Thoughts on the Bible text
Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the ever lasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue and people—saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
Revelation 14: 6–7
Introduction
Already early in the history of fallen mankind, God’s care and help is made evident through the actions of angels. For example, in one extremely difficult situation an angel of God encounters Hagar and allows her to experience the help of God. She recognises God as the One who sees her (Genesis 16: 7–14). Continue reading
Thoughts on the Bible text
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6: 26
Introduction
Our Bible text is taken from what is known as the Aaronic blessing. It was with the following words that the priests of the old covenant were to bless the Israelites: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6: 24–26). Continue reading
Thoughts on the Bible text
“ Therefore I urge you to take nourishment for this is your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat.
Acts 27: 34–35
Introduction – Paul’s voyage to Rome
Acts 27 tells of a dangerous voyage taken by the Apostle Paul. Paul embarks on the trip from Caesarea to Rome as a Continue reading
Thoughts on the Bible text
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
Psalm 84: 5
Introduction
Psalm 84 is sung or chanted by pilgrims in which they ask God for His protection on their long and sometimes dangerous pilgrim journeys to the temple. As is made clear in the psalm, it is important to rely on the strength and power of God and not on our own strength. Continue reading
Thoughts on the Bible Word
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.”
1 Timothy 6: 17–18
Introduction
The bible text for today’s devotional comes from the final chapter of the first letter of Timothy, which deals with the organisation of the congregation; the duties of the ministers and the behaviour Continue reading
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1: 5
Introduction
At the beginning of the epistle of James we are told of trials that have to be overcome by the faithful. The author makes it clear that the way to overcome these trials is through wisdom. Continue reading
“You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5: 8
Introduction
The author of the epistle of James exhorts his readers to be long-suffering and patient until the coming of the Lord while in the difficulties and demands of life. By using the example of a farmer waiting for the rain, the author Continue reading
Thoughts on the Bible text
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4: 12
Introduction
The Bible text for today’s devotional comes from the epistle to the Hebrews, the author of which is unknown. It is assumed the letter was written around ad 90 and thus belongs to the later writings of the New Testament. The word of God can be found in Holy Scripture and is also proclaimed today. In our Bible text it is compared to a sword which at face value seems quite an Continue reading
Thoughts on the Bible text
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24: 15
Introduction
The Bible text for our devotional is based on a meeting which Joshua had organised for the tribes of Israel. The living God had chosen the small, unremarkable nation of Israel as His people. He gave them the law at Sinai and wanted to have fellowship with the people: “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19: 6). The Israelites went through a renewal Continue reading
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2: 1
Introduction
The Bible text for today’s devotional is taken from the words spoken to Timothy who was a co-worker of Apostle Paul. He is encouraged to be strong so that he preaches to others only the pure gospel as was proclaimed by Paul. At that time, there were a large number of different writings in circulation which mixed the gospel with thoughts taken from Greek philosophy and mythology, Continue reading