The longing!

by abeDevotional, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled

God has placed a profound void within every human heart—a deep, innate longing for something infinitely greater than anything this world can offer. As Scripture affirms, He “has set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), designing us with an eternal capacity that only He can fulfill. This built-in desire draws us toward Him, yet in our fallen state, it often pulls us in the opposite direction. We chase after pleasures, achievements, relationships, and possessions—anything we believe might finally satisfy or complete us. Our sinful nature drowns out this true longing beneath layers of competing fleshly cravings and distractions.

But the ache remains. It is God Himself who works in us, giving us both the desire and the power to pursue what truly pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). Only when we turn from lesser things and rest in Christ does the restlessness find its true home.

Prayer

Lord, grant me to delight in You alone—undividedly, exclusively, and eternally. Let my heart find its sole and supreme joy in You forever. Amen.

The Sunrise from on High!

by abeIllustration, Scriptural, TheologyPosted on Comments are Disabled

In Luke 1:78, part of Zechariah’s prophetic song (the Benedictus) captures the essence of divine visitation: after centuries of spiritual darkness—sin, oppression, and the shadow of death—the promised Savior arrives like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon. Not a harsh glare, but a gentle, warming, life-giving radiance from heaven itself that illuminates those sitting in gloom, scatters the night, and guides feet into the path of peace (v. 79).

The “Sunrise from on high” is Jesus, the Light of the world (John 1:4–9), descending in mercy to visit and redeem. Zechariah’s words blend Old Testament hopes (like Malachi 4:2’s “Sun of Righteousness”) with the wonder of incarnation: God Himself draws near, dawn personified, to end the long night and usher in eternal day.

My Hiding Place

by abePoems, Prayer, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled

I will not be afraid
For You are my hiding place-
A secure refuge, the safest space,
A shelter free from all condemnation,
A haven of unshaken confidence.

I will not fear,
For You are my hiding place.
No danger can draw near enough to harm;
I am safe, encircled by Your arms
Secure in You as in an impregnable fortress

I will not be found by the enemy,
For you are my hiding place.
I am hidden with Christ in You;
None who intend harm can see me through,
For I am concealed, O Lord, in You.

I will not be anxious,
For You are my hiding place.
None can disturb this perfect peace;
My confidence is in You-and You are my confidence;
My trust is in You-and You are my trust.

And more than this: 
You cover me with songs,
Songs of deliverance.
The Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

A new one – inspired by Psalm 32:7, Colossians 3:3, Jeremiah 17:7, and echoing the timeless hymn, the “Rock of Ages” by Agustus Toplady in 1776. May these words lift your heart and turn your soul to the praise of His glory!

To download a pdf copy with a decorative sepia tone click here

He satisfies me. Psalm103: 1-5

by abeIllustration, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled
1 Bless the Lord, my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your guilt [iniquities],
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with favour [steadfast love] and compassion [mercy];
5 Who satisfies your [desires] years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
  • He pardons
  • He heals
  • He redeems
  • He crowns
  • He loves
  • He satisfies
  • He renews

He satisfies and renews us as we recount every single benefit; big and small.

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him – John Piper

His creation shouts for joy!

by abeIllustration, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled

How awesome is His creation! Even the inanimate express their joy. How is that possible ? By simply existing according to divine design, with everything from the sun and stars to animals and plants reflecting God’s glory, creativity, and power.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Psalms 96:11-12. May the heavens be joyful, and may the earth rejoice; May the sea roar, and all it contains; May the field be jubilant, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy

Romans 1:20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Today is the day to acknowledge Him and His provision for salvation. Do not ignore it. He loves us and sent His Son, Jesus to save us and not to condemn us.

For all to be conformed

by abeScriptural, TheologyPosted on Comments are Disabled

People often question or wonder what our purpose here is. It is simple. The Bible tells us that we are to be transformed into the nature(image) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The key verse is in Romans chapter 8.

Romans 8:29 (NASB 2020)
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;

How can we fulfil this purpose, is the big question? I believe the answer comes from the same chapter and of course the whole counsel of God.

Firstly ALL THINGS work together – Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. He is the only one who can do this – bad to good! So not everything that is bad is bad, for He uses these circumstances too for that purpose.

Secondly He gives ALL THINGS – Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? He does not withhold anything that is beneficial for this transformation – to become like this Son.

Lastly we are more than conquerors in ALL THINGS – Romans 8:37
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. We can win! But don’t forget the purpose – it is to be conformed to His likeness.

So to summarise, God has given us all things, to be more than conquerors in all things, as He works all things in our favour to become like his Son.