“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.’ And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city.” ~ Joshua 8:18 REFERENCE: Joshua 8:14-20 There are things God wants you to have in life that you may not have because you have not been able to reach out in faith to receive them. Faith demonstrates to God your absolute conviction that He will do what He says He will, your expectation to receive your desire, and your willingness...
“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.” – Nahum 2:2 REFERENCE: Nahum 2:1-6 In our text, God warns Nineveh that ‘he who scatters’ had come and that they should man the fort, watch the road, strengthen their flanks, and fortify themselves. Today, it is a call to us to be alert and ready to fight back when life throws you into situations that steal from you and drain you. It is a call to vigilance because if you don’t, life can rob you of...
"And Nathaniel said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'" – John 1:46 REFERENCE: John 1:43-50 Nazareth was a small, obscure village that became famous because it was the hometown of Jesus. It had an estimated population of about 200 to 400 people. Everyone knew everyone by name (in such villages). Jesus grew up, and he went there first when He began his public ministry. No wonder Nathaniel did not expect any good from Nazareth when he heard about a Savior from Nazareth, so he doubted. However, he would yet...
“For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.” ~ Psalm 18:39 REFERENCE: Psalm 18:28-39 David recounts the unusual victories he secured in his battles, how he pursued his enemies and overtook and wounded them until they could rise no more. He recalls his ability to run against a troop of soldiers and leap over walls, climb jagged heights like a deer, bend bronze bows to shoot arrows, and how his feet never slipped. It takes unusual strength to do all this. How did David become...
“So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days.” – 1 Kings 17:15 REFERENCE: I Kings 17:8-16 Faith is one concept in the bible that makes those who act in faith appear crazy or foolish. Faith believes in a God it does not see and acts in ways that do not make logical sense. Faith made childless Abram change his name to Abraham (father of nations), and Peter walk on water. It takes crazy faith to live a life that pleases God because He will...
…That man was telling his friend about a dream that he had. He was saying, ‘I dreamed that a round loaf of bread came rolling into the camp of the Midianites. That loaf of bread hit the tent so hard that the tent turned over and fell flat.’ – Judges 7:13 ERV REFERENCE: Judges 7:1-22 At this point in Israel’s history, the oppression and plunder from the Midianites reduced them to poverty. Gideon, whom God called to lead an army against the Midianites, raised 32,000 men, but God told him to reduce the number to 300 men because He...
"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you..." ~ I Chronicles 28:9 REFERENCE: I Chronicles 28:4-10 As the sun began to set on David's time as king of Israel, he began to put 'his house' in order. He called the leaders of Israel, officers of the tribes, military captains, personal staff, and the members of his cabinet and gave...
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” – I Timothy 1:15 REFERENCE: I Timothy 1:12-17 It is the last day of the first half of the year. We have spent the week reflecting on the goodness and mercies of God in the previous six months. Possibly, you may look back and say, “Well, I don’t have much to thank God for.” Do you have salvation? Do you know that is the greatest thing God has done for you, and nothing else...
"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...
In God, we boast all day long and praise Your name forever. Selah – Psalm 44:8 REFERENCE: Psalm 44:6-8 Listen to David. Having experienced God's salvation from his enemies and seen how God put his adversaries to shame, he concluded, saying, "I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me." He realized that his victory did not come from his bow, sword, or any military policy but from God. Excitedly, he decided to boast in God all day long; he turned on his bragging rights. If you can look back at the last six months...