A Devotional Life

1 Peter 5:7 NIV. The passage reminds us that God cares for us, and we need this reminder especially in time of suffering or sorrow. Psalm 46:1 says that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Last year easter, I travelled to Scotland for a funeral of a granny at Church who in many ways reminded me of my mum, as in her faith, love and care. And amid my questions - but why, but we prayed..., I felt encouraged by Scriptures in 1 Peter 5:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. This year, I travelled to Nigeria for my mum's funeral. And again, I was back to God with questions - but why, but we prayed..., a very similar journey to last year. During the season, I was encouraged by Scriptures in Hebrews 12:2-3 and 2 Corinthians 4:10-18. Scriptures again and again encourages us to look to God who cares for us: 1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Proverbs 5:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart...He will direct your path. ...

2 Kings 8:16-19 NIV. Written in the time of exile, the book of Kings is probably one of the most pitiful records of the Old Testament. As it conveyed the unfortunate story of the decline and fall of God's chosen people. First division of the nation, then idolatry, then exile and captivity into Babylon. Yet, between the pages and paragraphs of a very painful story, we see God's promises spring forth hope like a seed. Despite the sin of the kings and the nation as a whole, verse 19 says "Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah". God had promised to David an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:11), and many years later we see God's faithfulness to His promise (1 Kings 11:13, 15:4; 2 Kings 19:34, 20:6). And when Israel as a nation in exile had no king to look to, they held on to God's promise to establish David's kingdom and send a king who would rule justly. Ultimately, God fulfilled that promi...

Deuteronomy 6:20-25. Growing up as a teenager, "Why do I have to do it?" would be my first response to something I didn't want to do, like, then, doing the dishes. If you can relate, we're not alone on this: In the book of Deuteronomy, after Moses had reminded Israel of God's law (ch 5) and given directions on keeping it close to heart and memory (6:6-9), he then tells them why they ought to do it (6:20-25). In the future when your child asks you "what do these commands from God mean", why do we have to do it? Tell them (v20): We were slaves in Egypt (v21). We were slaves to sin (Romans 6:17). God did all His wonders, all it takes (v22). God sent His Son to the cross (Romans 5:8). He pulled us out of there to bring us in (v23). He pulled us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). And give us the land He promised (v23). He gave us eternal life (John 3:16). So that we would live reverently, in obed...

Hello again, Praise God for a new year. It's 2019. Thank you, Father God, for this new day. This is the day that the Lord has made, and we rejoice in it. Halleluyah! Every single day is designed by God, not just the beginning (in Genesis) but every day. Amos 5:8 indicates this with some detail - that God actually "turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night,...". He does all that for everyone all over the world, at different time zones. And just at the right time He turns the midnight into a new dawn and we say good morning - and sometimes, to me, it feels like nothing happened, but something spectacular just happened - the miracle of a new day, and this, a new year. What a God! And who better to entrust with something other than the creator of it. Psalm 118:22-24 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice...