And afterward, he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. - Joshua 8:34 REFERENCE Joshua 8:14-34 Joshua was a complete leader, after leading the people to victory in war; he still read to them the Scriptures, admonishing them to commit their lives to the Word of God. I believe this enabled him to carry the people along, it made him earn their respect and made the people realize that God was behind him, thus, following him meant following God. This must have...
Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:17-18 REFERENCE Luke 17:11-19 Towards the end of each year, people (especially Christians) in different parts of the world make time to offer thanksgiving to God, thanking and celebrating Him for their good fortunes, and all He has brought them through. This is indeed a noble cause and quite commendable because even the bible in I Thessalonians 5:18 admonishes us to give thanks to God in all circumstances because that is the will of God for us. To not thank...
But Ruth said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die…’ Ruth1:16-17 REFERENCE Ruth: 1:1-18 What prompted Ruth to make the above statement to Naomi her mother in-law after the death of her husband? It was quite obvious that there were no prospects for her in the strange land she pleaded to go, she would be among strangers, and more, still serve a foreign...
So Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him; ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Mark 10:51 REFERENCE Mark 10:46-52 Prioritizing your desires will help you focus your faith on what you really need in life. As seen from today’s passage, it is not as if Jesus didn’t know this beggar’s condition when He asked him so abruptly what he would have Him do. It must have been because He desired him to fasten his faith upon one chief object of supreme desire. Bartimaeus’ needs must have...
Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age...” - Ruth 4:14-15 REFERENCE Ruth 4:13-17 It is often a relief to finally hear a good report about someone who has had a series of misfortunes in their life. This was the case with Naomi in this account; the women of the town came to celebrate with her because the Lord blessed her with an experience (daughter-in-law, Boaz, and...
"(Now the man Moses was very humble (gentle, kind, devoid of self-righteousness), more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)" Numbers 12:3 (AMP) REFERENCE Numbers: 12:1-13 (AMP) Humility is a virtue that most of us don’t naturally possess, but are unwilling to admit. We often think that pride is only about looking down on people, dishing out orders and refusing to be ordered around, but, no so. Whenever we resist the Spirit of God and insist on our own way, we are prideful. Also, when we resist or oppose God’s constituted authority over our lives, we...
These two men said to all the Israelites gathered there, “The land that we saw is very good.” Numbers 14:7 (ERV) REFERENCE Numbers 13:1-3, 25-33 & Numbers 14:1-10 (ERV) When Moses sent out the twelve spies by God’s instruction to explore the land of Canaan, he was disappointed with the report they brought back. Although, the spies all agreed that the land was good and full of opportunities, ten of them, besides seeing the opportunities, also saw the threats (giants, fortified cities, and strong enemies that could devour them). Unfortunately, these ones could not get their eyes off...
Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6 REFERENCE Ephesians 1:3-6 Human beings are social beings, and so, it is natural for us to seek the company and acceptance of others. We desire to be liked, valued, loved, and especially to be accepted by those we are connected to. However, much as we want the acceptance of others, rejection often occurs in our everyday life. Daily, people’s request...
So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” II Kings 4:2 REFERENCE II Kings 4:1-7 In life we are often stagnated and discouraged by areas in our lives that we think we are disadvantaged. But, no one is ever at a position in life where they are totally disadvantaged. God will never leave you at a point where you are totally helpless and can’t come out of a predicament. The widow in this...
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment… I John 4:18 REFERENCE I John 4:18 One of Satan’s greatest weapons against mankind is FEAR! If he can plant his fear in your heart, then, he can perform his works in your life. Job said, “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me.” (Job 3:25). Fear, as revealed from our text contains torment; and torment symbolizes pain and suffering. Satan uses fear to enslave, cause stagnation, incapacitate, and control people. He also uses it to paint a picture of a hopeless...