Bible-based devotional teaching, encouragement and inspiration.
“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” — Philippians 3:8a It was quite something for Paul to say these words, not because they were untrue – far from it; it was because he had gained so much. We often see this in the physical sense of tangible possessions, yet this is not the all. Paul had climbed to prominence on the ladder of Pharisaical power. He was well educated and schooled…
“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 salubrious 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 are at their most erect, New Year’s arrival is celebrated with verve…
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” — Revelation 19:11 Throughout history, empires, regimes and dictators have come and gone. They have ascended to status on the shoulders of songs of hailment and been felled with less grace and dignity than afforded to rogues and exiles. Many a time it has been at the hand of a ruler…
“And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears” — Esther 8:3 It is not easy to get an audience with a king. In times past, this was even more so, as the king played no role of futility; the whole of his kingdom relied on his presence and proclamations. Only a few dared try, and even fewer succeeded. In Esther’s time, even as queen an audience with the king was…
“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High.” — Psalm 50:14 In a few days’ time, Thanksgiving – a holiday rooted in English traditions, the Protestant Reformation and the Puritans – will be celebrated in the United States. To an enemy of God, antagonistic to His existence and influence, the celebration on the North American continent that dates back to the early 1620s, has little meaning and value, other than as an opportunity for self-fulfilled celebration, which…
“Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?” — Psalm 76:7 When a hurricane hits the coast of a country, it unleashes its fury without restraint. Of its impending arrival there is much fuss, with warnings broadcast across a plethora of communication channels in an effort to allow the populace to escape the unrepressed release of its wrath. There are government departments and stations dedicated to watching for and monitoring…
“But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.” — Psalm 94:22 In the far north of Sweden lies Boden. It is legendary for Boden Fortress, the fortification and defence structure consisting of several major and minor forts and fortifications surrounding the city, hewn out of solid bedrock. It is interesting to see how the natural wonder of rock has served such a means throughout history, not just as a refuge, but as a…
“Woe to you who are at ease in Zion” — Amos 6:1 One of the deadliest luxuries that a Christian can possess is complacency. It is an indulgence ill retained that cannot be afforded and should not be regaled. It should be shaken off as though it were a poisonous parasite, lest it sit fast and suck like a leach, drawing the very life-blood of its victim and leaving him sick and weak, and vulnerable to trouble, ultimate defeat and potential…