Day 202 Bible Readings – Romans 7: 5-6 (ESV)

Hosea 3 -5, Romans 6: 15-23, Romans 7: 1-6, Psalm 114

Romans 7: 5-6 (ESV)

“For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”

In verses 5 and 6 from Romans 7 Paul tells us that before we accept Jesus Christ as our savior, we were governed by desires that led us to sin that were sometimes done to rebel against the laws and commandments of the Lord. The life of sin led us to physical and spiritual death. But now that we are saved through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are released from the law because we are now under a new covenant with Christ. Our old self died, and we are no long held captive by our sinful nature. Nor are we bound by the systems of laws and sacrifices that came before Christ. We now are free to lead a life that is full of the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers us to lead lives full of gratitude and the desire to serve Father-God. We are transformed by the Holy Spirit from the inside out. We are motivated to love and serve our Lord by the Holy Spirit, and not because we are afraid of breaking the law or out of obligation. Paul explains that our love for Father-God, made possible through our faith in Jesus Christ, leads us to serve and obey Him out of genuine devotion and to show him how much we love him. Our daily morning thoughts become not one of “Please Lord, let me not sin today so I can stop feeling bad about myself,” but to “Please Lord, Please Holy Spirit, show me what I can to today to please Father-God to show him how much I love him.”

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you want to live a life free from sin because of your faith in Jesus Christ, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I want to give you my Life. Forgive me of all of my sins. Wash me in your blood. I believe in my heart You raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 201 Bible Readings – Romans 6: 5-6 (ESV)

Hosea 1 & 2, Romans 6: 1-14, Psalm 113

Romans 6: 5-6 (ESV)

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”

In verses 5 and 6 from Romans 6, Paul tells us to consider what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ. If we are united with Jesus Christ, then we also experience his death and resurrection not from physical life, but from the life of sin. Our old self was crucified like Christ to wipe out our sins of the past, present, and future. Since our self no longer exists, we are no longer a slave to sin. Water baptism often is a symbol of our union with Christ in his death and resurrection. In a water baptism, going under water symbolizes death and coming back up is our resurrection. A water baptism is also a public declaration of our faith and commitment to the new life we have in Jesus Christ. Knowing we are free from sin allows us to choose a life that reflects our new commitment to actions that please God.

When we are first saved, we knew without a doubt it that we became a new person after we accepted Christ as our savior. But sometimes after a few years we may need to remind ourselves daily, we became new people because of our faith. We may also need to reexamine our lives and make new choices that again reflect that we became new people in Christ. We are not the same person we were before we got saved, and we are not the same person now. We are not sinners because that “old self” was crucified when we first accepted Christ in our lives, but we are instead believers who need to revive our faith in Jesus Christ.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you want to revive your faith in Jesus Christ, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I want to give you my Life. Forgive me of all of my sins. Wash me in your blood. I believe in my heart You raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome back to the family of Father-God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 200 Bible Readings – Psalm 112: 7-8 (ESV)

Amos 8 & 9, Romans 5: 12-21, Psalm 112

Psalm 112: 7-8 (ESV)

“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.”

I love verses 7 through 8 from Psalm 112. The psalmist tells us about the blessings of having faith in Father-God. When you are saved by Jesus Christ, you will not be afraid of bad news because you have trust in Father-God’s faithfulness and power over all circumstances. Even in the more dire circumstances you will not be anxious but instead have peace. And when you are attacked by physical and spiritual enemies, you have an unfailing trust in Father-God that you will receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to overcome your enemies. You know you will triumph and not experience fear in your heart. I think these are great verses to write down and read when you receive bad news or find out you have enemies to remind yourself of the blessings that are yours when you are saved and faith in Jesus Christ.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you want to experience the blessings that belong to you through faith in Jesus Christ, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I want to give you my Life. Forgive me of all of my sins. Wash me in your blood. I believe in my heart You raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 199 Bible Readings – Romans 4: 19-21 (ESV)

Amos 6-7, Romans 4: 16-25, Romans 5: 1-11, Psalm 111

Romans 4: 19-21 (ESV)

“He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”

In verses 19 through 21 from Romans 4, Paul talks about the Abraham’s faith when Father-God told him he would be the father of many nations. Abraham didn’t think that what the Lord said was impossible given his circumstances. Abraham was about a hundred years old and considered dead, and his wife was a few years younger but was unable to have children. Abraham’s faith was in Father-God, and his faith did not waver. He was fully convinced of the Lord’s power to perform miracles in his and Sarah’s bodies. Abraham’s faith was so strong that he gave glory and praised the Lord. Paul tells us that Abraham’s faith is an example of and a model to follow for believers in Jesus Christ. I heard a preacher say that faith does not ignore reality. A person of faith acknowledges reality but believes in their heart the power of Father-God to perform miracles in impossible circumstances. Father-God can bring light and life to situations that are dead like Sarah’s womb. To have faith like Father Abraham, we must be fully convinced and persuaded of the promises of Father-God and have total confidence in his ability to deliver them. In my faith journey, I explored other gods and religions. But I never saw and experienced the signs, wonders, and miracles that belief in Jesus Christ performed in my life and those of my fellow believers. I may not have the depth of faith of Abraham, but I am fully convinced and persuaded that I believe in a God who is faithful and will bring life and miracles to where there is no life.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you want to experience a God that will bring miracles to your life through faith in Jesus Christ, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 198 Bible Readings – Romans 4: 13-15 (ESV)

Amos 5, Romans 4: 1-15, Psalm 110

Romans 4: 13-15 (ESV)

“For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.”

In verses 13 through 15 from Romans 4, Paul tells us that Father-God’s promise to Abraham was based on his faith and not law or his works. Father-God promised Abraham, who is the father of our faith, to make him a great nation and will bless the rest of the earth through him. While gentiles are not blood-related to Abraham, they are grafted onto the bloodline of Abraham through faith in his descendant Jesus Christ. Father-God made this promise to Abraham before he was circumcised and before his descendant Moses gave the people laws to follow. When Father-God asked Abraham to leave his country and to the land of Cannan in Genesis 12: 1-3, he did as the Lord asked without questioning or hesitation. Paul tells us that we will receive Father-God’s promises through faith and not by our own efforts. Paul then says the laws are there to reveal our sin and to act as a mirror to reflect where we fall short of the Lord’s standards. But because of the sacrifice and blood of Jesus Christ, we are no longer condemned by the law and have freedom. If we believe and are saved by Jesus Christ, we are free from sin and live under his grace. We follow the Lord’s law not in fear of punishment, but because we love the Lord and want to please him. I once believed obeying biblical laws was central to faith, but now I understand that God values my faith in Him, just as He valued Abraham's. And that I am entitled, just like Abraham, to all the blessings of the Lord because of my faith in Jesus Christ.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you want to experience the blessings that faith in Jesus Christ can bring to your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 197 Bible Readings – Amos 3: 7-8 (ESV)

Amos 3 & 4, Romans 3: 9-31, Psalm 109: 21-31

Amos 3: 7-8 (ESV)

“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?”

In verses 7 through 8 from Amos 3, the minor prophet Amos tells us Father-God reveals some of his secrets to the prophets who have no choice but spread the words of the Lord. Amos was a shepherd and fig tree farmer, so he wasn’t a career prophet. The Lord called on Amos to deliver the message of his judgement and their coming exile to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. But in this prophecy of strong discipline, woven throughout the message is a call for the people to return to Father-God so they can be restored. In the end, Amos tells us that God is merciful and will one day rescue his people from exile and hints at the coming of Jesus Christ.

There were many prophets in the Old Testament, some minor and some major, but their mission was to reveal the secrets of Father-God’s plan for his people and call people back to the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes prophecy as a gift of the Holy Spirit, suggesting the presence of prophets today. One prophet and evangelist that I have been listening to is Ted Shuttlesworth, who has been working as Pentecostal minister for over 40 years. Pastor Ted primarily holds Faith and Healing crusades, but he sometimes prophesies in interviews and during his crusades.  appreciate that Pastor Ted carefully considers and prays over any prophetic message he receives from God. When he shares a prophetic message, I pay close attention, as it may be guidance from God about the future or a call to repentance. If want to check out Pastor Ted, check out his website- Faith Alive or watch him YouTube - Ted Shuttlesworth- Faith Alive, where you can decide for yourself if he is a modern-day prophet of the Lord. I like listening to prophets of the Lord because they confirm to me that Father-God is looking out for his people, and his mercy and blessings are still available to us if we pray to him.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you want to experience the mercy and blessings that faith in Jesus Christ can bring to your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 196 Bible Readings – Romans 2: 25 (ESV)

Amos 1-2, Romans 2: 17-29, Romans 3: 1-8, Psalm 109: 1-20

Romans 2: 25 (ESV)

“For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.”

Paul, in verse 25 from Romans 2, uses the example of circumcision to talk about how our faith must be demonstrated in our actions and not just by our rituals and external symbols. As part of the covenant with Abraham, Father-God required the physical sign of circumcision for the Jewish people. This act symbolized not only a commitment to the Father-God’s covenant, but also to his commandments and laws. However, Paul emphasizes that circumcision was only an outward sign of obedience. When you do not have commitment and inner obedience and you break the laws and commandments, then you lose the value of the circumcision. You cannot rely only on physical signs and performing rituals to show your commitment to Father-God. Your faith must be reflected in your actions and obedience to Father-God. To put it simply, if you really loved Father-God that much wouldn’t want to do everything to please him and follow the things he wants you to do. And the things the Lord wants you to do is to follow the laws and commandments set forth in the Bible. Jesus Christ simplified following the laws and commandments in the Bible when he said, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 26: 37)

This year, I lived the example of verse 25 from Romans 2 when I realized I was praising myself for being devoted simply because I attended church four times a week. I went to the Sunday and midweek services, and I participated in two prayer groups that met at church. I was happy for awhile in my rituals, but then I started to feel a sense of unhappiness. One day during prayer, I felt the Holy Spirit convicting me that I had hatred in my heart for people who are doing wrong in the world. Holy Spirit guided me to repent to Father-God for my hatred and ask him to change my hatred to disagreement. I can disagree with the actions of people who do wrong things, but I cannot hate them. I also needed to pray for Father-God to send the Holy Spirit into the lives of these people so they can come to know and love Jesus Christ. I now have inner and outward signs of my faith in life.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse and you want to experience what faith in Jesus Christ can bring to your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

 Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 195 Bible Readings – Romans 2: 6-8 (ESV)

Jonah 1-4, Romans 2: 1-16, Psalm 108: 6-13

Romans 2: 6-8 (ESV)

“He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”

In verses 6 through 8 from Romans 2, Paul tells us that Father-God will judge each of us on our works because actions reflect your faith and character. To those people who demonstrate their faith by doing good works and seek to glory and honor Father-God, he will give eternal life. But for those people who focus on satisfying their own desires and ambitions and do not obey Father-God’s will and truth, they will experience his wrath. Paul’s advice tells us that we need to understand the consequences of our choices and actions. If we live our life to honor and glorify Father-God and our actions reflect our faith we will have eternal life. But if we choose temporary pleasures, live to satisfy our personal ambitions, and engage in actions that are contrary to Father-God’s words, then we will experience his judgement and his wrath. When I look over my life and the times my actions did not reflect my faith, I know I suffered from the consequences of my choices and did not feel any blessings from the Lord. But in the times in my life when my actions reflected my faith and I tried to honor and glorify Father-God, I experienced blessings and miracles from Father-God in my life and more inner peace and calmness in my life.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you’d like to experience the blessings and peace in your life that faith in Jesus Christ can bring, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience blessings and peace in your life.

Day 194 Bible Readings – Romans 1: 24-25 (ESV)

2 Kings 24: 8-20, 2 Kings 25, Romans 1: 18-32, Psalm 108: 1-5

Romans 1: 24-25 (ESV)

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”

In verses 24 and 25, Paul writes about what happens to people when they reject Father-God’s truth. Father-God respects human free will and passes judgement, by letting people explore and experience the consequences of their choices. Since we are made in Father-God’s image, “imago Dei”, when people reject him by dishonoring their bodies. Father-God gave us bodies so we can have an in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit and when we dishonor the body, the Holy Spirit cannot dwell within us giving us guidance. When people reject Father-God, they will begin to service other gods or anything that takes the place of Father-God in our lives. If we observe the people around us who do not believe in Jesus Christ, we can see that they choose to stop honoring their bodies and eventually suffer the consequences of their choices. When the people around us reject Christ, we see that they will worship other gods and end up being rich in whatever they worship but still unhappy. Watching the people in our lives who do not love Christ can sometimes be like watching a train wreck in slow motion; they will crash eventually. These verses teach us that as believers in Christ, we need to guard against prioritizing Father-God over everything in our life. That we must honor our bodies so the Holy Spirit can dwell within us and give us guidance. And we must always look at our hearts because the rejection of Father-God comes when we give into the desires of heart and act on them. I’ve experienced placing something else besides Father-God as a priority in my life and then faced the consequences of that choice, which was misery and unhappiness. It took me many years, but I’ve come to realize that I have the blessing of Father-God when he is the priority in my life.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you’d like to experience the blessings that faith in Jesus can bring you, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience his blessings in your life.

Day 193 Bible Readings – Psalm 107: 35 (ESV)

2 Kings 23, 2 Kings 24: 1-7, Romans 1: 1-17, Psalm 107: 33-43

Psalm 107: 35 (ESV)

“He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.”

In verse 35 from Psalm 107, we read about Father-God’s power over the natural world. Deserts in the world of the Old Testament were a symbol of hardship Father-God can transform the dry and parched land of the desert, into pools and springs of water. Father-God brings life and abundance to place that once barren. A flowing spring in the desert also meant there would be continuous water and provision for the people in the desert. Sometimes life can feel like a desert. I know I’ve felt this way in the past. I’ve been in situations where I’ve felt desolation and hopelessness not just in my physical life, but in my spiritual life as well. I would pray and wonder if there was really a God out there listening to me, because I had no evidence to suggest that he was hearing me. But through the faithfulness of Father-God, I experienced a river of blessings into my life that parched the desert of my physical and spiritual life. Father-God has the power to not only change the physical world, but the spiritual world as well. The Lord can bring renewal into any situation, if we trust in his timing and his faithfulness. Father-God also has the power to make you feel like you have a continuous and eternal living spring of blessings and abundance inside of you.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse and you’d like to experience the eternal and living spring of blessings and abundance inside of you that faith in Jesus can bring you, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God preached and experience the faithfulness of Jesus Christ who will give you the eternal and living spring of blessings into our life.

Day 192 Bible Readings – Acts 28: 30-31 (ESV)

2 Kings 21-22, Acts 28: 17-31, Psalm 107: 23-32

Acts 28: 30-31 (ESV)

“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”

In verses 30 through 31, we have a summary of Paul’s life while he was under house arrest. Paul lived in the rented house that he paid for and continued to speak to all who came to him teaching boldly about Christ and no one stopped him. History also tells us while in Rome, Paul wrote the Letters to the Ephesians, the Philippians, and the Colossians. Even though Paul was under house arrest and could not travel, he continued in his ministry to spread the words of Jesus Christ in whatever ways were available to him. Paul’s life in Rome under house arrest gives us an example of what we can accomplish no matter what our circumstances in life. Paul remained faithful to Father-God during his time in Rome and shows us to how much can be done to spread the words of Jesus Christ even when we are facing trials. Paul’s time in Rome also shows us that we need to trust that Father-God can use any situation to further his plans for earth. Paul’s faith in Jesus Christ gave him a spiritual freedom to not fear for his life. The power and grace of the Lord allowed Paul to teach boldly about Christ, and he was not stopped despite being under house arrest.

In our current time, we can face cancellation on social media and among our friends if we talk about Christ. But let’s use Paul’s time in Rome to inspire us to not be fearful about telling people about our faith in Jesus Christ. Even while imprisoned Paul was not afraid to talk about his faith and fulfill Father-God’s plan for his life. We need to follow Paul’s example and continue to follow the Lord’s plan for our life no matter what our circumstances.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you’d like to experience the strength and freedom to follow Father-God’s plan for your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God preached and experience the strength and spiritual freedom that believing in Jesus Christ can bring to your life.

Day 191 Bible Readings – Acts 28: 16 (ESV)

2 Kings 19: 14-37, 2 Kings 20, Acts 28: 1-16, Psalm 106: 10-22

Acts 28: 16 (ESV)

“And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.”

In verse 16 from Acts 28, Paul finally arrived in Rome and was put under house arrest. This verse tells us that the promise of Jesus was fulfilled that Paul would bear witness for him in Rome. Even when Paul was lost at sea, Christ promised him that he would make it to Rome so he could be brought before Caesar. Paul was also not in a normal prison but had his own living space in a rented house. In Philippians 1: 13, we find out that during his house arrest Paul preached to all the guards who watched him including the palace guards. Paul continued his ministry by writing letters to all the churches he started and was even allowed to have visitors. This verse also teaches believers in Christ to trust in Father-God’s timing and faithfulness. Even though Paul was under house arrest, the Lord was able to use this restrictive circumstance for good because it gave Paul the opportunity to continue his work and preach to the Roman guards who watched him. Father-God can work through any situation to fulfill his plans. What Paul’s journey teaches us is that we need to steadfast in the work Father-God want us to do whatever the obstacles, because Father-God will work all circumstances for his good to fulfill his plans for the earth.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse and you’d like to experience Father-God’s unwavering faithfulness and love in your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God preached and witness the signs, wonders, and miracles that believing in Jesus Christ can bring to your life.

Day 190 Bible Readings – Psalm 107: 9 (ESV)

2 Kings 18, 2 King 19: 1-13, Acts 27: 13-44, Psalm 107: 1-9

Psalm 107: 9 (ESV)

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”

The Israelites were often in physical and spiritual need throughout their history. They first wandered in the desert after the exodus from Egypt and were often in exile from their lands. Verse 9 from Psalm 107 tells us that Father-God provided for them always, meeting their physical and spiritual needs. And just as he provided for the children of Abraham, Father-God will continue to provide for us today. We can count on the blessings of Father-God for our physical needs, but not just for survival. Father-God will also bless us with good things because of his generosity, and we will experience abundance. But more importantly, only Father-God can satisfy our deeper spiritual longings. When we put our trust in Father-God, we can experience true contentment that we will always be provided for no matter what we are going through. Since I’ve put my full trust in Father-God’s blessings through the words in the Bible, I’ve come to realize that he has blessed me throughout my life. The doubts that I often experienced about whether I even mattered to the Lord have quieted in my mind. I know I matter to Father-God and I just to have remember all the blessings and miracles he’s done in my life.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse and you’d like to experience how much you matter to the Lord, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God preached and witness the signs, wonders, and miracles that believing in Jesus Christ can bring to your life.

Day 189 Bible Readings – Acts 26: 30-32 (ESV)

2 Kings 16-17, Acts 26: 24-32, Acts 27: 1-12, Psalm 106: 40-48

Acts 26: 30-32 (ESV)

“Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.””

In verses 30 through 32 from Acts 26, we read about the conversation between King Agrippa, Festus and Berenice after listening to Paul speak during his hearing. They agreed that there was no evidence to support the accusations against Paul for death or imprisonment. Agrippa would have set Paul free had he not appealed to Caesar. After a casual reading of these verses, you might think that Paul committed a blunder by wanting to appeal to Caesar in Rome. But Paul was following Father-God’s plan for his life and the future of the faith. During his appeal to Caesar, Paul would be able to talk about this faith and conversion to the Roman emperor, which the Lord told him to do in Acts 23: 11 (“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”). Paul would spread the gospel to Rome, and in the future the faith of Jesus Christ would eventually become adopted by the Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine. These verses tell us as believers in Jesus Christ, that we need to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Father-God’s plan for our life. Even if it seems our actions don't matter, we must trust they're part of Father-God’s greater plan.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you’d like to experience the presence of Jesus Christ in your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God preached and witness the wonders, signs, and miracles of the presence of Jesus Christ in your life.

Day 188 Bible Readings – Acts 26: 13-15 (ESV)

2 Kings 14: 23-29, 2 Kings 15, Acts 25: 23-27, Acts 26: 1-23, Psalm 106: 32-39

Acts 26: 13-15 (ESV)

“At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.”

In verses 13 through 15 in Acts 26, Paul recounts to King Agrippa how Jesus Christ revealed himself to him when he was on the road to Damascus. I love how Christ appeared to Paul as a bright light that was so bright it made him and his whole party fall to ground. Then Christ spoke to Paul in his own Hebrew language and asked him why Paul was persecuting him. Paul was so passionate in his ways and thinking that Christ could only appear to him in a supernatural way for him to be believe in Christ. Some folks are lucky because they don’t need a supernatural experience to believe. I find myself like Paul in that I need a supernatural and physical thing to happen to me before I believe it. In the past when I used to watch people fall after an evangelist or minister touched them, I thought it was staged or fake. It wasn’t until I was born again and had an impartation by an evangelist in May that I had a “supernatural experience” like Paul, where I felt things happening in my body that I couldn’t explain or deny. That experienced changed me to the point where I began to question everything I had been taught about religion and Jesus Christ. I'm still processing it, but I know it happened and that moment made Christ feel real to me, changing me forever. In whatever way for you Christ became alive and real in your life, you know what without a doubt you were changed and transformed like Paul.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you’d like to feel the presence of the still living and eternal Jesus Christ in your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of God preached and witness the wonders, signs, and miracles in your life of the very much alive and real Jesus Christ.

Day 187 Bible Readings – 2 Kings 13: 18-19 (ESV)

2 Kings 12-13, 2 Kings 14: 1-22, Acts 25: 1-22, Psalm 106: 16-31

2 Kings 13: 18-19 (ESV)

“And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.””

In verses 18 and 19 from 2 Kings 13, the prophet Elisha said to King Jehoash to strike the ground with the arrows. But Jehoash struck the ground only three (3) times, which reflected his lack of faith and commitment in Elisha’s authority. Elisha became angry and rebuked King Jehoash and said that because the king only partially obeyed him, then the king would only have limited victory or Syria. Had the King fully obeyed Elisha’s words, the King would have battled Syria until he had total victory. This Bible story tells us if we only have half-hearted faith and do not completely obey the guidance of Father-God and the Holy Spirit, then we will only have limited success. If we have limited faith we will restrict God’s work in our lives. We need to have complete faith and zeal in the guidance we receive even if it seems the things that Holy Spirit is asking us to do seem insignificant and do not make sense in the natural world.

I’ve had this experience myself where Holy Spirit guided me to do something that didn’t make too much sense for what I was praying for, but I did it anyway and it turned out to be the best advice and led to the thing that I wanted. We need to have faith that whatever we are being guided to do is crucial to Father-God’ plan. Father-God wants us to have complete victory in our lives but if we only half-heartedly obey his guidance, we will only have partial victories in our lives.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you’d like to have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior so you can have victory in your life, please pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of God preached and witness the wonders, signs, and miracles of the Lord in your life.

Day 186 Bible Readings – Psalm 106: 4-5 (ESV)

2 Kings 10, 2 Kings 11, Acts 24, Psalm 106: 1-15

Psalm 106: 4-5 (ESV)

“Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them, that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.”

Verses 4 and 5 from Psalm 106 are great verses to meditate on when we are trying to seek favor from Father-God. When you have salvation from Christ and a personal relationship with Father-God, you can confidently ask him for this attention and intervention in your life. You can remember all the times Father-God has bestowed blessings and prosperity on his people in the Bible and know that you are also entitled to the same blessings and prosperity since you are also a child of God. You can tell Father-God about your deepest desires and needs, and trust in his ability to respond. You are an heir to Father-God’s promises to his people, and you can celebrate the miracles you see in your faith community and for yourself. You can read about the miracles Father-God has performed for his people in the Bible or search on social media platforms for the signs, wonders, and miracles that are happening for people who are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Father-God that we worship is same today as he was in the Bible and will deliver the same blessings and prosperity for all his people.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and you’ve never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I repent. I believe in my heart you raised Jesus from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I‘ve received forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of God preached and witness the wonders, signs, and miracles of the Lord.

Invite Jesus Into Your Life

The Holy Spirit has asked me to start including the prayer of repentance and faith at end of each of my blog posts, so if someone reading my blog wants to invite Jesus into their life they can do it. There is nothing that I have experienced in my life that can compare to being born again, and giving my life to Jesus Christ. I have seen signs, wonders, and miracles that I cannot ignore or explain, and it would be cruel of me to not offer the chance for salvation to someone who has been touched by the words in my blog posts. Your life will be forever full of signs, wondders, and miracles when you accept Jesus Christ into your life. You will never feel lost because Jesus Christ is your savior.

If the Holy Spirit has touched your heart as you read my blog posts, you can invite Jesus into your life by saying the following prayer:

Heavenly Father-God, I have sinnned against You. I want forgiveness for all of my sins. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me and rose again. Father-God, I give you my life to do with as You wish. I want Jesus Christ to come into my life and into my heart. I ask this is Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, you are now born again and saved because you made the decision to trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can join a community of believers and learn to deepen your relationship with the Lord.

Day 185 Bible Readings – Psalm 105: 39-41 (ESV)

2 Kings 8: 16-29, 2 Kings 9, Acts 23: 12-35, Psalm 105: 37-45

Psalm 105: 39-41 (ESV)

“He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. They asked, and he brought quail, and gave them bread from heaven in abundance. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.”

Verses 39 through 41 from Psalm 105 remind us how Father-God cared for his people when they left Egypt and were wondering in the desert. The Lord provided them with a cloud for covering so they had shade during the day, and a fire at night to give them warmth and light. Then Father-God brought them quail and manna to break every day. To quench their third, the Lord opened a rock and let water gush out so that it flowed like a river in the desert. These verses tell us that Father-God is our provider and protector, and when he tells us to go on journey somewhere he will give us provisions and miracles. Even when we are in most challenging of circumstances, Father-God will provide for our needs for food and water. Our Lord is faithful to his people, and these verses from the Bible serve as a reminder that Father-God was faithful to his people then and will be faithful to his people now because he is eternal and unchanging. Father-God provides us not only with living water and food our souls, but also supernatural provision to live our daily lives.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of the Lord preached and strengthen your faith and conviction that Father-God will always provide for the spiritual and physical needs of those who believe in him and follow his laws.

Day 184 Bible Readings – 2 Kings 7: 2 (ESV)

Happy Fourth of July - Indepoendene Day to Americans everywhere!

2 Kings 6:24-33, 2 Kings 7, 2 Kings 8: 1-15, Acts 22: 22-30, Acts 23: 1-11, Psalm 105: 23-36

2 Kings 7: 2 (ESV)

“Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the LORD himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

In verse 2 from 2 Kings 7, we read about the captain who was sent from the King to see Elisha the prophet about the severe famine Samara that was caused by the Syrian siege. Elisha prophesied to the captain that there would be so much food that it would be sold for a cheap price. The captain questioned the possibility of Father-God sending a divine intervention in this dire situation. Elisha then prophesied that the captain would see the prophecy come true but would not be able to eat because he was going to be punished for his doubt and unbelief. The captain was full of doubt because the city was surrounded by a hostile army, and he had no faith in the Lord’s power and promises or the creativity of Father-God to bring about provision in a completely unexpected way.  Even in the worst circumstances, we must always trust in Father-God’s ability to provide and deliver on his promise to care for his people. If you have doubt or unbelief, you will see a miracle, but you will not be able to participate or partake in it. We find out later that the captain was trampled at the gate of the city when the people rushed the gates to get to the food left behind by Syrians. As people of faith, we need to always believe that Father-God will provide provision for us, no matter how unlikely it seems that provision can be delivered. Father-God is powerful and can bring about any miracle in most unexpected way. If we have doubts, then we will miss out on the blessings of the Lord.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-base church where you can hear the word of the Lord preached and strengthen your faith in the Lord who keeps his promises and makes the impossible possible in the most unexpected of ways.

Day 183 Bible Readings – 2 Kings 4: 42-44 (ESV)

2 Kings 4: 38-44, 2 Kings 5, 2 Kings 6 1-23, Acts 21: 27-40, Acts 22: 1-22, Psalm 105: 12-22

2 Kings 4: 42-44 (ESV)

“A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.”

In verses 42 through 44 from 2 Kings 4 Elisha the prophet performs a supernatural miracle that foreshadows Christ’s many miracles of feeding large crowds with very little provisions. When Elisha received the gift of bread and first fruits, he ordered his servant to serve it to the 100 men. The servant told Elisha it wasn’t enough food to feed all the men, and Elisha prophesied that the men will and there will be left over food. When the food was served to the 100 men, they ate and there was still left over food as Elisha had prophesied. This miracle feeding shows the faith of Elisha to trust Father-God over the visible evidence of our eyes or circumstances. Father-God provided manna for his people when they left Egypt and were wondering in the wilderness, so would he not do the same now for his prophet Elisha. Elisha’s feeding of the 100 men also demonstrates that when Father-God provides, he is generous and provides abundantly with always something left over. As children of Father-God and believers in Jesus Christ, we must always trust that Father-God is always able to meet our needs abundantly. We serve a good God who always delivers on his promises. We also serve a good God who will use all means to accomplish his purpose and to show his love for us his children. We must have faith that provision and supernatural miracles will come at the right time and in God’s perfect timing for our needs. Father-God is not deaf to our prayers, so we must have faith that he is the same God who rained down manna to his people who needed food in the desert. Father-God provided then, and he will provide for us today.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of the Lord preached and increase your faith in the God of the supernatural miracles who always provides for his children.

Day 182 Bible Readings – 2 Kings 4: 2-7 (ESV)

2 Kings 3, 2 Kings 4: 1-37, Acts 21: 1-26, Psalm 105: 1-11

2 Kings 4: 2-7 (ESV)

“And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

In verses 2 through 7 from 2 Kings 4, we read about another supernatural miracle from Father-God on provision. A widow owed debt to creditors who were going to take her child as slaves, so she went to Elisha for help. When Elisha asked her what she had in her house, she told him she a small jar of anointing oil. Elisha told her to borrow all the vessels she could get hands from her neighbors. The widow was able to fill all the borrowed jars with oil from the one jar she had. She was able to pay off her debts and still had enough money left over to live on for herself and her sons.

I love this miracle of supernatural provision from Father-God. The widow had enough faith to do exactly as Elisha asked, and provision was her reward. We may get advice that doesn’t make sense from the Holy Spirit when we are praying for a miracle, but we must have enough faith to do exactly as requested and only then will we see a supernatural miracle from Father-God. We also need to have faith that the Lord in the Bible never changes, and he is the same then as he is now. Father-God was provider to his people then, and he is provider to his people today.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy-Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-base church where you can hear the word of the Lord preached and strengthen your faith that Father-God is the provider of supernatural miracles.

Day 181 Bible Readings – 2 Kings 2: 11 (ESV)

2 Kings 1 & 2, Acts 20, Psalm 104: 31-35

2 Kings 2: 11 (ESV)

“And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”

Verse 11 from 2 Kings 2 shows us how Elijah the prophet died. Elijah didn’t die like a normal person. He was instead taken up to heaven by a whirlwind. I love how the death of Elijah is so supernatural, because it shows the power of Father-God. Elijah was a powerful prophet, and the Lord honored him by taking him up on heaven so he wouldn’t have to experience death. Elijah’s faithful service was rewarded by his unique departure, since no other Biblical figure was taken up to heaven in this way except for Jesus Christ. Many Biblical scholars have commented that Elijah’s ascension into heaven prefigures the ascension of Jesus Christ. Christ died because he was human like us but was resurrected after three (3) days. Christ then lived among his followers for 40 days before ascending into heaven. Unlike Elijah who was taken up in a whirlwind, Christ was taken to heaven in a cloud. Both ascension experiences give believers in Christ the hope that when we die, we will ascend into heaven like Christ to be with our Father-God. We might not ascend in a whirlwind or a cloud, but we will be resurrected to live in heaven after we die.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about this Bible verse, find yourself a Holy Spirit-filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of God preached and find assurance that one day you will live with Father-God after your earthly death.

Day 180 Bible Readings – Acts 19: 15-16 (ESV)

1 Kings 22, Acts 19: 14-41, Psalm 104: 19-30

Acts 19: 15-16 (ESV)

“But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

In verses 15 and 16 from Acts 19, we read about how the evil Spirit answered the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva. The seven sons did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ nor did they Paul, but they were using the name of Christ to cast out demons. When the seven sons of Sceva tried to cast out a powerful demon from a man, the evil Spirit told them that he knew both Jesus Christ and Paul but not them. Then the evil Spirit attacked the seven sons of Sceva, and they fled the house without clothes and were wounded. Even in people did not believe in Jesus Christ and his divine and powerful nature, the demons recognized who Jesus was and his power. The demons also knew who Paul was because he was able to cast out demons. Evil Spirits know who their enemies are and are afraid of them. It doesn’t make sense that people who believe that demons and evil spirits are real often do not believe in the powerful nature of Jesus Christ, even when they have evidence that demons are afraid of Christ and his power. If you believe that evil spirits and demons are real, why is it so impossible to believe that Christ was real and was resurrected? There were exorcists in the time of Jesus and there are still exorcists today who cast out demons in the name of Jesus Christ. The name of Jesus Christ was powerful during the time of the Book of Acts and still is today to cast out evil spirits and demons, either real beings or the demons of addiction and other illnesses, if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of the Lord preached and learn to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Day 179 Bible Readings – Acts: 18: 9-11 (ESV)

1 Kings 20-21, Acts 18: 9-28, Acts 19: 1-13, Psalm 104: 1-18

Acts: 18: 9-11 (ESV)

“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”  And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

I love verses 9 through 11 from Acts 18 because I love how Father-God appeared to Paul in a vision one night. Father-God communicated to many people in the Bible through visions and it shows the Paul had a personal relationship with him. Paul experienced fear due to the challenges he experienced in Corinth when he was ministering in the synagogue. Father-God told Paul to not fear and to go on speaking. He then reassured Paul that he would not be attacked or harmed because there were many in Corinth who were the Lord’s people. Afterwards, we find out that Paul stayed for 18 months in Corinth ministering to the people. Paul’s experience shows us that when we are guided to do a task for Father-God, we have his protection. Father-God has a divine plan and strategy, and he would not have asked us to do the task, unless he knew that ultimately, we would be successful despite the challenges we faced. We need to trust in Father-God’s guidance and be persistent in completing our task, knowing that he is always there to strengthen and support us in our task. Even if you must pray every day, Father-God will always be there to hear and listen to you and give you the protection and support you need.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of the Lord preached and be strengthened and supported to fulfill Father-God’s plan for your life.

Day 178 Bible Readings – Acts 17: 26-28 (ESV)

1 Kings 18-19, Acts 17: 22-34, Acts 18: 1-8, Psalm 103: 13-22

Acts 17: 26-28 (ESV)

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”

In verses 26 through 28, Paul preached to people of Athens telling them that Father-God created us because we are all descendants of Adam. Father-God also is ruler over all things and has plans for all nations and its people. Father-God is not a distant god of stone, silver or gold. Father-God is near to each of us and invites us to search and find him. Paul emphasizes that Father-God is not far from each of us, because he made us and we are his offspring. Paul tells us that we live and move in Father-God. If we can really understand as Paul has said that we are Father-God’s children, then our whole identity will revolve around how we connect to our Father-God, how we praise him, and how we are solely dependent on him for all our needs. If we live and move and have our being in Father-God, then we also know that his presence is not inside a specific location. Father-God is near and within us because he is the one true god. The hardest thing to grok, at least for me, is knowing that I am a child of Father-God and that I can be dependent on him for all my needs. I was taught that when I grew up, I would be independent from my parents and responsible for my own decisions. I couldn’t rely on anyone but myself and any family I might have. But as a follower of Jesus Christ, I’ve learned that I am not alone. Father-God is my spiritual parent, and I can rely on him and the Holy Spirit for all my needs, because Father-God is sovereign over all things.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of God preached and learn what it truly means to be a child of Father-God.

Day 177 Bible Readings – Psalm 103: 2-5 (ESV)

1 Kings 16-17, Acts 17: 1-21, Psalm 103: 1-12

Psalm 103: 2-5 (ESV)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

In verses 2 through 5 from Psalm 103, David the writer of this psalm tells us we must not forget all the benefits that Father-God gave to his people. Father God forgives all our sins, and he heals all our diseases. We can pray to Father-God to heal in natural and miraculous ways, whether they are spiritual or physical. Father-God also rescues us spiritual death or despair. Father-God also blesses us with steadfast love and mercy. Father-God also brings satisfaction and goodness to our lives, and this satisfaction becomes a source of strength and energy. From the Lord, we have his provision and generosity for all good things spiritual and physical. And finally, Father-God ensures that we have the power of self-renewal so that we have the vitality and strength of our youth.

I wrote these verses down on a notecard so I can say them when I need to praise and bless Father-God, or when I have doubts about the benefits I receive daily because of my belief in Father-God, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The blessings of Father-God are everything I need to truly lead a satisfying and long life.

If you enjoying reading my thoughts about these verses, find yourself a full Gospel, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God and praise and remember all the benefits that come from being a follower of Jesus Christ.

Day 176 Bible Readings – Acts 16: 25-26 (ESV)

1 Kings 14: 21-3, 1 Kings 15, Acts 16: 16-40, Psalm 102 18-28

Acts 16: 25-26 (ESV)

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.”

In verses 25 and 26 from Acts 16, we see example of Father-God’s supernatural power when we pray and praise him when we are in a difficult situation. Paul and Silas were beaten with rods, thrown into prison with their feet in stocks in Philippi after they cast a demon out of a slave girl. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves and being depressed, Paul and Silas started praying and praising the Lord by singing hymns. They were not praying and singing quietly either in desperation either. They were praying and singing so loudly that everyone in the inner prison could hear them. Father-God heard their praying and praises and sent an earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison and caused the prison doors to open. The bonds and shackles of every prisoner also opened miraculously. I love this immediate demonstration of Father-God’s response to Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns of praise even though they had been beaten severely and their feet were chained in stocks in a prison. If we can follow the example of Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns to the Lord loudly and with joy even in our most desperate and lowest of circumstances, Father-God will respond to us. I have heard so many stories from friends about the love they felt from Father-God when they were at their wit’s end and the deepest of depressions and remembered to pray and praise the Lord. When I was in a deep depression, I felt the supernatural love of Father-God reach down to me to like a hand to pull me out of the deep and dark hole after I started praying and worshiping him. That waves of supernatural love from Father-God surrounded me and tears of joy replaced my tears of agony. If you find yourself in a moment or a season of difficult circumstances, remember to pray and praise the Lord and you too will feel the supernatural love from Father-God surrounding you and other miracles as well.

If you enjoyed reading about my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel, Bible-based church where you learn and hear about the word of God and learn to pray and praise God even in a moment or a season of desperate circumstances.

Day 175 Bible Readings – Acts 16: 6-7 (ESV)

1 Kings 12: 25-33, 1 Kings 13, 1 Kings 14: 1-20, Acts 16: 1-15, Psalm 102: 12-17

Acts 16: 6-7 (ESV)

“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.”

Verses 6 and 7 from Acts 16 show the Holy Spirit guiding Paul and Timothy in their mission work. Paul always consulted with the Holy Spirit in his mission work and if a door was closed to him, he just went in a different direction. These verses show us that Father-God has a strategic and divine plan, and if we follow it, we will have our victories. Paul would later return to Asia, which in Biblical times was western Turkey, and establish the church in Ephesus. Paul was always supposed to establish a church in Asia, but it wasn’t the right time. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must always be open to changes in our plans and be willing to adapt to where the Holy Spirit is guiding us. We might not understand the guidance and it might not make sense at the time, but we must trust that the guidance we receive from the Holy Spirit. Before I moved to my current location, my plan was to move a year earlier than I did and to have a job waiting for me. But the guidance I kept getting from the Holy Spirit was that it wasn’t time. The job search did not produce any results and during that year, I was promoted and ended up receiving a substantial bonus. That bonus allowed me to move without a job and gave me the time to search for a new job. Had I not followed and trusted in the guidance of the Holy Spirit; I know my move would have been more financially stressful.  

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a Holy Spirit filled and Bible based church where you hear the full gospel preached and learn to deepen your trust in the Holy Spirit and Father-God’s divine plan for your life.

Day 174 Bible Readings – 1 Kings 11: 34-36 (ESV)

1 Kings 11: 14-43, 1 Kings 12: 1-24, Acts 15: 22-41, Psalm 102: 1-11

1 Kings 11: 34-36 (ESV)

“Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes.  I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand and will give it to you, ten tribes. Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.”

In verse 34 from 1 Kings 11, we read about the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite gave a prophecy from Father-God to Jeroboam. Jeroboam was the son of King Solomon servant Nebat, who had earlier rebelled against King Solomon. Ahijah told Jeroboam that Father-God was going to take away (10) tribes from King Solomon’s successor because of the king’s disobedience and give the tribes to Jeroboam to rule. Even though Father-God had judged King Solomon and punished him, we also read about Father-God’s mercy and compassion. Father-God did not completely remove the whole kingdom from King Solomon and was going to do it after Solomon died. Only the tribe of Judah and the city of Jerusalem would be left to Solomon’s s son to rule. Father-God punished Solomon, but he kept his promise to Solomon’s father David who for the most part always obeyed the Lord. Father-God’s actions tell us that even when we are punished for our failures, he is still faithful and merciful to his children. The Lord has infinite patience with his children and will always give us the opportunity for repentance. As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to remember that Father-God is always faithful to us even when we are going through a season of difficult circumstances.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God and be taught to strengthen your faith in his faithfulness, compassion, and mercy.

Day 173 Bible Readings – Acts 15: 10-11 (ESV)

 1 Kings 9: 10-28, 1 Kings 11: 1-13, Acts 15: 1-21, Psalm 101

Acts 15: 10-11 (ESV)

“Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.””

In verses 10 through 11, we read about Peter’s response the apostles and elders if whether the Gentiles who were converting to the faith of Jesus Christ needed to be circumcised. Peter earlier told the apostles and elders that the Holy Spirit was bestowed upon the Gentiles in the same that they experienced being bestowed upon then. Peter reminded them that by asking this question they were questioning Father-God’s judgement and putting him to a test. Peter also reminded them following the laws of Moses completely was hard for their ancestors and it was for them. Peter then tells them that salvation is a gift from God. We cannot earn it by our human effort or by faithfully adhering to Jewish law. Being saved through grace is for all and not just for those try hard enough or are following the law of Moses. The laws of Moses serve as reminders to us of Father-God standards to love the Lord your God will everything you have and to love and treat other people as Father-God loves and treats us. If we follow the law, it is because we love Father-God and want to please him. If we do good works, it is because we are demonstrating by our actions the fruits and power of the Holy Spirit that Father-God bestowed upon us.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can obtain salvation by the grace of Jesus Christ, understand Father-God’s standards, and learn how to more abundantly demonstrate in your life the fruits and power of the Holy Spirit.

Day 172 Bible Readings for June 22 – Acts 14: 19-20 (ESV)

1 Kings 8: 22-66, 1 Kings 9: 1-9, Acts 14, Psalm 100

Acts 14: 19-20 (ESV)

“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.”

In verses 19 through 20 from Acts 14, we read that Paul was stoned by the crowds from Antioch and Iconium and then dragged out of the city. After the disciples gathered around him, they found out that Paul wasn’t dead. And I love this part; Paul got up and returned to the city. Some Biblical scholars have suggested that Paul was hurt and was miraculously healed by Father-God, while others have suggested that Paul was rendered unconscious by one of the stones that hit him. I find it interesting that the crowds who stoned him thought Paul was dead, which makes me think they checked him for signs of life before dragging him out of the city. The important point in these verses isn’t the miracle of Paul being still alive after being stoned and dragged out of the city, but that Paul wasn’t freaked out by it all. Paul’s faith in his mission to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ was so strong, that after being stoned and thought dead, he picked himself up and went back to the city and then left the next day with Barnabas to go to Derbe.

Paul’s behavior shows us that even if we are knocked down and left for dead Father-God will heal us, and the power of the Holy Spirit will give us the strength to keep going on with our mission from God. Because if it was done for Paul, it will be done for any believer.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you hear about the word of God and be filled with healing miracles for Father-God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Day 171 Bible Readings – Acts 13: 50-52 (ESV)

1 Kings 7: 23-51, 1 Kings 8: 1-21, Acts 13: 42-52, Psalm 99

Acts 13: 50-52 (ESV)

“But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

In verses 50 through 52, we read about Paul and Barnabas getting kicked out of Antioch. Instead of stopping their preaching, Paul and Barnabas went on to the next town and were filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabas did as Jesus commanded when he sent the disciples out two by two to preach; they shook off the dust from their feet. This phrase meant one should not have judgement about their preaching or what they were preaching because the judgement is on the people who rejected the teachings. Even though they were rejected, Paul and Barnabas continued preaching trusting God that leaving Antioch was the best thing to do and they were many other cities that needed to hear their preaching. Paul and Barnabas did not experience the hurt of rejection; they only experienced joy because their joy came from the Holy Spirit and not because of their circumstances. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will experience joy no matter what our circumstances. Paul and Barnabas are good examples for us to follow when we experience rejection when sharing with someone the words of Christ. If we are rejected, we should move on and remember the joy that comes of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible based church where you hear encouraging words and the joy that comes with being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Day 170 Bible Readings – 1 Kings 6: 11-13 (ESV)

1 Kings 6, 1 Kings 7: 1-22, Acts 13: 13-41, Psalm 98

1 Kings 6: 11-13 (ESV)

“Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father.  And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.””

In verses 11 through 13 from 1 Kings 6, we read about what Father-God said Solomon when he was building the temple. Father-God told Solomon that if he followed his statutes and rules and keep the commandment, then Father-God would dwell in the kingdom and not forsake its people. Solomon was tasked with rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem, and Father-God made promises to him if he completed it and lived and followed his rules. We may not be tasked with building a temple, but if we complete the work that Father-God has asked us to then we can expect the same promises that he made to Solomon. Father-God’s actions are the same now and they were in Old Testament. If we follow Father-God’s plan for our life and keep his rules and laws, then he will dwell among us and not forsake us. The temple might be a family, a house, a ministry, a marriage, and even our body. If we build the temple and dedicate it to Father-God and follow his rules and commandments, then he will dwell among us and in us and never forsake us.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can hear the word of Father-God and be encouraged to build your temple so you can have Father-God dwell within you and never forsake you.

Day 169 Bible Readings – Acts 13: 11-12 (ESV)

1 Kings 3: 16-28, 1 Kings 4-5 Acts 12: 20-25, Acts 13: 1-12, Psalm 97

Acts 13: 11-12 (ESV)

“And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord”

In verse 11 from Acts 13, we read about the supernatural power of Father-God when Paul curses Elymas the sorcerer who tried to persuade the Proconsul of Cyprus from speaking to Paul.  I think it’s interesting that Paul cursed Elymas the Sorcerer with blindness, since he himself was struck with blindness by Father-God on the road to Damascus. Elymas was like Paul when he was Saul and tried to stop the Proconsul from hearing about the teachings of Jesus Christ. And Paul was merciful to Elymas because the blindness was not going to be permanent but only for a time. It makes me wonder if Paul thought that Elymas would come to faith like he did, but we will never know that since he is no longer mentioned in Acts. But Paul’s curse on Elymas the sorcerer furthered Father-God’s plan because the Proconsul converted as soon as he saw what happened to Elymas. Paul demonstrated the judgement of Father-God on Elymas, and it served his plan to convert the Proconsul to the faith. I love these stories of the supernatural power of Father-God that is demonstrated through the first apostles of Jesus Christ. While we don’t hear about believers in Christ demonstrating Father-God’s power through curses, there are countless stories of Father-God’s power being demonstrated in miraculous healing by pastor and evangelists around the world.

If you enjoyed reading the thoughts on these Biblical verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible based church where you can hear and see demonstrations of Father-God’s supernatural powers through miraculous healings.

Day 168 Bible Readings – Acts 12: 5-7 (ESV)

1 Kings 2: 13-46, 1 Kings 3: 1-15, Acts 11: 19-30, Acts 12: 1-19, Psalm 96

Acts 12: 5-7 (ESV)

“So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.”

In verses 5 through 7 from Acts 12, we see an example of intercessory prayer and how Father-God responded to intercessory prayer. Peter was imprisoned by Herod, and his followers responded by praying fervently, and turning to Father-God in this time of crisis as Peter was their leader. We also see in the next two verses that Father-God responded to the church’s intercessory prayer and sent an angel to help Peter get out of prison. When we as believers unite in intercessory prayer, it shows our trust in Father-God to intervene in times of crisis. Intercessory prayer also brings a community of faith together in the act of praying for someone or some event. The early church also shows us not to despair when we are in crisis, but to pray and show our faith in the Father-God’s control over all situations. But as believers we also need to keep praying, even when there is no immediate result. It may take awhile as it did in verse 7 to Father-God intervene in the situation. We must also remember that if we do not get the result we want, we must have faith in Father-God that he is working all situations for the greater good and according to his plans for the world.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can join with others in intercessory prayer for your crises and the crises of others in your faith community.

Day 167 Bible Readings – Acts 10: 44-46 (ESV)

1 Kings 1, 1 Kings 2: 1-12, Acts 10: 24-48, Acts 11: 1-18, Psalm 96

Acts 10: 44-46 (ESV)

“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.”

In verses 44 through 45, we read about the second Pentecost but this time for the Gentiles. I love how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles while Peter was speaking, and then the people started speaking in tongues and praising Father-God. The people present were surprised that this event happened, but Jesus prophesied in John 12: 32, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Jesus knew that after his resurrection, he would draw all people to myself. In a Bible study I read, the author noted that people were surprised that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit before they were converted or baptized. The author also stated that the people were surprised because the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit in the same way that happened during Pentecost. But what this means for me, is that Father-God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is for all people and not just for the Jewish people. As a Gentile, I can expect to have what Father-God promised to the Chosen people. The teachings of Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are for anyone who has faith in God’s words in the Bible.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel Bible-based church so you can receive the Holy Spirit and enjoy the spiritual gift and fruits of the spirit.

Day 166 Bible Readings – Psalm 94: 12-13 (ESV)

2 Samuel 23: 8-39, 2 Samuel 24, Acts 9: 32-43, Acts 10: 1-23, Psalm 94: 12-23

Psalm 94: 12-13 (ESV)

“Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.”

Verses 12 and 13 from Psalm 94 stood out to me in daily Bible readings. I feel like Father-God has been in my life for a long time, with the Holy Spirit guiding me and disciplining me to more closely obey the teachings in the Bible. I resented it for a long time because I thought I was being picked on, and the Holy Spirit was constantly pointing out what I was doing wrong. I had a tennis teacher who did the same thing in college. She kept ragging on about my backswing, and how I was doing everything wrong. It was a group class, and I never saw her pointing out the errors of the other like she was doing with me. She must have seen how angry and upset I was over her criticism one day, because she pulled me aside and told me that I had the best backhand swing she had ever seen. And if I listened to her advice, I could improve it and play competitively. I was so floored by what she said, because I thought the woman couldn’t stand me and wanted to make my life miserable.

It took me a long time to realize that Father-God and the Holy Spirit were guiding me in the same way as the tennis teacher. Father-God loves me so much that he directed the Holy Spirit to constantly correct me so I could lead a blessed life. Yes, I’ve had my share of troubles, dry seasons, and death of family members and loved ones, and Father-God has always been there for me to give me the peace that goes beyond all understanding. I know I’ve led a charmed and blessed life compared to others, and I attribute that blessing to constant discipline I’ve been under from the Holy Spirit. I feel even more blessed today that Father-God took such an interest and never ever gave up on me. I am now fully open to the guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit, and I cannot wait to enjoy the rewards that Father-God has planned for my life.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, full gospel Bible-based church so you can be guided by the Holy Spirit to lead a life full of Father-God’s blessings and rewards.

Day 165 Bible Readings – 2 Samuel 22: 29 (ESV)

2 Samuel 22, 2 Samuel 23: 1-7, Acts 9: 1-31, Psalm 94: 1-11

2 Samuel 22: 29 (ESV)

“For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness.”

Verse 29 from 2 Sameul 22 may be one of my favorite verses from the Bible. Father-God has always been the light that drew me out of the darkness of my own misery. Father-God’s light pulled me from the deepest of pits of despair and depression when I was going through those seasons in my life. However, when I was reading a couple of Bible studies on these verses I found other meanings for Father-God’s light. Father-God is also a source of divine guidance and a way to navigate the darkness like a lamp. Father-Gpd also can dispel the darkness of chaos, ignorance, and adversity. Hs light also brings salvation and spiritual enlightenment, which gives us hope and the promise of deliverance through his presence in times of trouble. For David, Father-God illuminated his path to victory over his enemies and guided him through his reign’s uncertainties and challenges. And like David, we must always seek Father-God’s wisdom and direction in all things if we want to have lives that are full of peace and pleasing to Father-God.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can learn and develop your ability to rely on Father-God to be the lamp in your life.

Day 164 Bible Readings – Act 8: 20-21 (ESV)

2 Samuel 20-21, Acts 8, Psalm 93

Act 8: 20-21 (ESV)

“But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.”

In verse 20-21from Acts 8, we read about Peter’s rebuke to Simon the Magician in Samaria who wanted to pay for Simon to give him the power to give people the Holy Spirit. Peter scolds Simon and tells him that you cannot buy spiritual gifts, because the grace of Father-God cannot be purchased or earned. The gift of being able to lay hands on people so they receive the Holy Spirit comes to those who repent and right with Father-God. Simon wanted to lay hands on people to give the gift of the Holy Spirit for his own selfish purposes, and not to serve and spread the message of Jesus Christ and glorify Father-God. Father-God wants our motives to be aligned with his will which is serve him and follow his will for our life. I think Simon the Magician would feel right at home in our current age of celebrity on social media by wanting to have gifts from God, so he could be a star and makes a video that goes viral. But Peter speaks for Father-God when he tells Simon his motives are wrong, and that you cannot have the gifts of the Holy Spirit unless you repent of your sins and are right with God. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will only be given to those who are right with God and want to serve him according to his will for their lives.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can listen to the word of God and discern his plan for your life.

Day 163 Bible Readings – Psalm 92: 12 (ESV)

2 Samuel 18: 19-33, 2 Samuel 19, Acts 7: 44-60, Psalm 92

Psalm 92: 12 (ESV)

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”

In verse 12 from Psalm, we read about one of the promises of Father-God. If you are believer in Jesus Christ and follow his commandments, you will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. In Biblical times, the palm tree was known to have long life and have the ability to thrive in the desert, which meant the palm tree has resilience and endurance. For the tribes of ancient Israel, the palm branches were also used to signify victory and triumph over one’s adversaries. If we are like palm trees, this means that Father-God promised that we will flourish even in the toughest of condition and have victory because we are under his protection, grace, and mercy. We will not just survive harsh circumstances; we will flourish in them as a blessing from Father-God. The cedar trees were also known for their strength, height, and durability. Cedar trees were used for the construction of temples and palaces because of their stability and longevity. As believers in Father-God, we have the cedar tree’s strength and durability in our faith so we become temples for the Father-God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. I know for myself that deepening my relationship with Father-God has given me the strength to endure life’s most difficult circumstances, and has given me the feeling that I am always flourishing and have the strength to endure whatever life throws my way.

If you enjoyed reading about my thoughts on these Biblical verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church so you can learn about all of the promise Fathe-God made to his people.

Day 162 Bible Readings – Psalm 91: 11-12 (ESV)

2 Samuel 16: 15-23, 2 Samuel 17, 2 Samuel 18: 1-18, Acts 7: 20-43, Psalm 91: 9-16

Psalm 91: 11-12 (ESV)

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”

Verses 11 and 12 from Psalm 91 stood out to me because the Bible Study I was reading noted that these verses were quoted and used by Satan when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 5-7). Satan used these verses and twisted them to tempt Jesus to throw himself down from the top of the temple to test God if he really was the son of God. Jesus quoted scripture back and told the Satan that you cannot put God to the test. These verses show us how Satan will twist verses from the Bible to put doubt in our mind. If you have doubts about what Father-God is doing in your life, as believers in Christ we need to refer back to the Bible to find out if Father-God really said that and the promises he made to his people. Jesus then gave us the template of how to respond to doubt or attacks from Satan. We need to do what Jesus did and quote scripture back to him and say that Father-God didn’t say that, and here are the Bible verses that prove or talk about the promises Father-God made to his people. If we follow the example Jesus left for us for how to deal with temptation, we will be able to overcome it like he did.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirited filled, Bible-based church where you can learn how to respond to the doubts and temptation in your life.