A New Year's Resolution

“Unto You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth, and teach me:

For You are the God of my salvation;

On You do I wait all the day.” [1]

“My foot stands in a level place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.” [2]

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.

Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” [3]

“Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” [4]

[1] Psalm 25:1, 4-5
[2] Psalm 26:12
[3] Psalm 27:4, 14
[4] Proverbs 31:8-9

Devotion During Days of Wrath

“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” [1]

“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

This (wrath) is what they (who insulted, taunted, and threatened) will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the Lord Almighty.” [2]

“Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath.” [3]

“Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord; she does not draw near to her God.” [4]

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water.’” [5]

“The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” [6]

[1] Proverbs 21:15
[2] Zephaniah 2:3, 10
[3] Zephaniah 1:18
[4] Zephaniah 3:1-2
[5] Revelation 14:6-7
[6] Psalms 145:13, 146:5

The Lord Is Good

“When a man's folly brings his way to ruin his heart rages against the Lord.”

[1]

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord;

I will wait for the God of my salvation;

my God will hear me.”

[2]

“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity

and passing over transgression…

He (God) does not retain His anger forever,

because He delights in steadfast love.

He will again have compassion on us;

He will tread our iniquities underfoot.

You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

[3]

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;

He knows those who take refuge in Him.”

[4]

[1] Proverbs 19:3

[2] Micah 7:7

[3] Micah 7:18-19

[4] Nahum 1:7

Glory to You Lord for Your Love & Faithfulness

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness.” [1]

“May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” [2]

“The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, He saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” [3]

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” [4]

[1] Psalm 115:1
[2] Psalm 115:14-15
[3] Psalm 116:5-7
[4] Psalm 117:1-2

Pouring Out His Spirit

“Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision!

For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”

[1]

“’Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to Me with all your heart,

with fasting and weeping and mourning.’

Rend your heart and not your garments.

Return to the Lord your God,

for He is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and He relents from sending calamity.

Who knows?

He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing.”

[2]

“And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your old men will dream dreams,

your young men will see visions.

Even on My servants, both men and women,

I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”

[3]

[1] Joel 3:14

[2] Joel 2:12-14

[3] Joel 2:28-29

Remaining Ready For The Lord’s Return

By:

Shunning ungodliness,

Sunning complaining,

Shunning faultfinding, 

Shunning exploitation,

Strengthening faith in God

Praying in the Holy Spirit

Loving God

Expecting mercy in Christ for eternal life

Rescuing others

“See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” [1]

[1] Jude 1:14-16, 20-23

Trinity

The Trinity is one God revealed in three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Hebrews were living among pagans who worshiped many gods. Our fatherly God warned them against such worship. Therefore, they memorized and frequently recited these words, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” [1] The Hebrew word for “One” in this passage is not “yachid” that means a solitary one. It is the Hebrew word, “echad” which is used most often as a unified one.

“The two shall become one flesh.” [2] The one here is echad. Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one.” [3] Jesus said to the Father, “The glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one.” [4] God’s desire is to bring us into oneness with Him. We talk about the body of Christ as being one.

Irenaeus, bishop of Lyon wrote, “The Son the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are like two hands of God to mold us into His image.” The Father uses His Word and Spirit to mold us into His likeness.

The Father sends His Word [Jesus] by His breath [the Spirit]. The Hebrew word for Spirit can also be translated as breath. The Bible connects God’s breath with His Spirit. [5] Jesus breathed His Spirit on the disciples. [6] The breath of God brought the first Adam to life. His breath brought the new Adam to life: the Church.

Jesus is referred to as the Word of God twice in the New Testament. [7]

The Triune God is revealed to us in the three Old Testament “US” verses: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.” “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” [8] This is God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit conversing within Himself.

The Triune God is revealed to us in the Hebrew name for God [Elohim]. Elohim occurs over 2,500 times in the Old Testament. Elohim is grammatically plural rather than singular. The -im suffix in Hebrew indicates the plural form.

The Triune God is revealed to us in an Old Testament prophecy: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” [9] The Holy Spirit is the Wonderful Counselor. The Everlasting Father is our Heavenly Father. Jesus the Son is the Prince of Peace. Three-in-One the Mighty God!

The Triune God is revealed in the Great Commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” [10]

We should teach people about the Triune God because He is relevant to their life. We have a clear mandate from God to reveal Him to others. There is no eternal life apart from a revelation of God.

The Trinitarian message is God revealing Himself to us as a community for our sake. The Trinitarian message is about God graciously opening His heart and home to us. The Triune God is relational.

Our Triune God helps us exist as people in communion with Him and His followers. God is a Community-in-Love, where each of the three Persons pours His life out for the other. Jesus honored the Father and Father honored Him. Jesus spoke of the Spirit as His Spirit and also the Spirit of the Father.

We should only trust those who profess faith in the Trinity:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

This is how we know that we live in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them, and they in God.” [11]

Jesus is called the Savior of the world. God says there is no Savior besides Him, meaning that Christ and the Father are One. “I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior.” [12]

Jesus Christ is both God and man: “Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead).” [13] Paul regards Jesus has more than a man and also equal to Father God. Paul met Jesus after He ascended to the Father. He met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

The Trinity is one God revealed in three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[1] Deuteronomy 6:4
[2] Genesis 2:24
[3] John 10:30
[4] John 17:22
[5] Genesis 2:7
[6] John 20:22
[7] John 1:1; Revelation 19:13
[8] Genesis 1:26; 3:22; Isaiah 6:8
[9] Isaiah 9:6
[10] Matthew 28:19-20
[11] 1 John 4:1-3, 5-6, 13-15
[12] Isaiah 43:11
[13] Galatians 1:1

Shining in the Darkness

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” [1]

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2]

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” [3]

I am thankful for God causing His amazing His grace to shine in and through us. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is the light of the world. Jesus shines into and through His people. In Him, we shine even when darkness surrounds us.

[1] Daniel 12:3
[2] 2 Corinthians 4:6
[3] Philippians 2:14-15

All Kingdoms Handed Over To Holy People

“…And truth was thrown to the ground.” [1]

“He (the anti-Christ) will speak against the Most High and oppress His holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. BUT the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. THEN the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey Him.” [2]

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” [3]

The current trend to criminalize truth-tellers and to silence those who honor JESUS CHRIST as LORD is coming to an end. Those who live godly lives shall be honored by God. Wonderful days are ahead for those who love God and keep His commandments.

[1] Daniel 8:11

[2] Daniel 7:25-27

[3] Luke 21:28

Exalting Elohim For The Elderly

“Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me.” [1]

“In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go. Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” [2]

“They (those who don’t favor me) say, ‘God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.’ Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me.” [3]

“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteous deeds, of Your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come.” [4]

“Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.” [5]

“Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.” [6]

[1] Psalm 70:1
[2] Psalm 71:1, 3, 9
[3] Psalm 71:11-12
[4] Psalm 71:14-15, 18
[5] Psalm 71:20-21
[6] Psalm 72:18-19

Noah Heeded God's Warning

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” [1]

FAITH

“By faith.” Noah believed what seemed impossible.

FEAR

“Moved with fear.” Faith molded him, but fear moved him

OBEDIENCE

Faith and fear together led Noah to obey God.

[1] Hebrews 11:7

Think about God's Love & His Goodness

Have you ever tried to be noticed by someone you loved?

Did all your attempts to capture their attention fail?

The Psalmist wrote, “Look at all that the Lord has done for you! Don’t fail to notice all that the Lord done for you! Return thanks unto Him! He did all this because He loves you.”

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.

To Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.

Who by His understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.

Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.

Who made the great lights—His love endures forever.

The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.

The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.”

Psalm 136:1, 4-9

Grounded in God's Word During the Last Days

“Mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… the Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13-17

Declaring Divine Ultimatums

Jeremiah was standing in the court of the Lord’s house. The Lord instructed him to say to all the people, “’This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to Me and follow my law, which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse among all the nations of the earth.’" [1]

Jeremiah announced an ultimatum from God to his people.

…As soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, ‘You must die!’ [2]

Jeremiah did not get an honorarium for his message. His religious peers grabbed him and told him that he must die. He spoke the truth. His reward was condemnation from his fellow priests and prophets.

“Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: ‘The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you.” [3]

Jeremiah did not change his tune. He pressed them to change their ways to avoid the disaster that God had pronounced upon them.

“As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.’” [4]

Jeremiah warned his peers that if they killed him, that they would have to face God for it. By the grace of God, government officials intervened and stopped the false priests and prophets from carrying out their assassination plans against him.

“Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, ‘This man should not be sentenced to death! He has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.’” [5] Two fellow priests also stood up for Jeremiah, “Furthermore, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.” [6]

[1] Jeremiah 26:4-6
[2] Jeremiah 26:8
[3] Jeremiah 26:12-13
[4] Jeremiah 26:14-15
[5] Jeremiah 26:16
[6] Jeremiah 26:24

God Is God ~ We Are Not

While caring for the flood survivors, I saw people in shock. I saw an aura of sadness around some of the survivors as they walked towards me. During good times, we may begin to think that we are invincible and no longer need God’s help, That’s when a disaster brings us back to the realty of our need for God.

The Lord warns us via Jeremiah. “This is what the Lord says: ’Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.’” [1]

We need to invest our time, treasure, and talent in the practice of trusting in the Lord. Learn to lean on the Lord! The Lord says that if we turn from evil ways, and reform our actions, He will build up our land and stabilize it.

“If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.” [2]

The problem with Jeremiah’s audience was that they rejected God’s counsel. “But they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; we will all follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts.’” [3]

Let us pray that our nation will reject defiance towards God. “Dear Heavenly Father, please grant us grace to repent and reform our ways. Please rebuild and reestablish us. You are God, and we are not. We need You to help and save us. This I pray in the Name of Jesus Your Son. Amen.”

[1] Jeremiah 17:5, 7
[2] Jeremiah 18:7-10
[3] Jeremiah 18:12

A Prophetic Portrait of Messiah

Inspired by God and recorded by Isaiah more than five hundred years before Messiah became flesh and dwelt among us…

“Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [1]

Unbelief is the problem. Messiah’s arrival is good news. He came to save us from our sin. But when His messengers reveal this miracle to others, they doubt it.

“He (Christ Jesus) grew up before Him (God) like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem.” [2]

God came down from His glory and lived among us even as a defenseless baby. He depended on his father, Joseph, to rescue Him from a king’s plot to kill Him. He lacked attractiveness. No one would save Him due to His good looks. His suffering began long before the cross. He suffered rejection throughout His earthly life. He experienced pain. Some people did not want to look at Him. He was despised, not esteemed, by people. The good news is that He is able to relate well with the lowliest of people.

“Surely, He (Christ) took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him (God), and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” [3]

Messiah went through this humiliation for us. Even so, we tended to misunderstand and mischaracterize Him for it. God allowed His Son to be pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for us. He took our punishment so that we could enjoy peace. The wounds that He received were so that we could experience healing.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Christ) the iniquity of us all.” [4]

We distance ourselves from God as a sheep tends to roam from its shepherd. God loves us. We tend to forget to love Him in return. It is an unequal relationship. Iniquity is a sin of unequal exchange. Goodness for evil! Praise God that Messiah took our iniquities.

“He (Christ) was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.” [5]

He did not open His mouth to halt the injustice. He willingly became a speechless for us.

“By oppression and judgment He (Christ) was taken away. Yet who of His generation protested? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people He was punished.” [5]

Messiah was dreadfully treated by the human race He created. Yet, no one protest about it. “Cut off from the land of the living means that He died for our transgressions. A transgression is to cross a legal boundary line that God set up. It is to disregard His commandments.

“He (Christ) was assigned a grave with the wicked and with the rich in His death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer (for our sakes), and though the LORD MAKES HIS LIFE an OFFERING for SIN, He (Christ) will see His offspring (Christians) and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord (the Church) will prosper in His hand.” [7]

Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man. He loaned Jesus his grave. Jesus died between two criminals. He was innocent. He committed no sin. After He died, Jesus resurrected. He lives to see His offspring, and God’s will prospers because of Him.

“By His knowledge my Righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.” [8]

Our just status before God is a direct result of our faith in the shed blood of Christ for our sins.

“Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” [9]

While on the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” [10]

He was counted as a transgressor by false accusers. He died bearing the sins of the world. And Messiah resurrected, and Jesus Christ is still making intercession for us in heaven now. God painted this beautiful picture of redemption for us through His servant Isaiah. It’s all true!

[1] Isaiah 53:1
[2] Isaiah 53:2-3
[3] Isaiah 53:4-5
[4] Isaiah 53:6
[5] Isaiah 53:7
[6] Isaiah 53:8
[7] Isaiah 53:9-10
[8] Isaiah 53:11
[9] Isaiah 53:12
[10] Luke 23:34

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

“Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place but rather THANKSGIVING.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. LIVE AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise. Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:3-8, 14-16

No To Sin ! Yes to the Holy Spirit!

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the nations do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.” [1]

Futile thoughts, darkened understandings, separated from God, hardened hearts, insensitive, etcetera. Don’t live this way! Jesus died on the cross to deliver us FROM sin. He did not die on the cross to deliver us TO sin. What’s more, Jesus has given us His Spirit.

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” [2]

Indulging in wine, gorging oneself with meat, and excessive sleep are ways to cope with the pain and unhappiness in this world, but these methods only send one’s life into a tailspin downward.

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.” [3]

The Lord urges His sons to give their hearts to Him. Fix your eyes on Jesus! The evil one wants to use the lure of sexual pleasure to destroy God’s sons. The sexual pleasure coping mechanism turns out to be a robber. It sets a man’s trajectory on a path of unfaithful behavior.

“Who is woeful? Who is sorrowful? Who is striving? Who is complaining? Who is needlessly receiving a bruising? Whose eyes are bloodshot? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?’” [4]

Alcoholism is very hard to escape. The alcohol snake bite causes quarrels, tears, bodily wounds, confusion of mind, numbness, and enslavement to a life of misery.

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” [5]

The Lord urges us to be filled with His Spirit. Holy Spirit comfort! Holy Spirit power!

[1] Ephesians 4:17-19
[2] Proverbs 23:20-21
[3] Proverbs 23:26-28
[4] Proverbs 23:29-35
[5] Ephesians 5:18

Hope, Strength & Rejoicing in the Lord

“The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; all those who are upright in heart will glory in Him!” [1]

We glory in Him because the Lord makes righteous and upright people out of us. We rejoice in Him because His plans bring us to the safe haven of His eternal kingdom.

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” [2] Jesus is our good shepherd.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” [3]

The Lord is our hope. The Lord is our strength. With Him, we do not run out of energy. Praise the Lord!

[1] Psalm 64:10
[2] Isaiah 40:11
[3] Isaiah 40:31

God embodies His Word in the lives of Believers

During lecture number six lectures on the book of Jeremiah, Dr. Gary Yates states that the prophet Jeremiah embodied the Word of God. Insomuch, that the way the people treated Jeremiah was a reflection of their feeling towards God’s Word. In the final analysis, their country suffered defeat at the hand of a pagan nation because they had the Word of God but treated it with contempt and did not heed it. God’s Word was sent to save them but they chose to reject it to their own destruction.

“Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your servants who embody it by the way they live. Please help us to listen to You and to the servants of Your Word that we might not end up as the people did in the days of Jeremiah.”

Our Lord Jesus perfectly embodied the Word of God. He never diverted from perfect obedience to it. Christ is the ultimate example of a prophet (a speaker) for God. All the prophets that went before Him were only types or imperfect representations of Him. He is the fullness of God’s image. That is why true followers of God are called Christians. We are types of Christ. We seek to embody the Word of God by the power of Christ’s Spirit living in us.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPmBtnFmyZg

Praying for Nearness to Our Lord

“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me, for You, Lord, are good.” [1]

Let us pray for the Lord to forgive our sins and rebellious ways. Such behavior creates distance in any relationship. Let us pray that the Lord will remember us in accordance with His love and goodness. His love and goodness brings us near to Him.

May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope, Lord, is in You.” [2]

Let us pray for integrity and uprightness from the Lord to replace our sinful and rowdy ways. Why? Because we hope to see the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

“Lord, I love the house where You live, the place where Your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.” [3]

Again the issue is nearness with God. We love the place where God’s glory dwells. We don’t want our soul joined to sinners who like to kill, deceive, and exploit people.

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” [4]

O to be near to God, even to live in His house all our days! To see Him in the place of beauty!

My heart says of You, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” [5]

As the Holy Spirit prompts us to seek God’s face, let us immediately seek Him.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” [6]

Let us pray confidently about enjoying God’s goodness among those who are alive.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” [7]

Don’t be impatient! Be strong! The Lord will answer your prayer to be near to Him.

[1] Psalm 25:7
[2] Psalm 25:21
[3] Psalm 26:8-10
[4] Psalm 27:4
[5] Psalm 27:8
[6] Psalm 27:13
[7] Psalm 27:14

Resurrected With New Bodies

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” [1]

The Cornerstone of Christianity is Christ who died, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead. Praise God for the Twelve and five hundred who met the risen Savior. Praise God for Paul who also met Jesus and did not remain silent about it! What does the resurrection of Christ mean for us? It means that we too can resurrect from the dead and be with God thanks to Jesus!

“But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?’ Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” [2]

The bodies that we have now cannot compare with the bodies that we will have after the resurrection. Our heavenly bodies are to our earthly bodies, what a flower is to the seed from which it came. Thanks to Jesus we will bear the image of Christ.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” [3]

In lieu of our Lord’s resurrection, we have the guarantee of eternal victory. So, come what may, we should remain steadfast. We should work for the Lord. Our efforts in Christ will end well.

[1] 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
[2] 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-44, 49
[3] 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Overcoming Trials

“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” [1]

During a season of severe trial (poverty, loneliness, and illness resulting in mental, physical, and emotional anguish), the Lord compelled Job to pray for his friends. As Job turned from concerns about self to concerns about others, the Lord blessed him and restored his fortunes double.

My friend, if you are in the midst of trial, empathize with friends who need the Lord’s help. Pray for them. Instead of asking, “Why?” ask “What?” “What shall I do for God and others in spite of my own troubles?”

God speaks to us through His servant James, and says, “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” [2]

[1] Job 42:10
[2] James 5:10-11

Prayers For Holding to God's Word

“Turn MY HEART toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; PRESERVE my life according to Your Word. Fulfill Your PROMISE to Your servant so that You may be feared.” [1]

The opposite of a heart for God’s Word is a heart for selfish gain. Let us ask the Lord to turn our eyes FROM empty pursuits, and TOWARDS life in God’s Word. Let us ask the Lord to ensure His promises will be fulfilled in our lives with the goal that our listeners will fear the Lord.

“I will walk about in FREEDOM for I have sought out Your precepts.” [2]

God’s Word gives us victory over the devil’s enslaving and oppressive ways. “Thank You Heavenly Father for helping to walk in freedom.” Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” [3]

“I DELIGHT in Your commands because I love them. Remember Your Word to Your servant for You have given me HOPE. My COMFORT in my suffering is this: Your PROMISE preserves my life.” [4]

Let us tell the Lord of our delight and love for His commandments. His Word gives us hope. His Word comforts us when we are suffering and preserves us.

“Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I OBEY Your Word.” [5]

Praise God for allowing afflictions that correct us from straying from God to obeying Him.

“You are GOOD, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees. Your hands made and formed me; give me UNDERSTANDING to learn Your commands. Your Word is a LAMP for my feet, a LIGHT on my path. My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end. You are my REFUGE and my SHIELD; I have put my HOPE in Your Word. SUSTAIN me, my God, according to Your promise and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.” [6]

Let us ask God to teach us His decrees because He is good. Let us ask God to give us understanding so that we can learn His decrees because He is the One who formed us. Let us pray for Him to be ever present with us because His Word is light to our path. Let us pray a heart that is fixed on obeying Him until the very end of our lives. God is a protector and sustainer. He is the One who is able to keep our hope from being dashed.

“I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure Your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. I love Your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all Your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your Name. Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me. REDEEM ME from human oppression that I may OBEY YOUR PRECEPTS.” [7]

Let us pray for deliverance from oppressors. They come against us for obeying God. Let us ask the Lord to ensure our well-being amid the arrogant behavior of our oppressors. Let us ask the Lord to help us not to compromise with the arrogant in their love for money. They love wrong paths, but we want the Lord to help us hate wrong paths. We don’t want sin to reign over us. We want to be redeemed from human oppression so that we can obey God’s precepts. “Amen, in Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.”

[1] Psalm 119:36-38
[2] Psalm 119:45
[3] John 8:32
[4] Psalm 119:47-50
[5] Psalm 119:67
[6] Psalm 119:68, 73, 105, 112, 114, 116
[7] Psalm 119:121-122, 127-128, 132-134

He Delivers My Soul From Death

“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Your Name be the glory because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.” [1]

“I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my supplications. I call upon Him as long as I live because He has inclined His ear unto me.” [2]

“Thank You for listening my voice. Thank you for turning Your ear towards me not turning it away from me.”

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.” [3]

“Thank You Lord God for Your grace and mercy to us. We need Your help.”

“The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He helped me. Return unto your rest, O my soul; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. You have delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” [4]

Yes, we are simple and as result often brought low. I am so glad the Lord helps us. “Thank You Heavenly Father for delivering our souls from death.” Otherwise, there would be no hope for our soul. “Thank You delivering us from crying eyes and falling feet. That is me without You.”

“O praise the Lord, all you nations: praise Him, all you people for His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” [5]

“Yes, all nations, please join with us in praising the Lord for His merciful kindness is GREAT, and His truth doesn’t change. His truth is reliable.

[1] Psalm 115:1
[2] Psalm 116:1-2
[3] Psalm 116:5
[4] Psalm 116:6-8
[5] Psalm 117:1-2

Noah Found Favor in God’s Eyes

“The sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.’” [1]

They married women according to their outward beauty rather than for their inward hearts for God and for raising godly children.

“The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.” [2]

Were the Nephilim evil spirits that clothed themselves in the form of beautiful women to seduce the sons of God away from God?

Balaam was unable to curse the people God had blessed, so he advised their enemy to send women into their camp to seduce them into sexual sin. [3] Many sons of God were conquered by the seduction.

Today, many are falling to fleshly to seduction of sensual pleasures. It is called Hedonism. Hedonism is literally the love of pleasure.

Movie heroes are popular these days. Humanism is the exaltation of human-like figures with special powers to do signs and wonders. But man was created for God’s glory not his own.

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that He had made human beings on the earth, and His heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’” [4]

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord… Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” [5]

The Lord noticed Noah doing what was right. He walked with God.

“God said to Noah, ‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark…’” [6]

The ark is a type of Christ. People are not gods unto themselves. We need a Savior. We need One who protects us from the world's temptations. Christ is the One God has appointed.

Not all religions lead to God. God has appointed one Savior for the human race. He is Christ. Only Christ can take a human heart bent on self and turn it into a heart bent on loving God and neighbor.

Throughout His earthly ministry Christ always did what pleased God. As we abide in Christ, He does God’s work in and through us.

Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead. No other leader of religion did that. Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. [7] All who believe in Him, even though they die, are raised to life with God for all eternity. Those who refuse to enter the ark of God (Christ) will perish with the world. Don’t wait! Don’t harden your heart towards Christ. Believe in Him! Receive Him today!

[1] Genesis 6:2-3
[2] Genesis 6:4
[3] Numbers 22-24; Numbers 31:16
[4] Genesis 6:5-6
[5] Genesis 6:8-9
[6] Genesis 6:11-14
[7] John 11:25

Exalting the Goodness of the Lord

“Blessed is the one You discipline, Lord, the one You teach from Your law; You grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.” [1]

Discipline is good. Instructions are good. Being teachable is vital for mastering a skill. One aspect of learning is tenacity. The wicked one does not want a disciple of Jesus to grow in his or her likeness of the Lord. Thankfully, the Lord grants His disciples relief from days of trouble caused by the wicked one, and at the same time, the Lord prepares a pit for the wicked. During the Millenium, the devil is bound with a chain and cast into a pit for a thousand years while the saints enjoy reigning with Christ. [2] I like that!

“Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” [3]

I am delivered from death. I did not fall because the Lord’s unfailing love kept me upright. The Lord sends me joy to console me. He delivers me from harmful anxieties.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.” [4]

The Lord is worthy to be exalted. He is worthy of our songs and shouts. We should sing to the Lord. We should shout out, “THANK YOU LORD!” He is our Savior!

“Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” [5]

Let us take the songs and praises of the Lord to the nations. “In our lives Lord, be glorified! May all nations hears of Your marvelous deeds.”

[1] Psalm 94:12-13
[2] Revelation 20:1-6
[3] Psalm 94:17-19
[4] Psalm 95:2-3
[5] Psalm 96:2-3

God's Deliverance is a Gift

“Restore us, God Almighty; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” [1]

“The wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [2]

[1] Psalm 80:7
[2] Romans 6:23

Promoted Not Destroyed Thanks To God

“When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness, and honor.” [1]

The enemy plotted to destroy Mordecai and his people, but the Lord foiled the enemy’s plan. Mordecai was promoted not destroyed. This story is a metaphor for those who believe in Christ. When death comes knocking at our door, it will not destroy us. Our Lord will use what the enemy plotted to destroy us, to promote us to glory. We will receive new garments in heaven and experience eternal happiness, joy, gladness, and honor.

The Lord gave Mordecai a wonderful life after his enemy was destroyed.

“Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” [2]

I especially like what the Lord gave Mordecai to do with his new life. He worked for the good of his people and became an advocate for them.

“Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for dying on the cross for us. Thank You for rising from the dead on the third day. Thank You for making Your victory our victory. Now, death is swallowed by victory. The day that was determined by the enemy for our destruction has become a day of promotion for us. Praise be to Your Holy Name. Amen!”

[1] Esther 8:15-16
[2] Esther 10:3

Bringing God Glory While Serving Others

“When Haman entered, the king asked him, ‘What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?’ Now Haman thought to himself, ‘Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?’ ‘Go at once,’ the king commanded Haman. ‘Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.’ So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’

Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, and told Zeresh, his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, ‘Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!’” [1]

Jesus taught His disciples, saying, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [2]

Haman pursued his own glory and pleasure. He was self-serving. He was ready to destroy an entire race of people because one man from among them would not bow down to him.

Mordecai gave God glory and served people. He prioritized making life better for others. He respected his king. He sheltered and protected his cousin when she (Esther) was an orphan.

God Almighty honors those who honor Him and prioritize making life better for others.

“Heavenly Father, please help us to bring You glory daily, and make life better for the people around us. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

[1] Esther 6:6, 10-13
[2] Mark 9:35

Faith in Christ Saves Us ~ Hallelujah!

Faith in the merits of Christ; not faith in our own merits.

“What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. He was fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. This was credited to him as righteousness. The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He (JESUS) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

Romans 4:3-5, 18, 21-25

Thanks Be To God For Answered Prayer

“Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.” [1]

Esther knew that Mordecai was looking out for her best interests. He had raised her in the absence of her parents. So, though she was a queen of the ruling empire of the world, she still regarded Mordecai’s instructions. Little did they know at the time that God was going use them to save their race from genocide.

“Having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.” [2]

A powerful and influential government official demonized an entire race of people due to his hatred of Mordecai. The future looked very bleak for his race. Mordecai and Esther turned to the Lord. They fasted and prayed. They asked others to do the same. The Lord’s answer to their prayers far exceeded all expectations. They lived. The government official died. Their race was spared. Those who plotted their death were executed. Mordecai inherited the powerful and influential leader’s position and his property. The designated day for his race’s destruction turned out to be a day of celebration for them. Thanks be to God for answered prayer!

[1] Esther 2:20
[2] Esther 3:6

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” [1]

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.” [2]

Since Christ broke down the middle wall between us and God, He can break down the walls that divides us people. Let us trust in Christ to bring us together.

“The Lord will lead forth His people with joy and His chosen with singing.” [3]

Let us trust Christ for songs of joy to sing as we go forward.

[1] Matthew 5:9
[2] Ephesians 2:14-16
[3] Psalm 105:43

Truth-Tellers

He was not appreciated by his wayward king. He was ignored by those who preferred to stray. Nevertheless, Zechariah faithfully called government and people to acknowledge and obey the Lord.

“Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to Him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen. Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, ‘This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has forsaken you.’

But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple. King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, ‘May the Lord see this and call you to account.’” [1]

“Heavenly Father, You have graciously granted us people who lay down their lives to protect us. Please also continue to grant us truth-tellers. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”

Jesus Christ told Pilate, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” [2]

[1] 2 Chronicles 24:19-22
[2] John 18:37

Winning Wars with Worship

“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” [1]

“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” [2]

King Jehoshaphat won a war with worship unto God. He appointed to sing to the Lord. They praised the Lord. They gave thanks to the Lord. The Lord won the battle for them.

But the worship did not end after the enemy was defeated.

“On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps, lyres, and trumpets.” [3]

They continued to praise the Lord for four days after the victory. They were filled with joy. They broke out their string instruments and horns and worshipped the Lord some more.

A good example for us.

[1] 2 Chronicles 20:15
[2] 2 Chronicles 20:21-22
[3] 2 Chronicles 20:26-28

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Ministry on earth is sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes ugly, but the ultimate outcome is eternal rewards from the Lord forevermore. Take for example, Stephen in Acts 6!

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing.” – That is good.

The Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. – That is bad.

So, the Twelve gathered all the disciples together… - That is good!

They said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” – That is bad.

“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. – That is good.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also… [six others]. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. – That is good.

So, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and many priests became obedient to the faith. – That is good.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. – That is good.

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen… they began to argue with Stephen. – That is bad.

But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. – That is good.

Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” – That is ugly.

So, they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. – That is ugly.

They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. – That is bad.

They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” – That is ugly.

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. – That is good.

Jesus Christ Son of God and Man

Throughout the Old Testament there are prophecies that speak of a Son, a descendant of King David, whose reign will last forever. In the New Testament, Jesus called God His Father and He referred to Himself as the Son. He also descended from King David’s line.

“When your days are over and you (David) go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish His kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for Me, and I will establish His throne forever. I will be His Father, and He will be My Son. I will never take My love away from Him, as I took it away from your predecessor (Saul). I will set Him over My house and My kingdom forever. His throne will be established forever.’ Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.”

1 Chronicles 17:11-15

Stop Shedding Innocent Blood

“The Lord sent Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against him (King Jehoiakim) to destroy Judah, in accordance with the Word of the Lord proclaimed by His servants the prophets. Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from His presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood and the Lord was not willing to forgive.” [1]

King Manasseh filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. He led the people to sacrifice their babies to idols. Even though a good king after him (Josiah) stopped this evil practice, this sin was so grievous to God that the Lord was not willing to forgive it. There had to be a consequence.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” [2]

The majority of people in a nation can believe and give their support to the belief that sin does not matter, but that does not change the truth. God says that sin condemns any people. If we do not repent of murdering the unborn and ask God to forgive us and change us, it will condemn us.

“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” [3]

Who was it that prompted Judas to betray Jesus? Who prompts people today to betray Jesus? Who prompts us to betray the unborn child in the womb? The answer is the devil.

Let us pray that the nations which are shedding innocent blood will repent, and seek God's forgiveness, and start aligning themselves with God's laws of love for one another.

[1] 2 Kings 24:2-4
[2] Proverbs 14:34
[3] John 13:2

Remember The Poor

“The Lord brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him shall you fear, and Him shall you worship, and to Him shall you do sacrifice.” [1]

We believers in Christ have received a greater deliverance than the slaves of Egypt. We have received eternal deliverance from the evil of this world, and a promise of paradise with God in the life to come.

“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” [2]

We can show forth our gratitude to God by remembering the poor and needy. But more than that, the poor and needy are vulnerable to being exploited by evil people, The Lord Jesus wants us to continue His ministry of rescuing them from evil.

In addition to leading souls to faith in Christ, and teaching disciples, Paul cared for the poor. James, Cephas, and John wanted Paul to remember the poor; which he was eager to do. [3]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your heart for the poor. Thank You for demonstrating Your heart for the needy through Your Son Jesus Christ. Please grant us hearts and hands like Yours to remember the poor. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] 2 Kings 17:36
[2] Psalm 82:3-4
[3] Galatians 2:9-10

Fruit Is From The Lord

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” [1]

“Christ makes me a new plant, one that is grafted on Him the Vine and grows from Him. I bear fruit in Him and through Him. This fruit is not mine; it is the Vine’s. Christianity is a new birth brought about by God’s Word and Spirit. When the heart is born anew in Christ, fruits will follow naturally.” [2]

[1] John 15:5
[2] Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 24: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John: Chapters 14-16, ed. Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald and Helmut T. Lehmann (Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1999), John 15:5.

Eyes Fixed On Jesus

Which direction are you looking? Your eyes are the gates to your soul. The Bible urges you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Once, Peter asked Jesus what would happen to John. Jesus said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.” [1]

To follow Jesus we must keep our eyes on Him.

Once, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. A miracle happened as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus. However, when Peter saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid. He began to sink. At that moment, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [2]

As long as Peter had his eyes fixed on Jesus, the miraculous was possible. When Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on his circumstances, he began to sink.

The Bible urges us “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” [3]

Jesus is the way to the Father. Looking away from Jesus is the way to get lost.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, both now and always. It is in His Name that I pray. Amen.”

[1] John 21:22
[2] Matthew 14:29-31
[3] Hebrews 12:2

Christ Is Our Peace

“Now, in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” [1]

Christ brings us close to God. Christ brought us close to God by dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. Christ brought peace to us with God. A good prayer to pray for loved ones is that the distance between them and God will be replaced with nearness. The nearness will come as they receive a revelation of who Jesus is and ask Him to save them from their sins.

Isaiah wrote of the Lord, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” [2]

[1] Ephesians 2:13-15
[2] Isaiah 26:3

The One Who Loves Me

Jesus Christ said, “Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them.” [1]

King Saul replaced the Lord’s commandment with a decision to please himself. He took the best of the spoils of war for himself! He also set up a monument to honor himself.

“Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves, and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.” [2]

“Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: ‘I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.’” [3]

To turn to the Lord is a turn outward. A turn towards love! King Saul turned from the Lord towards himself.

“Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, ‘Saul… has set up a monument in his own honor. He has gone down to Gilgal.’” [4]

When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, “‘The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.’ But Samuel said, ‘What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear? Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?’” [5]

King Saul objected, saying to Samuel, “But I did obey the Lord, I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag, their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” [6]

King Saul tried to shift the blame to his subordinates. But Samuel replied: “’Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, the has rejected you as king.’ The Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.” [7]

“Heavenly Father, please forgive us for setting ourselves above You. Please change us. Please help us to submit ourselves to obeying You. You deserve to be honored above all else. I pray that You will be glorified in our lives. I pray these things in Your Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

[1] John 14:21
[2] 1 Samuel 15:9
[3] 1 Samuel 15:11
[4] 1 Samuel 15:12
[5] 1 Samuel 15:13-14, 19
[6] 1 Samuel 15:20-21
[7] 1 Samuel 15:22-23, 34

Prevailing WITH God’s Presence

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” - Abraham Lincoln

David was on the Lord’s side. David believed in the goodness and power of God. The Lord’s presence empowered David to prevail against his enemy.

Young David to King Saul: “The Lord who rescued me (David) from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” King Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.” [1]

When the Lord is on one’s side, expensive accessories are unnecessary.

“He (Goliath the giant) said to David, ‘Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?’ The Philistine cursed David by his gods. ‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!’” [2]

The devil always reviles and demeans those who dare to stand up to him. He wants the Lord’s servant to believe that his power is greater than God’s. What a joke he is!

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD ALMIGHTY, the GOD of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a GOD in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.’” [3]

David refused to be intimidated by the bully. Faith in God empowers the little guy to say to the big guy, “I’m not backing down. No, I am going to win.” Paul wrote the following exhortation to Timothy, “Don’t be frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” [4]

“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face-down on the ground.” [5]

By faith in God, David ran towards the foe and defeated him quickly.

“In everything he did he (David) had great success, because the Lord was with him.” [6]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving David the victory over the giant. Thank you for calling us to Your side and anointing us to conquer those who seek to destroy us. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] 1 Samuel 17:37, 39
[2] 1 Samuel 17: 43-44
[3] 1 Samuel 17:45-47
[4] Philippians 1:28
[5] 1 Samuel 17:48-49
[6] 1 Samuel 18:14

Resurrection From The Dead

“How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?

What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as He has determined, and to each kind of seed He gives its own body.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality.

Thanks be to God!

He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-44, 49-53, 57-58

The Prophetic Gift

“As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, timbrels, pipes, and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying. The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” [1] The Spirit was given to Saul to help him lead well. He did not have to pay or work for this anointing. He just needed to receive it.

The Spirit of the Lord moved in and through the prophets as musicians played music to the Lord. As soon as Saul met them, he too started prophesying. God changed him into a different person. God was with him in such a way that whatever his hand did, it went well.

By the way, God says that He inhabits the praises of His people. [2] The Lord has given me visions and prophetic words during moments of whole-hearted worship to Him. Once, when Elisha was asked for counsel by the King of Israel, he told the king, “’Bring me a harpist.’ While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha and he said, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands. You will overthrow every fortified city and every major town. You will cut down every good tree, stop up all the springs, and ruin every good field with stones.’” [3]

The people of Israel did well in the days of Ezra by listening to the prophetic counsel of Zechariah and Haggai. “So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.” [4] Via prophet Zechariah, the Lord Almighty says to us, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” [5]

I was converted to the Lord after He said to me, “Give your life to Me and I will touch many people through you.”

The Lord has kept His promise. And whenever my witness for Christ hits a lull, the Spirit brings to my remembrance the promise of Christ to me, and I pray, “Father, pleased continue to use my life to touch many people for the sake of converting lost souls to faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.”

One day in El Paso, Texas, while walking along a city sidewalk, Sherry was telling me she felt an urgency to call her parents because she thought that they were worrying about us. When we came to a street corner, a man met us. He asked, “Where have you been?” We did not know what to say. He continued, “I have been waiting here for you.” We still did not know what to say. He continued, “The Lord says to you (Sherry) that you need not be concerned about your parents. They are not worrying about you.” Then, he said, “I saw you (Mark) and you (Sherry) with Jesus and many children.” I told him that we did not plan to have children (it was 1983). Then, I asked him where because I believed we were called to China. He replied, “I don’t know. The Lord did not show me that.” Then, he left. Not only did we have four biological children since then. We have also ministered to many children from various cultures and languages.

Paul advised Timothy, “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” [6]

The formula Paul gave Timothy to win spiritual battles was: 1) Publicly read, preach, and teach God’s Word; 2) Utilize the gifts given to him by prophetic utterance; 3) Embody with diligence and wholeheartedness God’s Word and gifts, so that people would see his progress; and 4) Persevere meticulously at maintaining Christ-like behavior and doctrine.

Praise be to God for His Spirit and His gifts.

[1] 1 Samuel 10:5-7
[2] Psalm 22:3
[3] 2 Kings 3:15-19
[4] Ezra 3:14
[5] Zechariah 4:6
[6] 1Timothy 4:13-16

Rebellion NO Grace YES

“Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy.” [1]

“Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is the sin of iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” [2]

Let us claim the blood of Jesus against the spirits of rebellion that are deceiving so many people. How many people mistakenly assume that it is freedom to be a rebel against God? Not realizing that in rebelling against God, they are forsaking their own tender mercies?

Jesus used the word “Gehenna” eleven times to describe existence cut off from God’s Kingdom. It is a place where soul and body experience unquenchable fire. [3] The people who trash their Maker end up being trashed. May the Lord graciously grant rebels the grace to repent that He might save them and give them new hearts of love towards Him and others!

[1] Jonah 2:8
[2] 1 Samuel 15:22-23
[3] Mark 9:43-48; Matthew 10:28

Preach the Gospel to all Nations

Jesus promised, “This GOSPEL of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” [1]

Our Lord called us to participate in His worldwide mission: “You are WITNESSES of these things. I am going to send you what My Father has PROMISED (the Holy Spirit); but stay in the city until you have been clothed with POWER from on high.” [2] We don’t wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit because He has already come and is available to everyone who joins the mission. Peter told the high priest and the Sadducees, “God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him.” [3]

We need to be filled with Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses for Christ. “The Spirit of prophecy bears testimony to Jesus.” [4] Our Lord wants His people to speak for Him. Even Moses had this revelation when he said, “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” [5]

[1] Matthew 24:14; Luke 24:46-47
[2] Luke 24:48-49
[3] Acts 5:32
[4] Revelation 19:10
[5] Numbers 11:29

Let The Worship be To God

“The Lord said to Moses: ‘You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I made with them. And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day, they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’ And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.” [1]

How sad! Moses wasn’t gone long, and the people turned from the God of miracles, the God who loved them, to worship handmade idols of stone and wood. God told Moses that He would hide His face from them in that day. God’s face disappearing from one’s life is like the sun going down and not coming up again the next day. Darkness reigns without God.

“My son, if sinful men entice you do not give in to them. My son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; these men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” [2]

The Lord urges us not to be drawn away from Him by sinful men. Don’t go with them! Don’t join in their ambushes of unsuspecting prey. Their waywardness will kill them. The Lord says to us, “Listen to me! Live in Safety! Live without fear of harm!”

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you! Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [3]

The lust for greatness and firstness relates to idolatry. It’s ego wanting to reign on the throne of our life. Jesus calls us to be servants and slaves. Let all the worship and praise be to God!

[1] Deuteronomy 31:16-18
[2] Proverbs 1:10, 15, 18-19, 32-33
[3] Matthew 20:25-28

Life And Prosperity or Death And Destruction

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death, and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, and to keep His commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” [1]

The Lord wants us to enjoy a good and prosperous life. Loving God leads to that life! Obeying the Lord leads to that life! Keeping His commands leads to that life!

Once He has brought us into the good life, the Lord doesn’t want us to be defrauded of it. He warns, “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan, or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison. When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, ‘I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,’ they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry.” [2]

Don’t let someone poison you against the Lord! Persisting in our own ways leads to disaster for us personally and for our nation if it does the same.

“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”

God is an ever-present help in time of need. Rely on Him to help you choose life and prosperity not just one day of your life, but all your days.

[1] Deuteronomy 30:15-16
[2] Deuteronomy 29:18-19
[3] Deuteronomy 30:11-14