DBB-33

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples had doubts about what the others said regarding meeting Jesus after his resurrection. He said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:25)" Jesus, though he was not bodily present at that time with them heard it and after a week, when he met his disciples once again he had this to say to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27) I guess he says that to many of us when we seek proof that he is doing the miracle that we have prayed for........."Stop doubting and believe"....Truly, "Blessed are they who have not yet seen and yet have believed. 

DBB-32

Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame? (Jeremiah 20:18)

Sometimes circumstances in our lives make us think and speak like Jeremiah the prophet. Called at a young age to the prophetic ministry, all he did was obey the Lord and tirelessly proclaim God's counsel to the Israelites. He was often depressed that people did not care about the judgemental warnings that he gave. They hurt him with their words and also harmed him physically. He cried out to God when dejected, but remained faithful to him. God was with him and comforted him in his distresses. We must remember that "God who has called us into fellowship with him through his son Jesus Christ, is faithful and will never leave us nor forsake us. Blessed be his glorious name.

DBB-31

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. (1 John 1:6)

Do you say you are in fellowship with the Creator? If yes, you must check how much you indulge in the pleasures of this world to know whether that fellowship is intact. Temptations come in different ways to all believers; no one is exempt. But the thing that we must remember is that there is a way out of every temptation that assails us. Jesus said, "I am the way." He is not only the way to heaven and eternal life, but also the way out of every temptation and sin we fall prey to. Crying out to him will surely bring deliverance sooner or later. Let us walk in the light of the Word of God then and live lives pleasing to God at all times.

DBB-30

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.(2 Timothy 4:16,17)

The lion here was probably Emperor Nero. Even when Jesus was arrested by the Roman soldiers, his disciples left him and ran away. Sometimes even people nearest us fail to help us when we are in dire straits, but we must remember that God is always there by our side and he will strengthen us in whichever way we need support at that time. Paul, here, also prays that God may not hold anything against those who deserted him when he was in danger. Bitterness in us towards such people can only worsen the problem, so we must let go off such feelings and be free in our spirit and soul. May the Holy Spirit help us in this.

DBB-29

He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. (Psalm 144:2)

The phrase "God is love" is not an exaggeration, for that, in fact, is his nature. King David, a man after God's own heart experienced the rich love of God in several trying situations in his life and many of the psalms that he sang were an account of what the Lord did in his life. Here he elaborates on what all God is to him...fortress, stronghold, deliverer, shield and refuge. Though many of us may not acknowledge poetically what God is to us, like the Psalmist does, we too know that he is the One who makes all the difference in our lives. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

DBB-28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe... (Hebrews 12:28)

The world that we live in now is being shaken so very often that one wonders how long it would last, but the writer of Hebrews speaks of an unshakable kingdom which believers in Jesus Christ will receive; an eternal rest for them. And since we are receiving it, he exhorts us to thank and worship God. Yes, we should definitely worship God; the only omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient One. He is worthy of honor, praise, worship and reverence. Let us lift up holy hands then and bless his holy name this day.

DBB-27

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)

A simple advice from Apostle Peter, which if taken to heart by the believer and practised could bring great blessings from God. When the prophet Daniel fasted for 3 weeks, the angel of the Lord told him this..."Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. (Daniel 10:12)"God hears our prayers when we humble ourselves in his presence. We must learn from Jesus how to humble ourselves. He says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)"Shall we then do his bidding?

DBB-26

Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!" (Psalm 118:15)

Victory is always sweet and shouts of joy accompany it usually. But the fact remains, that it is the Lord who brings us the victory. In a crisis like situation, where  Moses and the Israelites were trapped with the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh and the Egyptian army behind, Moses cried out to the Lord for deliverance and the Lord wrought a great deliverance, something unimaginable to the human mind. Our God is a God of miracles and impossible with man is possible with him. So let's hope and trust him to do the impossible for us whenever the situation arises; even today.

DBB-25

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(Philippians 4:6)

Anxiety is a common thing, even among believers. The problems of day to day life are so varied that tensions creep in without notice. But Paul the Apostle has some excellent advice regarding conquering such disturbing thoughts. Prayer, petition and thanksgiving is his prescription to overcome anxiety. Come to think of it, we must remember that God is in control of every aspect of our lives as believers in Jesus Christ. "He will never leave us nor forsake us", is what he says, and he never goes back on his word. So let us accept this advice from the Bible and be recipients of the peace that passes all understanding that only Jesus can give.

DBB-24

He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. (Ezra 7:6)

Several times in the book of Ezra, we read that the hand of the Lord was upon him. He had the favor of the Lord. In the verse above, we read that the king granted him everything he asked because the Lord's favor was upon him. Three things that are mentioned in Chapter 7 of Ezra give us a clue as to why God was so favorable to him.....For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.(Ezra 7:10)....He devoted himself to the study of the laws, observance of the laws and teaching of the laws. Something that God expects from every believer in Jesus Christ. Studying the Word of God, observing it and teaching others the same. Are we fulfilling it is a question we should ask ourselves. If yes, the favor of God rests upon us too, as it was in Ezra's life.

DBB-23

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:10)

What an incredible honor! Believers in Jesus Christ often forget the fact that they are "the people of God". Folks around may not acknowledge this truth, but this is what the Bible calls those who have believed in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and are living a life pleasing to God. Not only are they "people of God", but..."a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God". No worldly title or honor can match this wonderful blessing bestowed upon them who have put their trust in God by accepting his son Jesus as Savior. Praise God.

DBB-22

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. (Exodus 34:29, 30)

The fact is, the more time we spend in the presence of the Lord, the more of his radiance we receive. Here we read about Moses, who was in the presence of the Lord for 40 days. His face was radiant, though he did not realize it. But when Aaron and the Israelites saw him, they saw the radiance emanating from his face and were afraid that it might harm them. Moses put a veil over his face, so that no harm would come to them. We,  as believers in Jesus Christ, can do many things that may qualify as being called "spiritual", but the best of these is spending quality time with the Lord in prayer and being overshadowed by his glorious presence.

DBB-21

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1)

Often believer's are impatient regarding things in their lives. They wait upon the Lord for a while, but when they see that things are not moving as they desire, they tend to do things which they later realize was not what they should have done. God's timing is best for us and when we embark upon new ventures, its always best to wait upon the Lord in prayer and seek his guidance. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still lives and is willing to guide them who wait upon him. As the Psalmist sings, "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalm 48:14)"

DBB-20

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided."(Genesis 22:14)

God is our provider. He is Jehovah Jireh. From the beginning of the present world, God has been and will always be the provider. And concerning his provision, a child of God must never doubt. He knows what you need even before you tell him. Yet to maintain a one on one relationship and a close fellowship, he tells us, "Ask and it will be given to you." Can it be that simple? We have another chance today and every day of our lives to pray and ask in faith and experience myriad blessings day in and day out. So, ask the father with faith today, that which you need and he will provide like only he can.

DBB-19

I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:4)

Our war is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of darkness and praising God is an effective weapon to thwart the attacks of the enemy. God is worthy of praise and we must praise him each day for who he is and what he has done and is doing in our lives. Lets call to him continually, praise him and glorify his holy name and be victorious over our spiritual enemies. Praise will bring deliverance and that's what we will do. Amen.

DBB-18

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:19)

This is an exhortation from Apostle Paul to the rich of this world. He exhorts them of how to take hold of "life that is truly life". "Life that is truly life" is "eternal life with God" and this is what he tells them of how to achieve it......not to be arrogant nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put hope in God, who richly provides with everything for enjoyment.....to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:17, 18). "Life that is truly life" is what each one of us must be striving for too.

DBB-17

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. (1 Peter 4:7)

The Apostle Peter, here, warns every reader, of the end times. Though these words had been penned a long time ago, here and now, we must remind ourselves of the proximity of the event. With the chaos that nations are engulfed with, the end is truly near. As we read the Word, we must also look around us and know that what's written in the Word of God, must be fulfilled. Peter exhorts us to be of sound judgement and to be sober in spirit, so that we can pray effectively and be ready for the Lord's coming. Let us take to heart his exhortation then and be ready at all times, so that we may not be caught unawares.

DBB-16

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23:6)

The Psalmist exudes confidence when he says that he will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. That's because he knows that the Lord can make that happen. If he was basing the statement on his righteousness, it would be untrue, but when we read the Psalm, we see him acknowledging the work of God in his life. And each of us who have trusted in the Good Shepherd Jesus can rest assured that he can take us through this life and get us to our heavenly abode when the time comes. That dwelling will be ours for ever.

DBB- 15

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.. (Nahum 1:7)

"Some trust in chariots, some in horses"is what the Psalmist sang in Psalm 20. Chariots depict greatness and horses strength, but both come to no effect often. People in authority, people with strength may not be able to help us at all times, but the Lord can, because he is all powerful. If you have trusted in Jesus, he will care for you like no one can. Say aloud with the psalmist this day, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble and he cares for me".

DBB-14

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

People around us can behave in a manner where we may feel like they are like shifting shadows. But God Almighty is not like that. He is perfect in faithfulness. Of course, sometimes it's difficult to understand God's ways, but we can assure ourselves that he is doing the right thing in our lives at all times. His gifts to us are all good and perfect.  Though people, even our own, may forsake us, he will never do that, because he doesn't go back on his word. Wonderful God. He deserves all our praise.

DBB-13

After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. (Job 42:16)

Who would have ever thought that this man would live so long after suffering extremely in body and mind. Yet, we must remember that God Almighty is able to deliver completely and that he has the final say regarding every aspect of our lives as believers. As Paul the Apostle says, "we serve a God who raises the dead". Nothing is impossible for him. Believe this day that God can do the impossible for you. See his glory and praise him.

DBB-12

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). (John 1:41)

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, had heard John the Baptist saying, "Behold the Lamb of God" as Jesus passed by them. After spending a day with Jesus, he was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah and as we read above, the first thing that he did after spending quality time with Jesus was to tell his brother about it. We are all called to be witnesses of the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tell someone about Christ today. He/She may turn out to be another great witness of Jesus Christ like Peter, the Apostle.

DBB-11

Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. (Luke 10:38)

Welcoming Jesus into our homes is always a blessing. In fact, he himself says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20). There are many who do not open when Jesus knocks on the doors of their hearts. Some are reluctant and some are offended. Yet to all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gives the right to become children of God and that is, the ultimate blessing. If you are a part-taker of that, you are truly blessed.

DBB-10

The Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is he.(Deuteronomy 32:4)

Moses, who lead the Israelites through the wilderness en-route to the land of Canaan, is full of praise regarding God and his character. He speaks of a perfect, faithful, sinless, just and right God. God is truly all this and much more whether anyone believes it or not. Taste and see that the Lord is good is what the Psalmist exhorts us. Time and again God has proven himself to be faithful, just and good in our lives and so we must be thankful to him at all times. 

DBB-9

Jesus saw her and said, "Woman, you are now free from your trouble!" (Luke 13:12)

A woman who was in bondage for 18 years was set free by Jesus one day when he was preaching in a worship place. She could not stand straight, because of a demonic affliction. But Jesus set her free in a moment. That's exactly what Jesus came to earth for. To set humankind free from every kind of bondage, the chief of them being setting mankind free from sin and eternal death. Everyone can be a recipient of this freedom and those who are recipients already know that Eternal Life awaits them when their term on earth ends. Wonderful.

DBB-8

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. (Luke 6:45)

Good and evil treasures lie in the hearts of people according to this verse. And what they speak shows what their hearts are filled with. Our words reflect how much of fruit of the Holy Spirit we are bearing. As believers in Jesus Christ, God longs to see us bearing much fruit and he also expects us to validate that with the words we speak. Let us bring forth good from our mouths from the good treasures filled in our hearts, is a prayer, we all should pray. Bringing forth such good would bring much glory to God.

DBB-7

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Can we say that about ourselves? Some people glory in their wealth, some in their might and some in their knowledge, but as Christians we must acknowledge that it's all grace. The grace of God is the reason for every blessing that we have experienced and are experiencing. Even regarding laboring for the Lord, the Apostle here gives the credit to God. Let us do likewise, for God will then give even more grace.

DBB-6

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)

Strength and peace. How much we need these in our lives. Strength physically and mentally are so vital for our beings and so is peace. Unrest and turmoil within can destroy us, but if we seek the One who has an unlimited supply of strength and peace, we can receive these every day of our lives. Let's seek his face today and everyday.

DBB-5

Sing to the Lord; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. (Psalm 96:2)

Singing and blessing/praising God is what each one of us must do each day of our lives. And there's another thing that we must do each day according to the Psalmist; proclaim the good news that he saves. A simple testimony from you to someone who has not yet experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ, can be such a great blessing. Do it today. Be a blessing to someone else.

DBB-4

Save Your people, bless Your possession, shepherd them, and carry them forever. (Psalm 28:9)

4 requests by the Psalmist in a single verse. Save, bless, shepherd, carry. Can any man/woman fulfill such a request for anyone? Perhaps someone can fulfill these partly and for a limited time period for someone else. But continually and with perfect faithfulness can only be accomplished by the Perfect One- God Almighty and he is the one we must put our trust in. Let's do it.

DBB-3

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. (Luke 24:50)

It was time for Jesus to be taken up into heaven after his death and resurrection. Before that happened, the last thing he does here is, lifting his hands and blessing his disciples. Jesus came as a blessing to mankind, to save them from their sins. The name "Jesus" itself means "He saves". Have you accepted him as your Savior? If you have, he will never leave you nor forsake you at any stage of your life. That fact itself is such a great blessing.

DBB-2

The just one walks in his integrity, blessed are his sons after him!(Proverbs 20:7)

The writer of The Proverbs often signifies the importance of a person walking in integrity. Here the blessing that ensues is for the children of such a man. Integrity is difficult to find in our world because most people are competing with others at any given time. But the choice is ours. And taking a decision for maintaining such a trait always results in blessings in one way or the other. So let's do it and receive blessings.

DBB-1

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:4, 5)

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and are living for him according to the Word of God, The Bible, you have accepted the gift of salvation that the Father of mercies has provided to mankind. The Father of mercies is also the God of all comfort who comforts us in our sufferings. As you go through the motions of this day, remember that you are serving the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.