“Syria and Israel continued without war for three years.” ~ I Kings 22:1 REFERENCE I Kings 22:1-3 Our text begins with a 3-year period of peace and a cessation of military campaigns between two nations. You may think that this is a good state to be in, but when you consider that life is a contest, you may rethink your position. As beautiful as this picture is, it suggests that Israel was quiet, making no claim or demand for anything. It also shows that they were undertaking nothing. That is, not embarking on any worthwhile project. Such a state can...
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. Matthew 14:22 REFERENCE Matthew 14:22-32 The first thing you notice in this passage is the fact that Jesus made His disciples get into a boat heading to a particular destination. We can thus conclude that the disciples were on an assignment for God and consequently, were in the will of God. However, their journey was interrupted by the waves and contrary winds that confronted them headlong. This clearly shows that the journey of life is not always smooth sailing...
And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Matthew 25:15 REFERENCE Matthew 25:14-30 The first thing that strikes you about this parable is the ‘seeming imbalance’ in the way the master shared the talents amongst these servants; it looks almost unfair, but in his foreknowledge, he did it according to each person’s ability. Like the master in this story, God gives us talents in proportion to our abilities; these talents can be likened to our God-given gifts. Both servants with...
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 1:8 “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” This popular saying captures an important truth about life and living. There are rules and ways of behavior common to every home, organization or even nation. To survive and thrive in them, wise people follow these rules. They conduct...
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my EARNEST EXPECTATION and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed… Philippians 1:19-20 REFERENCE Philippians 1:19-20 Paul shows us the secret of his joy in prison as he wrote the book of Philippians with many exhortations to be joyful and thankful. That secret is seen in our text – He had an earnest expectation. He knew things would turn around, that things wouldn’t always be the same, that what he was going through was not his...
For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:36-37 (NLT) REFERENCE Acts 4: 32-37 (NLT) How does it feel to get an award or to be rewarded for something you have done well? How does it feel to be recognized for every effort you put into doing the right thing? How will you feel if every day, everybody around you said good things to you? Today,...
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19 REFERENCE Isaiah 43:16-21 There is nothing like beginning something you have always dreamt about. God loves beginnings because beginnings speak of faith- a journey into the unknown; because you must conquer the fear of ‘what if it goes wrong before you begin anything. Though we are nearly halfway through the year, you could be considering having a fresh start in some areas of your...
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) REFERENCE Jeremiah 29:11 After man fell in the Garden of Eden, Jesus came to reinstate him into God’s original plan. If God went to the extent of sacrificing His only Son just to achieve this, you can without a doubt flourish (succeed) in every area of your life as a believer, purchased by the blood of Jesus. So you don’t have to settle for failure (John 10:10b). Good...
In return for my love they are my accusers, but I give myself to prayer. Psalm 109:4 REFERENCE Psalm 109:1-4, 26-29 David is saying here that prayer is the only fitting response when all hell breaks loose, when relationships turn sour and hatred and spite are returned for love; when men scheme and plot against you and it seems you know not the next step to take, or when things are contrary to what you have expected. Prayer will bring God in and bring you out of every bad situation, it will bring light for direction on a dark night, it will...
He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do my prophets no harm.” Psalm 105:14-15 REFERENCE Psalm 105:13-15 Guess who are the Lord’s anointed ones in this time and age? They are the spiritual seed of Abraham who became his seed by reason of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross – believers. If God didn’t permit anyone to do Israel harm as they went from place to place in the Old Testament, He wouldn’t permit harm to come to us (believers) because He is...