SAM HONIBALL BLOG

  Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is a powerful call to Christian unity and love. Paul urges believers to be humble, gentle, patient, and forgiving towards one another. These qualities are essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant community of faith. Humility means having a low opinion of oneself. It is the opposite of pride and arrogance. When we are humble, we are willing to admit our mistakes, to learn from others, and to serve others. Gentleness means being kind and compassionate. It is the opposite of harshness and rudeness. When we are gentle with others, we treat them with respect and consideration, even when they are difficult. Patience means being able to endure trials and challenges without becoming discouraged. It is the opposite of anger and impatience. When we are patient with others, we are willing to forgive them when they hurt us, and we are

  Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Ephesians‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is a powerful verse that reminds us that we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence because of Christ and our faith in Him. This is a privilege that was not available to people in the Old Testament, who had to approach God through a priest and with a sacrifice. But because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we now have direct access to God. We can come to Him with all of our needs, our fears, and our doubts. We can come to Him just as we are, knowing that He loves us and that He wants to be in relationship with us. This boldness and confidence is not something that we earn. It is a gift that we receive from God through faith in Christ. When we put our faith in Christ, we are forgiven of our sins and we are adopted into God's family. We become His children and we have the right to approach Him as our Father. Here are some w

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.Isaiah‬ ‭55:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is a powerful verse that encourages us to seek the Lord while we can still find Him. It reminds us that God is always near, but that there may come a time when it is too late to seek Him. This verse is especially relevant to us today, as we live in a world that is constantly trying to distract us from God. We are bombarded with messages from the world that tell us that we don't need God and that we can live our lives without Him. But the truth is, we were created for God and we can only find true fulfillment and satisfaction in Him. So, what does it mean to seek the Lord? It means to make Him our top priority in life. It means to spend time with Him in prayer and Bible study. It means to obey His commands and to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him. When we seek the Lord, we are guaranteed to find Him. He promises that He will answer those who call on Him and that

  But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them.” Isaiah‬ ‭52:6‭  ‭NLT‬‬ In this versd, God promises to reveal His name to His people and to show them the power of His name. This is a significant promise, because knowing God's name means knowing His character, His promises, and His plans. When God reveals His name to His people, He is inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him. The phrase "to know the name of" someone in the Bible often means to have a close and intimate relationship with that person. For example, when God tells Moses that He is "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6), He is telling Moses that He is the God who has had a close and personal relationship with the patriarchs. In the same way, when God promises to reveal His name to His people in Isaiah 52:6, He is promising to enter into a deeper relatio

  See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands... Isaiah‬ ‭49:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Isaiah 49:16 is a powerful verse that speaks to God's deep and abiding love for His people. In this verse, God promises Israel that He has written their names on the palms of His hands. This is a vivid image that speaks to God's constant awareness of His people and His commitment to them. The palms of the hands are a place of great importance and significance. They are used for work, for touch, and for protection. When God writes our names on the palms of His hands, He is saying that He is always mindful of us, that He is always with us, and that He will always protect us. This verse is a source of great comfort and hope for Christians. It reminds us that we are never alone, that God is always aware of us, and that He loves us unconditionally. Even when we feel lost, forgotten, or unworthy, we can know that God has written our names on the palms of His hands. Here are some of the ways that t

  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part  of our lives. Galatians‬ ‭5:25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Galatians 5:25 tells us that it is to follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. This means that we are to submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance and control in our thoughts, words, and actions. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and He dwells within every believer. He is our Comforter, Counselor, and Guide. He is also the one who empowers us to live a holy life. When we walk in the Spirit, we are not controlled by our own sinful desires. Instead, we are led by the Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to God. This means that we will produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). So how do we walk in the Spirit? Here are a few tips: • Spend time in prayer and Bible study. T

  I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah‬ ‭46:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Isaiah 46:4 is a beautiful and powerful verse that speaks to God's everlasting love and care for His people. In this verse, God promises to be with us throughout our lifetimes, no matter what. He promises to care for us, carry us, and save us. This verse is a reminder that we are never alone. Even when we are going through difficult times, God is with us. He is our protector and our provider. He will always be there to help us through any challenge we face. This verse is also a reminder of God's love for us. He created us and He loves us unconditionally. He wants us to have a good life and He will do everything in His power to help us achieve that. We can find comfort and strength in Isaiah 46:4. When we are feeling lost or alone, we can turn to God and know that He is with us. We can trust that He

  For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 108:4 What a beautiful declaration of God's unfailing love and faithfulness. This verse tells us that God's love for us is so great that it is beyond our comprehension. It is higher than the highest heavens, and it is deeper than the deepest ocean. God's love is also constant and unchanging. It is like a faithful friend who is always there for us, no matter what. We can see God's unfailing love and faithfulness in His creation all around us. He has created a beautiful world for us to live in, and He has provided us with everything we need to survive and thrive. He also sustains us with His love and grace each and every day. God's love and faithfulness are also evident in His Word, the Bible. The Bible tells us that God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us on the cross. Jesus' death paid the penalty for our sins, and it made it p

  For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah‬ ‭41:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is a beautiful and encouraging verse that promises God's presence and help to those who trust in him. This verse is a powerful reminder that we are never alone. God is always with us, even in the darkest of times. He is holding us by our right hand, and he is ready to help us through any difficulty we may be facing. God's promise of help in Isaiah 41:13 is especially meaningful when we are feeling afraid. When we are facing difficult circumstances, it is natural to feel afraid. But God tells us not to be afraid, because he is with us. He will help us to overcome our fears and to get through the difficult times. There are many ways that God helps us. He helps us by giving us wisdom, strength, and courage. He also helps us by providing for our needs and by protecting us from harm. But most importantly, God helps us by loving us unc

  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Isaiah 40:31 is a beautiful and encouraging verse that promises renewed strength to those who trust in the Lord. It is a verse that has brought hope and comfort to countless people over the centuries, and it is a verse that is still relevant today. In this verse, Isaiah compares those who trust in the Lord to eagles. Eagles are known for their strength, power, and endurance. They are also able to soar high above the ground, reaching heights that other birds cannot. Isaiah is saying that when we trust in the Lord, he will give us new strength. We will be able to overcome any obstacle and reach any goal that he sets before us. We will be able to soar above our problems and difficulties, just as eagles soar above the ground. Isaiah also promises that those who trust in the Lord will not grow weary or

  Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Psalms‬ ‭107:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This Psalm is a song of praise to God for his faithfulness and goodness. It describes four different groups of people who have experienced God's deliverance and rescue: • Those who have wandered lost in the wilderness • Those who have been held captive • Those who have been sick and near death • Those who have been caught in a storm at sea In each of these cases, God hears the cries of his people and comes to their aid. He delivers them from their troubles and brings them to safety. The psalmist concludes the psalm with a call to praise God for his great love and wonderful works: Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. (Psalm 107:31 NLT) This is a call to all of us, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we are experiencing God's deliverance in a dramatic way, or whether we are simply receivin

"He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death" Psalm 107:20 NLT This is a powerful reminder of God's healing power. It tells us that God is not only able to heal our physical ailments, but also our emotional and spiritual ones. When we are sick or struggling, it is easy to feel hopeless and alone. But this verse reminds us that God is always with us, and that He cares about our suffering. He is willing and able to heal us, both physically and spiritually. There are many examples of God's healing power in the Bible. In the book of John, Jesus heals a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years. In the book of Acts, Peter heals a lame man who is begging at the temple gate. And in the book of Revelation, John sees a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death. These stories remind us that God's healing power is real and available to all who believe. If you are sick or struggling, turn to

  Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then   the God of love and peace   will be with you. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:11 ‭NLT‬‬ This is a powerful verse that encourages believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God. When we do these things, the God of love and peace will be with us. Be joyful Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is a deep-seated happiness that is not dependent on our circumstances. When we choose to be joyful, even in the midst of difficult times, we are honoring God. Grow to maturity Spiritual maturity is the process of becoming more like Christ. It involves growing in our knowledge of God, our obedience to His Word, and our love for others. We can grow to maturity by studying the Bible, praying, and spending time with other believers. Encourage each other Encouragement is the act of building up others and giving them hope. When we encourage each other, we are helping each other to grow in our

Mastering the Art of Saying No:  A Guide to Overcoming Guilt Introduction: Every day, we face numerous requests and obligations that demand our time, energy, and resources. Learning to say no is an essential skill for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. However, many individuals struggle with feelings of guilt when it comes to saying no. In this blog, we will explore various strategies to empower you to say no without feeling guilty. 1. Reflect on Your Priorities: Begin by identifying your values, priorities, and long-term goals. By clarifying what truly matters to you, you can make informed decisions and prioritize your resources accordingly. Reminding yourself of these priorities will alleviate guilt since you are aligning your actions with your core values. 2. Understand the Power of Boundaries: Establishing boundaries is crucial for maintaining your well-being and preventing burnout. Recognize that saying no is not a selfish act

  " The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the Lord"  Isaiah 29:19 This verse is a promise from God to those who are humble. Humility is the opposite of pride, and it is a character trait that God values highly. When we are humble, we recognize that we are dependent on God for everything, and we submit to His will in our lives. There are many benefits to being humble. One of the greatest benefits is that God gives fresh joy to the humble. This joy is not based on our circumstances or accomplishments, but on our relationship with God. When we are humble, we can experience His joy even in the midst of difficult times. There are a number of ways to develop humility in our lives. First, we need to spend time in prayer and Bible study. As we learn more about God and His character, we will naturally become more humble. Second, we need to be willing to serve others. When we put others before ourselves, we are putting God's will first in our lives. Third, we need to be

  ... “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need... 2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:7‭-‬8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ From these verses, we learn two important things about giving: • Our giving should be cheerful. God does not want us to give begrudgingly or out of a sense of obligation. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love and joy. When we give cheerfully, we are reflecting the heart of God, who is the ultimate giver. • God will bless us abundantly when we give cheerfully. Paul promises that when we give cheerfully, God will bless us so that we have all that we need and more. This doesn't mean that we will never experience financial hardship, but it does mean that God will provide for us in all things. When we give cheerfully, we are not only blessing others, but we are also blessing ourselves. We are participating in God's work of love and redemption, and we are storing up treasures in heaven. Here are some ways to put these principles into

  "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3 This is a beautiful and powerful verse that promises peace to those who trust in God. What does it mean to have "perfect peace"? It means to be at complete rest and peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. It means to have a sense of calm and serenity, knowing that God is in control. How do we receive this perfect peace? Isaiah tells us that it comes from trusting in God and fixing our thoughts on him. When we trust in God, we are acknowledging that he is sovereign and that he has a good plan for our lives. We are also trusting that he is faithful and that he will keep his promises. When we fix our thoughts on God, we are focusing our minds on his character and attributes. We are meditating on his goodness, his love, his mercy, and his power. As we do this, our hearts are filled with peace. The world around us may be chaotic and unpredictable,

  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17 ‭NLT‬‬ The verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17 is a powerful reminder that when we come to Christ, we are transformed into new people. Our old life, with its sins and regrets, is gone, and a new life, full of hope and promise, has begun. This transformation is not something that we can do on our own. It is a work of the Holy Spirit, who comes to live inside of us when we believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, leads us to repentance, and empowers us to live a new life that is pleasing to God. So what does it mean to be a new person in Christ? It means that we have a new identity. We are no longer slaves to sin or to the world. We are now children of God, and we have been adopted into His family. It also means that we have a new purpose in life. We are no longer living for ourselves, but for Christ. We are called to love God and

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Isaiah‬ ‭8:11‭-‬12 NLT‬‬ This verse you from Isaiah is a powerful reminder that we should not think like everyone else does. God has given us the ability to think critically and to discern the truth, and we should use these gifts to make informed decisions. One way that we can avoid thinking like everyone else is to be careful about what information we consume. We should not simply accept everything that we hear or read, but we should question it and evaluate it carefully. We should also be aware of our own biases and prejudices, and we should try to avoid letting them influence our thinking. Another way to avoid thinking like everyone else is to be open to new ideas and perspectives. We should be willing to listen to people who have different viewpoints, and we should be willing to consider their arg