(1 Samuel 23:1-14, ESV/NIV)
Keila was a small town in Israel (1 Samuel 23:1, ESV) that suffered greatly under repeated attacks by the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:2). The Philistines would raid their grain and oppress the people, leaving them helpless and vulnerable. During this time, David who was hiding and fleeing from King Saul passed through Keila (1 Samuel 23:4). He heard the distress of the townspeople and was deeply moved by their suffering (v.5).
Despite his precarious situation, David showed compassion and courage. He called his small band of men and told them of his intention to defend Keila (v.6). David sought God’s guidance, asking whether he would succeed if he fought for Keila’s people (v.7-8). God assured him of victory (v.10-12). This illustrates the biblical principle of seeking divine direction before taking action (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The people of Keila rejoiced to hear that David their deliverer was coming to their aid (v.11). David defeated the Philistines, liberated the captives, and restored their property (v.13-14). Their response was joyful celebration, showing gratitude for God’s deliverance through David (v.13).
However, the story takes a tragic turn. Saul, intent on killing David, heard of his presence in Keila and sent troops to capture him (v.7-8). David prayed again, asking if the people of Keila would betray him to Saul (v.9-12). God revealed that they would (v.12), demonstrating a sobering reality: even those we help may turn against us (Psalm 41:9).
Faced with this, David left Keila and went into hiding once more (v.13-14). This shows David’s dependence on God’s protection despite human betrayal (Psalm 27:1-3).
The reaction of the people of Keila foreshadows the rejection Jesus experienced. Despite his miracles, teachings, and healing power, many Israelites turned against Him when His mission brought danger (John 11:47-50, NIV):
“If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” (John 11:48)
Caiaphas’s grim counsel that “it is better for one man to die for the people” (v.50) led to Jesus’ crucifixion a voluntary sacrifice for the salvation of humanity (John 10:17-18).
Like David, we should seek God’s guidance in every decision and trust His protection even in the face of betrayal (Psalm 32:8).
We must be aware that loyalty is not guaranteed from others, but God remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).
Let us not abandon Jesus when trials come, as some did with David and as many did with Christ (Luke 22:54-62).
Instead, we should love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Mark 12:30), holding fast to our faith regardless of opposition.
May the Lord
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Understanding Fasting and Its Purpose Fasting is a spiritual discipline where a believer voluntarily refrains from something often food or drink for a specific period to draw nearer to God (Matthew 6:16-18, NIV). The purpose of fasting is not merely physical abstinence but to foster spiritual intimacy through prayer, repentance, and focused devotion.
People fast from various things depending on their spiritual goals: some avoid eating or drinking, others may abstain from sleep, work, or even communication. The key is to remove distractions so you can deepen your relationship with God.
The Bible does not explicitly forbid sexual intimacy during fasting. Since the traditional fast usually involves refraining from food and drink, engaging in sexual relations is not inherently contradictory to fasting.
However,
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (ESV) gives important guidance on marital intimacy:
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This passage highlights mutual consent and temporary abstinence for prayerful focus but warns against prolonged withholding, which can lead to temptation.
Fasting is ultimately about seeking God’s presence and strengthening spiritual discipline (Joel 2:12-13, NIV). Marital intimacy is a God-ordained good (Hebrews 13:4, ESV), designed to strengthen the marital bond and should be handled with love, respect, and mutual agreement.
Engaging in intimacy during a fast is not sinful or a violation of fasting unless your personal or mutual fast explicitly includes it. It’s essential that the fast enriches your walk with God without causing unnecessary conflict in your marriage.
May God richly bless you as you seek Him with all your heart.
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When Jesus was in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came and did something that shocked and angered many who were present. As the Scriptures tell us, she brought an alabaster jar filled with very costly perfume—pure nard—worth about a full year’s wages (Mark 14:3).
But notice what she did: she didn’t merely open the jar and pour out a little perfume—she broke it completely. By breaking it, she made it clear that this perfume would never be used for anything or anyone else. It was a total act of surrender and devotion.
The fragrance filled the entire house, and those who witnessed it began to complain, saying, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor!” (Mark 14:4–5).
But Jesus defended her, saying:
“Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them anytime you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could; she poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” — Mark 14:6–8
And then Jesus gave this profound promise:
“Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” — Mark 14:9
The Spiritual Lesson This story is not only about that one woman. Everyone has their own “alabaster jar.” It represents something precious—your time, your money, your gifts, your heart—that you hold dear. The question is: what or whom are you pouring it out for?
Some people “break their jars” for worldly pleasures—lavish lifestyles, entertainment, fame, or relationships that do not honor God. Just as others criticized the woman, today people may criticize someone who gives generously to God’s work or serves wholeheartedly in ministry. But Jesus sees the heart and calls such devotion beautiful.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
Breaking Your Jar for Jesus Giving to God is not a loss—it is an act of worship. When the woman broke her jar, she gave her best to Jesus. Likewise, we are called to give Him our best: our lives, our energy, our time, and our possessions.
It may seem costly. You may even be misunderstood or mocked. But what you pour out for Christ will never be wasted.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” — Romans 12:1
Some people can sacrifice everything for their children’s education, medical treatment, or personal ambitions—but hesitate to give to God’s Kingdom. That shows where their “jar” is broken. We all give our best to what we love most.
A Call to Reflection Can you, like this woman, break your alabaster jar for Jesus? Can you give Him your best—your heart, your worship, your devotion, your sacrifice?
She had no idea that her act of love would echo through generations, but Jesus made sure her story would live forever. Likewise, your sincere devotion to Him will never be forgotten before God.
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” — Hebrews 6:10
When you give yourself fully to Jesus, your life becomes a sweet fragrance before the Lord (2 Corinthians 2:15).
So—break your jar. Pour it all out for Him. You will never regret it.
Shalom.
Your Role as a Mother for Your Children and Grandchildren
Praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us learn from the Word of God.
The Scripture says:
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) –
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
When you train your child in the proper way, he or she will not stray from that path even in adulthood. This also means that when your child becomes a parent, your grandchildren will benefit from the values and teachings you instilled. What you taught your child, he or she will pass on to the next generation. In this way, your family can remain holy and blessed for multiple generations.
If you notice challenges in a grandchild, understand that such challenges often begin with the grandparents, continue with the parents, and eventually reach the grandchildren. But if the grandparents raise their child in the fear of God, in love and obedience to Him, that child will also teach their children the same path. Consequently, the grandchildren born into such a family will grow with godly character and a desire to please God.
Biblical Example:
Consider the example of a grandmother who raised her child properly, resulting in her grandchild growing up to be righteous.
This woman was Lois, whose daughter Eunice gave birth to Timothy, who became a servant of the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:4-5 (NIV) –
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
Here, Paul reminds Timothy of the source of his faith—his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Timothy’s love for God did not begin with him alone; it was nurtured by the faith of his grandmother. That is why Timothy was able to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ early and eventually serve as a pastor in many churches.
Timothy was not fully Jewish; his mother was Jewish, and his father was Greek. Nevertheless, the spiritual upbringing he received from his grandmother and mother made him stand out among his peers.
Acts 16:1-3 (NIV) –
“Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, and he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew his father was Greek.”
As a parent or grandparent, what legacy will you leave your children and grandchildren? Is mere academic education enough?
If your child receives only worldly education without God in their life, you risk losing them, regardless of how successful or wealthy they become.
Grandmother Lois foresaw the glory of her grandchild’s future and ensured that he became a faithful servant of God. She taught her daughter Eunice well, and Eunice, in turn, taught Timothy the right way.
History is full of highly educated and wealthy young people whose names are forgotten, but the story of Timothy still blesses millions. God gave Timothy an enduring legacy.
If we also train our children in the right way, our legacy will continue through our children, grandchildren, and generations yet to come.
Practical Steps:
Teach your children the Bible.
Don’t teach them about Jesus as if He were a subject like math—teach them His commandments, the importance of prayer, and the power of worship in daily life.
If you put God first in their lives, He will take the first place in all areas of their lives.
May God bless us all. Maranatha!
God never intended for us to find a perfect earthly existence—a life completely free from danger, suffering, or wickedness. This is a profound truth every believer must embrace: this world, since the fall of Adam and Eve, remains fallen and corrupted (Genesis 3). It is not a place of ultimate peace but a battleground between good and evil, light and darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
The Reality of the Fallen WorldFrom the moment sin entered creation, the entire cosmos was subjected to decay and hardship (Romans 8:20-22). We live in a world where evil and suffering coexist with God’s goodness. There is no geographical location, community, or environment completely free from trouble. Whether we move from place to place or change circumstances, we cannot escape the reality that the present age groans under the weight of sin and spiritual opposition (1 John 5:19).
God’s Sovereign Provision in the Midst of TroubleThe good news is not that God removes us from adversity, but that He faithfully sustains us through it. Psalm 23 beautifully expresses this truth. David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declares:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:4-5 ESV)
Notice how God’s provision and protection are vividly depicted—not in a place of comfort free from conflict, but in the very presence of enemies. This speaks profoundly to the believer’s experience: God establishes us, feeds us, and protects us even when surrounded by opposition and spiritual warfare.
Theological Insight: God’s Kingdom “Already, But Not Yet”This reality points to the “already, but not yet” tension of the Kingdom of God. While Christ has inaugurated God’s Kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection (Luke 17:21; Romans 14:17), the fullness of that Kingdom awaits consummation at His second coming (Revelation 21:1-4). Thus, believers live in the tension between present suffering and future glory, between spiritual warfare and ultimate victory.
Living Amidst Spiritual OppositionJesus Himself prayed for believers in John 17:15 (ESV):
“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”
Christ’s desire is not that we withdraw from the world but that we remain in it under His protection, as witnesses and light (Matthew 5:14-16). The Apostle Paul similarly exhorts believers to “put on the whole armor of God” to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
The Danger of Blaming CircumstancesMany Christians become discouraged by their surroundings and blame external factors for their spiritual stagnation. Yet Scripture calls us to a different posture: faithfulness and dependence on God regardless of circumstances. We must remember that no earthly situation is perfect. One place may lack witchcraft but be plagued with sickness; another may be wealthy but spiritually barren. The enemy’s influence is pervasive.
A Personal Revelation and EncouragementI once had a dream in which I found myself trapped in a place controlled by evil forces. Despite my fear and attempts to escape, I could find no way out. Then I remembered God’s promises and chose to trust Him fully. Suddenly, I found peace and fellowship with other believers, and the presence of God filled the place as though we were in a sanctuary. This experience reminded me deeply of Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV):
“You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life,and I shall dwell in the house of the Lordforever.”
This is the confidence we can hold: God’s goodness and mercy pursue us relentlessly, sustaining us in the darkest valleys.
Trust God’s Presence: No matter how hostile your environment feels, God is with you. His rod and staff protect and guide you.
Pray for Protection: Ask God to keep you from the evil one, not necessarily to remove you from your circumstances.
Stand Firm in Faith: Put on the armor of God daily and be a light in your world.
Rest in God’s Provision: Receive His peace, knowing He prepares a feast for you even where your enemies watch.
May you live in the confidence of God’s presence and provision. May His peace guard your heart, and may you dwell in His house forever.
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The term Charismatic comes from the Greek word charisma, meaning “gift of grace.” It refers specifically to spiritual gifts (or charismata) given by the Holy Spirit to believers—not earned by human effort, but freely distributed by God’s grace. These gifts are mentioned prominently in 1 Corinthians 12–14, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, and they play a vital role in the life and ministry of the Church.
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.”—1 Corinthians 12:1 (ESV)
The modern Charismatic movement traces its roots to the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, USA, in 1906. This was a major spiritual awakening where believers experienced phenomena such as speaking in tongues, divine healing, prophecy, and other miraculous signs—similar to what happened in the early Church in the book of Acts.
This revival birthed the Pentecostal movement, which believed that the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit was evidence of God’s active presence in the Church. These events mirrored the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as seen in:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”—Acts 2:4 (ESV)
For centuries after the apostolic age, many believed that the supernatural gifts of the Spirit had ceased—a view known as cessationism. But during this revival, people began to fast, pray, and ask God to reveal Himself again through the same spiritual gifts that marked the early Church. As a result, many believers experienced Spirit-baptism, spoke in tongues, and witnessed healings and miracles.
Initially, many historic churches (like the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Moravian Churches) were skeptical of these spiritual experiences. They were deeply rooted in tradition and formal liturgy, and many viewed charismatic expressions as disorderly or even heretical.
However, by the 1960s to 1980s, the movement spread into these traditional denominations. Many Catholics, for example, began experiencing the same gifts—leading to what became known as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Similar movements emerged among Anglicans, Lutherans, and others.
While each denomination interpreted and structured the experience differently, the core emphasis remained: a return to the spiritual gifts described in Scripture.
A Charismatic Church is one that actively emphasizes and practices the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as:
Speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2)
Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:3)
Healing (James 5:14–15)
Words of wisdom and knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)
These churches believe the gifts are for today and essential for building up the Body of Christ.
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”—1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)
While the genuine work of the Holy Spirit brings transformation and power, not all spiritual manifestations are from God. In these last days, Scripture warns us to be discerning:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”—1 John 4:1 (ESV)
Sadly, some have corrupted the true gifts of the Spirit through emotionalism, showmanship, or false teachings. Others have used “anointed” objects like oil, salt, or water in unscriptural ways, confusing the faith of many. Some people speak in tongues on Sunday and live in unrepentant sin during the week. This raises serious questions about the source of such experiences.
“You will recognize them by their fruits.”—Matthew 7:16 (ESV)
Test Everything Against ScriptureDon’t accept a teaching, prophecy, or spiritual experience just because it comes from a popular or “anointed” person. Measure everything against God’s Word.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”—2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
Seek the Giver, Not Just the GiftsSpiritual gifts should never be pursued for personal glory or entertainment. They should draw us closer to Christ and build up the Church.
Avoid Idolatry and False DoctrineIt is not possible to say you are filled with the Holy Spirit and yet continue in practices like praying to saints, worshiping statues, or making offerings for the dead—these are contrary to the Spirit of truth.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”—John 4:24 (ESV)
We are living in spiritually dangerous times. Be rooted in the Bible, walk closely with the Holy Spirit, and beware of deception. The gifts of the Spirit are real, powerful, and needed—but they must be handled with truth, humility, and holiness.
“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”—1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)
Shalom!
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In biblical times, baskets were used to store and carry items such as food, grain, or leftovers. But more than being just containers, baskets in Scripture also symbolize how God provides, and how easily we can forget His faithfulness.
There are several key passages where baskets are mentioned, especially in the context of Jesus’ miracles:
Matthew 15:37 (ESV)
“And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.”
Mark 8:8 (ESV)
“And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.”
After feeding thousands of people, Jesus’ disciples collected the leftover bread in seven baskets—a clear sign of abundance, not lack.
We also see baskets used in economic terms in Jesus’ parables:
Luke 16:6–7 (ESV)
“He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’”
Here, baskets are used to measure value and debt in a financial transaction.
Later, in Mark 8:14–21, the disciples forgot to bring bread on their journey and began to argue about it. This is striking because they had just witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands of people. Despite that, they were worried about not having enough.
Mark 8:17–18 (ESV)
“And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?’”
Jesus reminded them: when He fed five thousand, twelve baskets were left over. When He fed four thousand, seven baskets were left. They had seen it with their own eyes—yet forgot.
The disciples’ fear came from placing their security in what was inside the basket, instead of who filled the basket.
This is the same issue many believers face today. We often worry about the future:
“What will I eat next month?”
“How will I pay my bills next year?”
“What will happen to my plans?”
When we begin to focus on our own lack, we lose sight of God’s past faithfulness and His promise to provide.
Jesus calls us to shift our focus:
Matthew 6:31–33 (ESV)
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
The promise is clear: If we make God’s kingdom our priority, He will take care of our needs.
The baskets in these stories are a reminder:
God has provided before.
He is providing now.
He will continue to provide.
Don’t panic over what you don’t have. Don’t put your hope in what’s inside the basket. Put your trust in the One who fills the basket.
Psalm 37:25 (ESV)
“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”
If you’re struggling with fear, doubt, or uncertainty about the future, we’re here for you.
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(Isaiah 24:20, NIV)
QUESTION: Could you please explain the meaning of Isaiah 24:18-20?
Isaiah 24:18-20 (NIV):
18 “Whoever flees at the sound of fear will fall into a pit; whoever climbs out of the pit will be caught in a trap. For the windows of heaven are opened, and the foundations of the earth shake. 19 The earth is broken apart, split wide open, shaken violently. 20 The earth reels like a drunkard and sways like a hut in the wind; it is weighed down by the burden of its sins and will collapse, never to rise again.”
This passage vividly illustrates the spiritual and moral condition of the world in the last days. The imagery of the earth staggering like a drunkard signifies the instability caused by widespread sin and rebellion against God.
12 “I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree shaken by a strong wind. 14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free person hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?’”
We live in perilous times, as Isaiah and Revelation warn us. The world is metaphorically “drunk” on sin, and the signs of the end times are unmistakable: natural disasters, moral decay, global pandemics, and increasing lawlessness.
Maranatha
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today is another day filled with His abundant grace.
I want us to reflect on a vital spiritual truth: What does the Lord first want to see in us before He releases His blessings in the things we ask or seek? Let’s revisit this passage from Luke 5:4-9 (NIV):
“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken.”
This passage reveals several important truths:Jesus sees our labor, especially when it feels fruitless. Peter’s toil all night without catching fish symbolizes seasons of spiritual hardship, where despite persistent effort, visible results seem absent. Jesus’s command to “put out into deep water” is an invitation to trust Him beyond our own experience and understanding.Blessing often follows obedience despite discouragement. Simon Peter’s response“But because you say so, I will let down the nets”illustrates faith in action. The blessing is not earned by success but released in obedience.God’s blessings can be abundant and overwhelming. The nets breaking under the weight of the catch show God’s provision far beyond human expectation (Ephesians 3:20).Recognition of God’s holiness leads to repentance and humility. Peter’s response to fall at Jesus’ knees and declare his sinfulness is a natural reaction to encountering divine power (Luke 5:8). True blessing includes a humbling awareness of our unworthiness.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Before He leads us to spiritual breakthroughs, we must be willing to endure the exhausting work, sometimes for long periods without seeing any results. Many want God’s favor and success immediately but are unwilling to persevere through seasons of “fruitless” labor.
This principle echoes the apostle Paul’s teaching about perseverance: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, NIV).
Ministries and individuals often fail because they give up too soon, discouraged by lack of visible progress. But God often allows these seasons of testing to build faithfulness and character, as James 1:2-4 teaches us about perseverance producing maturity.
This theme continues even after Jesus’ resurrection. In John 21:1-13 (NIV), the disciples fish all night without success. At dawn, Jesus appears and instructs them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, and they catch a massive haul. The night’s fruitless labor turns into sudden blessing.
This teaches us that God’s timing is perfect, and His blessings may come suddenly after long waiting. The key is obedience and faithfulness during the wait.
Whether you’re a preacher, singer, or evangelist, the call is to remain faithful even if you see no immediate fruit. Jesus promised in Matthew 10:22 (NIV):
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Sing, preach, serve, and give generously without expecting instant returns. The Holy Spirit will eventually empower your ministry, just as He did for the early church (Acts 1:8).
In Mark 6:45-52 (NIV), Jesus lets His disciples struggle through a storm before He walks on water to calm it. This delay is not neglect but a lesson in faith-building. God often allows us to face difficulties to grow our trust in Him before granting peace.
Whatever calling or ministry God has placed on your life, serve Him with hunger, faith, and perseverance. Give without expecting immediate returns. God honors faithfulness and rewards in His perfect timing.
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” (Luke 6:21, NIV).
This principle worked for Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and countless faithful servants of God. It works for us today if we endure the hard work before the breakthrough.
Proverbs 16:4 (NIV)
“The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of disaster.” Part 1
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome to this series where we explore profound biblical truths especially those difficult verses that challenge our understanding of God’s nature and sovereignty.
Such passages have caused many to doubt God’s goodness or question how an all-powerful and loving God could allow or even create evil. This series aims to provide clarity and peace by carefully examining the Scriptures.
Jesus once told His disciples:
“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7, NIV)
This teaches us that God’s work is sometimes beyond our current understanding. While some things are revealed now through the Holy Spirit’s guidance (see Acts 17:27), the full picture often emerges later either in future events or in eternity.
Proverbs 16:4 (NIV):
“The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of disaster.”
This verse raises a difficult question: Did God create the wicked specifically to fulfill evil purposes?
The Bible answers yes, and this truth reveals several important theological themes:
The existence and downfall of the wicked serve as a powerful warning. They reveal the seriousness of sin and encourage us to pursue righteousness. As Scripture says, the fate of the wicked is an example to us (Psalm 37; Hebrews 12:29).
God sometimes uses wicked rulers or nations as instruments of discipline against His people when they stray (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon in Jeremiah 25). This is an act of loving correction, not abandonment (Hebrews 12:6).
God’s power is shown most clearly in His victory over evil. He allows opposition like Pharaoh’s hardened heart or the magicians opposing Moses to reveal His miraculous power and glory (Exodus 9:16; Romans 9:17-22).
“For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’ Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden… What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath prepared for destruction?”
This passage reminds us of God’s absolute right as Creator (the potter) to shape history and individuals according to His purpose.
Humility We must accept that God’s plans far exceed our understanding. We should seek to be vessels of honor, living righteous lives instead of becoming vessels of wrath (2 Timothy 2:20-21).
Everything, good or bad, happens under God’s sovereign plan. Nothing is accidental or outside His control (Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 55:8-9). While evil still exists, we know it is temporary, and God’s ultimate justice will prevail.