Exhortations for The Soul

In the book of Judges chapters 4 & 5, we read the story of Deborah and Jael. These were two women God used to bring deliverance to Israel, at a time when Israel was going through turmoil and oppression.   We hear a lot about Israel. It seemed to me to be a problematic place. There were many seasons when the people were faithful and then there were also many times when disobedience was the order of the day. Out of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (renamed Israel), came the twelve tribes of Israel. We are very familiar of the period when Moses led the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, through years of wandering in the wilderness,   and then finally, under the leadership of Joshua, conquering the land of Canaan, the Promised Land, after 40 years. We can find this in the book of Exodus chapters 1-15. Now here comes another season for Israel, as they were being led by judges.   It’s in this period we find Deborah and Jael. During this season of foreig...

  “For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” This is the Word of God taken from Ephesians 2 : 10 AMP .   Wow! Not only did God create us, but He prearranged everything for us so that we can live the good life.   So why are we suffering from illnesses and financial issues? We know the answer right? Poor nutritional habits and mismanagement of our money. I always give thanks to God who created the supply even before the demand was created and I say oh what a great God He is with such foresight and vision and love. So today, we are called on to take a step back and reflect on the fact that God created us for a unique and meaningful journey. And he has equipped us to be successfu...

First of all I want to say that the title for this exhortation came straight out of the Bible. And I had to read it a few times and even cross reference in different versions. Because I have developed the philosophy that if you’re going to comment, criticize, or condemn even, that it should never be personal.   In other words, if we are having a conversation and I strongly disagree with something you said, I won’t tell you that you’re stupid or you’re an idiot, or that you’re crazy. I must bring my case and argue the point or the merit of your statement or point of view. No name calling, rather a discussion on the topic. Somebody needed to hear that.   So when I read 1 Peter 2:15 from the Amplified version of the Bible, I was a little surprised. And so I decided to explore the verse and I was like, ‘ahh ok, now I understand where this is going’. And that’s why it is important to read the Bible in context.   So let us not only look at 1 Peter 2 verse 15, but let’s read 1 P...