“Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’” ~ Romans 4:18 REFERENCE: Romans 4:18-21 Can you believe God to do what He has promised even when everything around you says it won’t happen? Abraham had all the odds stacked against him and his wife; there was no natural sign that they would still have a child in their late eighties and nineties, but Abraham said, “I believe still.” He hoped against hope; that is, he believed God when the situation was...
“For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall.” ~ Psalm 18:29 REFERENCE: Psalm 18:28-50 You probably are not familiar with the word ‘diffidence.’ Still, it is responsible for why achieving your goals has been difficult. It is the opposite of confidence. It is hesitancy in acting or speaking through a lack of self-confidence. It is self-doubt, shame, or sheepishness. The voice that tells you that you are not fit, the rope that pulls you back anytime you attempt to venture, is diffidence. Like many of us, I often deal...
“And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.” ~ Exodus 3:7 REFERENCE: Exodus 3:7-10 As we draw close to the end of the year, one thing satan likes to dangle before our eyes is what it seems God has not done on our goals for the year. His purpose is to suggest that God has forgotten you or is unmindful of your situation. He makes it look like God suffers amnesia or is blind and cannot...
But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. I Corinthians 15:10 REFERENCE I Corinthians 15:9-10 Grace is a divine enablement from God to achieve what we ordinarily cannot in our strength. The supernatural factor causes our life’s results to surpass our human efforts. It doesn’t negate labor/effort like Apostle Paul pointed out in our text; instead, it reduces ‘wearisome’ labor and multiplies the outcome of our efforts....
"Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" ~ Numbers 14:3 REFERENCE: Numbers 14:1-12 We often get into dire situations that make us desire days past, thinking that they are better than our present. This is because we often forget the unpleasant details of the past and only focus on what seemed enjoyable. Yes, you may have had riches, but remember the spirit of fear that constantly gripped your heart. No, your best is...
“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.” ~ Exodus 14:13 REFERENCE: Exodus 14:10-14 As the year draws to a close, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by unmet expectations or anticipated needs. The prospect of carrying over a matter you have been seeking God to intervene in into the coming year can cause you to fret, but like Jesus said, “How many of you, by worrying,...
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13 REFERENCE: Philippians 4:10-13 Recently, God has been telling me to live from inside out and not outside in; in other words, I should not let circumstances condition my response, but I should determine what I want to see, drawing from the Christ in me. Paul said that with Christ, you have the strength to overcome challenges and become all that God has designed you to be. Let us go on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through faith in Christ Jesus. You have what it takes;...
"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" ~ Psalm 27:14 REFERENCE: Psalm 27:10-14 I remember the excitement of learning about the germination of seeds as a young kid in science class. Our teacher told us to plant a bean seed in a tin filled with soil. It takes a particular time for the germination, but the curiosity and impatience of youth got the better of me. I woke up every morning to scoop out the soil, wondering how long it would take to sprout. Sadly, it...
“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20 REFERENCE: Matthew 1:18-25 The rumor is going around town. Mary is pregnant and is hiding it from Joseph. After many side talks, Mary tells Joseph. He is flustered, angry, indignant, and feeling cheated. He wonders who can be responsible for this pregnancy as he scans through all the men in...
"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." ~ Psalm 30:5 REFERENCE: Psalm 30:1-5 Are you going through a stormy experience? Are you fighting a battle for identity or legitimacy, to keep your business afloat, victory over an illness, or going through a stormy marital situation? Do you tire of trying to achieve your goals and make ends meet? Our main text captures the promise that joy and calmness will follow no matter how fierce your present storm is. The disciples of...