To better understand 630 01VII2008

What answers can you get from this familiar question
"Why did the chicken cross the road?"

Undoubtedly, you will get many answers to that question, different ways in which each of those people might identify the question and answer in the way they understood it. But not everyone accept every single explanation. Some may be long and arduous answers, some may be too technical, not readily understood. Some may be short and sharp and some may be ridiculous. This is only the perception of someone’s answers.

Likewise we have been given so many ways to learn the Word of God and so many people from whom to learn it, each one a stepping stone to higher learning and greater understanding.


Proverbs 4 : 7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.

(0630 01VII2008)

Emotional healing 629 30VI2008

Are you experiencing a whirlwind of emotional pain and confusion. Are you looking for release and direction.

The solution is here – read the truth from God’s Word. Be encouraged to get to know more about God and the benefits of spending time in God’s Word. You will find that healing is coming. You can be assured to find steady progress as you become more faithful to learn more of Him. As you begin to trust Him, the healing will begin. Little by little, step by step, as things appear in your life, He shows you how they contribute now and in the past, to the overall chaos. You will begin to learn from Him, begin to stand stronger on the truths and you will begin the next leg of the journey.

Psalm 32 : 7 - 8
Thou art my hiding place; Thou dost preserve me from trouble; Thou dost surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 139 : 13 - 14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 147 : 3
He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.

Isaiah 30 : 18
Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

Isaiah 57 : 15
For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Luke 4 : 14
Jesus said, "[God] has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden."

Exodus 23 : 27 - 30
I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. And I will send hornets ahead of you, that they may drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites before you. I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate, and the beast of the field become too numerous for you. I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land.

Deuteronomy 30 : 19 - 20
I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days.

(0629 30VI2008)

Take stock 628 29VI2008

It's a good idea every once in a while to take stock of ourselves.
To see
- where we started out, and where we are now in our relationship with our family, our friends, our fellow workers, and in our relationship with God.
- if some of the things we thought were so big, so hard to understand and let bother us, have gradually become smaller;
- to look at what kind of a "trail" we're leaving behind. Does something need changing? What "trail of faith" follows us, one of some uncertainty that falters, or one that is steadfast and strives to understand?

Perhaps we'll see something new that we'd missed because we were too busy, concentrating on other things. Will we be able, when looking back, to see some things in a new light and be buoyed by how far we've come?

We must thank God for our ability to "look back", to change what needs to be changed; to see things in a different light; to gain new understanding and grow with it. We must give thanks to all those who help us

Psalm 131 : 1,2
Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely, I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother; my soul is even as a weaned child.

Psalm 18 : 36
Thou has enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

(0628 29VI2008)

How do you start your day ?? 627 28VI2008

How do you start your day - do you start your Saturday morning with a visit to a garage sale ? Do you start your day with a visit to the auction sale ?

How do you donate or give your tip - so you grip tight to a larger bill and let the small one drop into the plate ?

Do you start your day with a leftover ?
Do you also come to God with such an attitude ?

We must remember that we are blessed us with abundance

Deuteronomy 26:10
So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me

(0627 28VI2008)

To see or to remember 626 27VI2008

If you are given a choice to see or to lose your memory, what would you choose ?

Would you choose to see because you would rather see where you are going than remember where you have been.

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul made the same choice spiritually. His past, with its success and its shame, he chose to forget. He said that all that had been done before had the value of dung. What mattered to him most was keeping his eye on the goal of gaining Christ's approval.

This is the mindset of a matured Christian. It's what God is working to develop in our lives (Philippians 3:13-15). We cannot forget our past but we do not have to live in it. Any good we may have done is from God, so we can only be thankful. When we confess our sins, they are buried in the deepest sea.

What do you choose? To see or to remember?

Philippians 3:13-14
Forgetting those things which are behind, I press toward the prize of the highest calling of God in Jesus Christ.

(0626 27VI2008)

How to read the Bible 625 26VI2008

Do you search the Scriptures, or do you only skim them?
Do you dwell on a passage till you bring out some meaning, or till you can carry away some memorable truth or immediate lesson?
Or do you fly along only on the lookout for novelty?
Does the Word of God dwell in you richly ?

Are you like a butterfly which dance from flower to flower or a bee darts down here and there and sips wherever he can find a drop of nectar. The bee alights everywhere and wherever he alights he either finds honey or makes it. The butterfly has no patience for such details and soon fade along with the flowers while the bee is warm in his hive amid the flagrant harvest which he gathered.


2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

(0625 26VI2008)

When you worry 624 25VI2008

Have you been struggling and planning, worrying and sweating, crying and running at a furious pace, trying to solve the problem by yourself again ? God asks that you "cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

When you worry about your problem, you are telling God that He is unable to provide for His children.

When you worry that no one understands you, you are telling God that He does not know you.

When you worry that you will not have enough food, you are telling God that although He rained down bread from heaven in the desert to feed His children, you are the one He has forgotten.

When you worry that your enemies will have victory over you, you are telling God that He can not handle your colleagues, your neighbour, your partner or associates.

Think about the one who loves you the most and who has all power. Then open your hands and release what you have been holding onto. Ask God to forgive you for doubting Him.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

(0624 25VI2008)

Giving 623 24VI2008

Many of us have difficulty moving through the stages of grief. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, it seemed the grief would not dissipate. You will need an alternative approach to remedy the situation.

It may be helpful to divert your attention to things around you. You may want to provide care and help to those in need. Here your attention is focused on those who are in need and you are there to fill that need. Soon you will be able to work through your grief, because you have give of yourself to help others in need. Here you are able to discover the lesson of healing through giving. Giving takes away many of the pains we carry in life.

Mark 4 : 24
Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you.

(0623 24VI2008)

The need to give 622 23VI2008

Do you believe in the work of God. ?

In Mark 12 : 43 the widow believed in the work of God. The work of the temple was important to her and she wanted to support it. Doubtless, it was with pleasure that she dropped in her coins for she knew she was part of something bigger than herself.

People who made such contributions feel that they are part of something important something far bigger than they are. There is a certain dignity about being able to give to something you believe in. It says that we are not simply takers but we are givers.

There was a reason that the widow spent her last few coins on the work of God rather than on herself. Perhaps she had discovered that valuable secret of her need to give, and she found peace in her giving. I hope each one of us will also find that peace.

Mark 12 : 43
Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.

(0622 23VI2008)

How and what to ask 621 22VI2008

We must learn to ask. God says that when we ask in His name, we shall receive. The trouble is that we may not be asking the right question or in the right way. We may be asking for what we want or think we should have, when we should be asking for what He wants for us. We may be asking for what we think we need but HE knows what we need and He will answer accordingly.

The waiting for answer seem to be for ever but HE will answer when He knows we need to receive it, and He always know us sincerity.


John 16:24
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

(0621 22VI2008)

Begin by taking a small step forward 620 21VI2008

In life we have to struggle in turning everything over to God. He is so good that we either forget it or to fail to realize it fully. When we make decisions, we do not fully give up control or give complete trust to anyone.

God is faithful and patient. God walks with us through our fears, uncovering and facing each one and in so doing proves Himself so worthy of our trust and love. "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16)"A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

(062021VI2008)

Where is your trust ? 619 20VI2008

How many times we do this in our lives, saying that we are going to trust God to deal with something and then putting our trust in the physical thing that we can see. The Bible tells us that faith is what caused Peter to walk on water, and when he started to doubt that faith, then he sank. God wants to take our problems and help us with them, but most of the time we do not have enough faith to give them totally to Him.

God not only wants us to have faith, but even more, to have a relationship with Him.
Let us think about what we can do to increase our faith and our relationship with God. Let us ask God to help us to build a deeper relationship with Him so that we can learn to love Him fully and to trust Him wholly.


Matthew 14:26-31
When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

(0619 20IV2008)

Get hold of life 618 19VI2008

How do you strike a balance between what you believe and how you behave ?

You may have heard of instances when someone has been caught in a moral failure and those around him were quick to point out that this poor chap is an active member of such-and-such a church. You may have also heard of cases where someone who always claims to be strong in his faith but has proven remarkably inadequate in some particular circumstances. You may have also heard of such labels as “heavenly minded but he is no earthly good”.

To set our minds towards the things of God, we need to reorganize our priorities. The death of our old self which has died with Christ, would have given us a new nature ready to blossom into life. We must seriously think of eternal life as a change in the quality of our life to take hold of and to live it now!!

Let us ask God to grant us the strength and wisdom to take hold of all things that He has prepared for us this day

Colossians 3 : 1 - 4
Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

1 Timothy 6 : 2
Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession.

(0618 19VI2008)

Is sin more fun ?? 617 18VI2008

A mother told her young son to go to bed and be sure to say his prayers and ask God to make him a good boy. The boy's father, passing by the bedroom, overheard his son praying: "And make me a good boy if You can; and if You can't, don't worry about it, 'cause I'm having fun the way I am."

We have been told right from our very tender age that we should do good and be obedient. It is a constant battle to do what is right and be obedient. We all have choices, but what we have to live with is the consequences. What we do today will never change, but the consequence of that choice is something that we will have to live with.

Let us ask God to deliver us from the blindness that deceives ourselves into thinking that sin is more fun. Let us ask God not to protect us from temptation.

John 8:34,36
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

(0617 18VI2008)

You are being watched 616 17VI2008

Our daily actions are seen by others and they judge. This applies to strangers, to those who are not saved as well as those who are close to us. Our friends need to see God in us more than anyone. When friends stumble and fall they need someone to pick them up.

When we see someone making the same mistakes over and over again we become discouraged. We thought that they should know better and we have trouble understanding why they continue repeating bad patterns, disobeying God and hurting themselves.

It is at this time, more than any other that they need to hear God in us and see Him in our actions towards them. With each opportunity presented to us remind them, by being faithful to His word, of the path that they have strayed from. Tell them that God’s love is constant and His forgiveness has no boundaries.

Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

(0616 17VI2008)

Small voice 615 16VI2008

Each one of our pain and suffering is a gift, one from which we can learn and use to help others. Most importantly, we are given the gift of choice, on how to use our circumstances positively, our gifts, graciously.

God speaks to us and through us, to reach us in many, many ways. We may receive the message from a TV show; from "reminders" which creep into our daily life, or directly, through thought. We will hear and recognize it if we listen, and once heard, it is up to us to act upon what He is telling us.

1 Kings 19:12
After the earthquake there was a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

(0615 16VI2008)

The impact of Jesus 614 15VI2008

All plants will soon be dead without light. The reason many people are dead in their hearts and souls today, even though they seem alive physically, is because they have not permitted the Light of the world to enter into their innermost being.

Learned people like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, each may have taught for about half a century in their own lives, yet their influence is very little compared to the impact of the teaching of Jesus Christ. The impact of Jesus was not simply His teaching, but the fact that He lives and heals today.


(0614 15VI2008)

Make us of your tools 613 14VI2008

Everything we experience is given to us to learn from that we may make full use of it at another time. It encompasses every joy, every sorrow, every friendship, every embarrassment, every hurt and every happiness. It is up to us to see the positive in each situation as a "tool" to be used the next time a similar circumstance occurs to us or someone whom we may be able to help.

In Isaiah 61 : 1, God is telling us to spread His word
- to help others who are suffering physically, mentally or emotionally;
- to help those who are bound by sickness or circumstance;
- to help free those who are "captive" or "imprisoned" emotionally, physically, socially or addictively.

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives; and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.

(0613 14VI2008)

Quiet before God 612 13VI2008

Many times individuals do not know what they can do for their illness or other problems. They have in most cases, sought help from someone and are in desperate need for further guidance.

You need to know that your answer lies in the power and presence of prayer in your lives.

You need to recognize the importance of prayer to your wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. Your goal is to achieve the point where you pray without ceasing. This cannot be accomplished overnight but is an art developed over a period of years.

You should sense the importance of spending some time each day in prayer and in meditation. Many of our ailments and many problems of this world could be solved if we all would spend some time alone with God every day. It might be for five minutes or for two hours but it should be a very definite period of time. Prayer is essential.

Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

(0612 13VI2008)

Listen to yourself 611 12VI2008

We have a personal relationship with God, yet we choose to stumble in defeat, to worry ourselves into submission, to cry out our sorrows to a world that does not care, when God is there waiting for us with open arms.

God is able to provide all that we need in ways we never thought possible. He can stop our fall, heal a family member, bless our discouraged friend, mend our broken heart, and do the same or whatever is needed, for each of His children, all at the same time!

Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear you.

(0611 12VI2008)

Friends 610 11VI2008

We have friends of different sizes and description. Some bring with them any assortment of knowledge that you cannot buy them anywhere. You cannot force anyone to be a friend. Some come into our lives and stay. Some come in for a time and leave. Some come in for a specific purpose and exit. Some meander along with us throughout our lives. Some are life-long friends, made in childhood.

Then, there is one friend which we can all share, every one of us, if we wish. Not one person can lay claim to having met him first. No one has to worry about this friend coming and then leaving, or weaving in and out. This friend is here to stay, even when we think he isn't, or when we think that we do not need Him.

Jesus is a life-long friend. He is willing to be everyone's life-long friend, for now, for ever and always. We must strive, too, to be that kind of friend to Him.

John 15:12,14
This is my commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you. You are friends if you do whatever I command you.

(0610 11VI2008)

Barefoot before God 609 10VI2008

Two outstanding figures in biblical history are described in two different situations as standing barefoot before God. Both Moses and Joshua were sought out by God, and given a very special task.

The thought occurs that whoever we are, and wherever in history we find ourselves, we all will at some time or other stand faced with the impossibilities that come upon us unexpected and unsought. Realizing our own inadequacy and helplessness for that which lies ahead, we stand unequipped before God who calls us to proceed. We are barefoot before God and only He can equip us with that which will make us adequate for the journey ahead.


Exodus 3 : 4,5
God called to him, "Moses, Moses," and Moses said, "Here I am." "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."

Joshua 5 : 13-15
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him ... Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" The commander of the Lord's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

(0609 10VI2008)

Medicinal and spiritual healing 608 09VI2008

Medicine and faith are not in competition nor are they at odds with each other. Both are needed and both have their place in our life and mind.

The Lord has ordained certain laws and they are fulfilled in many ways.

There are some things which no one can do, but there are areas which must be accomplished by individuals.

Only God can bring and maintain growth, but there are things we can do to cooperate with His laws. He has chosen to reveal Himself and to reveal His power through our efforts The proper use of medicine is not a denial of the power of the Lord but the sensible use of the revealed truths of the Lord.

Luke 8:43
And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, and she had spent all she had on doctors but no one could heal her.

(0608 09VI2008)

Power of prayer 607 08VI2008

Very often in life we forget about the power of prayer. God is always with us and we seem to forget that that is a fact.
"Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7)

Let us continue to praise and glorify His name. Let us ask God to grant us His continued presence, to strengthen our faith that we may remain open to His will in our lives.

Psalm 66:19
But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.

(0607 08VI2008)

Taming the tongue 606 07VI2008

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.

It is easy to squeeze the toothpaste out but impossible to get it back in. Well, that is exactly how it is with our words. It is easy for us to say things but once the words have tumbled out of our mouths, it is impossible to take them back.

In his letter, James reminds us that we can praise or curse with our tongue. It is the choice we have. We have seen a lot of people hurt by words but we have also seen the positive result of what happens when words are used to praise.

James 3 : 3 – 5 ; 9 - 10
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

(0606 07VI2008)

One day at a time 605 06VI2008

Many of us have the habit of making New Year’s resolution, like losing weight, exercise and what have you. We kept at it religiously for the first few days or weeks. Then, as inevitably happens with resolution, you missed a day. One day became two, two days became a week. Soon, you know what happens next !!

Isaiah 43:16a,18,19
This is what the Lord says: "Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

(0605 06VI2008)

Give thanks to God everyday 604 05VI2008

We must give thanks to God for everything, the good and the bad that come to our lives. By doing this, we do not ignore the pain and loss in our lives, but also to declare that in all things God is working. We know that life is difficult and we need to accept this fact and get on with our lives.

Ephesians 5:20
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


(0604 05VI2008)

Peace that passes understanding 603 04VI2008

Peace that passes understanding

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The desire, ability, and reality of trust are determined by our spiritual maturity. The storms of life may influence our lives, but our trust cannot diminish. It will remain strong by the grace of God.

We can trust Him at all times and in all ways.

(0603 04VI2008)

Why it is important to rest 602 03VI2008

Rest can lead to joy because

it creates a new perspective in us. When we choose to rest it can remind us that we do not have to be compulsively responsible for the world and everything in it. Rest can remind us that God is in charge, if we choose to do so.
it leads to a renewed relationship with God.
it restores us. It renews and re-energizes us because we can see life with new gratitude and awe.
it frees us to be what we are. We can choose to balance our working, giving and weeping with playing, receiving and laughing.

Isaiah 56:6b-7a
All who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant -- these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer.

(0602 03VI2008)

Left in HIS hands 601 02VI2008

Our trust in the Lord is not dependent upon our expected specific answers to our prayers. Our prayers are to be lifted unto the Lord. Our answers are to be left in the hands and wisdom of the Lord.

We should not validate prayer by our receiving the specific answer we demanded. The Bible teaches that we are to trust the Lord.

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, Jesus fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

(0601 02VI2008)