“And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.” – II Samuel 6:13 REFERENCE: II Samuel 6:12-15 The Ark of God once led to the death of Uzzah. However, David heard God blessed the house of Obed-Edom where the Ark was kept. David then saw that God would still keep covenant with and bless His people, Israel, through the Ark. So, with gladness, he went to bring the Ark back. David’s excitement and gratitude to God were so much that he danced in an undignified...
“So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” ~ Acts 3:8 REFERENCE: Acts 3:1-10 In the spirit of thanksgiving, we journey to the Beautiful Gate in Jerusalem to see the man born lame in his feet. His life was predictable: carried daily by friends, dropped at the gate, begged for money, some people passed by, while others gave him money, no one spoke with him or gave him attention; all he did was to stay outside the gate, and never entered the temple. God stepped in through Peter and broke the...
“Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order...” ~ Psalm 40:5 REFERENCE: Psalm 40:1-5 The year is coming to a close, and it is the season of thanksgiving. If you are not deliberate in counting what God has done, you may drown in the feeling that much hasn’t happened for you in the year. However, David felt differently; he said, “Many are Your wonderful works.” It takes reflection to conclude that God’s works in your life are many. David was persecuted by his boss,...
“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” ~ Matthew 4:8 REFERENCE: Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus retired to the desert after His baptism to spend time with His Father through prayer and fasting, and satan showed up there. This desert retreat was going to prepare Jesus for His earthly ministry; no surprise, satan showed up to render His ministry dead on arrival. Our main verse begins with, ‘Again’, which shows the repetition of a thing. It means once more, another time, in addition, or always....
“…For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” _ Acts 4:16 REFERENCE: Acts 4:13-22 Peter and John had worked a miracle on a man born lame; he could now walk. That caused no little stir in the city, and a crowd gathered to them, to whom they preached. It ruffled the feathers of the priests, captain of the temple, and Sadducees. They arrested the apostles and jailed them overnight to decide their matter the next day. While adjudicating their matter, it was obvious...
“So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” – Luke 17:17 REFERENCE: Luke 17:11-19 Do you know that God takes note (keeps record) of every good thing He does for you: help, supply, healing, protection, favors, sustenance, etc.? However, we forget and see them as usual or expected, so we fail to pause, acknowledge God’s goodness, and thank Him. Ten men came to Jesus with their prayer request; ten men appealed to His mercy and power, but only one returned to acknowledge and thank Jesus for what He did. They raised their voices when...
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God…” ~ II Corinthians 10:4 REFERENCE: II Corinthians 10:1-6 The Corinthian church perceived Apostle Paul as weak, perhaps because of his mildness of manner, gentle speech, and his miniature stature. He often spoke with them gently and in meekness, and whenever he was with them, he assumed no great honor but was lowly. However, the church wondered why physically Paul was weak, but in his letters, he exuded an air of confidence, boldness, and much more, an authoritative power of conviction. The Living Bible says: “Paul’s letters are...
“Then I said, ‘Here I am, God. It is written about me in the book of the law. I have come to do what you want.’” – Hebrews 10:7 (ERV) REFERENCE: Hebrews 10:5-9 (ERV) The essence of life and living is purpose. Breathing is not enough if a man's life is not about purpose; he is just occupying space. 'Purpose' is the reason for the existence of all things. A bed looks different from a shelf because of its purpose. The reason for your uniqueness is purpose. Fulfilling your purpose is the best way to live a satisfying life...
“Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.” ~ Philippians 2:9 REFERENCE: Philippians 2:5-11 Yesterday, we considered the depth of Jesus’ humility; how He divested himself of all the rights of divinity. He took on human flesh, was born to a poor carpenter, and lived a normal life. But it did not end there because His humility qualified Him for the greatest exaltation and honor. Jesus’ humility was not a product of self-deprecation or low self-image, but of obedience to God. “He became obedient to the point of death, even the...
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” ~ Philippians 2:5&6 REFERENCE Philippians 2:5-11 I do not know who else epitomizes humility like Jesus Christ did; hence, He is the pattern and model for all who seek humility. Humility is a beautiful virtue. We find it attractive and are put off by arrogant and self-absorbed people. Humility has a sweet aroma and is often a magnet for favor and great honor. Let us study the humility of Christ. Jesus...