Bible-based devotional teaching, encouragement and inspiration.
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [of sins]” – Hebrews 9:22 We see this clearly evidenced right from the beginning: Adam and Eve sowed fig leaves together to provide a covering for their naked bodies (Genesis 3:7). God killed an animal and used the animal skin to clothe them (Genesis 3:21). Cain, the firstborn into the world, offered up the produce of his hands (fruit and vegetables) to God, but God rejected him. Abel offered animals, which…
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” — Isaiah 9:6a It is amazing how without fail the common questions that get asked upon the birth of a child. The first is obvious, is it a boy or girl and what is their name? Then, amusingly, the focus shifts to who the child looks like. Speculative questions are then asked such as what will the child be like, become, in whose footsteps will they follow,…
“We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him” — Matthew 2:2 Right from the outset God gave stars as a means for navigation (Genesis 1:14). Here again, a star led the wise men to Bethlehem where the new-born King of the Jews, Jesus, was cradled in a manger. Man, however, has not just used the stars for navigation but began using them for guidance, and today millions of people are being influenced by stars. There…
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say” – Psalm 124:1 How often is a team’s confidence boosted by a lone player of stature and strength? They rely on that person to make the difference and win the game. On the field of play [or battle], the team looks to him and when he is upbeat, they are upbeat; when he is downcast, they are downcast. They look to him for inspiration,…
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God” – Deuteronomy 29:29 One of the greatest aspects about man is his inquisitiveness. At the same time, one of his greatest failures is the very same. Man needs to discern when his questioning and desire for knowledge falls within the bounds of wisdom. If man truly applied himself diligently on obtaining wisdom, knowledge and insight within the borders of godliness, he would find himself walking not only in contentment but also…
Adapated from A New Year in Christ (published December 31, 2018) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 New Year, a wonder for many! Its arrival is often long awaited, as though it contains a health-giving quality that was non-existent in the year about to be cast into oblivion. As the past morphs into the future when the clock hands…
“He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved” – Psalm 62:6 Upon what foundation does Jesus tell us the wise man builds his house? And why does He tell us this? Because when the rain descends and the floods come up, and when the winds blow and beat on that house, it will not fall – for it was founded on the rock. But what constitutes the rock? Is it not…
“Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also” – Luke 2:35 The incarnation of Jesus Christ, God the Son, was profound. What was another great wonder was the Crucifixion, for although the Jews were waiting for their Messiah, they were not expecting a suffering servant but a conquering King, despite the revelation contained in Scripture. The scene played true to their expectation – the angel Gabriel declaring to Mary that Jesus would be great, called the Son of…