"Our God is the God of salvation; And to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death." – Psalm 68:20 If you cannot thank God for what you received, thank Him for what you escaped. If God opened our eyes to see the many unseen evils He protects us from or the many plans in the enemy's mind restrained from hatching, thanksgiving would not be difficult. David made this statement after escaping two assassination attempts and living as a fugitive for years. I often imagine that while some thieves plan a heist, God keeps the thoughts of my street or...
“And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, ‘For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.’” – Genesis 26:22 REFERENCE: Genesis 26:12-22 Nothing is as disheartening as putting so much effort into something and not seeing corresponding results. It is even worse when external forces sabotage your efforts and make progress difficult. Isaac, an otherwise industrious man, found himself in such a situation; the Philistines worked against all his business interests, but he...
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21 REFERENCE: Proverbs 18:20-21 The mouth is the most potent weapon God gave humanity. I say that because God Himself used His words (mouth) to speak the world, we see today into existence. Our text says life and death are in the power of the tongue. The mouth (which houses the tongue) is a creative force; it can create a haven of peace, joy, or prosperity; if misused, it can also create a miserable life. I saw...
"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...
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” ~ Philippians 4:6 REFERENCE: Philippians 4:6-9 We saw yesterday that anxiety is born from uncertainty about the outcome of events we cannot control, and our mind is its real target. A mind overtaken by anxiety can rule and ruin your life. We cannot always control the anxiety-creating events around us. Still, we can find and master ways to beat anxiety. Paul shows us how to be anxious for nothing in our text: a. By Prayer and Supplication:...
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” ~ Philippians 4:6 REFERENCE: Philippians 4:6-9 What a reassuring verse of scripture for the times we live in. So much is happening around us that is perplexing; sometimes, it seems like the world is on a free-fall to doom, and we do not have a full grip on our lives and the external circumstances that affect us. The real target is our mind; to take control of it with anxiety. A mind overtaken by anxiety can rule and...
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” ~ John 14:16 REFERENCE: John 14:15-26 Jesus gives His valedictory speech to His disciples; the thought of Him dying left them morose, like a child who had just got separated from his parents. That prompted Jesus to tell them He would not leave them as orphans; although He would not be present, He would send them a Helper just like Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit. The Greek for ‘Helper’ is Parakletos. Parakletos describes the ministry of...
"Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel." ~ Proverbs 27:9 REFERENCE: Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 27:9 In concluding the devotion to fostering friendships, let us focus on being true friends to others. Just as we desire meaningful connections, we must extend the same love, support, and grace to those around us. Instead of wondering if people are good friends, be one; be to people what you would want them to be to you. Be a true friend. Today's verses show the ingredients for friendship; you will be considered a...
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” ~ Proverbs 18:24 REFERENCE: Proverbs 18:24 Some people cringe when they hear about friendship because friends have once hurt them, so they steer clear of it. However, God designed us for connection and community; so, friendships are vital in our lives. Friends have supported, helped, and given people leverage over the years. Friendship is a good thing, and you need good friends around you. Fostering fulfilling friendships is an asset you need on your life’s journey. To have friends,...