When Noah began constructing the Ark nobody knows what people thought or said to him. It must have seemed strange because it never rained in Noah's world; that means no floods. Noah advertised that God was going to destroy the world with a catastrophic flood. It took him and his three sons one hundred and twenty years to complete the ship; fortunately people lived longer in those times because of the pristine and healthy environment. The problem was humanity; the people were wicked, violent and corrupt. Even though a major flood warning alarm rang loud and long the people were unbelieving and indifferent to God; only eight persons survived the Great Flood. "Look life carries on as normal and that guy Noah has worked on that Ark for... well, I can't remember when he started, but it seems like a hundred years already. Gosh how does he afford it? Anyway, I am getting married next year and then we plan to move to the opposite side of the continent so I probably won't get to see him finish the boat; but it's impressive; no doubt about that. Oh look, I can't believe God will send a flood; besides God hasn't communicated with humans since Adam's time."

Jacob had the misfortune of being born the second twin which excluded him from the family Inheritance or Birthright. In those times it passed down to the firstborn male heir. The Birthright included astounding promises that could hardly be fathomed by human reasoning. Jacob grieved that he had missed out. If only he could change his destiny. But what role do women play in men's destinies? Rebekah, Jacob's mother, knew the secret to obtain the desired Birthright. Inspirational - Instructional - Profound

It is true God could stop temptations that attack us, and it's also true God could halt suffering inflicted upon people. However, it would probably mean the end of the world because with sin loose on the earth there will always be suffering and misery. I suspect God has predestined people not yet born: if the world ends before they arrive, there will be many vacant spots in Heaven. Because God has chosen faith in Jesus as the vehicle for activating the salvation of men, it stands to reason faith needs testing otherwise it is hardly faith at all. Satan tempted Jesus to commit suicide by some delusional notion he had divine powers. Jesus knows how it feels when tempted with suicidal thoughts. In his weakened condition he remained focused. "Don't put God to a foolish test " he replied. Satan then took Jesus to the summit of a high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. Jesus probably saw great cities light up before him: Paris, New York, Las Vegas and Rome. Satan literally said: "Come on, you don't have to put yourself through the ordeal awaiting you. If you want all this I'll give it to you; you only need to kneel and worship me." Even at the point of passing out due to lack of food Jesus did not flinch. "Save yourself the trouble." Satan said inviting Jesus to take the easy way to gain back his creation - Matthew 4:10. "Get out of here Satan," Jesus commanded him. "The Scriptures say, 'Worship and obey the Lord God alone.'" Satan had to go... he had his chance... he failed. Jesus eclipsed the First-Adam and restored man's relationship to God. Adam broke the relationship by being unfaithful to God's word. Jesus proved utterly faithful to God's word. Devotional - Inspirational - Instructional

When David triumphantly entered Jerusalem carrying the head of Goliath in his hand the inhabitants rejoiced in his victory and felt relief for Israel. A great victory on this scale over the Philistines in the Valley of Elah had not been witnessed since Samuel's time. The people clamoured to know more about David and to catch a glimpse of the young hero who had captured the imagination of the nation. David rose from obscurity into the thoughts and hearts of the nation. His battle with Goliath ascended beyond what anyone dreamed likely. To add to that, he possessed handsome features, refined qualities, and musical skills. What more could any society desire than such a one as this; and they gushed over David with genuine admiration.

The Bible encourages us to study and rightly divide the word of truth. If we follow this principle and make an effort to lay down a solid foundation our Christian experience will be strong and when storms and trials shake our lives our faith will never stagger because it is built on a rock of truth that endures. The Scripture tells us to move on from the elementary principles of Christ toward perfection - Hebrews 6.1-3. Before one can move on successfully the elementary or foundational principles must be laid down before the building of faith can be completed. This study will cover some elementary principles Paul mentions in the above verse. This foundational course will benefit mature Christians and help set in order their personal knowledge of the Word of God. These subjects help cement Christian learning and will be of valuable assistance for future Bible studies.

There is something unique and special about Isaac the man of peace, prayer, and meditation. Rebekah first saw him in a field meditating. She could see a special quality in him; but he was also a romantic and fell in love with Rebekah. She filled the gap left in his life when his mother died. Isaac loved family, his mother and father, and his sons. In contrast to others in the Bible, he only had one wife.

Guidance is one of the most important lessons in the Christian experience, and let's face it, many Christians are unable to discern the voice of the Lord and are unfamiliar with the term called 'the leading of the Spirit.' This is a growth issue. Some Believers grow slowly and some grow quickly. Some are ready for it, others are not yet there. Because pastors and modern day clergy have such a huge impact upon the guidance of Believers and their spiritual dispositions, I will explain the purpose of the ministry gifts and their human personalities. Remember, Christians must never exalt men to the status of sainthood and perfection. Every Believer is a unique priest and a saint in God's economy. However some men and women have great gifting's to build up and encourage the church.

Genesis digresses from Joseph to Judah because the story of Redemption must follow the genealogy of the promised Messiah. Surprisingly, the brother who suggested the sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelite traders is the man we now follow. Joseph the son of Rachel saved Israel and received the Birthright. Judah, the son of Leah hated Joseph because his father favored him and because Joseph exhibited spiritual qualities that irritated the brothers. Yet Judah's destiny, in reality, proved to be far greater than Josephs, in terms of future posterity and eternal significance. But how could Judah know such a thing in his carnal state.

The great king of Persia granted Haman the Agagite illustrious honors and commanded all peoples to bow down before Haman whenever he made a public appearance. Mordecai the Jew, refused to bow to an ancient enemy of his God and people, consequently, the offended Haman plotted a genocide against the Jews throughout the Persian empire, selecting the date for this act by the drawing of lots. The indifferent and trusting king approved Haman's treachery against the people of God. How can Mordecai and Esther save the people of God from this satanic attack?

You cannot please God without faith: anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and he rewards those who sincerely seek him - Hebrews 11:6. Where faith operates, God's power will soon be at work. Faith justifies, it makes us right in God's sight. When we believe in Jesus, our faith sets in motion the efficacy that results from his perfect shed blood. When a person believes in Christ, heaven and earth unite as one. Thus one takes courage because sins are dealt with and the joy of a cleansed heart begins to heal stress and toxins that wear down the body and make it sick. Faith has healing virtue. Faith reaches out to the unlovely and the unwanted sinner in his or her greatest need. The Christian pathway has plenty of troubles and tears that are inescapable, and sometimes the most important lessons and spiritual truths are gained as a result of failings. But many pains and pitfalls can be avoided in the Christian walk if wise advice is heeded. There's always something new to learn in the walk of faith. At some point in time Christians will encounter challenging situations where some, or all of the spiritual advice listed here will assist them in their walk of faith. Strength for the Christian Experience covers the following relevant topics: Have faith that God has forgiven you; Faith Defined; Utterly reject negative thoughts that accuse God; Stay focused on the New Testament; and, You cannot buy or earn salvation, ever Also, Recognize and activate your priesthood; Don't ever think that you are the only one; Be the person God wants you to be; and, Get regular spiritual renewals. Take courage, God is on your side. Inspirational and Instructional.

It is evident in the Genesis account that Abram had a religious encounter with a new Deity that became a life changing and revolutionary experience. So radical was the encounter that Abram even heard the voice of his new God and his message challenged Abram like never before. How long this new found relationship existed is curious, but his new God appeared to him and said, Get out of your country and from your people and come into a land that I will show you. Thus the journey for Abram began.

The Bible is one of the most ancient of human records, so Genesis is relevant to men of every generation, particularly to the modern man, after all, the creation of the Universe and mankind are decidedly the main event and the most dramatic and scientific innovation of natural existence. The insights in this fantastic account are available for edification and enjoyment. God was very considerate to preserve this diary of events for mankind and therefore Bible students should drink deeply from its fountain of truths and records of beginnings. Genesis is a primitive text, yet it is profound and meaningful as it unfolds the history and eternal future of the human race. The staggering knowledge and details that God revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai were imparted to encourage all who seek eternal assurance, and to reveal the absolute certainty that chance was never a component in God's redemption plan. Let me talk about consciousness: something that breathes and is aware of its existence, because the great stars and bodies in the universe have no consciousness of their existence. Science skirts around the issues and can explain the mechanics even down to the smallest molecules, but life and conscious life is still a phenomenon that flummoxes scientists; they just don't know. No doubt they will keep on investigating and searching for the genesis of life; in the meantime there is silence. So if I cannot get any suitable answers from scientists, to who or what shall I turn to for an alternative answer? Let's try the Bible and see what it says.

Samson divinely received mighty power to assist the Israelites, but at the same time, he grappled with huge deficiencies and vulnerabilities. An irritating challenge that constantly tested him severely was the allure that Philistine women had upon him; they appealed and delighted him. Carnal appetite motivated him, got him into trouble, and exacerbated his sexual needs. His human nature with all of its complexities and frailties got in the way and distracted him from his commission. It seems that the mighty power that he exercised increased his testosterone, which created problems; his sexual needs drove him crazy.

An inspirational and instructional Bible lesson about the life of Joseph the son of Jacob. This story is about the shaping of God's people and the developing of forgiveness, generosity, love, understanding, and leadership. Joseph, a type of Savior, sadly, but out of necessity, had to experience the full consequences of hatred and rejection from his jealous and cruel brothers.When Joseph saw the ten foreigners he recognized them instantly; a deja-vu experience poignantly confronted him. Emotions engulfed his being as the profound dreams he had had as a young lad flooded back into his memory. The brothers didn't recognize him because in their minds Joseph existed only as a deep repressed memory. So Joseph kept his identity quiet and spoke officiously and suspiciously to them.

Naomi was grateful that Ruth refused to desert her because she loved Ruth and she recalled when Mahlon, her first son, had brought Ruth to the family home; she knew then that Ruth was a God-send and a girl with a heart of gold. Naomi questioned in her mind about the randomness of events: was it by chance or was it predestined that Ruth, a foreigner, should become part of Naomi's family? Ah, it was all too deep for her. The beloved Ruth stumbled into the field of the wealthy landowner Boaz. He saw Ruth and she captured his heart.