NIV).
This is a simple equation. More of His government in your life will bring more of His peace into your life. There is no end to the possibilities of more of His government and more of His peace. Now … Read the rest
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6b NIV).
The world craves for peace. To achieve it they go to war. This is the tragedy of the world.
Brokenness seems to have invaded the world. Nothing fits together for long. Relationships get broken, treaties are broken, and … Read the rest
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6b NIV).
Everlasting Father. It shows God’s unchanging nature towards His children. Yes, God loves to have a loving relationship with you. Have you yet realized it?
The Christian life is miserable when you think of it in terms of … Read the rest
