Feed My Lambs: Daily Bible Insights

Mr. Sam Thomas began his teaching ministry in the Dallas Brethren Assembly in Irving, Texas. With our encouragement and his conviction, he later joined a graduate program in Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. I could read and listen to his articles and insights on the teachbible website. I am glad to comment on his proficiency in exegetical and devotional thoughts. May these insights be useful for many in the world.

—Mathai K. C.

Master of Arts in English Senior Elder/Bible Teacher/Pastor Dallas Brethren Assembly,Irving, Texas, USA

Sam Thomas presented us with the experiences and knowledge he acquired through studying the scripture and varied life experiences and struggles. He found time to write and publish these valuable Bible insights for the benefit of many in the world. The book is gospel-focused, and it teaches us how the gospel applies in our lives every day.

—Dr. Sunny Ezumattor

Ph.D. (John Mathew)

Elder-Colonial Hills Bible Chapel,

Author, thinker, and social reformer.

Houston, Texas.

I used to read the teachbible.org Daily Bible Insights and greatly enjoyed the pure and simple content. It was like encouraging nourishment from the Word of God each night before I went to bed. Sam and I were schoolmates, and I noticed a spark and zeal in him for Christ and evangelization. I graduated in engineering and became a Senior Engineer in an electrical utility company, and Sam, after his degrees, moved on to Theological Studies in Dallas Theological Seminary. It is not surprising that in later days daily thoughts shared by him are compiled into a book. Lord God will surely bless many people through these daily insights. May the name of the Lord be glorified through these Bible insights.

—Varghese Samuel, India

I really love the Daily Bible Insights in teachbible.org. I am happy these insights are now becoming a book. These daily insights have many ways to help people in their search for meaning and purpose in life. Thank you for all you do to help people to know God in their daily struggles.

—Nancy Weisser Jennings

Lakeland, Florida

"The Daily Bible Insights in the book enlighten our spiritual life by reflecting God’s compassion in our lives while also enriching Bible knowledge for the readers. It does plant the divine seeds wisely in these end times. May God bless it abundantly and use it for His unique purposes."

—Dr. Tengsy Thomas

Ph.D., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sam Thomas is insightful and thought-provoking in a gentle way with his Daily Bible Insights. I wish him well with his book. May it be all to the glory of God and blessing to many in their spiritual walk with the Lord.

—John Harold

Bible Teacher and Blogger

Coolangatta, Australia

Feed My Lambs

Daily Bible Insights

Finding Hope, Purpose, Fulfillment, and Security Amid Chaos and Turmoil

Sam Thomas

For my dad and mom, who loved and encouraged me a lot.

For my loving wife-Jemcy, and my four children: Rebekah, Amos, Ezra, and Davy.

For God has said, I will never fail you. I will never abandon you (Hebrews 13:5, NLT).

For Jesus said, And surely, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20b, NIV).

For The Lord is my light and salvation—so why should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1, NLT).

He says, Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV).

The Lord God is the God of brand new beginnings.

When God asks you to do something, He prompts you to do it based on His ability and power at your disposal, not yours.

Table of Contents

Introduction 17

1 Connect to the Source of Power in this New Year 19

2 New Year and Your Future! 21

3 Take Time to Rest! 23

4 You are complete and perfect in Jesus Christ. 24

5 It Was Done, Remains Done Today, and Will Always Remain Done. 26

6 One Distinguishing Fact of the Faith Warriors. 28

7 First Thing Must Always Be First! 30

8 A Soothing and Comforting Psalm—Part One 31

9 A Soothing and Comforting Psalm—Part Two 33

10 A Soothing and Comforting Psalm—Part Three 35

11 A Soothing and Comforting Psalm—Part Four 37

12 True and Proper Worship! 39

13 Do Not Let the World Drag You in Its Ways and Standards! 41

14 Allow Transformation by Knowing the Truth! 43

15 Pre-Requisites to Test and Approve the Will of God. 45

16 Bank on the Promises of God! 47

17 Still, a Sojourner and Not Arrived Yet 49

18 God Made It Simple. Man Makes It Hard 51

19 God Transplants You to a New Kingdom—the Kingdom of His Beloved Son 53

20 Stop Worrying and Start Praying. Go in Peace! 55

21 The Light That Dispels Darkness. 57

22 First, Do What He Asked, and Then Be Ready For More and More 58

23 Waiting Is an Action Verb. It Does Not Mean Idleness 59

24 Understanding Who You Belong to Makes a Big Difference in Life 61

25 We Belong to the Lord, Whether We Live or Die 62

26 Offspring or Child of God? 63

27 The Absolute Deity of Jesus Christ Is Unquestionable 65

28 A Perfect Advocate to Represent You in the Heavenly Court 67

29 Crisis Times Have the Potential to Ignite and Energize Your Faith 68

30 Know God’s Will for Your Life 70

31 There Is Only One Person Who Never Disappoints You 71

32 Experience Love and Peace by Forgiving From the Heart 73

33 Wish to Begin Again? Yes, You Can 74

34 Your Feet like the Feet of a Deer to Tread on the Dangerous Heights 75

35 Reminiscing the Past Blessings Helps to Face Today’s Challenges 76

36 The Tower of Refuge and Deliverance in Storms of Life 78

37 The One Who Knows All Things Is Able and Willing to Help 80

38 God Is Not Unjust to Forget Your Work and Love Shown toward Him 81

39 The Deeper the Hurt, the Greater the Progress of the Gospel 82

40 In Miseries, God Prepares an Exodus! 84

41 Be Still in Chaos 86

42 Ask, Seek, and Knock is the Way God’s Economy Works 87

43 There Are Only Two Masters—Who Would You Serve? 88

44 At the End of the Day, the Only Person You Can Trust Is God and His Promises 90

45 Have You Considered the Indescribable Gifts in Christ Jesus? 91

46 Do You Know One Thing God Opposes? 93

47 Who Is Jesus? The Facts about Him—Part One 95

48 Who Is Jesus? The Facts about Him—Part Two 97

49 Who Is Jesus? The Facts about Him—Part Three 98

50 Who Is Jesus? The Facts about Him—Part Four 99

51 Who Is Jesus? The Facts about Him—Part Five 101

52 Who Is Jesus? The Facts about Him—Part Six 103

53 Who Is Jesus? The Facts about Him—Part Seven 105

54 Not Delayed or Wishful Access. You Have Instant and Assured Access 107

55 Look Past the Sufferings and Pains to Great Future Benefits. 109

56 Because He Always Lives, He Can Deliver Completely 111

57 Lord Does Not Leave His Children at the Point of Failure 113

58 You and Clashing Ideologies! 115

59 The Seed That Sprout Eternal Life! 117

60 Your Future Well-Being Swings on the Hinges of Two Choices 121

61 A Beautiful Flower in the Garden of God Joined the Blessed Today 123

62 Will I Be Condemned or Judged? 125

63 What Went Wrong? Where Do I Find Identity? 127

64 Grab Tightly, Grow, and Stand Firm in the Grace 129

65 Faith Is Both Assurance and Conviction! 131

66 Faith and Action—Not Contrary but Complementary! 133

67 The Source of Good Wisdom! 134

68 God Still Calls! 135

69 Rest for Your Souls 137

70 Be a Winner 139

71 God is Bigger than Your Heart and Its Imaginations 140

72 Through the Storm, You Do Not Walk Alone 141

73 Your Situation Is Not Hopeless, although You May Feel that Way! 142

74 The Dangers of Gossip 144

75 Hearts Strengthened by God’s Grace 145

76 Perfect Knowledge and Wisdom Have One Source. What Is It? 147

77 What Is Most Valuable and Really Needed Is Freely Available 148

78 Come Out of the Troubles with His Help! 149

79 Remember Whose Hand Are You In 150

80 You Are Precious and More Valuable than You Ever Thought! 152

81 More than Conquerors! 154

82 What Is the Truth? 156

83 Stubbornness and Stupidity! 158

84 God Is Million Times Better than the Best Earthly Father 160

85 Ask God for Wisdom Prior to Making Decisions! 162

86 Roller Coaster Ride? Fasten the Seatbelt of God’s Promises and His Eternal Word. 163

87 Every Hurt, Pain, Disappointment, and Frustration Brings Home an Unalterable Truth 164

88 Your Failure or Limitation Do Not Limit the Almighty God 166

89 Do What Is Right Even if You Have to Suffer! 168

90 God Progressively Reveals His Will, Step by Step! 170

91 Waiting Is Harder, but Is Essential for God’s Deliverances! 173

92 Move Closer to Know the Will of God! 175

93 A Day of Weighing! 176

94 One Thing God Wants! 178

95 Loved to the Very End! 180

96 Disobedience Makes People Go Down and Down! 182

97 Wait and Confidently Expect the Lord! 184

98 Desperate and Hopeless? 186

99 Wonderful Attributes! 188

100 Living in the Past Stops You From Moving Forward in the Plan of God! 190

101 Jesus Stepped in Amid Embarrassment! 192

102 Call upon the Lord for Deliverance 194

103 Even the Wind and Waves Obey Him! 196

104 Save Yourself from the Crooked and Perverted Generation 198

105 All Will Be Raised! 200

106 Persecutor Becomes the Channel of Grace! 202

107 Answer to Prayer Can Be Delayed by a Divine Reason! 204

108 God Says to Take Baby Steps in Faith! 206

109 God’s Wonderful Plan Emerges out of Challenges and Sufferings 208

110 Good Shepherd’s Uncontainable Joy over a Lost Sheep 210

111 The Power of Godly Repentance and the Danger of Worldly Repentance 212

112 Be Reconciled to God! It Is Still Possible Now! 214

113 Let Us Walk in the Light 216

114 Boy Who Made a Toy Boat! 218

115 Suffering? Keep on Doing Right! 219

116 The Source of Hope? 221

117 They Could Not Fully Understand Then. However, It Makes Sense Now 223

118 Temporary Residents but Eternally Chosen! 225

119 Get Alone to Talk to the Lord! 226

120 Assurance of Joy Comes in the Morning! 227

121 You Choose to Love as God Loves You! 231

122 Jesus Is the Fulfillment of All the Scripture! 232

123 Father of Compassion and the God of All Comfort! 234

124 There Is Only One Source of Wisdom! 235

125 He Holds You Close! 236

126 Unforgiveness Could Result in Experiencing Torture! 238

127 The Powerful Agent of Your Transformation! 240

128 The Secret of Your Health in Fearful Times! 241

129 Death—a Separation 242

130 Ready for the Moment of Death? 244

131 The New Heaven and the New Earth! 246

132 You Need the Best Friend! 248

133 God Says, Give Me Your Heart 249

134 Joy Amid Various Trials! 250

135 Put Feet to Your Faith in the Lord 251

136 God’s Commitment Remains Intact No Matter What! 252

137 Let It Dwell inside You Richly! 253

138 God Prepares You for Future Assignments You Never Fathomed! 255

139 God Is in Control. He Has a Big Purpose. Find Identity in Him and His Plan! 257

140 When Afraid, Need Someone Stronger, Who Would Guide into an Unknown Future 259

141 Turn Away from Idols and Know the Living God! 260

142 The First Commandment Remains the First Commandment 262

143 The Right Place to Trust! 264

144 Take Refuge in the Lord! 265

145 God’s Community Called the Church! 267

146 He Made Us Free from Our Debts of Sins! 268

147 Entrust to Reliable People! 269

148 Spiritual Gifts and Equipping People for Works of Service! 270

149 A Promise from the Cross! 271

150 Give a Portion to the One Who Gives the Strength and Opportunity! 272

151 The Matter of First Importance 273

152 Take a Minute! 277

153 Do You Know You Can Track the Origins? 278

154 Pride Results in Disgrace! 280

155 God Loves the Imperfect and Unlikable. Get Commissioned to Do the Same! 282

156 No One Unlovable by God! Deep, Deep; Wide, Wide Is His Love! 283

157 The Food for You Inner Man Is the Word of God, the Bible! 285

158 You Did Not Choose; He Chose You! 287

159 People Become Rude Due to Unforgiving Hearts! 288

160 What to Do in Your Crisis? 290

161 Find Reasons to Rejoice! 292

162 You Need Rest. Jesus Offers Rest 294

163 The Sooner You Recognize God’s Plan Is Better than Yours, the Better You Become! 296

164 Not Everyone Has the Same Gifts and Calling! 298

165 When Disaster Comes to a City, Has Not the Lord Caused It? 300

166 The Life Purpose of Saul Who Became Apostle Paul! 302

167 God Is Involved in Your Troubles! 303

168 When Making Decisions, Look God’s Approval! 304

169 The Coming Terrible Day of the Lord Is No Comparison to Current Painful Events! 306

170 We Can Always Count on God’s Perfect Time 308

171 The Source of All Hope! 310

172 God Did It! 312

173 Be Honest in Your Estimate of Yourselves! 314

174 An Unchanging Focus! 315

175 The New Covenant in Christ! 317

176 When You Lost All You Have; only God! And He Is All You Need! 319

177 The Amazing Benefits! 320

178 The Treasure in Jars of Clay! 321

179 Will Your Hands Be Strong on that Day? 322

180 The Peace that Is Not Affected by Chaos and Turmoil! 324

181 God Is After the Character and Internal Qualities! 326

182 Become Kind, Tenderhearted, and Forgiving! 329

183 Genuine Repentance Is the Need of Our Days! 331

184 God’s Children Must Live in Faith! 333

185 An Important Lesson to Learn! 335

186 An Invitation that Is Not Expired as of Yet! 336

187 You Need the Living Water, Not Water in Broken Cisterns! 337

188 A Brief Time to Live on this Earth! 339

189 He Invests Eternity into Our Temporary Dust Body! 341

190 The Secrets for Victory in Troubled Times 343

191 He Displaces Worry at the Center of Your Life! 344

192 Seek God’s Mercy and Unfailing Love! 346

193 Think the Big Picture God Has in Mind for You! 348

194 Enduring Hope Pull You through It All! 349

195 Repentance and Belief in the Gospel Are the Prerequisite to Enter the Kingdom of God! 350

196 Spiritually Dead before and Alive Now! 352

197 Spiritual Growth Would Not Happen Accidentally! 354

198 The Concept of Faith! 356

199 God Takes the Glory, and You Become an Agent for His Glory 358

200 Set Your Heart After God and His Purpose in Your Generation! 360

201 You Have the Freedom of Anything but Remember, Not Everything Is Good for You! 362

202 Fresh Breath of Hope is God’s Big and Unique Plan for Your Life! 363

203 The Best Gift of God! 365

204 Living by Faith and Not by Sight! 367

205 Two Vital Questions! 369

206 When You Fall, God Is Not Against You! 371

207 A Living Hope That Never Disappoints! 373

208 All Pieces Would Work and Fit Together at the End! 375

209 People Change Allegiance in Matter of Hours/Days, but He Won’t! 376

210 All Good and Bad Things Can Result in the Advancement of the Gospel 378

211 A Young Jewish Girl and the Lesson of Faith! 380

212 You Have God; You Have It All! 382

213 All Eyes on the Lord! 385

214 He Wrecks Your Plan and Implements His! 387

215 Faith Is an Action Word! 389

216 Fear of Failure Is Common! 391

217 Chance or Choice? 392

218 Certain Basic Truths! 394

219 Availability Gets a Higher Score in God’s Economy! 396

220 Wonderful Twenty-Four-Hours Helper! 397

221 In Step with the Holy Spirit! 399

222 The Old and New Selfies! 401

223 Two Ways and Outcomes 403

224 God’s Wonderful Plan for Your Body! 404

225 A Heart Fully Committed Finishes Life Well! 406

226 Received Comforts Are the Sources of Comforts for Others! 408

227 The More Earth-Centered, the More Stressful Life Becomes! 409

228 The Will of God Does Not Mean Absence of Wants! 411

229 Take That Step! 413

230 The Power of the Word of God to Save Souls Forever! 415

231 Repentance Is Not a Bad Word. It Is a Good and Beautiful Word! 417

232 The Higher Values to Keep in Mind! 419

233 Dwell in the Shelter of the Most High! 421

234 A Fundamental Choice! 423

235 God Already Determined and Sealed Your Future 425

236 There is One Who Cares for You! 426

237 Those Who Ask Will Get It! 427

238 If Nothing Else Is Assured, Get The Assurance of Eternal Life 429

239 A True Worship! 431

240 The First and Foremost Will of God! 433

241 The Firm and Solid Foundation! 435

242 Love Them Regardless! 437

243 You Must Be Different! 441

244 Assignment Prepared in Advance! 443

245 Foolishness of Trusting Man; Wisdom of Trusting God! 444

246 You Must Give It to God! 446

247 You Run with the Vision He Uniquely Gave You! 448

248 Give It to the Lord and Find Joy in His Way! 450

249 Approval of Others or God? 452

250 God Steps in When Others Step Out! 454

251 Chosen and Called 456

252 The Beatitudes—Part One 458

253 The Beatitudes—Part Two 460

254 The Beatitudes—Part Three 462

255 The Beatitudes—Part Four 464

256 The Beatitudes—Part Five 466

257 The Beatitudes—Part Six 467

258 The Beatitudes—Part Seven 469

259 The Beatitudes—Part Eight 471

260 The Beatitudes—Part Nine 473

261 A God-Shaped Hole 475

262 Rough Ride? God’s Purpose and His Steadfast Love is Firm! 477

263 First Importance! 479

264 Turn Back and Strengthen Others! 481

265 Impossibilities to Possibilities 482

266 The Truth Is a Person, Not Man-Made Principles or Creeds 484

267 Take Care of Your Body for God’s Glory 485

268 The Most Rewarding Experience! 487

269 Your Faith Matters to Friends 489

270 Call 24 Hours, 365 Days, Ever Answering Phone Line! 490

271 Spiritual Malnutrition Is a Serious Threat! 492

272 God Wants You to Know! 494

273 When the Flame Is On, Remember You Are Not Alone 496

274 Choices and Consequences! 499

275 Include God in Your Plans! 501

276 You Need Someone Who Never Leaves You, No Matter What! 503

277 In All-Changing Paradigms, He Is Changeless! 505

278 Spiritual Death Is More Dangerous than Physical Death! 507

279 Your Experiences Are Valuable Assets! 509

280 God Is the Best Acceptor! 511

281 Faith in God Can Bring in Massive Benefits and Blessings! 513

282 Lean on Him For All Your Needs! 515

283 Share How You Feel to God of Heaven! 517

284 In Season or Out of Season, He Is Unchanging! 519

285 God Chose You to Be His Own! 521

286 Do Not Give up on Prayer! 523

287 You Can’t Understand All! 525

288 Jesus Knows! He Has a Bigger and Wider Plan! 527

289 Everlasting and Unfailing! 529

290 Major Transformation Occurs in Painful and Harsh Circumstances! 531

291 The Divine Fruit 533

292 Jesus’ Authority over Death! 535

293 Authority on Earth to Forgive Sins 537

294 The Authority of Jesus over the Devil, Demons, and the Dark Kingdoms 539

295 Stop Dwelling on the Past; Better Days Are Still Ahead! 541

296 The Power of the All-Sufficient Grace! 543

297 God’s Salvific Plan from Eternity Past! 545

298 Repentance Paves the Way to Get into God’s Kingdom! 547

299 The Key to All Good and Perfect Things! 549

300 Joy Amid Hopelessness! 551

301 Points to Ponder 553

302 God’s Declaration of Forgiveness! 555

303 Do Not Harden but Soften Hearts! 557

304 The Way of Cain! 561

305 Trusting in the Creator or Created Things? 563

306 To Those Who Love God and Called According to His Purpose! 565

307 Seek God’s Counsel First! 566

308 You Do Not Have Spirit of Fear but the Spirit of Power and Love! 568

309 Devil Still Deceives People 570

310 You See, God First Loved You! 572

311 Grace Always Triumph over Legalism 573

312 He Says Enough is Enough! 575

313 When Tempted 577

314 Mars Hill Debate! Turn from Idols to Living God! 579

315 Better than Pure Gold! Sweeter Than Honey Dripping from the Honeycomb! 581

316 Repent for Refreshing Times to Come from the Lord! 583

317 God Has Plans Even in the Most Bleakest Environments 585

318 The Flames Won’t Burn You! 587

319 No Condemnation in Christ! 589

320 Caste Like a Fisherman Casts His Net in the Ocean! 591

321 Subtle Dangers of Covetousness and Immoral Relationship! 592

322 Get the Treasure That Will Never Be Lost! 594

323 God’s Grace Is Available to All in Jesus! 595

324 The Perfect High Priest Who Sweated Blood for Humanity! 597

325 The Throne of Grace and High Priest to Get Mercy and Help in Times of Need! 599

326 Peace of God! 601

327 The Folly of Idols 602

328 Thanksgiving Day 604

329 No Price Tags for Peace! Yet It Is a Gift of God! 606

330 Rejoice Despite the Circumstances! 608

331 A Perfect Advocate! 610

332 The Best Ladder from Heaven to Earth! 612

333 Clay Is Not in Control; Potter Is! 614

334 The Redemptive Power of Love! 615

335 What Matters? 617

336 Your Problems Do Not Escape His Radar! 618

337 The True Friend Who Reveals Secrets, Saves, and Protects 619

338 Trade Your Anxieties by Seeking and Entering into God’s Kingdom 621

339 God’s Faithfulness Is Stronger in Your Troubles! 622

340 The Source of Hope and Peace! 623

341 You Can Become a Friend of God! 624

342 Just One Sacrifice Perfected You Forever! 626

343 How High Are the Heavens and How Far is the East from the West? 628

344 God’s Providential Moves All over Your Life, even in the Darkest Moments! 629

345 The Beacon of Hope and Light! 631

346 The Way to God is Always by the Blood of the Lamb—Jesus Christ! 632

347 Way of Blood Is the Only Way of Salvation 634

348 Walk on His Word! 636

349 You Need Someone Who Would Not Change Over Time! 638

350 Everlasting Love and Unfailing Kindness! 639

351 Listen! God Says Nothing Hard for Him 641

352 He Is for All People Everywhere! 642

353 Let the Lord Wash You! 643

354 God Births Beauty from Chaos 644

355 You Are Created in the Image of God! 645

356 God Gives Mission and Needed Strength! 647

357 Sown in Weakness but Raised in Power! 649

358 Anticipate Unanticipated Things from the Lord God! 651

359 Christmas Day An Incomparable and Indescribable Gift 653

360 A Little Boy Was Awestruck by What He Witnessed! 655

361 The Truth about Worship! 656

362 Antidotes to Fear and Worry 658

363 You Must Forgive to Receive Forgiveness 660

364 Forgiveness: Your Future Hangs on It! 662

365 You Must Be Strong Enough to Forgive! 664

366 The Sovereign Instruction, Teaching, and Guidance! 666

367 Enthusiasm (En Theos) 668

368 What Must I Do to Be Saved? 670

369 Focus on Valuable and Important Things! 672

About the Author 675

Introduction

Life throws sharp arrows at you to bruise and break you. What would you do? The Bible, the Word of God, originated from God in heaven, has the divine power to heal you.

This book, Daily Bible Insights, could also motivate you to continue the race with God’s high calling and big picture in mind. Listen! You can born again and begin again with God’s help and promises.

I was born and grown in a Christian family. My parents were genuine believers in Jesus Christ. As growing up, a thirst for God and spiritual curiosity developed inside me. I wanted to know God more personally and intimately, which led me to the prestigious Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. The five years I spent there were the most blessed times in my life. I graduated with a deep understanding of God, His capability, and a deep commitment to His service. I am thankful for the professors in DTS who trained and taught me there.

I have experienced deep valley seasons in my life. Many of my friends left me in my painful season. Many acted like strangers to me. I thought I would get help and encouragement from my spiritual colleagues. Some genuinely stood with me and encouraged me in my tough trial times, and I thank the Lord for them.

However, many acted like Pharisees of Jesus’ time. Listen! Through it all, I learned Jesus is the faithful and never-leaving friend, and He is different from all other human friends. When the rest of the world walks out of your life, for whatever reason, He steps in to take care of you and be your close friend. I experienced it, and it is my testimony to you.

No matter what happened, God of the universe who calls you in Christ Jesus is with you and fulfills His eternal plan in and through you. It is crucial that you must not let bad incidents, people, and their opinions determine your God-assigned destiny. You let God, His unwavering love and commitment, determine your future as He pre-planned for you.

Every hurt, pain, disappointment brings home an unalterable truth. You would find true meaning, hope, purpose, and fulfillment only in God, who revealed Himself in the person and the work of Jesus Christ. After considering everything and all options, may I suggest this—you need only God to navigate through the vicissitudes and sharp turns of life. The daily insights came out of my spiritual struggles. If this book helps you in your spiritual journey, my life purpose certainly is fulfilled.

1

Connect to the Source of Power in this New Year

He (God) gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless (Isaiah 40:29, NLT).

People make New Year resolutions. They decide—I want to be better this year, I want to love my spouse and children more, I want to help people more, I want to obey and honor my parents, I want to do my job to the best of my abilities, I want to take care of my health, I want to concentrate on my studies and get an A+ grade. The list goes on like this.

Of course, we have good desires, wishes, and even the best plans. However, we discover later no matter how hard we do our best, sometimes we fail. We face moral and ethical failures. We face relationship and economic losses. In short, we fail in our pursuit to be the best. Many people have already quit making resolutions because they discovered they failed consistently in achieving the goals they set in the past.

You see, I am not against having resolutions and good plans. Because if you do not have a plan, you are lost and do not know what to do. However, the best of our plans come short, and we sometimes end up in regret and disappointments. This is a fact of life.

Now, one of the reasons for our failure is simply because our goals are not achievable. Make reasonable and achievable resolutions. Do not place unrealistic expectations. Secondly, we fail because we try to achieve our goals in our strength. We are disconnected from the source of all power that enables us to fulfill our goals.

Our insight says, He (God) gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

When you come short and do not meet the bar you placed for yourself this New Year, do not forget to turn to God and seek His help. Do not forget to agree with Him about your moral failures. Do not fail to humble yourself in front of the Almighty God and confess to Him your shortcomings. Be honest to God! You see, this is the solution to all of our failures. Run to God and do not run away from Him. Draw near to Him. Get connected or re-connected with the strength the Lord gives. 

Apostle Paul, who understood this truth, wrote this in Philippians 4,

I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Philippians 4:11-13 (GNT)

You see, you need the strength and power to achieve your plans. You need strength to do all that God asks you to do, don’t you? You need the power and energy to take care of your family, children, work, ministry, and a hundred other things. 

Where do you get the required power? Jesus Christ gives the power you need as you come to Him. Say it with me, I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. (Philippians 4:13, GNT).

None of us can expect our lives to be smooth with no roadblocks and issues this coming year. However, when it does hit roadblocks, you need the ever-present help of God available in Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus gives me power when I am weak. He gives me strength when I am powerless. The power of God is available in Jesus Christ. Commit your plans to the Lord in prayer, lean on His strength every day by acknowledging, I can do all things, and I can face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Do you have this assurance?

If not, you need to get connected or reconnected to Jesus Christ, the source of your power. He supplies what you lack to achieve godly goals in your life. May I give you an opportunity to come to the living God in Jesus Christ? Jesus is the Savior of the whole world because He carried your sins and shortcoming on His divine and sinless body and went to the cross and paid the penalty for you. The blood of Jesus is the ransom paid for your salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. Jesus died and rose again for you. He has the all-sufficient and never-ending power to help you in all of your needs.

Bible says Jesus stands and knocks at the door of your heart. Invite Him to come into your life and begin the New Year with His divine strength, help, and indescribable joy.

Pray after me. Father in heaven, I believe Jesus died for my sins, buried and rose again. I want to get connected to you and your blessings by accepting Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Please forgive my sins. Allow me to have a brand new life on the first day of this year. Thank you for coming into my life. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.

2

New Year and Your Future!

Don’t envy evil men but continue to reverence the Lord all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet (Proverbs 23:17-18, TLB).

Ronald Reagan, an American president, said this, While I take inspiration from the past, like most Americans, I live for the future. How do you live for the future, and what is the basis of a successful future? Where can you get it? Is there any secret for future hope? It is the right time to think through it all as we stand ready to cross over into a new year—a brand new year on the horizon.

Our insight says this, Surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. However, did you notice the prior sentence? It says, "Don’t envy evil men but continue to reverence the Lord all the time." Beloved, we live in a culture that does not give reverence to the living God. There start all hopelessness and depravity in life. People use their fists against all-powerful yet loving God. They scorn those who fear and honor God. In contrast to the commotion around you, I would give you the secret to success—you continue to reverence the Lord all the time. As you honor God, the outcome would be a wonderful and blessed future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet if you would keep it in your heart.

Beloved, NIV translates, Your hope will not be cut off. When the people who rage against the living and loving God end up in hopelessness and bitter darkness, you see, your hope is anchored in Him, who is your helper, Savior, and deliverer. They will be cut off, and your future is bright like the sun shining at its best.

You see, we can place our hope on many things, don’t we? Friends, spouse, children, wealth, career, and the list goes on. Of course, we need all of the above. Those are all good. However, do not place your ultimate hope in them. Put your hope in God, who can help and deliver you. Bible says in Psalm 25:3 (NIV), No one who hopes in you [the Lord] will ever be put to shame. Romans 10:11 (NIV) says, Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame. Isaiah 49:23 (NIV) says, Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who put their hope in me will not be put to shame. Bible says, those who put their hope in chariots and horses are brought to their knees and fell; however, those who hope in God rose up and stood firm (Psalm 20:7-8).

As you stand close to a brand new year, decide you would honor God and place your hope in the Lord God. Believe God will give you a future. He will guide you every day of this New Year. Start the day with prayer and end the day with thanksgiving. Fear Him and have high honor for Him.

Remember who put their hope in the Lord in the past and how He rewarded them beyond their wildest imaginations. Think about Joseph, who was the victim of jealousy and cruelty from his brothers. Because He put hope in the Lord in painful circumstances, God raised him to be the prime minister of the world empire in his days. How about David? Who thought that little shepherd boy would become one day the greatest king of the nation Israel. He placed his hope in the Lord continuously, didn’t he? How about Abraham, who came out of the idol worship system and placed hope in the living Lord who called him? When we look back on Abraham today, what a great blessing and future the Lord gave to him? How about Daniel, a young boy who made up his mind to place his trust and hope in the Lord. God raised him to number two position in Babylon. He became the greatest prophet who revealed the secrets of God for the future of the whole world.

Beloved, where would you place this New Year? In your ability, strength, beauty, wealth, money, resources, career, and relationships, or you would say, I am going to place my hope in the Lord. If so, you made the right choice, and the Lord would grant you a future you ever imagined—future heaven made and God-crafted for you.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) says, Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. You are going to soar high like eagles. You would run but not grow weary. You would walk and would not faint. The reason is you placed your hope in God.

Listen, beloved, God is the God of all grace. How do we know that? Because of His amazing love and grace, He calls you to His eternal glory in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:10). Your bright future and eternal/never-ending glory with Him is available only in one place—in the person and work of Jesus Christ. You see, your hope is not just for now and here. Your hope is for now and for all eternity. All your bright future now and later is bound in a person called Jesus Christ.

Would you accept God’s call to share His eternal glory that is available in His Son, Jesus Christ? What a great way to begin the unknown future as you get ready to step into a New Year? Your future is secured now while you live on this planet earth and later when you face death.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Father in heaven, as I stand and gaze at the New Year, I accept your call to share your eternal glory in Jesus Christ. I believe all my bright and blessed future is found in your Son, Jesus. I accept Him as my Savior and Lord. Hold my hand and lead me with your grace, love, and blessings. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.

3

Take Time to Rest!

Jesus said to them, ‘Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.’ Many people were coming and going. They could not even eat’ (Mark 6:31, NLT).

Maya Angelou, an American poet, singer, and civil rights activist said, Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.

Mark Buchanan, an American physicist, and author Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest.

Alan Cohen, a famous American author of inspirational books, said, There is virtue in work, and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.

When you are very busy with no rest, you would not be able to love or do anything worthwhile. You feel emotionally drained. Without rest, we can get upset and angry, especially with those close to us. This could include a spouse and children. They are the most loved ones. However, we end up shouting at them.

Jesus sent His disciples two by two to preach, heal the sick, and cast out impure spirits. They were busy doing all these tasks. On top of that, they heard about John the Baptist’s beheading, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. They were physically and emotionally worn out with the works and the horrible news. Many people were coming and going. They did not even have time to eat. Jesus knew the need for rest. 

He said to them, Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.

Beloved, when you are physically and emotionally worn out, you feel inadequate for the task in front of you. You even think you are a failure. What you need are quietness and rest. Jesus asks you to be alone and take a rest. We all need to be alone and rest to rejuvenate ourselves before we tear apart and wear out. David, the king of Israel, who wrote many Psalms, said this when he was physically and emotionally tired, Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest (Psalm 55:6, NIV).

God’s servants/Jesus lovers need rest as well. Make sure to be alone and take a rest. You may have to go out and eat good food. Take an evening or morning rest by doing nothing. Take a day or two off. Sometimes we think taking time off is a sin because we want to serve God. We are passionate about it. Taking rest and time apart is not a sin. God, after the creation of all, commanded them. Genesis 2:2 (NIV) says this, By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Bible says in Isaiah 40:28 (NIV), The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary. Then why did He take a day off? Not for Him because He never gets tired or weary. I believe He set an example for us to follow.

You see, quietness and rest are imperative for effective work and service. Alternatively, you will not be able to love and help if you do not have quiet time and rest. Body and soul recuperate from quietness and rest. 

Beloved, if you never came to Jesus Christ, you do not have rest for your soul. Jesus lovingly calls you. Jesus said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28, NLT). If you come to Jesus, He will grant you rest for your souls here on this earth and throughout eternity after your death. He forgives your sins, gives you peace with God, the incredible peace of God, and eternal life in heaven.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Father in heaven, I need the rest you offer my soul and spirit. I invite Jesus into my heart. Come and bless me with your rest and peace. I believe you died in my place and rose again for all of my sins. Please forgive me and save me today. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

4

You are complete and perfect in Jesus Christ.

For Christ is not only God-like, He is God in human flesh. When you have Christ, you are complete (Colossians 2:9-10, NLV).

Salvador Dali, a world-famous, renowned artist for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and striking images, said, Have no fear of perfection—you’ll never reach it.

Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest authors of all time, said, If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.

Michael J Fox, a Canadian-American actor, comedian, author, and film producer, said, I am careful not to confuse excellence with Perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.

Our Bible insight says perfection is indeed God’s business. Jesus Christ is God wrapped in the flesh when He came to this earth. Today’s Bible verse says, For Christ is not only God-like, He is God in human flesh. (NLV) In one of the previous insights, we understood how Jesus finished the work God had given Him when He claimed victory at the last moment of His death by saying, Tetelestai. Translated, it is finished once in the past, it remains finished as of today, and it will always remain finished and completed for the future. God has done it for you.

When Jesus came into your life because you invited Him to come in by prayer, from that point onward, you have Christ in you. As a result, the Bible says, you are complete. Complete in all aspects. You do not lack anything. However, people around you may not see you as complete in all aspects. They may see inadequacies, incompleteness, and imperfections. God affirms in our today’s insight that He sees you complete in His Son Jesus Christ.

In short, a person who accepted Christ as his/her Savior is declared complete with no shortcomings or mistakes. The Bible and theologians call this declaration by God in a term called justified. God declares the one who accepted Jesus as justified forever. It means God declares the person who has Jesus in his life as righteous/right standing in the sight of God. Bible says this declaration of righteousness comes from God through faith in Christ Jesus to all who believe in Jesus (Romans 3:21-26).

This declaration that you are justified and righteous is not based on any works or deeds you have done. But because God transfers/imputes all of Christ’s righteousness to your account. God credits His Son’s (Christ’s) finished work on the cross and all of His righteousness to your account. God covers your sins, iniquities, and trespasses with Jesus’ sacrifice and His shed blood on the cross. Two things happen—God charges people’s sin to Jesus Christ, and He, in turn, transfers the credits from Jesus’ account to your account. Now, based on this, God declares you justified and righteous. Now you have the right to stand in the presence of God. 

We proclaim this good news to you. Second Corinthians 5:19 (NIV) says, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Beloved, therefore, when God looks, you are complete because you are united with Christ. Are you feeling incomplete? Do other people say you are not complete? Come to God in and through Jesus Christ. He loves you the way you are. God saves you because Jesus died in your place and gives you the robe of righteousness. Who cares what others say? But care about what God says about you. God certifies you as complete in Jesus Christ because you have Jesus in your life. God makes you complete and perfect in Christ Jesus. Bible says God seals you with His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), and you have all the inheritance of God (1 Peter 1:3-5) because you are a child of God the moment you come to Jesus (John 1:12).

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Pray after me. Father in heaven, I believe you declare me justified and complete when I have Jesus in my life. I rejoice in the fact that I am complete in your sight. No power and schemes can pluck me out of your love and righteousness that you gave to me in Christ Jesus. I accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord because He died and rose again for all of my sins. I thank you for saving me and granting me everlasting life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

5

It Was Done, Remains Done Today, and Will Always Remain Done.

It is finished! (John 19:30, NIV). 

I heard and read many well-known people’s last words. However, people always wonder at the last seven words (or phrases) Jesus spoke when He was dying on the cross. The last words of Lord Jesus Christ on the cross before His death speak volumes for us. 

Listen to what John recorded in chapter 19:28-30 (NKJV),

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst! Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there, and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, It is finished! And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Jesus said, It is finished just before His death. Then He said, Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46, ASV). The Greek word used is tetelestai, which is translated as it is finished, is a unique perfect tense. Tetelestai means brought to a close, completed or fulfilled fully. The Greek has this unique perfect tense which we do not have in English grammar. The perfect tense in Greek combines two Greek tenses—the aorist tense and the present tense. It combines both aorist’s effect, which means something happened, completed or fulfilled once in the past, and the simple present tense in a sense it remains completed now and forever. The powerful use of the perfect tense signifies why Jesus said what He said. The usage shows He completed once in the past when He died on the cross, and the result would continue as finished or fulfilled now and forever in the future.

Jesus made clear the purpose of His coming before His death. These are the purpose statements of Jesus.

In Luke 19:10 (NIV), Jesus said, For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

In Matthew 20:28 (NIV) and Mark 10:45 (NIV), Jesus said, Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

John 17:4-5 (NIV), Jesus said to Father in heaven, I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Then He said, And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. Jesus was with God before the world began, and He was God (John 1). Jesus came in a rescue mission to save sinners like you and me, to shed His divine and sinless blood, then die and rose again, to pay for all of our debts of sins, iniquities, and trespasses we owe to God. God the Father sent Jesus as a fulfillment of over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament. He came and finished the task given to Him to do even before the foundations of the world. According to the eternal counsel, this was an agreement or covenant made by God the Father and God the Son even before the creation of the world (Psalm 40:6-7, Hebrews 10:5-10 and 13:20).

When Jesus uttered the last words, It is finished, what did He mean? It is like an artist drawing/painting a picture. After several days of hard work on it, He completes it, and then He says it is finished. It means nothing more to do with it. It is done, completed, and finished. Jesus fulfilled the eternal agreement/covenant He made with God the Father to come to this earth and become the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sin. All the Old Testament animal sacrifices came to an end because all those were shadows of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus (Isaiah 53). Jesus, by His death, conquered and paid for people’s sins once for all the time and by His resurrection brought victory to humanity’s death problem. The work is finished—nothing more to do. Listen!

It was done, it remains done today, and it will always remain done all through the future.

Hebrews chapter 10 says all the animal sacrifices were shadows of good things that are coming. Those sacrifices could never make people perfect, although repeated year after year. Those were pointing to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for people’s sins. Bible says in Hebrews 10:14 (NIV) this vital statement about the sacrifice of Christ. It says, For by one sacrifice He (Jesus) has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. This is the essence of tetelestai. By one perfect sacrifice, Jesus has perfected forever those who would come to Him. 

Those who would come and accept the gift of salvation, He makes them perfect forever. This perfection is not based on your works but solely based on what Jesus has done for us on the cross, and it becomes yours when you pray to Him. God makes people right with himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. God sent him to die in our place to take away our sins. We receive forgiveness through faith in the blood of Jesus’ death (Romans 3:22, 25; NCV).

 Got a moment for today’s prayer? Father in heaven, I believe you make me right with you when I place my faith and trust on your Son, Jesus Christ. I believe you sent Jesus to die in my place to remove my sins and grant me forgiveness and eternal life. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Please save me now. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

6

One Distinguishing Fact of the Faith Warriors.

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it (Acts 9:17, NIV).

Theodore Roosevelt said, Obedience of the law is demanded; not asked as a favor. Nations would change over the years. Many of the powerful kingdoms of the past disappeared from this world. The laws of the land would also change over time. However, it is true that obedience to the law of the nations is demanded, isn’t it? It is not asked as a favor from you.

Beloved, you may have known many people of great faith around the world, don’t you? Each of such great men and women of faith was different in their looks, styles, colors, languages, and how they present their topics. Every one of them was different from others. Take a look at the faith warriors described in Hebrews 11. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel, Rahab, Jeremiah were all different from each other.

However, did you notice one thing common in all of them? When God asked them to do certain things, they stepped out and did it without hesitance. This is the one distinguishing trait that differentiates them from ordinary people.

The things they did could be small or big, but God asked, and they did it without hesitance and delay. Our today’s Bible insight says, Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Ananias was an ordinary disciple who believed in Jesus. Paul later says in Acts 22:12 about Ananias that he was a godly man, devoted to the law and regarded by all Jews. Lord Jesus called Ananias in a vision and commanded him to Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision, he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight (Acts 9:11, NIV). Ananias, because he heard many bad things about this cruel man who persecutes and kills the Christians, said to the Lord that he heard a lot of bad things about him and how Saul came there to arrest all who believe in the name of Jesus. Then Jesus said to Ananias,

Go! This man [Saul, who became Apostle Paul later] is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name

Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)

Now Ananias went to the house where Saul was and entered it. He placed his hands on Saul and prayed for him. He said to Saul that the Lord Jesus sent him so that he may get his eyesight and be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and baptized and regained his strength.

Beloved, Saul was on the wrong path breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. On the road to Damascus, with his authority from the Chief Priest, he would arrest the believers in Christ and bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Saul fell to the ground and lost his eyesight. He lost his strength. Saul heard a voice when he fell, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Saul asked, Who are you, Lord? I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, He replied. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. This was a command from the Lord. Saul obeyed immediately and went to the house of Judas on Straight Street. Lord Jesus arranged this poor disciple Ananias to go and see him and pray for him.

Beloved, both Saul and Ananias instantly obeyed the command of the Lord. May I ask you, what is the Lord asking you to do? If He asks you to do something, will you step out and do it? If the nation’s law is demanded, not asked as a favor, how much more the command of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ, demands our obedience? His eternal kingdom endures forever, and His kingdom rules all from His throne in heaven. Lord is not proposing a favor from you. He commands what He wants you to do for Him. Do not delay. Do not procrastinate. Step out and do it as the great men and women of faith did in the past.

Father in heaven, help me to do what you ask me to do without delay. Lord, help me to lean on you for divine strength and wisdom. I want to walk my faith by obeying your commands. Most of all, I know you want me to get saved by believing in Christ Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I believe Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for my sins. I invite Jesus into my life. Please forgive my sins and purify me and help me to take baby steps of faith in obeying you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

7

First Thing Must Always Be First!

Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one, Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Jesus came to a village. There lived a woman named Martha. She opened her home to Jesus. Now Martha had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what Jesus was teaching. This was a usual Middle Eastern house in the olden days, where there were many people talking and doing different things. Martha being the hostess of the house, was worried about how to feed people. She was so worried and distracted because of all the preparation she had to make. She came to Jesus and said, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.

Jesus said, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’

Jesus, the Son of God, used the above incident to teach us a lesson. The lesson is this—a reminder to get our priorities right. Working, preparing food, service—are all, of course, important, but the Lord wants us to keep our first priority first—spending time with Him, listening, and learning from His Word.

Jesus said several things are needed, but only one thing is the most important thing and, therefore, most needed out of all. That one is to study the Word of God at the feet of Jesus Christ. Jesus also said the presence of Christ and His Word in Mary could not be taken away from her. It is the most precious treasure we can have in our life, better than richness, all kinds of wealth, and human relationships. All these can very well be lost or taken away from us. But not the presence of Jesus and His Word.

Jesus did not rebuke Martha. Instead, He said to her in a kind and compassionate way. He called her name two times, Martha, Martha. This tells what He is going to say is very important and noteworthy and calls her full attention to it. He acknowledged her heart’s burden and worry. Then He taught her an important lesson in a loving and caring way. We should all keep this lesson in our hearts.

Two different personalities. Mary was content and was willing to sit at the feet of Jesus, listen and learn the Word from Him. Martha was overly anxious about physical needs and people’s expectations.

Beloved, we cannot hear God if we are constantly busy doing. In addition, we cannot care for others if we do not spend time in quietness and rest with the Lord and His Word. Bible says in Isaiah 30:15 (NIV), This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’ Here the word repentance literally means returning to the Lord. So it says that in returning to the Lord and rest in Him is our salvation. In quietness and trust in Him is our strength. Let us not ignore the most important need of our lives. Before I hit the road of daily busy businesses, Lord, help me to spend time with you and listen from you because Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105, NIV).

Beloved, got a moment for today’s prayer? Father in heaven, thank you for teaching me this lesson to get my priorities right. I want to get the treasure that will never be lost—you and your eternal Word. Help me to sit in your presence with an open Bible and a listening heart to you each and every day. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for all my sins. Thank you for your love and salvation. I love you, and I submit to you today. In the name of Christ, I pray, Amen.

8

A Soothing and Comforting Psalm —Part One

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (NASB).

Psalm 23 is the most beloved out of all the Psalms in the Bible. It is a rich, charming, soothing, and comforting Psalm. David, the writer, spent most of his young age as a shepherd boy watching and caring for his father’s flocks around the rural town of Bethlehem, which had hills and valleys around it. He took care of his