Be an 'I can' person

Consider these examples of resistance to inventions that we now consider commonplace and enjoy every day. In Germany, 'experts' said that if trains went as fast as twenty-four to thirty kilometres an hour - considered a frightful speed - blood would spurt from the travellers' noses and passenger…

God-directed steps

Marian wanted to become a concert singer, a challenge that was doubly difficult because of the colour of her skin. Her mother, however, had a patient trust in God. Marian later said, 'Mother's religion made her believe she could receive what was right for her if she was conscientious in her fait…

More of the Holy Spirit (1)

Jesus said: 'The Helper, the Holy Spirit...will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you' (John 14:26 NKJV). When you need to make a critical decision, you need 'the spirit of wisdom and revelation' (Ephesians 1:17 NKJV). When you're in a difficult situat…

Walk in fear, or love?

Research showing that love mindsets are the norm while fear mindsets are learned is revolutionary for scientists. But it's not new if you look at Scripture: 'There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear' (1 John 4:18 NIV). Over the past several decades, scientists have researc…

Blessing beyond imagination

Prayer Pastor Heidi Scanlon said: 'God has blessings for us in categories we don't even know exist.' That means God can create something out of nothing. He can seemingly come out of nowhere, and just when you need him most, give you something you don't even have a category for. God says: '"For m…

A taste for God's Word

In ancient Jewish culture, formal education began at six years of age. Jewish boys enrolled in the local synagogue school called bet sefer, which means 'house of the book'. By the time they graduated four years later, they had memorised the entire Torah - every jot and tittle of Genesis, Exodus,…

Rest in your redemption

As the Jordan River swelled to a mile in width, crossing it was no small task. Especially with millions of people! God said, 'Go over this Jordan, you and all this people' (Joshua 1:2 NKJV). Do you think they were scared? Would you have been? 'The feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in t…

A habit of prayer

Dr George Washington Carver overcame racial prejudice and became an educator, scientist and inventor who was honoured by the U.S. Congress. He was also a follower of Jesus. And here's what he had to say about prayer: 'My prayers seem to be more of an attitude than anything else. I indulge in ver…

Be a team player

Solomon wrote: 'One standing alone can be...defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer' (Ecclesiastes 4:12 TLB). What Solomon is saying is this: 'Be a team player.' The Bible speaks of one person chasing 1,000 and two putting 10,000 to flight (see Deuteronomy 32:30). The lesson is that…

Start your day with God

How do you start your day with God? If you're not a 'morning person', don't put pressure on yourself to have an extended time of reading Scripture and praying first thing. Frank Laubach, a modern-day master of practising the presence of God, said, 'If you are weary of some sleepy form of devotio…