Bible-based devotional teaching, encouragement and inspiration.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” – James 1:2 One of the hardest aspects about Scripture is that it so often contradicts human nature. Its principles and practises are sometimes tougher than cowhide to digest, and nothing other than the power of the Holy Spirit working in us will prevent us from choking on it. It is contrary to nature to desire pain; it is contrary to nature to desire trouble; it is contrary…
“I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” — John 10:10b At this time of year there are always arguments about Christmas: Is the Christmas festival a Christian celebration or not? Should Christians celebrate it or not? Was Jesus born on Christmas day or not? Some people ignore such questions and carry on with the tradition passed down to them through the generations, while others will not associate with anything remotely resembling…
“Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I (Jesus) have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.” — Luke 22:31,32 This is a powerful piece of Scripture. Apart from its general understanding, its revelation is twofold – a) Jesus’ access to the throne of God, and b) the “shocking” reality of what God allows. a) Having read in the book of Job what transpired before the throne of God, it…
“Have you considered My servant Job?” — Job 1:8 The book of Job transports us up into the very golden realms of heaven from the muddy earth-clod land beneath. It opens closed doors on the spiritual and gives a specific but vivid entrance into God’s throne room. What a panoramic window we have on two simultaneous worlds operating in different spheres yet linked and bearing consequence directly upon what transpires in one or the other. This is the first understanding we…
“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…