Psalms 31:22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
We have all done it; there has been some time during your spiritual journey where you have allowed yourself to doubt that God was really alive or […]

Psalms 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
To often Christians look at scriptures such as this and they claim the promises that God has made in the verse. In this case, you can hear a Christian say, Lord you have promised to give me strength […]

Psalms 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
When you sin, it is because you lack trust in the Lord. You have basically allowed Satan to convince you that either God does not care what you do here on […]

Psalms 14:1-2 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none the doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

You may not have said it with your lips, but have you ever doubted that there is a God. You may have been going through a trial and it just seemed like God was not with you. It did not matter how hard you tried, how hard you prayed, it seemed like you were deserted, like you were in the valley of the shadow of death.

It does not matter how difficult it gets, you must never allow your heart to doubt that God loves you and that HE is with you every step of the way. Job had great wealth. God allowed Job to lose his wealth, his health and his family. Yet throughout this great trial, Job refused to deny God. Job understood that he came into this world with nothing and that he would leave this world with nothing and as such, he would trust God until God took his last breath away.

Psalms 13:6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Is your glass half empty or half full? What is your perspective on life? In this Psalm, David is talking about the Lord forgetting him and the Lord hiding HIS face. David mentions his enemies are being exalted over him. David understands that his trust is in the Lord and as such, it is to God whom he is seeking to find deliverance from his present distress. In the end, David has not yet seen the deliverance of the Lord, but he still is singing the praises of God.

David ends this Psalm by acknowledging that God has dealt bountifully with him. How can one proclaim that God has dealt bountifully with them when in their current position, they are wondering whether God has forgotten them? How has God dealt bountifully with David when David�s enemies are currently winning the battle? While David personally may be in the valley of the shadow of death, he understands that God writes the last chapter and that while things may be bleak this moment, based upon God�s faithfulness in the past, he can rejoice because God will triumph in the end.

Psalms 11:1 In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

David made a commitment in his heart that regardless what occurred in his heart, he was going to trust in the Lord. David understood that there would be times when things would become difficult and that those around him would encourage him to take matters into his own hands but David made a commitment to God. Regardless what trials occurred in his life, David was going to put his trust in the Lord and not in his own strength.

In verse five of this Psalm, David acknowledges that the Lord brings trials into the life of the righteous. David understood that trials are God�s way of testing HIS children to see who will really trust in HIM and who will rely upon their own strength. When trials come into your life, how will you respond? Have you made a commitment to God that when you seem to face difficult times, your trust will be in God?

Psalms 10:17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

What is the desire of your heart? What is the key to receiving the desire of your heart? The key is humility. The Lord hears the voice of those who are humble before HIM. You know that God gives grace to the humble but HE resists the proud. You know that you are to delight yourself in the Lord and HE will give you the desires of your heart. However, you cannot delight yourself in the Lord because you desire something from HIM. Instead, you must delight yourself before God with a humble heart.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

The world is full of turmoil yet Christ promises you rest. You cannot obtain Christ�s rest for your soul simply because you profess to be a Christian, you must take the time to take up Christ�s yoke and to learn more about HIM. In order to learn more about Christ, you must be proactive; you must take the time to study the ways of God so that you understand how HE expects you to live. Unless you learn about the power of God, you are never going to understand Christ�s yoke for you.

Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and
what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

What are you going to tell those who are around you? You are supposed to
share with them the message that God has put in your heart. The message
God gives to you is not easily found; it requires that you take the time
to develop a close relationship with God so that you might hear HIS
still small voice. As you draw closer to God and seek HIS� face, God
will give you a message. It is that message that you must share with
those who God brings into your life.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where for forty days HE did not eat. After forty days, of fasting, Satan came unto Jesus and said, �If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.� Jesus was the Son of God and all HE needed to do was say the words and the stones would have become bread for HIM to eat. Jesus however understood that God was leading HIM and that while HE understood that HE would have to eat soon, HE also understood that HE needed to follow God�s timing for HIS life.

Proverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

The second benefit that Solomon would receive by marrying a virtuous woman would be that she would not change just because she was married. The virtuous woman prior to her marriage was an active individual who learned several trades and was diligent to work rather then remain idle while waiting for a husband. Now that she is married, she continues to be diligent and finds ways to use the skills that she learned in her youth to help support her family. The virtuous woman does not quickly forget the traits that increased her worth in the eyes of her suitor.

Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

The twelfth characteristic of virtue Solomon was to look for in a woman he desired to marry is that she is confident and does not allow fear to control her. The virtuous woman is similar to the ant described in Proverbs 6 that prepared ahead of time for the winter. One can properly prepare for winter but still fear the inclement weather. However, one who has the inner strength of virtue in their life will be confident in their preparations and will not allow themselves to be sitting around worrying about whether they should have done more to properly prepare.

Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Paul had been entrusted to a centurion named Julius who was charged with taking him to Italy. Along the way, Paul had warned Julius that they should not proceed any further on their trip because of the weather. However, Julius listened to the master of the ship rather then Paul and now the ship was caught in a great storm.

During the storm, an angel of God appeared unto Paul and told Paul that God�s will had not changed and that Paul would still preach in Rome. The angel also informed Paul that not one life would be lost on the ship although the ship itself would be wrecked.

Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

King Agrippa had just told Paul that he almost persuaded him to be a Christian. Paul�s response to Agrippa was that it was his desire that not only King Agrippa become a believer but that everyone in the room that heard him that day would become a Christian.

Paul was bound in chains but he did not allow these chains to change his heart. Prior to being bound in chains for two years, Paul had a heart to win souls for Christ. This heart for the Lord did not change just because his freedom was taken away. Paul had not developed any bitterness against God that resulted in him losing his desire to serve the Lord and to put the Lord first in his life.

Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

Paul is presenting his innocence to king Agrippa. While he is presenting his case, Paul shares his testimony of how he was called by God on the road to Damascus. Paul shares how God spoke to him that he was to preach to the Gentiles. Paul is quick to share how he had not departed from God�s vision for his life.

Paul understood what God was instructing him to do and he did it. Paul�s testimony was that he heard God�s instruction for his life and that while the road Paul was instructed to travel was not easy, Paul obeyed God and remained faithful to God�s calling. Paul had a clear vision from God and he was not going to allow himself to be distracted from doing the perfect will of God.

Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Paul was in Caesarea at the house of Philip when a prophet named Agabus came and prophesied that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. Upon hearing the word�s of Agabus, the disciples who were at Philip�s house begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Paul understood God�s direction for his life and he had already purposed to follow God�s direction regardless of the consequences that followed.

Paul loved being used of God and seeing the disciples desire him to stay when it was clear what God�s direction was for his life created a controversy in his mind. Paul requested that disciples not make it harder on him to do the will of God. Yes, the disciples had good intentions. They understood what would happen if Paul went to Jerusalem. They also understood all the good that Paul had done around the world. The disciples saw no reason why Paul should go to Jerusalem and thus voiced that opinion.

Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Paul is speaking to the elders of Ephesus. Paul is telling these men that God is calling him to go to Jerusalem. Paul does not know what God is going to do, all he knows is that God desires for him to go. What is important to understand in this passage is the fact that Paul acknowledges that he has been tempted.

As Christians, we often make heroes out of the characters in the Bible. We often forget that they too were human and had to face trials and temptations. Paul was no different. There were times when he desired to quit but he had to persevere because it was God�s will for his life. Paul was faithful in serving the Lord but even though he was faithful, he was still tempted to sin and fall short of the glory of God.

Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Paul had felt led of the Lord to preach the good news in Asia but the Lord stopped him. Paul understood correctly that it was God�s will to preach in Asia, but he was also careful to ensure that he did God�s will in God�s timing. When God finally released Paul to preach in Asia, over the course of two years, all the Jews and Greeks heard the message God had placed on Paul�s heart.

Paul�s message began with twelve men who had received the baptism of John but had not received the Holy Ghost. From here Paul started teaching in the synagogue and then teaching daily in a school. God gave Paul the ability to heal the sick and cast out devils so then the people started coming to Paul in order to be healed. God opened up the doors for Paul to share the gospel with all of Asia and Paul did not have to travel.

Acts 18:9-10 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Paul was in the city of Corinth preaching the gospel unto the Jews. However, the Jews rejected the truth and Paul shook his cloth and told the Jews that their blood was on their own heads and that he was now going to only preach to the Gentiles. Paul evidently had some fear in his life that because of his actions, the Jews were going to kill him. Paul must have been considering leaving the town of Corinth because God came to him by night and told him not to be afraid.

Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Paul and Silas had just cast out a devil that dwelt in a damsel. The girl�s masters were upset because they saw that they were not going to be able to make any more money off of this girl�s fortune telling. The girl�s masters had Paul and Silas thrown into prison. Paul and Silas may have been in prison, but they did not allow the dark cold cell of a prison to stop them from praying and praising God.

Paul and Silas did not pray in silence. They did not pray so that only they could hear. Instead, they prayed so loud that their fellow prisoners heard them. Paul and Silas did not care what others thought of them. They understood that it was God�s will for them to be in prison and as such, they did not temper their voice but instead, ensured that all in the prison understood that these two men trusted in God and that God was the source of their hope. Paul and Silas probably figured that someone would hear the prayer and praise and accept God�s gift of salvation.

Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the
keepers before the door kept the prison.

Herod had just killed James the brother of John. Herod saw how it
pleased the Jews to kill the apostles so he had Peter arrested. Herod
had every intention to kill Peter also. Herod was a man who did that
which is right in his own eyes; he did those things that would cause him
to gain popularity with those around him. He was more concerned about
having people like him then he was about being a just ruler.

Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Hoy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Stephen had just preached a message that convicted the high priest and the counsel. The men who just heard his message where gnashing their teeth in such a way that signified that Stephen was in big trouble. Stephen did not respond to these men, but instead he looked to God. Stephen looked to heaven and God gave him a glimpse of heaven.

Stephen had filled his life with faith and virtue and as such, he understood that his security was not here on this earth. Stephen understood his life was in danger. Stephen had great faith; he had performed many mighty works of faith for God. Stephen had studied the scripture and he understood that if God desired to save him, there was nothing these men could do to him. Instead of reacting to his situation here on earth, Stephen looked to God to see what God�s will was for him in this situation. God showed Stephen heaven which helped Stephen prepare his heart to die in such a way that helped convict those who watched his death.

Acts 1:3-4 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Virtue requires that you think and dwell upon those things that are a good report. There is no greater report found in the Bible then the report that the disciples brought that Christ was raised from the dead. For forty days, five hundred of Jesus� followers saw HIM. For many years, these individuals who saw Christ after HIS death had a great report that they were able to use to share with others as to why Christ was the Messiah.

II Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;

Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are eight qualities that Peter calls the great and precious promises. These eight qualities are a gift from God to enable you to be partakers of the divine nature. However, these eight gifts are not passive in nature but require that you diligently apply them to your life.

For the last year, you have been studying the first of these eight precious promises, faith. It is your duty to God as HIS child to increase your faith to draw closer to HIM. However, faith is not the only precious promise that you are to obtain. All eight precious promises should be sought and obtained by you and applied to your life so that you might live a life pleasing unto God.

II Chronicles 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.

The children of Moab and of Ammon arose to do battle against Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Rather then run and raise an army, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout the land. Jehoshaphat went to the temple and reminded God that it was by HIS power that the land was given to them and that the nation had built the Lord�s temple. Scripture is clear that all of Judah came before God seeking HIM in this trial. Scripture tells us that even the little ones, the children, and the wives stood before God.

Genesis 26:24 And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham�s sake.

Abimelech had seen God�s blessing upon Isaac and Abimelech sent Isaac away. Isaac then dug a well but the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac�s herdsmen over the water. Isaac then had his servants dug another well and they strove over that well also. Isaac then dug a third well and they strove not over that well. However, Isaac chose to leave that well and move to Beersheba.

Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Christ is made manifest to the entire world by your obedience to HIS instructions for your life. By faith you hear God and by faith you will do those things that God desires you to do. When you whole-heartedly follow God�s instruction for your life, HE will lay a burden upon your heart as to where you are to go and what you are to do. As you follow HIS direction, HIS name is lifted up to those whom HE has prepared to draw closer to HIMSELF. Your obedience of faith brings HIM glory.

Romans 1:11-12 For I long to see you , that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

It is the faith in Jesus Christ that units the body of Christ. This faith that binds is what enabled Paul to teach spiritual things to the Christians knowing that they would receive his words and grow thereby. Paul understood that when he taught the Christians, they would be able to hear his words and be established in their faith. This mutual faith enabled Paul and the church at Rome to comfort each other.

Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

God told Abraham that he was to sacrifice his only son Isaac upon an altar. Abraham and Isaac were traveling to the location of the sacrifice when Isaac asked Abraham where the sacrifice was. Abraham�s reply reveals the faith of Abraham in that he understood that this sacrifice was a test by God. Abraham could have said that Isaac was the sacrifice or he could have stated that God would provide the sacrifice. However, Abraham stated that a lamb would be provided. This reveals that in Abraham�s heart, he was obeying God, but that he fully expected God to stop the sacrifice and provide a lamb instead.

Genesis 22:1-2 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

What would you do if God told you give back to HIM, something that HE promised you; something that you had waited a long time for; something that you really loved? Abraham had a close relationship with God. Abraham clearly heard the voice of God. Abraham was probably not happy to hear these instructions from God, but Abraham knew that it was vital that he obey God immediately. By faith Abraham obeyed God.