Month: October 2012

'...Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.' Romans 5:20 NKJVPaul writes, '...I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.' (Galatians 1:13 NIV) Clearly, Paul had no thoughts of becoming a Christian. As a Pharisee, he was obsessed with the law. As an intellectual, he could debate the finest minds. Articulate and educated, ...Read More

'...It is not good that man should be alone' Genesis 2:18 NKJVGod's plan for your life always requires building relationships with the right people. To succeed, you must be able to recognise these people and work with them. Remember Jonathan, who loved David even at the cost of his own life? Or Ruth, who loved ...Read More

'You...do not receive, because you ask amiss' James 4:3 NKJVSometimes in our prayers we are 'me' centred and see God as a genie to be conjured up to fulfil our every wish. Then when we don't get what we want we think He doesn't hear, doesn't care, or maybe doesn't exist. James says, 'You...do not ...Read More

'...Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.' Mark 10:43 NIVWilliam Wilberforce's biographer, Eric Metaxas, points out that the abolition of the British slave trade had even greater implications: 'We had suddenly entered a world in which we would never again ask whether it was our responsibility as a society to help ...Read More

'...Do it with the strength God provides' 1 Peter 4:11 NIVWilliam Wilberforce grew up as a child of privilege, attending Cambridge University. Two weeks after his twenty-first birthday he was elected to Parliament where he became a brilliant orator and politician. Then he met John Newton, author of the hymn Amazing Grace. A former slave ...Read More

'Don't let anyone look down on you' 1 Timothy 4:12 NIVYou shouldn't be overlooked because of your age, your gender, your nationality, your education or your financial status. People will try to put you down, but if you trust God He will lift you up. Timothy started preaching in his teens. He became Paul's travelling ...Read More

'To prepare God's people for works of service' Ephesians 4:12 NIVThe story's told of a pastor who went to the railroad station every night to watch the express train roar through town. His congregation wondered why. When suspicions arose a deacon followed him, watched him, and asked what he was doing. He replied, 'This train ...Read More

'...Conquer evil by doing good.' Romans 12:21 TLBIt's easy to forget why God saved you, what He's called you to do, and how you're supposed to live. So here's a memo from Heaven: 'Don't just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each ...Read More

'Bless the Lord...who forgives all your [sins]' Psalm 103:23 NKJVWe tend to forgive others more easily than we forgive ourselves. This is especially so when we fail in a major area like a marriage or career, or our actions have hurt others, or our habits have hurt us, or we know we are not doing ...Read More

'In Him we have...forgiveness of sins' Ephesians 1:7 NKJVWhen God forgives you but you refuse to forgive yourself, you're spurning His grace and choosing to be miserable. When you do that: (1) Your loved ones are at risk. It's not just about you. When you wallow in guilt you tend to be more withdrawn and ...Read More

'We fasted and entreated...God' Ezra 8:23 NKJVEzra's assignment was rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, and there were moments when it felt overwhelming. So here's what he did: 'We fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.' When you are willing to go without food and take the time to seek God ...Read More