“And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].” ~ II Corinthians 9:8 (AMPC) REFERENCE: II Corinthians 9:7-9 (AMPC) I love this main verse because it begins by saying, “God is able to...” It introduces God as having the ability to do, make, give, transform, heal, etc. Paul further says that God can make all grace...
"The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence." – II Samuel 22:3 REFERENCE: II Samuel 22:1-4 In a world of variables, we unconsciously seek stability or assurances. We seek things or people we can lean on or trust to hold up or stay with us through tough times. However, experience has shown that men disappoint, money develops wings and flies away, friends leave, and positions or offices of influence do not endure forever. The only dependable One...
"Be still, and know that I am God…" ~ Psalm 46:10 REFERENCE: Psalm 46:1-11 Trusting in God's plan and provision can be tough in times of uncertainty. But trying times come to test and refine our faith. The secret to finding strength in uncertain times is relying on God's faithfulness and the assurance we have when we place our trust in Him. World events may scare us, but our anchor remains secure in His unchanging love and faithfulness. God said, "Be still, and know that I am God." It is God's call to us in times of uncertainty....
“…Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me… 14 For thus says the Lord… ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ”” ~ I Kings 17:13-14 REFERENCE: I Kings 17:8-16 What Elijah did would have made headlines in modern newspapers: “Itinerant Prophet defrauds poor widow of her meager resource” or “Fake pastor cons helpless widow.” How do you go to a poor widow...
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.’ And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city.” ~ Joshua 8:18 REFERENCE: Joshua 8:14-20 There are things God wants you to have in life that you may not have because you have not been able to reach out in faith to receive them. Faith demonstrates to God your absolute conviction that He will do what He says He will, your expectation to receive your desire, and your willingness...
“Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him; and Hoshea became his vassal, and paid him tribute money.” ~ II Kings 17:3 REFERENCE II Kings 17:1-6 Our text chronicles a brief account of the life of King Hoshea of Israel. He reigned for nine years, but the bible shows that he did evil in the sight of God. At some point, Shalmaneser, the Assyrian king, used his military might to make Hoshea his vassal (an enslaved person with charge over a jurisdiction on behalf of a master/lord). Hoshea endured it for a while but later sought help. Hoshea went behind...
“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.” – Nahum 2:2 REFERENCE: Nahum 2:1-6 In our text, God warns Nineveh that ‘he who scatters’ had come and that they should man the fort, watch the road, strengthen their flanks, and fortify themselves. Today, it is a call to us to be alert and ready to fight back when life throws you into situations that steal from you and drain you. It is a call to vigilance because if you don’t, life can rob you of...
"And Nathaniel said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'" – John 1:46 REFERENCE: John 1:43-50 Nazareth was a small, obscure village that became famous because it was the hometown of Jesus. It had an estimated population of about 200 to 400 people. Everyone knew everyone by name (in such villages). Jesus grew up, and he went there first when He began his public ministry. No wonder Nathaniel did not expect any good from Nazareth when he heard about a Savior from Nazareth, so he doubted. However, he would yet...
“For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.” ~ Psalm 18:39 REFERENCE: Psalm 18:28-39 David recounts the unusual victories he secured in his battles, how he pursued his enemies and overtook and wounded them until they could rise no more. He recalls his ability to run against a troop of soldiers and leap over walls, climb jagged heights like a deer, bend bronze bows to shoot arrows, and how his feet never slipped. It takes unusual strength to do all this. How did David become...
“So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days.” – 1 Kings 17:15 REFERENCE: I Kings 17:8-16 Faith is one concept in the bible that makes those who act in faith appear crazy or foolish. Faith believes in a God it does not see and acts in ways that do not make logical sense. Faith made childless Abram change his name to Abraham (father of nations), and Peter walk on water. It takes crazy faith to live a life that pleases God because He will...