risingwiththeson

Fulfilled Promises

“Not one of all the LORD’S good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45 NIV) If you read the book of Joshua, the book of conquest, you will find that God’s people had to play a part in establishing themselves in the Promised Land. They had to go outContinueContinue reading “Fulfilled Promises”

Be God’s Mouthpiece

“Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. “But I can’t say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.” (Numbers 22:38 NIV) The Moabite King, Balak, had summoned Balaam the prophet to come and place a curse on the Israelites, who had settled in his land. However, GodContinueContinue reading “Be God’s Mouthpiece”

A Lesson In Silence

“And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” (Luke 1:20 NIV) God had enough of Zechariah. This man of God had spoken words of doubt and distrust. When told that he wouldContinueContinue reading “A Lesson In Silence”

Too Good to be True?

Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this is going to happen? My wife and I are both very old.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, God’s servant, and I was sent to tell you this good news. You have not believed what I have said. So you will not be able toContinueContinue reading “Too Good to be True?”

Do You Know Him With Your Heart?

“You’ve been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don’t understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, ‘Where is the Father?’” (John 14:9 MSG) It amazes me how someone can claim to know you for a long time, but not really know you at all. SuchContinueContinue reading “Do You Know Him With Your Heart?”

He Understands

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.(Hebrews 4:15-16ContinueContinue reading “He Understands”

Be Real With God

I was then alone, so I bowed down and cried out to the LORD, “Why are you doing this? Are you so angry at the people of Jerusalem that everyone must die?” (Ezekiel 9:8 CEV) I just admire the boldness the prophets had in approaching God and telling Him how they really felt, and HisContinueContinue reading “Be Real With God”

You Dodged a Bullet

We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! (Psalm 124:7 NLT) Years ago, I received a call from an old colleague whose exact words were, “You dodged a bullet this summer.” I had decided to take a break and didn’t have peace about accepting the jobContinueContinue reading “You Dodged a Bullet”

Follow His Timing

It was I who rescued you from Egypt and led you through the desert for forty years, so you could possess the land of the Amorites.(Amos 2:10 NLT) What should have been an eleven-day journey took forty years! The Israelites didn’t enter the Promised Land on time out of fear of what the spies hadContinueContinue reading “Follow His Timing”

Wait for the Right Time

Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.” (John 7:6 NIV) Jesus always moved according to the will of God. When His brothers tried to persuade Him into going to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles where His claim to Messiahship would be decided, Jesus told them,ContinueContinue reading “Wait for the Right Time”