SAM HONIBALL BLOG

    The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. 29 The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. Proverbs‬ ‭20:27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The proverb "The Lord's light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive" (Proverbs 20:27 NLT) is a powerful reminder that we cannot hide our true thoughts and intentions from God. He sees all, knows all, and understands all. This can be a daunting thought, but it is also a comforting one. It means that we can be honest with God and bring our whole selves to Him, knowing that He loves and accepts us unconditionally. The second part of the proverb, "The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old," speaks to the different values and strengths of different generations. Young people are typically strong and energetic, while older people have the wisdom and experience of a lifetime. Both of these ar

  Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged..., for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The verse  is a powerful reminder that we can trust God to fight for us in the midst of our struggles. This verse was spoken to King Jehoshaphat of Judah when he was facing a vast army that threatened to destroy his kingdom. Jehoshaphat was afraid, but he turned to God in prayer and asked for His help. God responded to Jehoshaphat's prayer by telling him not to be afraid or discouraged, because the battle was not his, but God's. God then gave Jehoshaphat specific instructions on how to defeat the enemy army. Jehoshaphat followed God's instructions, and the enemy army was defeated without a single casualty among the Israelites. This story teaches us that we can trust God to fight for us in our battles, no matter how difficult they may seem. When we are facing challenges in our lives, we don't need to be afraid or discouraged. We can simply turn to God in

  Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This Bible verse is a warning against the dangers of associating with people who have negative influences. It is a reminder that our character is shaped by the people we spend time with, and that we need to be careful about who we choose to surround ourselves with. There are a few reasons why bad company can corrupt good character: First, we are naturally influenced by the people we spend time with. We tend to adopt their values, beliefs, and behaviors. If we are surrounded by people who are dishonest, disrespectful, or immoral, we are more likely to become those things ourselves. Second, bad company can lead us to make poor choices. When we are around people who are engaging in risky or destructive behavior, we are more likely to do the same. This can lead to a downward spiral that can damage our character and our lives. Finally, bad company can make it diffic

  I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. Psalm 101:3 This verse is a declaration of a righteous person's commitment to purity and integrity. The psalmist resolves to avoid anything that is morally unclean or corrupt, and to distance himself from those who engage in such behavior. This verse is a reminder that we should be careful about what we expose ourselves to, both physically and spiritually. Just as it is important to avoid looking at harmful or disturbing images, it is also important to avoid listening to harmful or disturbing words, and to avoid spending time with people who have a negative influence on us. The psalmist's commitment to purity and integrity is also a challenge to us. Are we willing to refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar? Are we willing to hate all who deal crookedly and have nothing to do with them? It is not always easy to do what is right, but the psalmist's e

  Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies. Plans succeed through good counsel... Proverbs 20:15 NLT This proverb teaches us that wisdom is more valuable than material possessions. It is also a reminder that we should seek guidance from others when making important decisions. Wise words can help us to make better choices, solve problems more effectively, and live more fulfilling lives. They can also help us to build stronger relationships and create a more positive impact on the world around us. Here are a few examples of how wise words can be more valuable than gold and rubies: • A wise counselor can help us to avoid making costly mistakes. • A wise friend can offer us support and encouragement during difficult times. • A wise teacher can help us to learn and grow. • A wise leader can inspire us to achieve great things. When we seek and follow good counsel, we are more likely to succeed in our plans and achieve our goals. Here are a few tips for finding and

  Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good... Psalms‬ ‭100:4‭ NLT‬‬ When we enter God's gates with thanksgiving, we are acknowledging that He is the source of all our blessings. We are expressing our gratitude for His love, His mercy, and His grace. When we go into His courts with praise, we are lifting up our voices to magnify His name. We are celebrating His goodness and His greatness. Giving thanks to God and praising His name is a way of life for Christians. We are called to worship God in all things, whether we are experiencing good times or bad. When we are thankful to God, we are keeping our eyes on Him and His promises. We are trusting Him even when we don't understand what He is doing. When we praise God, we are declaring His goodness and His greatness to the world. We are inviting others to join us in worshiping the One True God. Here are some reasons why we should enter God&#

  ...Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it... Song of Songs‬ ‭8:6‭-‬7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Love is often compared to fire in the Bible. Fire is a powerful force. It can destroy, but it can also create. It can provide warmth and light, or it can be used to cook food. Fire is also unpredictable. It can flare up suddenly, or it can smolder for a long time. In the same way, love is a powerful force. It can bring great joy and happiness, but it can also cause pain and heartbreak. Love can be passionate and intense, or it can be gentle and enduring. Love is also unpredictable. It can come to us suddenly, or it can grow slowly over time. But just as fire cannot be extinguished by water, love cannot be destroyed by trials and tribulations. True love is enduring and faithful. It is a gift from God, and it is one of the most precious things in the world. Here are some of the ways that love is like fire: • Love is passionate. When w

  Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a powerful verse that contains God's promise to restore His people and their land if they will humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. This promise was originally given to the nation of Israel, but it has relevance for believers today. Humility Humility is the first step towards true repentance and spiritual growth. When we humble ourselves, we acknowledge our sinfulness and our need for God's forgiveness. We also recognize that God is in control of our lives and that we are dependent on Him. Prayer Prayer is the way we communicate with God. When we pray, we express our love and gratitude for Him, and we ask for His help and guidance. Prayer is also a powerful way to intercede for others and

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Psalms 98:7 NLT This passage is a call to worship God for all of creation. It is a reminder that God is the creator of all things, and that everything in the universe belongs to him. The sea is a powerful and majestic force. It is vast and deep, and it is home to a wide variety of marine life. The psalmist is calling on the sea and everything in it to praise God. This includes the waves, the fish, the coral reefs, and all of the other creatures that live in the sea. The earth is also a beautiful and diverse place. It is home to mountains, valleys, forests, deserts, and rivers. It is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The psalmist is calling on the earth and all living things to praise God. This includes the trees, the flowers, the birds, the animals, and all of the other creatures that live on the earth. When we praise God for creation, we are acknowledging his power, his

  Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5 NLT This proverb teaches us that everyone has the potential to give good advice, but it may not always be easy to get it out of them. It takes a person of understanding to be able to draw out the best advice from others. There are a few reasons why people may be hesitant to give advice. Some people may be afraid of being wrong or of giving bad advice. Others may be shy or uncomfortable speaking up. Still others may be simply too busy to take the time to think through what they would say. A person of understanding will be able to recognize these barriers and take steps to overcome them. They may start by asking open-ended questions and listening carefully to the other person's responses. They may also share their own experiences and insights in a way that is helpful and supportive. Here are some tips for drawing out good advice from others: • Be respectful and open-minde

  Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. Psalms 97:11 NLT This verse from Psalm 97 is a reminder that God's blessing is upon those who live righteously and have a pure heart. The word "godly" in this verse refers to those who seek to live in accordance with God's will. They are people who are honest, kind, and compassionate. They are also people who are forgiving and merciful. When we live a godly life, God's light shines upon us. This means that we are blessed with His favor and protection. We are also given the strength and guidance to overcome challenges and live a fulfilling life. The second part of the verse says that "joy belongs to those whose hearts are right." This means that those who have a pure heart and a clear conscience are the ones who experience true joy. They are not burdened by guilt or shame, and they are able to live in peace and contentment. When we have a right heart, we are able to experience the j

  Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed Ecclesiastes 10:10 NLT This proverb teaches us that it is important to prepare and invest in ourselves before we attempt to accomplish anything. Just as a dull ax makes it difficult to chop wood, so too does a lack of knowledge, skills, and resources make it difficult to achieve our goals. Wisdom is the ability to apply our knowledge and skills in a way that leads to success. It is the ability to see the big picture and to make wise decisions, even in difficult circumstances. When we are wise, we know how to use our resources effectively and to avoid making costly mistakes. This proverb reminds us that it is important to sharpen our blades before we start chopping wood. This means investing in our education and training, developing our skills, and gathering the resources we need to succeed. It also means taking the time to plan and strategize before we embark on any

... But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭8:1, 3b ‭NLT‬‬ This is a profound statement, and it is one that is worth reflecting on. It is important to remember that knowledge is not everything. We can have all the knowledge in the world, but if we do not have love, then we are nothing. Love is what makes the church strong. It is what binds us together as a community. It is what motivates us to serve one another and to reach out to the world around us. When we love God and love one another, we are reflecting the image of God. We are showing the world what it means to be a Christian. So how can we grow in our love for God and for one another? Here are a few suggestions: • Spend time in prayer and in the Bible. This will help you to grow in your relationship with God. • Serve others in your church and in your community. This is a great way to show your love for

  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse  is a powerful reminder of the importance of community. When we are alone, we are more vulnerable to attack. But when we have others to support us, we are stronger and more resilient. This is true in all areas of our lives, from our personal relationships to our careers. The verse also compares community to a triple-braided cord, which is very difficult to break. This suggests that when we are united with others, we can accomplish great things. There are many ways to build community. We can spend time with friends and family, join clubs or organizations, or volunteer our time to help others. When we connect with others on a personal level, we create a support system that can help us through difficult times and achieve our goals. Here are some specific examples of how communi

  True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT Proverbs 22:4 is a powerful statement about the rewards of living a life of humility and obedience to God. It tells us that these qualities lead to riches, honor, and long life. What does it mean to be humble? Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less. It is about putting God and others before ourselves. It is about being willing to learn from others and to admit our mistakes. What does it mean to fear the Lord? The fear of the Lord is not a fearful dread, but a deep respect and reverence for God. It is knowing that God is holy and just, and that we are accountable to Him for our actions. When we are humble and fear the Lord, we are more likely to make wise choices and to live our lives in a way that pleases Him. This can lead to a number of positive outcomes, including: • Riches: When we are humble and obedient to God, He blesses us with mate

  God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.       1 Corinthians 6:20 This verse reminds us that our bodies are not our own, but belong to God. He paid the ultimate price for us, the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should use our bodies in a way that honors Him. What does it mean to honor God with our bodies? It means using our bodies in a way that pleases Him and reflects His character. This means abstaining from sexual immorality, drug abuse, and other sinful behaviors. It also means taking care of our bodies by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. When we honor God with our bodies, we are showing Him that we are grateful for His sacrifice and that we want to live in a way that pleases Him. We are also setting a good example for others. When people see us living a healthy and moral lifestyle, they are more likely to be drawn to Christ. Here are some specific ways that we can honor God with our bodies: Use our