SAM HONIBALL BLOG

  Stephen's Final Words Stephen, a devout follower of Christ, stands before the enraged council members. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazes toward heaven, where he beholds the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand¹. In that sacred moment, Stephen's earthly circumstances fade into insignificance as he glimpses eternity. Stephen's declaration reverberates through the ages: "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!"¹. His vision transcends the physical realm, revealing the divine reality—the Son of Man, Jesus, interceding on behalf of humanity. The right side, a place of honor and power, signifies Jesus' authority and compassion. But Stephen's response doesn't end with awe-struck wonder. As the stones rain down upon him, he prays, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." His surrender echoes Christ's own words on the cross, embodying forgiveness and trust in the face of brutality. And then, in an act

  Romans 8:28 CEV‬ We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, The apostle Paul reminds us of a profound truth: God is always at work for the good of those who love Him. This verse offers comfort and hope, especially during challenging times. 1. God's Sovereignty: The passage begins with the assurance that God is actively involved in our lives. His sovereignty extends over every circumstance, whether joyful or painful. Nothing catches Him by surprise. 2. Love and Purpose: God's love for His people is unwavering. Those who love Him—those who have surrendered their hearts to Him—are recipients of His purpose. We are not mere pawns in a cosmic game; we are chosen vessels for His divine plan. 3. All Things Work Together: The phrase "all things" encompasses both blessings and trials. Even when life seems chaotic or unfair, God orchestrates events to fulfill His purpose. Our suffering, di

  Proverbs 14:15 CEV‬ Don't be stupid and believe all you hear; be smart and know where you are headed. This verse encourages discernment and critical thinking, urging us to avoid gullibility and seek wisdom.  By being cautious and thoughtful, we can make better choices and navigate life's paths with clarity and purpose. 🌟 Let us pray: "Dear Heavenly Father, Grant us discernment and wisdom, as Proverbs 14:15 advises. Help us not to be gullible or easily swayed by every word we hear. Instead, may we be smart, seeking understanding and clarity. Guide our steps, Lord, so that we know where we are headed and make choices that align with Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen." 🙏

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I will show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly’ (Matthew 11:28–30 Message). These words, spoken by Jesus, resonate across time and space. They invite weary souls to find solace, to step away from the burdens that weigh them down, and to discover a different way of living—a way marked by grace, rest, and freedom. The Invitation to Rest "Are you tired?" Jesus begins. It's a question that pierces through the noise of our busy lives. We carry fatigue like a heavy cloak, our shoulders sagging under the weight of responsibilities, expectations, and the relentless pursuit of success. But Jesus extends an invitation: "Come to me." He beckons us to a place of refuge, wh

  Introduction: The book of Proverbs is a treasure trove of practical wisdom, offering guidance on various aspects of life. In Proverbs 13:3, we encounter a straightforward yet profound truth: "Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for." Body: 1. Guarding Our Words:    - The verse begins with the admonition to keep what we know to ourselves. This implies discretion and discernment. Sometimes, sharing certain information can lead to harm or unintended consequences.    - Wise individuals recognize the value of silence. They weigh their words carefully, understanding that not everything needs to be spoken aloud.    - By guarding our tongues, we protect ourselves from unnecessary trouble and maintain a sense of safety. 2. The Perils of Excessive Talk:    - On the other hand, the second part of the verse warns against talking too much. When we become overly verbose, we risk several pitfalls:      - Reputation Damage: Excessi

  John 13:14 CEV‬ And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. In this passage, Jesus demonstrates a powerful lesson through a humble act: washing His disciples' feet. Before the Passover meal, Jesus knew that His time in this world was coming to an end, and He wanted to leave a lasting example for His followers. 1. The Context:    - It was before Passover, and Jesus loved His disciples deeply.    - Even before the meal began, Judas had already decided to betray Jesus.    - Jesus knew His divine origin and ultimate return to God. 2. The Act of Foot-Washing:    - During the meal, Jesus took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples' feet.    - When He reached Simon Peter, Peter was taken aback and questioned Jesus.    - Jesus explained that unless He washed Peter's feet, Peter wouldn't truly belong to Him. 3. The Profound Message:    - Jesus emphasized that He was their Teac

  Psalms 62:8 CEV‬ Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety. Let's delve deeper into Psalm 62:8: 1. Trust God: This phrase emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God. Trusting God means acknowledging His sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness. It involves surrendering our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He is in control. 2. Always tell Him each of your concerns: God invites us to share our hearts with Him openly. We can pour out our worries, anxieties, and joys before Him. Prayer becomes a powerful way to communicate with God, expressing our deepest feelings and seeking His guidance. 3. God is our place of safety: Here, God is portrayed as our refuge, a safe haven where we find protection, comfort, and peace. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, we can run to Him for shelter. He shields us from harm and provides security. In summary, Psalm 62:8 encourages us to trust God wholeheartedly, communicate with Him h

Psalms 57:10-11 CEV‬ Your love reaches higher than the heavens; your loyalty extends beyond the clouds. 1. Know you are loved by God. Worship Him steadfastly: God uses you because He loves you greatly, as David says "For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Psalm 57:10). Worship Him steadfastly with your gifts publicly and privately, in good times and bad (Psalm 57:7-9). 2. Honor God in your life. Desire His glory: Make it your ultimate desire to exalt God and let His glory be over all the earth (Psalm 57:11), just as Jesus taught to pray "hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9). 3. Do what the Father is doing, not your own plans: Like Jesus who could do nothing by Himself but only what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19), try to discern God's plans and join in rather than initiating your own.  4. Do good works as evidence of faith, but don't earn salvation by them: Those who have done good will rise to

  Judges 5:31 CEV‬ Our Lord, we pray ... let everyone who loves you shine brightly like the sun at dawn.  In Judges 5, we find a poetic song of victory sung by Deborah and Barak after their triumph over the Canaanite general Sisera. This chapter celebrates God's deliverance and the courage of those who stood with Him. Here's a closer look at verse 31: "Our Lord, we pray that all your enemies will die like Sisera. But let everyone who loves you shine brightly like the sun at dawn." 1. Defeat of Sisera: Sisera was a powerful enemy commander who oppressed Israel. Deborah and Barak led the Israelite forces against him, and God granted them victory. The prayer here expresses a desire for the enemies of God to meet a similar fate as Sisera. 2. Shining Brightly: The imagery of shining like the sun at dawn symbolizes strength, radiance, and victory. Those who love God are called to be like the rising sun—bold, unwavering, and illuminating the darkness. 3. Spiritual Appl

  Psalms 56:8 CEV‬ You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them. In this psalm, David is facing adversity and persecution. He pleads to God for mercy and protection from his enemies. Despite the challenges he faces, David maintains his trust in God. Here are some key points from Psalm 56:8: 1. God's Care and Compassion: The imagery of God collecting tears in a bottle highlights His deep concern for His people. Tears represent our pain, sorrow, and vulnerability. God not only sees our tears but also treasures them. He doesn't ignore our suffering; instead, He collects and remembers every tear shed. 2. Days of Wandering: David acknowledges that life can be like wandering—a journey filled with uncertainty, trials, and hardships. Yet, even during these wandering days, God is attentive to our struggles. He keeps a record of our experiences, both joyful and painful. 3. Counting Each Tear: The idea that God counts

  Proverbs 11:12b-13 CEV‬ If you are sensible, you will keep quiet. A gossip tells everything, but a true friend will keep a secret. This passage highlights several essential principles: 1. Sensible Silence: When we encounter negative information about our neighbors or others, it's wise to remain silent rather than spreading gossip. Speaking ill of others can harm relationships and create unnecessary conflict. Sensible individuals choose their words carefully and avoid contributing to negativity. 2. Gossip's Trap: Gossip is like a snare that ensnares both the speaker and the listener. When we engage in gossip, we risk damaging our own reputation and relationships. Instead, we should strive to be trustworthy and discreet. 3. True Friendship: A true friend doesn't betray confidences. They honor trust by keeping secrets and supporting one another. Such friendships are built on integrity and loyalty. In summary, this Proverb encourages us to be thoughtful in our speech, g

  John 3:16 CEV‬ God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. The verse begins with a powerful declaration: "God loved the people of this world so much." This love is not ordinary; it's extraordinary, boundless, and all-encompassing. Let's explore the essence of this love. 1. The Sacrificial Gift: God's love moved Him to action. He "gave his only Son." Imagine the depth of this sacrifice—the Father willingly offering His beloved Son for the sake of humanity. Jesus, the Son, became the ultimate expression of God's love. 2. The Invitation to Faith: The purpose of this divine gift was clear: "so that everyone who has faith in him." Faith is the key that unlocks eternal life. It's not about mere intellectual assent but a wholehearted trust in Jesus as the Savior. 3. Eternal Life and True Death: The promise follows: "will

  Psalms 52:8-9 CEV‬ ‭But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet. This verse beautifully expresses gratitude and trust in God's unwavering love. The imagery of an olive tree thriving in God's house symbolizes stability, nourishment, and enduring faith. As believers, we can find solace in knowing that God's love is constant, and we can rely on it eternally. May we always express our gratitude and praise His name when we gather together as His people. 🙏 Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of gratitude. Just as the olive tree thrives in Your house, we find our strength and nourishment in Your unwavering love. 🌿 Thank You for all that You have done in our lives—the blessings, the guidance, and the protection. We praise Your good name, knowing that Your love endures forever and ever. 🙌

  Proverbs 10:24 CEV‬ What evil people dread most will happen to them, but good people will get what they want most. In this verse, we encounter a striking contrast between the destinies of two distinct groups of people: 1. Evil People:    - These individuals harbor fear and dread.    - What they fear most will ultimately come upon them.    - Their wickedness leads to their own downfall. 2. Good People:    - The righteous, on the other hand, experience a different outcome.    - They receive what they desire most.    - Their goodness and alignment with God's ways lead to fulfillment. Reflection: This verse underscores the principle of reaping what we sow. Evil actions carry consequences, while goodness and righteousness yield blessings. It serves as a reminder that our choices shape our destiny. As we navigate life, may we strive for goodness, knowing that our desires are fulfilled when we walk in alignment with God's wisdom and love. Prayer: Heavenly Father, W

  Proverbs 10:11 CEV The words of good people are a source of life, but evil hides behind the words of the wicked. This verse highlights the power of words and the importance of speaking life-giving words. The verse contrasts the words of good people with those of the wicked, emphasizing the impact each has on others. The words of good people are likened to a source of life, suggesting that they bring hope, encouragement, and nourishment to those who hear them. Good people speak words that build up, inspire, and bring joy, leaving a positive impact on others. On the other hand, evil hides behind the words of the wicked, implying that their words are harmful, deceitful, and destructive. The wicked use their words to manipulate, deceive, and tear others down, causing harm and devastation. This verse reminds us to be mindful of the words we speak and the impact they have on others. We should strive to speak life-giving words that bring hope and encouragement, rather than using o

Improving your sex life requires a combination of communication, emotional intimacy, and physical connection. Here are some tips to help you enhance your sexual relationship: 1. Communicate openly : Share your desires, preferences, and boundaries with your partner. 2. Emotional connection : Nurture your emotional bond through quality time, empathy, and trust. 3. Intimacy beyond sex : Engage in affectionate touch, cuddling, and intimate moments outside of sex. 4. Explore new experiences : Try new positions, roles, or activities to keep things exciting. 5. Schedule intimacy : Prioritize regular date nights or intimate encounters. 6. Take care of yourself : Focus on physical and mental well-being to boost confidence and energy. 7. Foreplay and sensual touch : Emphasize the importance of foreplay and sensual touch. 8. Listen to your partner : Pay attention to their needs and desires. 9. Be present : Focus on the moment and let go of distractions. 10. Seek guidance if needed : Cons

That's a wonderful question! Every person is unique, so it's important to consider your wife's individual interests, preferences, and love language. Here are some general ideas to get you started: 1. Listen and show interest : Ask her about her day, thoughts, and feelings. Show genuine interest and empathy. 2. Surprise her : Plan thoughtful surprises, like her favorite dinner or a small gift. 3. Quality time : Spend quality time together doing things you both enjoy, like walks, movies, or hobbies. 4. Support and encouragement : Be her biggest cheerleader! Support her goals and dreams. 5. Romantic gestures : Small gestures like holding hands, flowers, or a sweet note can go a long way. 6. Help with household chores : Share responsibilities and show your appreciation for her efforts. 7. Show appreciation : Express gratitude for her presence in your life. 8. Personalized gifts : Give her a thoughtful gift that shows you've been paying attention. 9. Date nights : Re

  Psalm 48:10 CEV declares, "You are famous and praised everywhere on earth, as you win victories with your powerful arm." This verse is a testament to the majesty and power of God, acknowledging His universal recognition and acclaim. The phrase "famous and praised everywhere on earth" signifies that God's reputation and glory are not limited to a specific region or people, but are recognized and honored globally. The verse also highlights God's mighty power, describing Him as winning victories with His "powerful arm." This imagery conveys God's strength and ability to overcome any obstacle or challenge. The "powerful arm" symbolizes God's protection, guidance, and deliverance, inspiring trust and confidence in those who seek Him. This psalm reminds us that God's power and fame are not limited to ancient times, but are still relevant today. We can draw comfort and strength from knowing that God is always victorious and His

Luke 18:17 CEV‬ You will never get into God's kingdom unless you enter it like a child! In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18, Jesus shares a parable with his disciples, emphasizing the importance of childlike faith. The context of this teaching revolves around prayer and unwavering trust in God. 1. The Unjust Judge and the Persistent Widow:    - Jesus begins by narrating a story about a judge in a certain town. This judge neither feared God nor cared about people. In the same town lived a widow who sought justice in court.    - The widow persistently approached the judge, pleading for fair treatment. Despite the judge's initial reluctance, her persistence wore him down. Eventually, he granted her request because he wanted to avoid being bothered further. 2. The Lesson of Persistent Prayer:    - Jesus then draws a parallel between the widow's persistence and our relationship with God. He asks, "Won't God protect His chosen ones who pray to Him day and night? Won

  Luke 18:7 CEV‬ Won't God protect his chosen ones who pray to him day and night? Won't he be concerned for them? This verse emphasizes the unwavering faith and persistence in prayer. It reassures believers that God, who is just and compassionate, will indeed watch over and care for those who seek Him diligently. The imagery of continuous prayer underscores the idea that God's concern extends beyond mere moments; it encompasses our entire lives. In the context of the passage, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who seeks justice from an unjust judge. Her persistence pays off, and the judge eventually grants her request. Through this story, Jesus encourages us to persistently seek God, confident that He will bring about justice and vindication for His chosen ones. So, in summary, Luke 18:7 reminds us of God's protective love and His attentive care for those who faithfully pray to Him day and night. It encourages us to persevere in our relationship with Him

  Deuteronomy 15:10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. The command to give joyfully underscores the idea that generosity is not merely an obligation but a privilege. When we extend a helping hand to the poor, we participate in God's work of compassion and justice. Our hearts should overflow with gladness as we share what we have with those less fortunate. The promise attached to this act of kindness is remarkable. The Lord assures us that when we selflessly provide for the poor, He will bless our endeavors. Success is not measured solely by material wealth; it encompasses well-being, fulfillment, and purpose. God's favor rests upon those who prioritize compassion over selfishness. Giving to the poor creates a beautiful cycle. As we meet their needs, God reciprocates by opening doors of opportunity, favor, and prosperity. Our success becomes intertwined with the well-being of others. It

Proverbs 9:10-11 CEV‬ Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God.  I am Wisdom. If you follow me, you will live a long time. These verses emphasize the foundational importance of reverence for the Lord as the starting point for true wisdom. When we recognize God's holiness and submit to His authority, we open ourselves to understanding and insight. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep awareness of the divine that leads to a life well-lived. Wisdom, personified here, invites us to follow her path. By doing so, we gain not only knowledge but also the promise of a prolonged and meaningful existence. So let us embrace the fear of the Lord, seek understanding, and walk in the footsteps of Wisdom herself. 📖 Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with reverence and awe. We acknowledge that fearing and obeying You is the foundation of true wisdom. As we seek understanding, help us to know You, th

  Do you worry a lot? Are you ever ‘struck with fear’ or ‘seized with alarm’ (vv.7,32, AMP)? Are you ever ‘anxious and troubled’ (v.22, AMP)? Jesus never said, ‘Don’t worry because there is nothing to worry about.’ He said, ‘Don’t worry in spite of the fact that there is so much to worry about.’ Many times Jesus says to his followers, ‘Do not be afraid’ (vv.4,7,32) and ‘Do not worry’ (vv.11,22,29). The answer to fear and worry is to trust and obey. Jesus gives us  seven ways to deal with  worry, anxiety and fea 1. Fear God and nothing else If you have a right and healthy fear of God, you  need fear nothing else  (v.5). ‘Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies... There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life – body and soul – in his hands’ (v.5, MSG). 2. Know your value to God Jesus tells you not to worry or be afraid because you are of  infinite value to God . He loves you; ‘Y

Psalms 40:16 CEV‬ Our Lord, let your worshipers rejoice and be glad. They love you for saving them, so let them always say, “The Lord is wonderful!” In the sacred verses of Psalms, we find an exultant cry—a melody of gratitude that rises from the depths of the soul. David, the psalmist, paints a vivid picture of devotion, inviting us to join in the chorus of praise. Waiting Patiently David begins by acknowledging patience. He has waited, not with impatience or despair, but with a steadfast hope. His prayer echoes through time, reaching us across generations. We, too, find ourselves in waiting rooms of life—moments when our hearts ache for answers, when the silence seems unyielding. Yet, like David, we learn to wait with expectancy, knowing that our cries do not fall on deaf ears. Lifted from the Mire From the pit of desolation, God reaches down. His hands, strong and tender, pull us from the muck and mire. Imagine David’s relief—the sensation of solid ground beneath his feet af