SAM HONIBALL BLOG

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 w...