Hettie Boer 
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17 ESV) The expression “Kingdom of Heaven” was not unfamiliar to Matthew’s contemporaries. It refers to the coming kingdom promised by God, in which God reigns (Isaiah 2:2-5). But it is not only God’s promise for the … Lees meer
“And behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17 ESV) John was a cousin of Jesus who prepared the people for Jesus’ coming (Matthew 3:1-11). John’s performance was foretold by the prophets in Israel (Isaiah 40:3) and his birth was also announced by an … Lees meer
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea…” (Matthew 2:1 ESV) No other birth has been described so extensively and in so many languages. The birth of Jesus has been celebrated worldwide every year for around 2,000 years. This is what happened: A young woman, Mary, became pregnant before she was married to her … Lees meer
“A voice from the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.’” (Matthew 17:5 ESV) There are approximately three years between the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and today’s Bible passage. Years in which Jesus taught, performed miracles, and called people to believe in Him as the Son … Lees meer
“I give You thanks, O LORD with my whole heart; before the gods I sing Your praise” (Psalm 138:1). David thanked God singing, kneeling and praying. The word ‘gods’ or ‘elohim’ (vs. 1) can denote heavenly beings with God. It can also mean rulers on earth. David wanted heaven and earth to hear how good … Lees meer
“May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love your salvation say evermore: God is great! But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer: O LORD, do not delay!” (Psalm 70:4-5) David felt very vulnerable due to the behaviour … Lees meer
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble” (Psalm 107:1-2). Psalm 107 describes how God came to the rescue of:People who had gone astray (verses 4-9)People who had been imprisoned (verses 10-16)People who … Lees meer
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). It is a recurring refrain in Psalm 136: God is good!In the Psalms, we find believers’ personal responses to God’s words and deeds. And although they were written centuries ago, the feelings and thoughts of the writers remain … Lees meer
“Bless the LORD, o my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, o my soul, and forget not all His benefits’ (Psalm 103: 1-2). Giving thanks and praise to God purposely, means acknowledging who He is in your life and what He means to you. We tend to … Lees meer