Feb 10 2021
James 1 began a discussion on God-given wisdom. James 3:1–12 begins a new discussion on God-given wisdom. We are being shown how to manifest God-given wisdom in the manner we influence others, how to control our speech, and how to live right. In James 3:1 we are shown our awesome responsibility of influencing others. James …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2021/02/10/self-control/
Jan 20 2021
Philippians 3:10 “That I may know Him…” From the early days of my youth, I have known the Lord. I was first introduced to Christ through children’s programs in church. My introduction to Christ was through Bible stories of Jesus’ life. I remember pictures of Jesus feeding the multitudes, healing the blind, and raising the …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2021/01/20/your-new-life-in-christ-know-him/
Jan 01 2021
While instructing His disciples, Jesus spoke with absolute certainty of His returning. His disciples wanted to be prepared for the end and for Christ’s returning in power and great glory.
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2021/01/01/prepared-for-the-coming-of-the-lord/
Dec 25 2020
We who have hope in Christ are looking for His return. The message of His coming was not just to Bethlehem, it is a word of hope that will be fulfilled by His second coming. Psalm 24:7 NKJV Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/12/25/behold-he-comes-in-clouds-of-glory/
Dec 18 2020
God is into the smallest of details. Often we take things for granted and do not realize what has happened to bring about life’s events. You should know that God is working even in the small and seemingly insignificant things. Our bodies have 3 billion genetic building blocks or base pairs that make us who …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/12/18/behold-he-comes-bethlehem/
Dec 08 2020
For thousands of years the promise stood that God would send a Redeemer and Savior. He promised that when He came, He would turn things around in this world. Isaiah 61 gives an indication of God’s Promise. He would declare good news to the poor. He would heal the brokenhearted. He would break the chains …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/12/08/behold-he-comes-promise/
Dec 01 2020
After God revealed that He would send a Redeemer, people received a new hope and anticipation. God said He would ransom their souls, everlasting joy would be on their heads, and sorrow and sighing would flee away. Throughout the ages, the promise of a Redeemer was represented as the Lord of Hosts, the Lord your …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/12/01/his-name-shall-be-called/
Nov 25 2020
During some of the most difficult days for God’s people, a prophet was sent with a message from God. For 39 chapters, Isaiah described the burden of judgment that came upon God’s people a result of disobedience. Isaiah 40 begins a transition that prepares a way for people to come to God. Isaiah 40:1-2 NIV …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/11/25/prepare-a-way-for-the-lord-2/
Nov 19 2020
Praise and thanksgiving is a natural attitude of gratitude that flows from our innermost being. Psalm 100 gives a lesson on thanksgiving. Psalm 100:1-5 NIV84 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/11/19/how-to-give-thanks-to-god/
Nov 13 2020
Amid all of the things that are happening in our world, God continues to load us down with blessings. David was so blessed that he said: Psalm 68:19 NKJV “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits!” God’s love is so great and awesome that it causes Him to give extravagantly. The Lord …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/11/13/give-thanks-for-gods-gifts/
Nov 10 2020
After James told us to maintain control over ourselves, he said our faith should be expressed in actions that are pure and unblemished in God’s sight. He is encouraging believers to remain unspotted and uncontaminated by the world. There are three things that we should do to continue to live the life of faith. Exhibit …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/11/10/living-the-life/
Nov 05 2020
We all have many things to be thankful for. Some of them are trivial, like Kleenex or coffee. Some of them are crucial to existence, like clean water and a safe place to sleep. Some are gifts from family. Some are a result of thoughtful friends. We have many reasons to be thankful. The variety …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/11/05/give-thanks-to-god/
Nov 04 2020
James 1:17-27 In the process of becoming mature and complete, not lacking anything, James tells us that we must successfully navigate through trials and temptations. Although God does not tempt us, He promises aid and strength for every situation. The basis for our faith relies on God’s faithful aid, support and strength. We gain this …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/11/04/faiths-response-to-the-word/
Oct 31 2020
2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! We are entering a time of thanksgiving this month. We all have so many things to be thankful for. I want to challenge you to offer up thanks to God for His indescribable gifts. Today, we want to give thanks to God for …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/10/31/give-thanks-for-christs-sacrifice/
Oct 23 2020
The Bible tells us that we are God’s children and heirs and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, (Romans 8:15-17). This is a new position since we came to Christ. We were sons and daughters of darkness and sin. We were without Christ in this world. We were strangers and aliens from the covenants of promise, having …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/10/23/know-who-you-are-in-christ/
Oct 21 2020
James is interested in the development of our faith. God’s plan is to make us like Jesus Christ. Every test or trial should promote that development. James 1:2-8 NIV84 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/10/21/profiting-from-tests-and-trial/
Oct 17 2020
Many of us have experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It is a challenge to sustain the victories we gain.
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/10/17/invincible-champion-sustaining-your-victories/
Oct 12 2020
James wants believers to have mature, complete and full faith. This kind of faith produces a true calm, peace, and joy in the face of all kinds of trials. Over the years of pastoring, I have met several believers with this kind of faith. Obviously, I have encountered many who struggled with everything that happened. …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/10/12/the-life-of-faith-part-2-mature-stable-faith/
Oct 08 2020
Most of us have had moments in life when we faced situations that almost paralyzed us with fear. What do I mean? For a moment you were indecisive and uncertain. You did not know what to do or where to turn. Have you faced one of those moments when you may have said: “This is …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/10/08/invincible-champion-i-will-not-fear/
Oct 06 2020
We are beginning a series from the Epistle of James. James was a common name during the New Testament era. Four men were named James in the New Testament. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were fishermen. James the son of Alphaeus, called “the Younger” or “the Less,” was an apostle. The third James …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/10/06/the-life-of-faith-part-1-living-by-faith/
Sep 30 2020
We all have several things in life that are indispensable. We cannot survive without air, water and food. You probably have some other things that you are certain that you could not live without. I watched a lady on the news with tears, great sorrow and even joy as she watched her house burn to …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/09/30/invincible-champion-i-refuse-to-lose-my-joy/
Sep 23 2020
Everyone is subject to times of difficulty when despair and discouragement make us want to give up and quit. The Bible shows us several of these people. The Prophet Elijah became discouraged after he defeated 450 prophets of Baal and Jezebel threatened to kill him. Job’s wife was discouraged and fell into despair at Job’s …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/09/23/invincible-champion-i-refuse-to-be-defeated/
Sep 17 2020
When we hear the word “curse,” several negative thoughts flood our minds. The curse brings images of something evil. Curse refers to spoken obscenities or profanities. The people of Moab had heard that Israel was a Blessed company of Invincible Champions. God had blessed His people and set them free. Balak, the king of Moab, …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/09/17/invincible-champion-blessed-not-cursed/
Sep 10 2020
God has planned freedom, triumph and victory for His people. Most of us have had areas in our lives where we faced great challenges. Some of those challenges came from personal sins, needs, failures, or weaknesses. Some challenges came from family, associates, school or even people we do not know. We have had many challenges. …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/09/10/invincible-champion-freedom/
Aug 26 2020
Most of us have had moments when we felt a particular need to pray for our family. We trust God to protect and keep our families. We pray that no evil would influence their hearts or lives. We pray for the covering of the blood of Jesus. We trust God for our families when they …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/08/26/you-can-trust-god-with-your-family/
Aug 18 2020
What we know about God is critical for life and how we face our challenges, difficulties, and tests. God’s nature and character gives us a basis for our faith and trust. In the Book of Isaiah, God was speaking words of comfort to His people. He was telling them their warfare was ended and their …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/08/18/you-can-trust-gods-nature-character/
Aug 06 2020
Sometimes we all pause and take a look back over the course and events of our lives. Today is one of those days for us. Today we celebrate fifty years of pastoral ministry. When I consider everything we have been through in the past fifty years of ministry, one message shouts loudly to me. You …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/08/06/you-can-trust-god-he-is-faithful/
Jul 28 2020
The plan for redemption finds its origin in the mind and heart of God. As God was looking down through the ages of humanity, He realized that we would need help in several areas of life. Isaiah 59:15-17 NLT Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who tries a better life is soon attacked. The Lord …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/07/28/you-can-trust-god-our-redeemer/
Jul 22 2020
When we face uncertain times we usually think naturally, but God is supernatural. God’s voice tells us to trust Him, even when we do not know the path that He wants us to take. Psalm 31:14-15 NKJV But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/07/22/you-can-trust-god-in-uncertain-times/
Jul 02 2020
In the beginning God created man in His image and likeness. Man was uniquely created for fellowship with God. That fellowship was enjoyed until the day that Adam and Eve sinned. The change that occurred was dramatic and filled with shame and pain. Genesis 3:7 NKJV Then the eyes of both of them were opened, …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/07/02/gods-gift-a-covering/
Jun 06 2020
The Lord our God is infinite in wisdom and knowledge. From the bounty of His infinite knowledge, God has revealed events that are occurring today. It is difficult for some people to understand God’s infinite wisdom and knowledge. Just because God knows what is going to happen does not mean that God causes everything that …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/06/06/gods-gifts-for-perilous-times-of-great-fear/
Apr 18 2020
James 1:24 Amplified For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. We should take note of the wonderful changes that have occurred in our lives since we were redeemed from our sins.We have experienced the wonders of God’s aggressive grace that takes a sinner and thoroughly …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/04/18/remember-who-you-are/
Mar 13 2020
Much of the world is filled with fear right now. You need to know that God is greater than what is happening in the world right now. He is our shield and protection. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT Give all your …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/03/13/protection/
Mar 11 2020
Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:1-11 In the next section of our study, the writer of Hebrews continues to consider Jesus Christ our High Priest. Jesus Christ our superior High Priest was introduced early in the Book of Hebrews. Our High Priest is merciful and faithful to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17 …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/03/11/jesus-our-high-priest/
Mar 07 2020
Several years passed from the time Abraham was told to leave his homeland until his descendants crossed over the Jordan River to take possession of the land. Abraham believed that God was going to give the land to his descendants and he never doubted God’s promise. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Joshua were given the …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/03/07/standing-in-your-promises/
Mar 07 2020
After Jesus was baptized in water and John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus began His public ministry. Mark 1:16-20 NKJV And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/03/07/walking-with-jesus/
Feb 29 2020
Identification reveals what God has done for us through Christ Jesus. Everything that Jesus did for us from time and eternity is included in this. He identified with our fallen condition, our sorrows and our griefs. It includes everything we were told that God would accomplish by sending a Savior. It includes our redemption from …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/29/never-forget/
Feb 28 2020
Jesus was introduced by John the Baptist at the Jordan River. He had come down to be baptized by John. At that time, Jesus had not entered His public ministry and was relatively unknown. At first John tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized by him, because he recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/28/the-fellowship-of-jesus/
Feb 26 2020
Hebrews 3 notifies believers that they share the same calling as Jesus Christ, our faithful Apostle and High Priest. We should break this down. In the previous section, we were told that Jesus shared in the same things that we partake. This is the message of the identification of Christ with our humanity. He identified …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/26/jesus-christ-apostle-and-high-priest/
Feb 22 2020
God knows how to meet your deepest need even when you are facing overwhelming situations. Exodus 17:15 KJV And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi. Exodus 17:15 CEV Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord Gives Me Victory.” Exodus 17:15 NKJV And Moses built an altar and called …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/22/a-strong-defense/
Feb 21 2020
Isaiah was given this word of prophecy from the Sovereign Lord. It is a message about the liberty that will be given when Messiah comes. Jesus had been baptized by John in the Jordan River and was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. After defeating the devil …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/21/god-fights-for-us/
Feb 19 2020
The incarnation of Christ is such an important fact that it is dealt with multiple times in Hebrews. Several reasons are given for Jesus Christ’s coming and sharing the same. Hebrews 2:14 NKJV Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same… Christ Jesus shared the …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/19/jesus-shared-the-same/
Feb 15 2020
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/15/peace-2/
Feb 14 2020
God’s help where we live is shown through His great love. Love is one of the characteristics of God’s nature. 1 John 4:16 NIV84 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. God’s great love is …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/14/love/
Feb 11 2020
The next paragraph of Hebrews 2 demonstrates the humanity of Jesus Christ and His work as the Author or Captain of our salvation. This section brings several questions to mind. Since God is the creator of all things, could He not provide salvation without His Son becoming a man and suffering for our sins? Was …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/11/a-perfect-savior/
Feb 07 2020
Our faith must come to realize that all things are possible with God. Luke 18:27 NKJV But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” A man had a situation with his son that the Lord’s disciples could not handle. Try as hard as they could, they were not able …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/07/god-of-the-impossible/
Feb 05 2020
Angels are God’s messengers who are sent to minister to those who will inherit salvation. Their word was received as a direct message from God Almighty. The things they spoke was binding, had God’s authority, and produced the result that God intended. As great as angels are, they cannot compare to the Son of God. …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/05/the-superiority-of-jesus-word/
Feb 01 2020
When God gives us help where we live, He always makes us stronger. When God revealed this to Isaiah, He was showing how the Messiah would come to accomplish this is believer’s lives. Isaiah 61:1 NIV The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/02/01/oaks-of-righteousness/
Jan 31 2020
You need to know that the Lord really wants to help you. God looked down throughout the courses of time and saw that no one was able to help us. God saw that humanity was lost in sin. We had no resolution for the pain, sorrow or heaviness of our lives. He saw that every …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/31/let-me-help-you/
Jan 29 2020
In considering the superiority of Jesus Christ, the Book of Hebrews introduces the subject of angels. The people who originally received this epistle were familiar with angels and their ministry. From Adam throughout the New Testament, angels are seen ministering to God’s people and doing the work of God. The work of angels is fascinating …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/29/jesus-is-exalted-above-angels/
Jan 25 2020
James 4:6 NKJV But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” We are dependent on the grace that God gives. This is God’s favor for living. We rely on every blessing that comes from heaven. Deuteronomy 26:15 says, “Look down from Your holy habitation, from …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/25/grace-for-living/
Jan 24 2020
One of our great challenges in an unbalanced world is to maintain our equilibrium and keep standing. God has done a marvelous thing by making us His children. This change has re-created and made us living representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has endowed us with His Own Spirit to enable and protect us …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/24/still-standing/
Jan 22 2020
The Book of Hebrews opens more directly and to the point than any other Epistle. It begins without an introduction, salutation, or designation of who is writing. Some have said the conclusion is the introduction. At the conclusion of the book, the writer calls this a “word of exhortation” (13:22), which was a type of …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/22/jesus-christ-is-superior/
Jan 11 2020
After God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, they wandered in the Wilderness of Sin. This was no small congregation of people. There were in excess of three million people following Moses. Fifteen days after they departed from Egypt, the supply of food was not sufficient to sustain life or strength. Exodus 16:3 NKJV …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/11/bread-from-heaven/
Jan 10 2020
Mercy is compassion and care. It is specifically the compassion and care that God demonstrates in His kindness toward us. 2 Corinthians 1:3 NKJV Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” I want to call your attention to that phrase: “The …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/10/miracles-of-gods-mercy/
Jan 08 2020
Romans 15:16-17 NLT I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my …
Permanent link to this article: https://mdanba.com/2020/01/08/the-fruit-of-obedience/
