A Real Final Exam

In the old west, the prospectors took their ore to the assayer's office so he could test it and tell them if they had gold. That test revealed true quality. In school, sweaty-palmed students take exams that sort them out according to a set of standard.

This kind of test shows relative value. Consumer agencies run various products through tests to see if they stand up to advertising claims. These tests expose poor quality.

God told Judah they would be exposed as worthless people who claimed to be God's protected favorites but they really didn't know or love him at all. They could fail his ultimate test. Let's be ready for God'4 final exam by building a personal relationship with him.

Text: Ezekiel 21:13
Culled from The Holy Bible

God's Timetable

Ecclesiastes records the writer's search for wisdom. He tells us more about his troubled search than about the lessons he learned. The writer does share a lesson with us in this verse. He has learned that God has a right time for everything.

It's more than a good idea to be ready for God's timing. To be caught off guard by events can cause great sorrow. Find your peace knowing your life is in God's hands and that his timing will be perfect for you.

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:11

Culled from the Holy Bible

This new month, God'll give you strength to achieve greater things.

Happy New Month of April my esteemed readers,

My prayer for you this new month;

Like the dawn you will break forth, Like the sun you will shine, 

Like ‎the stars your news will fill the earth

Like a palm tree you will flourish.

God will give you strength to achieve greater things.‎ Amen

If You Will Obey

Every agreement has conditions. Here the Lord lays down a few simple ones. He reminded Solomon that the only way his kingdom would continue was if Solomon would do as David had done and obey the Lord. If Solomon or his people began to worship foreign. Gods, they could be sure that God would punish them.

God's promises to us are similar. He promises that if we obey him, he will take good care of us. But if we chase after the gods of money, power, sex, pride, houses, cars or anything else instead of him, the good gifts from God will be pulled out of our hands.

These are not harsh conditions. We can't expect to double-cross our friends and expect to keep them. God proves himself to be our best possible friend. Let's not put anything in his place.

Brave Because Of God

Whatever tragedy or suffering comes your way in life- as it usually does- here is a good word of encouragement. God thinks highly of you and he intends this for your good. It's only natural to wonder how suffering and pain can do any good.

Consider the many believers throughout history who suffered but were still able to present Christ to many. Even Jesus himself had to suffer a miserable death on the cross. When others seem to be tearing us down, let's remember that God thinks highly of us.


Text: Daniel 10:18-20
Culled From The Holy Bible

This May Be Your Chance

When Mordecai asked for Esther's help, he assured her that God was goiing to bring his people through the difficulties they faced. If Esther refused, then she would receive punishment along with the people who wanted to kill the jews.

But Mordecai also challenged Esther. Perhaps this was the reason the Lord had placed her in the position of being a favored queen.

It took courage and boldness for Esther to approach the king without being invited. She was literally risking her life.

We, too, may have to risk all that is dear to us when we speak up for what is right. But, like Esther, we can be sure that the results of our efforts are in God's hands- even if it costs us our lives to do what is right.

When we trust God, things in our lives don't happen by accident. You may be in the place where you are "for a time like this".

Text Esther 4:8-17

Culled from The Holy Bible

From Tragedy To Triumph

When the closest relative refused to buy Elimelech's land and marry Ruth, Boaz quickly announced that he would do both. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi was being greatly rewarded. She was now to have a fine, godly husband. Naomi too was blessed as a result of Ruth's faithfulness- she soon had a grandson!

When we obey God's direction in our lives, the path ahead may look rough and rocky but we can be assured that, like Ruth, our obedience and loyalty will be rewarded by God some day and those around us will be blessed as well.


Text: Ruth 4:1-13
Culled from The Holy Bible
Photocredit:womenstoolbox