…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16 (AMPC) REFERENCE James 5:13-18 (AMPC) Prayer is often an area of challenge for many Christians; and some have gradually become lax in their prayer lives. The fire on the altar of many Christians is dying down due majorly to the preoccupation of ‘other things’ the world presents - interesting TV shows, social media, work, etc. The real problem however, is a lack of proper understanding of how important prayer is. Because the consequence of prayerlessness doesn’t show immediately, prayer is usually avoided...

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 REFERENCE Joshua 1:1-9 To wrap up this series, “From Bereavement to Becoming,” let’s examine the last instruction God gave Joshua to help him move on with his life after the death of his mentor, Moses. As can be seen from the text, God instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid or dismayed. In other words, God told him to maintain a posture of ‘courage’ which means, mental or moral strength to venture,...

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 REFERENCE Joshua 1:1-9 “God grant that men of principle shall be our principal men.” ~Thomas Jefferson The above quote by former American President, Thomas Jefferson resonates with the instruction God gave Joshua in this account. The dictionary defines a principle as a fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for a system of...

Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. Joshua 1:6 (ERV) REFERENCE Joshua 1:1-9 (ERV) Yesterday, we established the fact that when you understand that you have a purpose to fulfill, it motivates you to get back on your feet even after you have suffered bereavement (a major loss). That was the case with our point of reference – Joshua. God did not only encourage Joshua’s heart by showing him the purpose he had to fulfill, He also showed...

…Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them... From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. Joshua 1:2&4 REFERENCE Joshua1:1-9 God handed Joshua the reins of leadership, to lead the children of Israel into their Promised Land, after the death of his mentor, Moses. In order to help him move from bereavement (mourning the loss of Moses) to becoming...

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying:  “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Joshua 1:1-2 REFERENCE Joshua 1:1-9 Bereavement is a state of being deprived of someone or something. It is a term mostly used to describe the state of someone who has lost a loved one to death; and it generally portrays a sense of loss. Joshua was in a state...

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. Ephesians 5:1 (AMPC)   REFERENCE Ephesians 5:1-10 (AMPC)   “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a term used to describe a child that exhibits similar character, similar qualities, or imitates his/her parents. To imitate someone is to behave or copy the way the person behaves. Paul in this passage admonishes believers to be imitators of God by following His example; i.e. to be similar to Him in speech, deeds and in character, so what He represents becomes second nature to the believer.  ...

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  Ephesians 6:16 REFERENCE  Ephesians 6:10-17 Apostle Paul in this passage, urges believers to stand in the strength of the Almighty by putting on the whole armor of God (one of which is the ‘shield of faith’) in order to resist Satan’s attacks. A shield is often used to intercept attacks or blows; it is held in the hand or mounted on the wrist or forearm. In medieval times, it was almost foolish to go into hand to hand combat...

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1 REFERENCE Psalm 46:1-11 Trouble is anything that gets you worried and agitated; it normally brings discomfort, inconvenience, anxiety, fear and discouragement. In John 16:33 Jesus said: “…In this world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So whether you expect it or not trouble always comes, but you can rejoice in the truth that Jesus HAS (past tense) already overcome the troubles in the world for you and stripped it of its power to harm you. Many Christians don’t want...

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13 REFERENCE Philippians 4:12-19 Human beings have been known to do impossible things whenever they set their minds to it. If you believe you can do something, your mind will find a way to do it. Where there is a will, there is a way. What you believe sets the limits for what you become....