Bible-based devotional teaching, encouragement and inspiration.
“Therefore was he (Tobiah) hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me” — Nehemiah 6:13 Here is Nehemiah, the man who earlier in the narrative (Nehemiah 2:2b) confessed to being dreadfully afraid, standing firm in the face of those who sought to make him afraid. He had been commissioned by God to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem and been granted the king’s…
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” — Luke 15:10 The presence of angels automatically stirs a strong ethereal feeling within the being of mortal flesh, and although angels play a part throughout Scripture, this heavenly presence, in respect to joy, is twice expressed most notably. The first is when Christ is born. Heaven’s realms are brought to earth and there is an angel herald, and…
“Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.” — Psalm 60:12 Many a time a profound revelation or purposeful prayer rises from within the eye of the tempest. It is like balm that almost numbs and overpowers any affliction that may beset the receiver of God’s visitation. Too glorious an appearing is that which the Lord delivers in a time of dire distress and need. What courage it brings and strength it injects…
“And if I perish, I perish” — Esther 4:16b No-one will dispute the bravery of Esther to defy the law in the time of crisis. Was she fearful? Indeed, such a supposition would not be ill considered, for she raised this very protocol as being the reason not to do what Mordecai had requested. Her request for fasting and prayer on her behalf additionally reveals not only her recognition of required Omnipotent assistance, but her insecurity and reserve. Even her concluding…
“For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light” — Psalm 36:9 Ever stopped to consider that it is not sight that enables man to see, but light? Put yourself in a hall of utter darkness and determine this principle for yourself. You will soon determine that the table and chairs were discovered through a bruised knee or paining toe than by observing them, and you learned about the toy on the floor when stumbling…
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us” — Hebrews 12:1 Paul, the forever teacher, cautioner and encourager, sets before us a challenge in our journey towards the Celestial City. It encompasses everything but complacency and indolence. This is not out of the ordinary for Paul,…
“Simon [Peter], son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” — John 21:15 What piercing words to strike a man’s heart are these, when understood in the context of why they were given. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times at the instance of our Lord’s interrogation by the high priest, was being reinstated by his Lord. We are oft quick to criticise, but are we quick to stop and consider the times that we have fallen foul to the…
“So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul” — Proverbs 24:14 Oftentimes we associate wisdom with knowledge, however, this is a flaw of human philosophy. We have the very first account of sin as an illustration: Eve saw that the fruit was good for gaining knowledge, but it was not in wisdom that she took it, it was in foolishness. Sadly, this perception is trampled underfoot in the current age of increased knowledge and it is vividly illustrated day…