“God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.” Hebrews 6:18 CEV I know like many others, I am in a season of uncertainty, and confusion, and have been experiencing a little bit of anxiety. I felt overwhelmed today as the deafening noise from the world bombarded my thoughts, and caused me to doubt for a moment. I am so thankful that I can…
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel 6:10 NLT The king during this season of Daniel’s life was King Darius. To be sure that his government was being run properly, King Darius put three other officials in charge of the governors. Daniel becomes one of these men, along with two others. He was a hard worker and eventually was promoted. You probably can guess what happens next. The other two officials were not happy about this and decided to try and find something wrong with Daniel and his work. Coming up empty, they then attack his religion and beliefs. King Darius is persuaded to put a new law in place that requires everyone to worship only him for 30 days, and if someone breaks the law, they must be thrown into a pit of lions. What happens next is so incredible! Daniel hears about the law and does not appear to be fazed, intimidated, or frightened by it at all. He simply…
“For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalms 91:3-4 Have you ever felt vulnerable? I am the type of person who hates to be seen as weak, struggling, or vulnerable. But at the end of the day, I am still human. Being a Christian doesn’t elevate me beyond my human flaws, I will still make mistakes, and I will always need a Savior. I will be faced with whatever life throws my way, just the same as every person I pass by today. I am so thankful that I know who Jesus is, and that I have access to His word. These scriptures written above are a beautiful reminder that even in those weak, vulnerable moments – He will rescue us, protect us, cover us, and shelter us. Isn’t that an incredible reassurance? We are rescued from every trap the enemy tries to lay for us, he has no power over us. He protects us from anything that may try to destroy our souls and ultimately kill us. He then covers…
“Noah built an altar to God. He selected clean animals and birds from every species and offered them as burnt offerings on the altar. God smelled the sweet fragrance and thought to himself, “I’ll never again curse the ground because of people. I know they have this bent toward evil from an early age, but I’ll never again kill off everything living as I’ve just done.” Genesis 8:20-21 MSG In studying the story of Noah and the ark, I was struck by these verses. Now, I’ve read this story numerous times as have you most likely. What stood out most to…
From a Nobody to a Somebody “And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” Ruth 4:16-17 We have come to the end of our study of the Book of Ruth. I hope that you have been blessed as much as I have. Let us take one more look at the main characters in the story: Naomi – a woman who was bitter but became blessed. When she thought her life was over, that she had nothing left to live for, God allowed her to return to her own country. The blessings she received at the end of the book, far outweighed what she had lost. Ruth – who went from being a widow, barren and unfruitful to a wife and mother. She had been far from the knowledge of the true God but became intimate in her relationship with Him and thus gained a family. Boaz – the wealthy landowner who was willing to redeem the fields of Elimelech and…
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.” Ruth 4:13 I love to read, and I like books that have a happy ending. Romance stories usually begin with two people meeting, getting to know one another, facing some difficulties along the way, and ending with them living happily ever after. The Book of Ruth does not fail us in this respect. The lonely stranger who followed the reapers to provide food for her and her mother-in-law now need no longer do so. She is now married to the owner, and all the fields are now hers. What a picture of redemption. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we become one with Him. Our redemption is complete. All of His riches are at our disposal. Romans 7:4 “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.” What a beautiful picture is portrayed in Ruth 4:16-17 “And Naomi took the child, and…