Bible Devotions

MacDonald Hamba's Bible Devotions

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"God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts."

John Newton

God Is Always Near

 1 Corinthians 3:16 states: "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"

Beloved, I want you to know, that from within the world, there are many people that are finding themselves falling into both trap and snares, when it comes to cracking under the stress and pressures of modern day life. For you see, they are constantly finding themselves, losing the battle, when it comes to their self-respect. As I see it, the battle is lost, when they decide to withdraw, from within their own dark world of self-pity. And by doing so, they're constantly falling prey to the negative feelings of inferiority.

Because of this, they often seek refuge, by turning to their vices of everyday life. Now these vices may include things like: excessive drinking, drug abuse, sexual immortality, anger, depression and many other forms of sinful, worldly, addictive behaviors. This path is often taken, in the hopes, of one being able to escape, their current moment of pain and disappointment.

Now understand, I'm not suggesting that we should ever forget, that we were created by God.

However, we must not forget, that the Lord never promised, we would not experience situations from within our lives, that were filled with pressures and stressful moments.

He did however, promise to support us in every need, especially when it comes to helping us cope, with whatever confusing situation that we may be facing during that life's season. It would also be good to remember, God had also promised, to be our refuge and strength. And when one takes it upon themselves, when it comes to knowing these things, it helps to keep them from making the mistake of thinking, that Lord doesn't know what your troubles are, or that He doesn't care, if you suffer injustice, at the hands of the unrighteous.

Isaiah 40:27-29 states: "Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: 'My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God'? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength."

What this means, is that according to the book of Isaiah, rather than taking a path, that will end up leading us, to destroying ourselves, through the abuse of alcohol, drugs and sedatives, sexual immortality, anger and depression... we should take the path that will eventually lead us back towards the Lord, once again, becoming the temple of God.

Make no mistake, God protects His property. My beloved, pray this prayer if this Bible devotion touches your life, in one way, or another: "Lord, give me the strength, and Your grace, when it comes to overcoming this addiction, for I know, You're the One that's in charge of my life, thank You for always watching over me; for always loving me. In Jesus mighty name, amen."