“So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” – I Samuel 17:43 REFERENCE: I Samuel 17:38-50 King Saul, his soldiers, the Philistine army and their champion, Goliath, all knew that battles are won with spears, swords, coats of mail, and shields. It was of the utmost shock to all of them when David decided to fight with sticks and stones. Saul tried to clothe him with his military gear, but David refused. Goliath thought he was a joker, but David was thinking outside the box. We often are ‘contained’ in our...
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” – Luke 15:17 REFERENCE: Luke 15:11-24 It bears repeating that the quality of your thoughts determines the height of your success. In sports, no matter how gifted an athlete is physically, if he does not have what it takes mentally (being able to think positively when facing difficult opponents or challenges), he will not succeed. Right actions lead to success, but these actions must be born out of quality thoughts. Successful people succeed by their thinking; their...
“…whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8b REFERENCE: PHILIPPIANS 4:6-9 We often forget the art of thinking but spiritualize everything. God gave us brains to think with; He will not do your thinking for you; but show you the power of thinking: “If you meditate on the word and do all that written in it, you will prosper and have good success.” He will also guide you in what to meditate on: “Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic, honorable,...
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2 REFERENCE: ROMANS 12:1-3 To reposition is to place in a different position; it is adjusting or altering the position of a thing. God wants to adjust and alter things around you until you are in His best for you; He will change your position and move you to a higher level. To reposition, refuse to pattern your life after the events, culture, or people around you, and decide to let the Holy Spirit transform your thinking and align it...
“And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.” – II Samuel 6:13 REFERENCE: II Samuel 6:12-15 The Ark of God once led to the death of Uzzah. However, David heard God blessed the house of Obed-Edom where the Ark was kept. David then saw that God would still keep covenant with and bless His people, Israel, through the Ark. So, with gladness, he went to bring the Ark back. David’s excitement and gratitude to God were so much that he danced in an undignified...
“So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” ~ Acts 3:8 REFERENCE: Acts 3:1-10 In the spirit of thanksgiving, we journey to the Beautiful Gate in Jerusalem to see the man born lame in his feet. His life was predictable: carried daily by friends, dropped at the gate, begged for money, some people passed by, while others gave him money, no one spoke with him or gave him attention; all he did was to stay outside the gate, and never entered the temple. God stepped in through Peter and broke the...
“Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order...” ~ Psalm 40:5 REFERENCE: Psalm 40:1-5 The year is coming to a close, and it is the season of thanksgiving. If you are not deliberate in counting what God has done, you may drown in the feeling that much hasn’t happened for you in the year. However, David felt differently; he said, “Many are Your wonderful works.” It takes reflection to conclude that God’s works in your life are many. David was persecuted by his boss,...
“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” ~ Matthew 4:8 REFERENCE: Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus retired to the desert after His baptism to spend time with His Father through prayer and fasting, and satan showed up there. This desert retreat was going to prepare Jesus for His earthly ministry; no surprise, satan showed up to render His ministry dead on arrival. Our main verse begins with, ‘Again’, which shows the repetition of a thing. It means once more, another time, in addition, or always....
“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” ~ Matthew 4:8 REFERENCE: Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus had an exceptional spiritual encounter at His baptism in the Jordan river. The Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove, and the voice of God spoke from heaven to affirm His Sonship. He proceeded to a secluded desert to be with God alone, but satan soon came to tempt Him. Satan saw a great destiny and the liberation of millions in Jesus. The best way to sabotage that...
“…For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” _ Acts 4:16 REFERENCE: Acts 4:13-22 Peter and John had worked a miracle on a man born lame; he could now walk. That caused no little stir in the city, and a crowd gathered to them, to whom they preached. It ruffled the feathers of the priests, captain of the temple, and Sadducees. They arrested the apostles and jailed them overnight to decide their matter the next day. While adjudicating their matter, it was obvious...