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Showing posts from June, 2023

If the Lord do not help thee

2 Kings 6:24 And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. 6:25 And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. 6:26 And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. 6:27 And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? The city of Samaria was facing an extreme famine. The people were starving, and their desperation had reached its peak. So dire was their condition that they were driven to the point of cannibalism.  This tragic scene serves as a reminder that life can throw us into seemingly impossible circumstances. At times, we may feel abandoned and forgotten, left to face insurmountable challenges on our own. In t...

The greatest of thine Excellency

Exodus 15:6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. In Exodus 15, we witness the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians as they crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Overwhelmed by the incredible display of God's power and faithfulness, Moses and the people of Israel burst forth in a song of praise and adoration. It is in this song that we find the profound verses of Exodus 15:6-7: "Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces. And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath; It consumed them like stubble." These verses remind us of the greatness of our God, the One who fights for His ...

Perverse Talk and Corrupt Speech

Proverbs 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.  Our tongues possess the power to either bring life and healing or inflict pain and destruction. Through the words of Solomon, we will reflect on the dangers of perverse talk and corrupt speech and learn how to guard our tongues with wisdom and grace. I. What it means.  Perverse talk refers to words that are twisted, distorted, or deceptive in nature. It includes dishonesty, manipulation, and deceitful language. Perverse talk breeds mistrust, breaks relationships, and undermines the foundation of truth. It goes against the principles of integrity and honesty that our Lord desires for us. Corrupt speech encompasses all forms of offensive, impure, and harmful words. It includes gossip, slander, profanity, insults, and any speech that tears others down. Corrupt speech not only damages our relationships with others but also tarnishes our own character and reflects a lack of respect for the sacr...

Diligent Work

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Every day presents us with a multitude of tasks, responsibilities, and opportunities. Ecclesiastes 9:10 encourages us to approach these tasks with all our might. Whether big or small, each task deserves our diligent effort.  When we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to our daily work, whether it is at home, in our careers, or in our communities, we honour God and manifest His presence in our lives. Diligent works cultivate discipline, efficiency, and excellence, paving the way for success and fulfillment. Diligence in Our Spiritual Journey: Our spiritual journey requires diligent works as well. It is not enough to have knowledge or wisdom alone; we must put our faith into action. James 1:22 reminds us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Diligent works in our spiritual lives...

Peculiar Treasure

Exodus  19:3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;  19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.  19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:  19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. God's love for His people is immeasurable, In verse 4, He  reminds the people of Israel of the marvelous deliverance they experienced from the land of Egypt. He says, "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." The Israelites witnessed the power and love of God as He set them free from slavery. This ac...

God's mighty power

Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 13:22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.  It is awe-inspiring to witness how God's mighty power is revealed throughout history, as He guides and protects His people. Today's text focuses on a remarkable event during the Exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt.   After enduring centuries of slavery, God was about to fulfill His promise of deliverance. As the Israelites embarked on this arduous journey, they were not left to navigate on their own. God manifested His mighty power by guiding them in a remarkable way, a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire during the night. 1. The Pillar of Cloud: During the day, a cloud led the Israelites forward. This cloud symbolised God's presence and guidance. It provided sha...

The word of the Lord

2 Kings  7:1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. There may comes a time when life seems to be ending, a time when help seems far away, a time when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, words of hope has been silenced and we think of ending it all. But in time like this, there is still the word of someone that can turn things around for good. Such is the word that came though Elisha.  I. The Desperate Situation: In 2 Kings 7:1-7, we find ourselves amidst a desperate situation in the city of Samaria. The people were besieged by their enemies, facing a severe famine and great suffering. Within the city walls, hunger gnawed at their bellies, and death loomed over them. The situation seemed hopeless, and all human efforts appeared futile. Yet, in the midst of despair, God sent a prophet with a ...

Garment without blemish

Ecclesiastes  9:8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Title: Garment Without Blemish When the Bible speaks of garments, it often uses them as symbols to convey spiritual truths. In this context, the white garment signifies purity, righteousness, and holiness. It represents the inward transformation that occurs in our lives when we surrender to God's grace. Just as white garments radiate brightness and cleanliness, our lives should reflect the purity and righteousness found in Christ. The call to have "garments always white" is a reminder of our ongoing pursuit of holiness. As believers, we are called to continuously strive to live a life that honours God in all aspects. This pursuit is not an isolated event or a momentary decision but rather a lifelong commitment. Our desire for holiness should permeate every area of our lives, whether in our thoughts, words, actions, or relationships. To maintain a garment without blemish, we need to be c...

Be Separated

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  This passage reminds us of the importance of being separated as believers, setting ourselves apart from the influences of the world. In a culture that often encourages compromise and conformity, God calls us to a higher standard of living. Verse 14 of our passage highlights the reason behind this call to separation: "For what partnership has righteousness with law...

Who can stand against God's agenda?

Isaiah 14:27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?  As believers, we often find ourselves facing various challenges, obstacles, and opposition in our lives. But let me assure you, no matter how great or intimidating the forces may seem, there is nobody who can stand against God's agenda. Our assurance lies in the timeless words of the prophet Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 14:27.  Our faith is anchored in the understanding that God has a purpose and plan for everything that unfolds in this world. The divine agenda is not subject to the whims or interference of humanity.  The passage reminds us that the Lord Almighty has purposed, meaning His intentions and plans are unchangeable. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who has set the universe in motion, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. Isaiah's words emphasize the power and might of God's hand. The imagery of His h...

The Greatest Helper

Psalms  22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.  In the  verse above, we discover a profound truth that echoes throughout the ages.  a truth that transcends time, culture, and circumstances. It is a truth that reminds us of the greatest helper we can turn to in our moments of need.  The psalmist's plea for help echoes our own cries in times of trouble. In the midst of trials, we often find ourselves feeling abandoned, alone, and without any earthly assistance.  We encounter situations that seem insurmountable, burdens that overwhelm us, and challenges that leave us exhausted. It is in these moments that we resonate with the psalmist's words and seek a helper who can provide solace, strength, and support. The psalmist's words emphasize an essential truth about the limitations of human help. He declares, "there is none to help." While people can provide assistance and support in various ways, their help is ultimately limited....

The harvest is truly plenteous

Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. In this passage above, Jesus presents a vivid picture of a plentiful harvest. Just as the farmer rejoices at the sight of ripe crops in the field, Jesus sees an abundance of souls ready to be gathered into His Kingdom. The world around us is filled with people searching for meaning, hope, and salvation.  They long for the love and grace that only Christ can provide. We must recognize the vastness of this spiritual harvest, where countless lives are waiting to be transformed by the power of the Gospel. While the harvest is plenteous, Jesus points out the scarcity of laborers. He reveals a sobering truth, there are not enough workers dedicated to reaping the spiritual harvest. Just as the farmer needs workers to bring in the crops before they spoil, so does the Kingdom of God nee...

A praying father

Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?  Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with the gift of fatherhood, and it is a sacred responsibility that carries immense significance. Today we will reflect on the influence and impact of a praying father in the home.  In a world filled with distractions and challenges, it is crucial for fathers to embrace their role as spiritual leaders within their families. Prayer is the lifeline that connects us with our Heavenly Father, and it is through prayer that we find the strength, wisdom, and grace to navigate the complexities of fatherhood. When a father kneels before God in prayer, he humbles himself and acknowledges his dependence on the One who is the source of all wisdom and strength. The power of a praying father cannot be underestimated. When a father prays, he cr...

Enduring Temptation

James  1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. In our journey of faith, we often face various trials and temptations that threaten to derail our walk with God. However, the book of James provides us with profound wisdom and encouragement.  James begins by highlighting the blessedness of those who persevere under trial. It is crucial to recognize that trials are not punishments from God but opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity. Our faith is refined in the crucible of adversity. When we endure, standing firm in our co...

Power against unclean spirit

Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Before we can fully understand the power against unclean spirits, it is vital to acknowledge their existence. The Bible consistently warns us about the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of demonic forces seeking to deceive, oppress, and harm humanity. Unclean spirits manifest themselves in various ways, including addictions, bondage, fear, anger, and all forms of evil that oppose the truth and love of God. In Matthew 10:1, we witness Jesus conferring authority upon His disciples. This authority was not given solely to the twelve apostles but to all who would follow Him faithfully. As believers, we are called to embrace this authority and walk in the power of Christ.  This authority is not derived from our own strength or abilities, but it originates from our union with the King of ...

Fret Not

Psalms  37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.  37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. We are In a world filled with uncertainty, challenges, and constant distractions, we often find ourselves worrying and being consumed by anxiety. However, the psalmist invites us to embrace a different perspective an attitude of trust and confidence in the Divine plan of God.  Fretting is an expression of worry, anxiety, or fear. It is the state of being consumed by negative thoughts, allowing them to dominate our hearts and minds. When we fret, we lose our peace, and our focus shifts from the goodness of God to the challenges we face. Fretting not only robs us of our joy, but it also hinders our spiritual growth. It creates a barrier between us and God, preventing us from fully experiencing His presence and provision in our lives. Moreover, it leads to harmful behavior such as envy...

The Stony heart

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 36:28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. 36:29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. 36:30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.  A heart of stone represents a heart that is hardened, unyielding, and resistant to the things of God. It symbolises a heart that is callous towards God's commands and His loving presence.  A stony heart is characterized by its inability to experience true intimacy with God. ...

Submission

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  In our world, submission often carries a negative connotation. It is seen as weakness or surrendering one's will to someone else's control. However, as believers, we are called to a different kind of submission one that leads to true freedom and a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. In these verses above, James reveals the transformative power of submission. He starts by urging us to submit ourselves to God. This submission is not about giving up our autonomy or living in fear, but rather about recognizing that God is our loving Creator, and His ways are far better than ours. It is an acknowledgment that God's wisdom and guidance surpass our own limited understanding. When ...

The greatest builder

Hebrews 3:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. There is an undeniable reality that we must acknowledge in this life, and that is, every house is indeed built by someone. This simple statement reminds us of the human achievements in construction and architecture.  We see towering skyscrapers, majestic cathedrals, and beautifully crafted homes, each bearing the mark of human ingenuity and craftsmanship. However, as impressive as these structures may be, they are mere reflections of the ingenuity and creativity instilled in us by our Creator. In contrast to the finite achievements of human builders, our faith is anchored in the understanding that God is the ultimate builder of everything. The Scriptures bear witness to this truth, affirming that God spoke the universe into existence, fashioned the mountains and the seas, and formed man and woman in His own image. God's design is unparalleled, for it is imbued with His wisdom, love, and purpos...

put away lying Tongue

Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  In a world filled with deception and falsehood, the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians provides us with timely guidance on the importance of truthfulness which is one of the virtues of the nature of Christ.  Lying is a deeply rooted problem in our society. From small white lies to elaborate deceit, the art of deception has become far too prevalent. We live in an age of misinformation, where lies are easily spread, causing confusion, division, and pain.  Lying not only damages our relationships with others but also hinders our relationship with God. Our lying tongues disrupt the unity that God desires for His Church, tearing apart the fabric of trust that binds us together. Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 4:25 calls us to a higher standard. As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth. We are instructed to "put off falsehood" an...

God Sees secret alms

Matthew  6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. We often find ourselves seeking recognition and praise for our acts of kindness and generosity, but Jesus, in His divine wisdom, reminds us that God sees even the secret alms we offer. Jesus begins His teaching by addressing the act of giving to the needy. In the culture of His time, it was common for people to make a show of their generosity, seeking recognition and applause from others. However, Jesus calls us to a higher standard, urging us to give in secret. The phrase "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" is a metaphorical expression used by Jesus to emphasize the need for secrecy in our acts of kindness. He is urging us to perform our acts of charity without seeking personal glory or public acclaim. By giving in secret, we cultivate humility with...

Our labor of love is not forgotten

Hebrews  6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:  6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. There are many employers who withheld the benefits of their employees, but God who has given us the privilege to be His servants in His vineyard is not an usurper who will not repay us for our labour of love towards the kingdom business.  The author of Hebrews begins by assuring us that God is not unjust. As believers, we can take great comfort in knowing that our God is a fair and just God. He sees our efforts, our sacrifices, and our love for Him and His people. He knows the countless hours we invest in His service, whether it is in our families, workplaces, communities, or t...

Denying unholiness

Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Living a Godly life is a necessity for any believer in Christ and even it is God's plan for everyone. Apostle Paul in his message begins by describing the individuals who were causing trouble within the church. He calls them "empty talkers" and "deceivers."  Their mouths were filled with empty words and false teachings, which served no purpose other than to deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Paul warns that such individuals are motivated by their own selfish desires, leading them further away from the truth of God's Word. Today, we still encounter individuals who promote unholiness through their words and actio...

The greatest gain

Philippians  1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. These simple yet powerful words hold a deep meaning that encapsulates the essence of a life worth living. Let us understand the meaning it entails.  I. To Live is Christ: In the first part of this verse, Paul states, "For to me, to live is Christ." What does it mean to live in Christ? It means that our lives are fully surrendered to Him, and He becomes the center of our existence. Living in Christ involves seeking His will, obeying His commandments, and aligning our desires with His. It is a life of devotion, faith, and dependence on our Lord Jesus Christ. Living in Christ also means imitating His character. We strive to love as He loved, to show compassion as He showed, and to serve as He served. It means allowing His love and grace to flow through us, touching the lives of those around us. When Christ becomes our life's purpose, every aspect of our existence is transformed. Our thoughts, words, and actio...