“For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them” (Eccl 9:12). Action taken without any knowledge of our time is the entrapment of the enemy. We would lose sight of all…
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21). Is it our works that qualify us for heaven or a faith that translates into efforts that are pleasing to God? Many among the professors of religion have believed that no evidence is…
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jer 1:5). The knowledge of God is complete in itself. The expanse of His knowledge reaches from eternity past through time into the farthest regions of eternity future. It cuts through the knowledge of man…
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world” (1Jn 4:17). The love of Jesus Christ is conveyed to the world through those who trust in Him. It is spread abroad through those who have no other motive other than to…
“The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart” (Prov 20:27). Our spirits have full knowledge of our true selves. It is not what we project, but who we are that the light of the spirit searches out. Experiences of the past are registered in the heart thus carving out…
“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered” (Prov 28:26). A change of heart must take place before the heart can be fully trusted. It is too easily influenced by external forces. It can be manipulated by infatuations, deceived by insinuations, and deeply distressed by insecurities and fears. Wisdom is made…
“And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority” (Lk 4:33). The conventional wisdom and language of the people was mere talk without power to back it up. There had been many who had made impressive speeches that dazzled the crowds and held their undivided attention. But none was able to speak with such words of…
“An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: (31) The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” (Jer 5:30-31). When the power of God is absent, the people follow the dictates of their own hearts. They…
“God’s Way (the Kingdom) is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life” (1Cor 4:20 MSG). The power to live according to the Word must be released to us by the Spirit of God if we are ever to become a witness of Christ to the world. A powerless speech may be impressive and even convincing, but once…
“I, God, will begin by restoring the common households of Judah so that the glory of David’s family and the leaders in Jerusalem won’t overshadow the ordinary people in Judah” (Zec 12:7-8 MSG). God will raise the common people who trust in Him to a degree of prominence alongside of royalty. God’s love will know no boundaries when He is…
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal 2:20). This was not the initial phase of Paul’s life after meeting Jesus. After…
“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered” (Prov 28:26). It is too easy to feel that a particular thing is right and rely totally upon one’s feelings. Many place their confidence in the inclinations of the heart rather than the established truth of God’s word. Our hearts may guide us…