SAM HONIBALL BLOG

  ‭ Matthew 28:6 CEV‬ He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. In the early morning light, the women approached the tomb with heavy hearts. Their beloved teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, had been brutally crucified just days before. The weight of grief and loss hung heavily upon them as they carried spices to anoint his lifeless body. But as they arrived at the tomb, their sorrow turned to astonishment. The stone that had sealed the entrance was rolled away, and an angel stood before them, radiant and otherworldly. His words echoed through the quiet morning air: "He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would." In that moment, hope surged within the hearts of the women. The impossible had happened—the crucified Messiah had conquered death itself. Jesus had foretold this moment, promising that after three days, he would rise again. And now, standing in the empty tomb, t

  ‭ Luke 7:13 CEV‬  When the Lord saw the woman, he felt sorry for her and said, “Don't cry!” Jesus encounters a grieving woman. Her heartache is palpable, her tears flowing freely. But when the Lord gazes upon her, compassion wells up within Him. His words, tender and comforting, echo through the ages: “Don't cry!” This simple yet profound utterance reveals the depth of Jesus' empathy. He doesn't merely acknowledge her pain; He steps into it, sharing her sorrow. His divine compassion bridges the gap between heaven and earth, touching the wounded places in our hearts. In this verse, we glimpse the heart of our Savior—a heart that reaches out to the broken, whispers solace, and offers hope. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. The One who stilled the stormy seas also wipes away our tears. May we, too, learn to extend compassion to those around us, echoing Jesus' words: “Don't cry!” 🌟 Prayer : Heavenly Father, We come before

Psalms 35:1-2 CEV‬‬ Fight my enemies, Lord! Attack my attackers! Shield me and help me. The essence of Psalms 35:1-2 in the Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a heartfelt prayer for protection from enemies. Let's break it down: 1. Verse 1: "Fight my enemies, Lord! Attack my attackers!"     - David, the psalmist, is pleading with God to intervene on his behalf.     - He acknowledges that he has adversaries who seek to harm him.     - The imagery here is powerful: David asks God to actively engage in battle against those who oppose him. 2. Verse 2: "Shield me and help me."      - David continues his prayer, emphasizing his need for divine protection.     - The metaphor of a shield suggests God's defense against harm.     - By asking for God's help, David acknowledges his dependence on the Almighty. In summary, these verses express David's vulnerability and his unwavering trust in God's strength and deliverance. They remind us that eve

  Luke 1:45 CEV‬‬ The Lord has blessed you because you believed that he will keep his promise. This verse highlights the significance of faith and trust in God's promises. When we wholeheartedly believe in His faithfulness, we open ourselves to His blessings. May this message inspire us to hold firm to our faith and trust in the promises of the Lord. For further context, this passage is part of the account where Mary visits Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel announces that Mary will conceive and give birth to Jesus. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the significance of Mary's faith and pronounces this blessing upon her. It's a powerful reminder that our belief in God's promises brings forth His blessings in our lives. . Corrie ten Boom said, ‘Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.’ 🌟 Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and trust. Just as Mary believed i

  Psalms 33:20 CEV‬‬ We depend on you, Lord, to help and protect us. This verse is a profound expression of trust and reliance on the Lord. Let's break it down: 1. Dependence on God: The verse begins with a declaration: "We depend on you, Lord..." This acknowledges our need for divine assistance and guidance. It reflects humility and an understanding that our strength alone is insufficient. 2. Help and Protection: The verse continues, "...to help and protect us." Here, we recognize that God is our ultimate source of aid and safety. We trust Him to come to our rescue in times of trouble and shield us from harm. 3. Joyful Trust: The subsequent verse adds, "You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God." Our trust in God brings joy and gladness. It's not just a passive trust; it's an active reliance that leads to a deep sense of well-being. 4. Blessing and Kindness: The final line implores, "Be kind and bless us! We

  Proverbs 7:4 CEV‬‬ Let wisdom be your sister and make common sense your closest friend. This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and common sense in guiding our actions and decisions. Here are the main points: 1. Wisdom as a Sister: The metaphor of wisdom being a sister implies a close relationship. Just as we rely on our siblings for support and advice, we should treat wisdom similarly. Seek wisdom as a trusted companion. 2. Common Sense as a Closest Friend: Common sense refers to practical judgment and sound reasoning. It's like having a reliable friend who helps us navigate life's challenges. Prioritize common sense in your choices. 3. Protection from Temptation: The context of this verse warns against the seductive words of an adulterous woman. By embracing wisdom and common sense, we can protect ourselves from harmful influences and make wise decisions. Remember, these principles apply beyond the specific context of the verse—they guide us in various aspec

  Psalm 32:2  CEV "You bless them by saying, 'You told me your sins, without trying to hide them, and now I forgive you.'" In this Psalm we find a beautiful expression of divine grace and forgiveness. Here are the key takeaways from this verse: 1. Divine Blessing: God's response to our confession of sins is not condemnation or judgment, but rather a blessing. When we open our hearts and honestly acknowledge our wrongdoings, God extends His grace and favor toward us. 2. Transparent Confession: The verse emphasizes the importance of transparent confession. We are encouraged to come before God without pretense, openly admitting our faults and failures. Hiding our sins only prolongs our burden; confession brings relief and healing. 3. Immediate Forgiveness: God's forgiveness is immediate. As soon as we confess, without delay or hesitation, He forgives us. There is no need to carry guilt or shame when we approach Him with sincerity. 4. Freedom from Gu

  Psalms 31:20 CEV‬‬ You are their shelter from harmful plots, and you are their protection from vicious gossip. In this psalm, the psalmist turns to the Lord seeking protection and deliverance. Here are the key points we can explore: 1. Seeking Refuge:    - The psalmist begins by acknowledging their need for divine shelter: "I come to you, Lord, for protection."    - They express their trust in God's promises and plea for rescue: "Don't let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me." 2. God as a Mighty Rock and Fortress:    - The imagery of God as a "mighty rock" and a "fortress" conveys strength, stability, and safety.    - The psalmist seeks refuge in God, recognizing that safety is found in the divine presence: "Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe." 3. Protection from Harm:    - Verse 20 specifically highlights God's role in shielding us: "You are their shelter from harmful plots.&

  Leviticus 19:16-17 CEV‬‬ Don't be a gossip, but never hesitate to speak up in court, especially if your testimony can save someone's life. Don't hold grudges. On the other hand, it's wrong not to correct someone who needs correcting. 1. Avoid Gossip:    - Verse 16 advises against being a gossip. Instead, it encourages speaking up in court when necessary, especially if your testimony can save someone's life.    - The underlying principle is to prioritize truth and justice over idle talk or spreading harmful rumors. 2. Forgo Grudges and Correct Others:    - Verse 17 emphasizes not holding grudges. However, it also highlights the importance of correcting someone who needs it.    - In other words, it's wrong to remain silent when someone requires correction or guidance.    - Balancing compassion with accountability is essential. 3. Love and Compassion:    - These verses align with the broader theme of love and compassion. As the Lord's people, we ar

  Psalms 31:2 CEV‬‬ Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe. David fervently prays to the Lord for protection and deliverance. Let's explore the essence and takeaways from this verse: Key Points: 1. Desperate Plea: David approaches God with urgency, seeking refuge and safety. He acknowledges that only the Lord can provide true security. 2. Dependence on God: David implores God to listen attentively to his prayer and swiftly come to his rescue. 3. Metaphorical Language:     - Mighty Rock: David compares God to a solid, unyielding rock—a place of stability and strength.     - Fortress: God is portrayed as a protective fortress, shielding David from danger and harm. In summary, this verse reflects David's unwavering trust in God's ability to save and protect him. It encourages us to turn to God in times of trouble, knowing that He is our refuge and stronghold. Prayer: Almighty God, I come before You seeking refuge

  Psalms 30:10-11 (CEV): "Have pity, Lord! Help!" "You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth." Here are the key points to consider: 1. Cry for Help: The psalmist begins by pleading for God's mercy and assistance. They acknowledge their need for divine intervention and compassion. 2. Transformation of Sorrow: The heart of this passage lies in the transformation. Despite experiencing sorrow and distress (symbolized by wearing sackcloth, a rough cloth worn during times of trouble), the psalmist testifies that God has turned their mourning into dancing. This shift from sadness to joy is a powerful expression of God's grace and intervention. 3. Joyful Dancing: The imagery of joyful dancing represents celebration, freedom, and exuberance. It signifies a profound change in circumstances, where God's intervention has brought about gladness and relief. 4. Gratitude: The psalmist responds with gratitude.

  Psalms 30:5 CEV‬‬ Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate. This verse offers profound insights into the human experience and our relationship with the divine. Let's explore its essence and takeaways: 1. Temporal Contrast:    - The verse begins by contrasting two emotional states: anger and kindness.    - Anger is depicted as fleeting, lasting only a little while. It is a passing storm, a momentary disturbance.    - In contrast, kindness endures far beyond the transient nature of anger. It spans a lifetime, representing God's unwavering love and compassion. 2. Night and Morning Symbolism:    - The imagery of night and morning adds depth to the verse.    - Night symbolizes moments of darkness, sorrow, and weeping. It represents our struggles, pain, and challenges.    - Morning, on the other hand, signifies hope, renewal, and joy. It marks the arrival of a new day, a fresh st

  You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Psalms 28:8 CEV‬‬ This verse from conveys powerful themes of divine strength, protection, and faith. Let's explore its essence and takeaways: 1. God as a Mighty Rock: The verse begins by acknowledging that only the Lord is a mighty rock. This imagery emphasizes God's unwavering stability, strength, and reliability. When we face challenges, we can find refuge in God, who remains steadfast. 2. Prayer for Help: The psalmist pleads for God's assistance, recognizing that without divine intervention, they would be lost. This highlights our dependence on God and the importance of seeking His help through prayer. 3. Trust and Celebration: The psalmist expresses complete trust in God, referring to Him as a strong shield. This shield symbolizes protection and defense. In response to God's help, the psalmist promises to celebrate and thank Him through song. This teaches us to acknowl

Lord, open my eyes to see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly Seeking the Divine: In the quiet moments of our lives, when the noise of the world fades away, we often find ourselves yearning for something more. We seek purpose, meaning, and connection beyond the mundane.  It is in these moments that we turn our hearts toward the divine, seeking to see, love, and follow with greater clarity. Opening Our Eyes "Lord, open my eyes to see you more clearly." The journey begins with a plea—a humble request to see beyond the veil of our limited perception. Our eyes, often clouded by distractions, biases, and doubts, need divine intervention. We long to perceive the sacred in the ordinary, to recognize the fingerprints of the Creator in every sunrise, every smile, and every tear. When we ask for our eyes to be opened, we invite revelation. We become seekers of truth, willing to see beyond the surface and into the depths of existence. Loving More Dea