"Then Haman said to King Xerxes, 'There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents (375 metric tons) of silver to the king’s administrators for the royal treasury.'” (Esther 3:8-9)
The "certain people" were Jews who believed in God and lived according to His Word, which by the way, led them to be hard working and law-abiding citizens.
I wonder if someone is paying government officials to not tolerate Christians and that is why so many laws and judgments are coming forth against us.
In the Book of Esther, God's people fasted and prayed for three days and God turned the tables on those who sought to destroy them.
"Father God, please help government leaders to recognize who is their nation's enemies, who is their nation's patriots, in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen."
Friday, July 31, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
The Crucified One Lives
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema Sabathani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?’ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit.” [1]
Jesus restored walking legs back to lame people, working voices back to mute people, seeing eyes back to blind people, and on a few occasions, life back to dead people. He restored truth to those who had none.
The religious leaders sought to destroy Him. Their best debaters attempted to humiliate Him. When all their attempts to sabotage His popularity failed, they hired a traitor and false witnesses to bring about His execution. As Jesus hung on the cross, they mockingly said, “He saved others, Himself He cannot save.” [2]
Jesus gave up His life to save others. He bore the sin of every murderer, rapist, dictator and yes, even the sins of the false prophets who murdered Him. That is why, God the Father forsook Him. It was for the forgiveness of people’s sins that He died.
However, in three short days, another cry was heard. It was the cry of His faithful followers. They had three key words to tell the world. They told the world, “He is alive!” Sin, Satan, and death lost! Jesus the CHRIST won! HE is Lord! He lives.
The angel said to the women, “’Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.’ So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to bring His disciples word.” [3]
This good news is continuing to spread. People all over the earth are embracing and proclaiming with great joy the saving work of Jesus Christ.
[1] Matthew 27:46, 50
[2] Matthew 27:42
[3] Matthew 28:5-8
Jesus restored walking legs back to lame people, working voices back to mute people, seeing eyes back to blind people, and on a few occasions, life back to dead people. He restored truth to those who had none.
The religious leaders sought to destroy Him. Their best debaters attempted to humiliate Him. When all their attempts to sabotage His popularity failed, they hired a traitor and false witnesses to bring about His execution. As Jesus hung on the cross, they mockingly said, “He saved others, Himself He cannot save.” [2]
Jesus gave up His life to save others. He bore the sin of every murderer, rapist, dictator and yes, even the sins of the false prophets who murdered Him. That is why, God the Father forsook Him. It was for the forgiveness of people’s sins that He died.
However, in three short days, another cry was heard. It was the cry of His faithful followers. They had three key words to tell the world. They told the world, “He is alive!” Sin, Satan, and death lost! Jesus the CHRIST won! HE is Lord! He lives.
The angel said to the women, “’Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.’ So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to bring His disciples word.” [3]
This good news is continuing to spread. People all over the earth are embracing and proclaiming with great joy the saving work of Jesus Christ.
[1] Matthew 27:46, 50
[2] Matthew 27:42
[3] Matthew 28:5-8
Saturday, July 18, 2015
The Lord Wins
Who roots for the “underdog” to win? David seemed like an underdog to the people who watched him approach a giant in battle. But was David really the long shot to win?
David had killed lions and bears that approached his father’s sheep to eat them. He was a worshipper of God. As he worshipped the Lord, the Lord revealed to David His mighty power and love for people. Thus, before the battle begun, David knew that the Lord was well able to defeat the evil giant.
His opponent served a god that was not a god. His people’s god was made by human hands. It was lifeless, deaf, mute, and lame. The giant assumed that mere intimidation would be enough to defeat God’s people. So, he stood before them and dared someone to defy him. He had armor and weapons. He was gargantuan in size. His people felt confident that no one could defeat him.
The Philistines were horrified when a young man defeated their champion with a stone and a sling. If one of the least among the Israelites could kill and behead their champion, what could the rest of their soldiers do?
How should we apply David’s victory over the giant to our own lives? Could it be that we give the devil too much credit? The Lord describes the devil’s demise, “How you have fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Those who see you will gaze at you, and consider you, saying: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms.’” [1]
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” [2]
Thanks to the Son of David, who also happens to be the Son of God, the devil has an expiration date. Though he is currently defiant against God, he has an appointment with destruction. Jesus Christ wins.
[1] Isaiah 14:12-16
[2] Revelation 20:10
David had killed lions and bears that approached his father’s sheep to eat them. He was a worshipper of God. As he worshipped the Lord, the Lord revealed to David His mighty power and love for people. Thus, before the battle begun, David knew that the Lord was well able to defeat the evil giant.
His opponent served a god that was not a god. His people’s god was made by human hands. It was lifeless, deaf, mute, and lame. The giant assumed that mere intimidation would be enough to defeat God’s people. So, he stood before them and dared someone to defy him. He had armor and weapons. He was gargantuan in size. His people felt confident that no one could defeat him.
The Philistines were horrified when a young man defeated their champion with a stone and a sling. If one of the least among the Israelites could kill and behead their champion, what could the rest of their soldiers do?
How should we apply David’s victory over the giant to our own lives? Could it be that we give the devil too much credit? The Lord describes the devil’s demise, “How you have fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Those who see you will gaze at you, and consider you, saying: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms.’” [1]
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” [2]
Thanks to the Son of David, who also happens to be the Son of God, the devil has an expiration date. Though he is currently defiant against God, he has an appointment with destruction. Jesus Christ wins.
[1] Isaiah 14:12-16
[2] Revelation 20:10
Do Something
Although we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, it is obvious that Jesus wants His followers to do something.
In the parable of the ten virgins, all had lamps, but only five had oil in their lamps. Without oil a lamp gives off no light. In the parable of the talents, the servant who hid his talents was condemned, while the ones who did something with theirs were rewarded. In the parable of the sheep and goats, the sheep were the ones who cared for those who were suffering for their faith in God. The goats did not help them. The sheep were saved while the goats were condemned.
The Lord tells us through these parables the kind of people He will reward when He returns.
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.” “He that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, ‘Lord, You delivered to me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.’ His Lord said unto him, ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord.’” [1]
[1] Matthew 25:13, 20-21
In the parable of the ten virgins, all had lamps, but only five had oil in their lamps. Without oil a lamp gives off no light. In the parable of the talents, the servant who hid his talents was condemned, while the ones who did something with theirs were rewarded. In the parable of the sheep and goats, the sheep were the ones who cared for those who were suffering for their faith in God. The goats did not help them. The sheep were saved while the goats were condemned.
The Lord tells us through these parables the kind of people He will reward when He returns.
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.” “He that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, ‘Lord, You delivered to me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.’ His Lord said unto him, ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord.’” [1]
[1] Matthew 25:13, 20-21
Thursday, July 16, 2015
When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood
When the enemy comes in like a flood to wipe you out… Speak God’s Word. Cry out to God. Ask God to fight the battle! Trust in Him to hear your prayer and to come through for you.
“After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself.” [1]
Sennacherib was an agent of the devil. Hezekiah was a man of God. God had worked through Hezekiah to bring His kingdom to earth. The god of the carnal world (the devil) was furious and wanted to wipe Hezekiah and his people off the face of this earth.
Hezekiah encouraged his people with these words: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” [2]
Then, “King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword.” [3]
The Lord says, “So shall they fear The Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” [4]
The standard that the Spirit lifts up is Messiah. Jesus canceled all Satan’s claims against us when He died on the cross for our sins. We overcome the evil one by the blood of the Lamb. [5]
[1] 2 Chronicles 32:1
[2] 2 Chronicles 32:6-8
[3] 2 Chronicles 32:20-21
[4] Isaiah 59:19
[5] Revelation 12:11
“After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself.” [1]
Sennacherib was an agent of the devil. Hezekiah was a man of God. God had worked through Hezekiah to bring His kingdom to earth. The god of the carnal world (the devil) was furious and wanted to wipe Hezekiah and his people off the face of this earth.
Hezekiah encouraged his people with these words: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” [2]
Then, “King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword.” [3]
The Lord says, “So shall they fear The Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” [4]
The standard that the Spirit lifts up is Messiah. Jesus canceled all Satan’s claims against us when He died on the cross for our sins. We overcome the evil one by the blood of the Lamb. [5]
[1] 2 Chronicles 32:1
[2] 2 Chronicles 32:6-8
[3] 2 Chronicles 32:20-21
[4] Isaiah 59:19
[5] Revelation 12:11
Monday, July 13, 2015
Unable To Remain Silent
“As Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that JESUS was going by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ He asked. ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’ Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.” [1]
Jesus had disciples and a LARGE crowd following Him down a road. Jesus still has a large following. There are people in many countries today who lay down their lives for Him.
When two blind men heard Jesus coming, they knew what to do. They called out to Him. People rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted even louder to Jesus. What a great example for us. When people tell us tone down our shouts for Jesus, we should actually turn the volume up. Why? Because the Lord responds to such bold faith in Him. He asked them, “What do you want Me to do for you.”
Their request was an impossible one for any human being to do They wanted their blind eyes to see. Did Jesus rebuke them for asking too much from Him? No, He had compassion on them. He immediately granted to them seeing eyes. Did they run off and forget about Jesus? No, they followed Him.
May the Lord have mercy on us and help our blind eyes to see His worth and His ability to make our impossible possible! May we be His bold followers! May we be among those who cannot be silenced even when rebuked because our faith in Him will not allow us to remain quiet.
[1] Matthew 20:29-34
Jesus had disciples and a LARGE crowd following Him down a road. Jesus still has a large following. There are people in many countries today who lay down their lives for Him.
When two blind men heard Jesus coming, they knew what to do. They called out to Him. People rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted even louder to Jesus. What a great example for us. When people tell us tone down our shouts for Jesus, we should actually turn the volume up. Why? Because the Lord responds to such bold faith in Him. He asked them, “What do you want Me to do for you.”
Their request was an impossible one for any human being to do They wanted their blind eyes to see. Did Jesus rebuke them for asking too much from Him? No, He had compassion on them. He immediately granted to them seeing eyes. Did they run off and forget about Jesus? No, they followed Him.
May the Lord have mercy on us and help our blind eyes to see His worth and His ability to make our impossible possible! May we be His bold followers! May we be among those who cannot be silenced even when rebuked because our faith in Him will not allow us to remain quiet.
[1] Matthew 20:29-34
Monday, July 6, 2015
The Kingdom of Heaven
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” [1]
Our Lord Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. By believing in Him, thanks to divine grace, we inherit eternal life. Heaven with its walls of jewels and gates of pearl, is a great treasure.
The new heaven and new earth will be unmarred by the curse of sin. The colors will be richer. The culture will be one of love, peace, and joy. There will be no more death, no more tears, no more weeds, and no more sweat on the brow as we work. Jesus told the thief who believed in Him and was about to die, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Our Creator, who lives there, is the greatest treasure.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all these things?’ Jesus asked.” [2]
Jesus is still asking you, “Have you understood all these things?” Do not allow the concerns of this life to take precedent over your relationship with our Lord Jesus.
“The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Love for our Lord Jesus, and dependance on His grace for salvation is the key to being a deemed by His angels as a treasure, a pearl, and a fish worth keeping.
[1] Matthew 13:44-46
[2] Matthew 13:47-51
Our Lord Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. By believing in Him, thanks to divine grace, we inherit eternal life. Heaven with its walls of jewels and gates of pearl, is a great treasure.
The new heaven and new earth will be unmarred by the curse of sin. The colors will be richer. The culture will be one of love, peace, and joy. There will be no more death, no more tears, no more weeds, and no more sweat on the brow as we work. Jesus told the thief who believed in Him and was about to die, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Our Creator, who lives there, is the greatest treasure.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all these things?’ Jesus asked.” [2]
Jesus is still asking you, “Have you understood all these things?” Do not allow the concerns of this life to take precedent over your relationship with our Lord Jesus.
“The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Love for our Lord Jesus, and dependance on His grace for salvation is the key to being a deemed by His angels as a treasure, a pearl, and a fish worth keeping.
[1] Matthew 13:44-46
[2] Matthew 13:47-51
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