"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him." – I Samuel 3:7 REFERENCE: I Samuel 3:1-9 I used to have a next-door neighbor who often remarked over our not seeing each other for weeks, "Close to church but far from God." In other words, we lived beside each other but rarely spent time with each other. It describes the sad state of many Christians today; they go to church and maybe even serve in their church, but they don't know the church's God. Samuel was ministering in...
"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 Have you ever had a young fellow or sibling tell you that they need a job, and you ask them, "What kind of job?" and they respond, "Any kind."? One of two things happens to you; you are either confused about how to help them or find a way to give them whatever is available, even if it is below their qualification. Also, when we...
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (MSG) REFERENCE: Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) Jesus extends an invitation to everyone who feels tired, burnt out, or worn out by the pressure of living in these times. This invitation is valid because you can find true rest for your spirit, soul, and body in Him. Tiredness, especially emotional, comes from bearing emotional burdens, family cares, anxieties, facing difficult situations, or just being numbed by the weight...
"Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith." ~ Habakkuk 2:4 REFERENCE: Habakkuk 2:1-4 A lot is happening in every part of the world. It is almost customary to hear some bad news or the other on the TV, and you wonder if any good thing is happening anywhere. Jobs are scarce, mortgages are rising, fuel prices are rising, countries are fighting external and internal wars, and most world currencies are losing value. Thinking about survival in these chaotic times can be extremely troubling. Habakkuk also had questions about his...
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” ~ Proverbs 23:7 REFERENCE: Proverbs 23:7 The mind of a man wields great power. God gave us all a creative mind – a powerful force that can condition or determine our outcomes in life. It is said that a man’s life will go in the direction of the thoughts that dominate his mind; his thoughts will act upon his life as a gust of wind acts on fallen dry leaves. King Solomon said in our text, “As he thinks, so is he.” Most believers quickly forget that...
"By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." ~ II Peter 1:4 REFERENCE: II Peter 1:1-4 God's greatest gift to man is His word. Believers are privileged more than the people of this world because the oracles of God have been committed to them. Peter referred to the truth in God's word as exceedingly great and precious promises. God could have given us precious metals or financial success; He gave us His word...
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” ~ Luke 21:33 REFERENCE: Luke 21:31-33 We live in changing times and are confronted daily by several uncertainties. Technology is changing at the speed of light; there is climate change, economic flip-flops, and governments and their policies are constantly changing. Sometimes, it is people that we once trusted and believed in that change; they make promises they never intend to keep, and it becomes difficult to handle. Companies hire people on particular terms, but they do not honor the words; some have been told, “I...
“…Against such there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:23b REFERENCE: Galatians 5:22-25 We have spent the last nine episodes studying the beautiful virtues produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers who are filled with, and allow Him to guide and influence them. If you have the Holy Spirit, then you have these virtues as a seed buried in the soil of your heart; your duty is to cultivate them until they manifest as fruits that will bless all you relate with. These nine virtues (fruit of the Spirit) are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,...
Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. - I Peter 2:23 REFERENCE I Peter 2:19-23 Webster's dictionary says Patience is "To be able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people." It can be arduous since such an expression of Patience contradicts (our fallen) human nature. We often beat traffic lights, are unwilling to stay in queues, become harsh and impatient with a slow motorist with the 'L' sign...
“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” – Mark4:39 REFERENCE: Mark 4:35-41 Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]….” (AMP). Peace is another fruit of the Spirit that believers are to manifest; “To this peace indeed you were called….” This peace comes from intimacy...