“And behold, I am coming quickly.” [1a]
Jesus tells us to always be ready! His appearance will happen as fast as lightning.
“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” “Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [2]
“And My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” [1b]
If Jesus will give to everyone according to his work, does that mean we are saved by our works?
The key to this statement is found in John 15:4-5. Jesus said that if we abide in Him, our lives produce much fruit. Our deeds, our fruits, stem from what we believe.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” [1c]
If we know and believe who Jesus is, we will make ready for His return. The term Alpha and Omega is “Applied to God in Revelation 1:8; 21:6; and here alone to Christ, crowning proof in this book of Christ’s deity.” (Robertson) Likewise, the title “the First and the Last” refers to God in Isaiah 41:4. Here, the phrase is applied to Jesus.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city.” [3]
Doing His commandments does not earn us eternal life, but it is evidence that we are abiding in Christ. Besides His commandments are good and right for us.
“Outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” [4]
Dogs are a metaphor for those of the other kingdom. Those who lived to gratify the flesh. Sorcerers refers to those who relied on a different spirit other than the Holy Spirit. They did not want to be a part of the kingdom of Christ. Their wish has been granted. They are outside Christ’s kingdom. They are separated from God. The greatest sin of all… the unforgiveable sin… is to reject God’s remedy for sin, namely His Son Jesus Christ.
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” [5]
Jesus authenticates the entire book of Revelation. It is true.
“The Root and offspring of David” indicates that Jesus is the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1).
“And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” [6]
The invitation is to “whoever.” Jesus will not exclude anyone who comes to Him. If we decline an invitation, we have only ourselves to blame. Anyone who desires to be saved can come to Him and take the water of life freely. God invites us to take the water of life freely. We cannot bring our own salvation to God; we must receive the salvation He offers us.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [7]
The last verse of the Bible speaks of the grace of Jesus Christ. His grace is the happy ending for the Bible. His grace is the way for a happy ending for us.
2020 ends today. 2021 begins tomorrow.
Our lives on earth may expire at any moment.
I am presiding over a funeral service this coming Sunday afternoon.
We are not guaranteed another day down here. However, if we believe in God's grace to us in Christ Jesus, we are guaranteed an eternity with God in the world that is to come.
Please receive and believe in Christ today if you have not done so already. Believe and receive! Enjoy a happy ending!
[1 a-b-c] Revelation 22:12-13
[2] Matthew 24:27, 44
[3] Revelation 22:14
[4] Revelation 22:15
[5] Revelation 22:16
[6] Revelation 22:17
[7] Revelation 22:21
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Psalm 37 – Faith not Fret
“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”
“Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” [1]
It is easy to become distracted from the simple work of trusting God and doing good. Looking at the seeming prosperity of the wicked is one way to become distracted.
“Faith cures fretting.” (Spurgeon)
Replace worry and envy with delight in the Lord. “Expect all thy happiness from Him.” (Clarke)
“Deliberately redirect your emotions as Paul and Silas did in prison, singing as well as praying.” (Kidner)
“The reason many people do not delight in God is that they do not know him very well, and the reason they do not know him very well is that they do not spend time with him.” (Boice)
He who delights in the Lord finds his heart and desires changed, steadily aligning with God’s own good desires for his life. Thus, delight in God is a key to a happy, satisfied life.
If God is our delight, He gives us more of Himself. (Maclaren)
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” [2]
To delight one’s self in the Lord means to commit one’s way to Him means to find peace, protection, and satisfaction in a surrendered focus upon God.
“Our strength is to sit still. The Lord will clear the slandered. If we look to His honor, He will see to ours.” (Spurgeon)
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” [3]
“It shall be as visible to men as the light of the sun, and that at noon-day.” (Poole)
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” [4]
Rest in the Lord speaks of ceasing from words of self-defense. We trust in God to protect us.
“The meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” [5]
“The ‘meek’ are those who choose the way of patient faith instead of self-assertion.” (Kidner)
“The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.” [6]
“If God can laugh at the wicked, shouldn’t we be able at least to refrain from being agitated by them?” (Boice)
“Like Haman they shall be hanged upon the gallows built by themselves for Mordecai. Hundreds of times has this been the case. Saul, who sought to slay David, fell on his own sword.” (Spurgeon)
“A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.” [7]
A God-trusting, righteous life is the best long-term investment strategy. The reward of the wicked is to have their arms broken. The reward of the righteous is to be upheld by God’s arms.
“I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful and lends; and his descendants are blessed.” [8]
Among David’s ancestors were some who left Israel, fearful in a time of famine (Ruth 1). When they returned after several disastrous years in Moab, they found the people of Bethlehem had been provided for.
“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” [9]
The righteous man (or woman) is also noted by his possession of and love for the word of God.
“Mark the blameless man and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.” [10]
The righteous men and women of this world get little attention. The culture is more interested in the godless and the wicked. Yet David counseled us to notice the blameless and the upright of this world, because the future of that man is peace.
“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.” [11]
[1] Psalm 37:1-4
[2] Psalm 37:5
[3] Psalm 37:6
[4] Psalm 37:7
[5] Psalm 37:11
[6] Psalm 37:12
[7] Psalm 37:16-17
[8] Psalm 37:25-26
[9] Psalm 37:31
[10] Psalm 37:37
[11] Psalm 37:39
* All other comments from The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik.
“Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” [1]
It is easy to become distracted from the simple work of trusting God and doing good. Looking at the seeming prosperity of the wicked is one way to become distracted.
“Faith cures fretting.” (Spurgeon)
Replace worry and envy with delight in the Lord. “Expect all thy happiness from Him.” (Clarke)
“Deliberately redirect your emotions as Paul and Silas did in prison, singing as well as praying.” (Kidner)
“The reason many people do not delight in God is that they do not know him very well, and the reason they do not know him very well is that they do not spend time with him.” (Boice)
He who delights in the Lord finds his heart and desires changed, steadily aligning with God’s own good desires for his life. Thus, delight in God is a key to a happy, satisfied life.
If God is our delight, He gives us more of Himself. (Maclaren)
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” [2]
To delight one’s self in the Lord means to commit one’s way to Him means to find peace, protection, and satisfaction in a surrendered focus upon God.
“Our strength is to sit still. The Lord will clear the slandered. If we look to His honor, He will see to ours.” (Spurgeon)
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” [3]
“It shall be as visible to men as the light of the sun, and that at noon-day.” (Poole)
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” [4]
Rest in the Lord speaks of ceasing from words of self-defense. We trust in God to protect us.
“The meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” [5]
“The ‘meek’ are those who choose the way of patient faith instead of self-assertion.” (Kidner)
“The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.” [6]
“If God can laugh at the wicked, shouldn’t we be able at least to refrain from being agitated by them?” (Boice)
“Like Haman they shall be hanged upon the gallows built by themselves for Mordecai. Hundreds of times has this been the case. Saul, who sought to slay David, fell on his own sword.” (Spurgeon)
“A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.” [7]
A God-trusting, righteous life is the best long-term investment strategy. The reward of the wicked is to have their arms broken. The reward of the righteous is to be upheld by God’s arms.
“I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful and lends; and his descendants are blessed.” [8]
Among David’s ancestors were some who left Israel, fearful in a time of famine (Ruth 1). When they returned after several disastrous years in Moab, they found the people of Bethlehem had been provided for.
“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” [9]
The righteous man (or woman) is also noted by his possession of and love for the word of God.
“Mark the blameless man and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.” [10]
The righteous men and women of this world get little attention. The culture is more interested in the godless and the wicked. Yet David counseled us to notice the blameless and the upright of this world, because the future of that man is peace.
“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.” [11]
[1] Psalm 37:1-4
[2] Psalm 37:5
[3] Psalm 37:6
[4] Psalm 37:7
[5] Psalm 37:11
[6] Psalm 37:12
[7] Psalm 37:16-17
[8] Psalm 37:25-26
[9] Psalm 37:31
[10] Psalm 37:37
[11] Psalm 37:39
* All other comments from The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik.
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
The Kingdoms of the World and of Christ
The name Babylon is used as metaphor for the kingdoms of this world that are in competition with the kingdom of God. The tower of Babel is mentioned in Genesis 11:1-9. The people thought if they could build a city that reached to the heavens, they could create heaven on earth, but God confused that deception, and that effort failed. Since then, Babylon has become a metaphor for counterfeit “heavenly” kingdoms. By the way, the word “anti” as in antichrist has the meaning “instead of.” A kingdom instead of God’s kingdom that people are content to have.
The unseen king of Babylon is Satan. He promotes the exaltation of sin over holiness. He promotes a culture of death over life. He has a chip on his shoulder against God because when he tried to takeover heaven in a coup, God’s loyal angels cast him out. (See Revelation 12:7-9, 12)
The names Jerusalem and new Jerusalem are used as metaphors for the kingdom of Christ. This kingdom is made up of people from every language, tribe and nation who believe in Christ and follow Him. They, as a collective group, are also called the Church and the Bride of Christ. (See Acts 2:47, Ephesians 5:23-32, Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 7:9, 14)
Revelation 18:2 speaks of Babylon’s demise. The rationale is explained in Revelation 18:3…
“All the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”
She seduced people away from God by sexual and material pleasures.
God’s people are urged to come out from this kingdom. Perhaps, they were playing with fire in the sense of straddling the fence between God and the devil. Perhaps, they were faithful people to God who were trying to save some FROM the fire. I tend to believe the latter case is true.
“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’” [1]
God’s holy apostles and prophets are urged to rejoice over Babylon’s fall, because He overthrew this evil empire in answer to their prayers…
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” “And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” [2]
After Babylon’s demise, John the Apostle hears a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory, honor, and power belong to the Lord our God!” “Because the Lord has judged the kingdom that corrupted the earth; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” [3]
There is another reason for rejoicing in heaven. “The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” The New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the Church is granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright. “The fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” [4]
Who is ultimately blessed?
“Then he [the angel] said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” [5]
The devil’s beast [the antichrist], and his false prophet, who deceived people to receive the mark of the beast are cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. As is the devil, death, and hades (the place of the dead), and anyone whose name is not found in the Lamb’s book of life. [6]
Which kingdom are you living for? Babylon or New Jerusalem?
If it is Babylon, it is not too late to come out of her!
Just ask God to forgive your sins and believe in and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God will receive you as you come to Him based on the merits of Jesus Christ His Son. He died on the cross to remove your sins. He rose from the dead to guarantee your resurrection. No other religion proclaims God’s grace as the way of salvation. Be saved by God’s grace in Christ Jesus.
[1] Revelation 18:4-5
[2] Revelation 18:20, 24 – See also Revelation 6:9-11
[3] Revelation 19:1-2
[4] Revelation 19:7-8
[5] Revelation 19:9
[6] Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 14-15
The unseen king of Babylon is Satan. He promotes the exaltation of sin over holiness. He promotes a culture of death over life. He has a chip on his shoulder against God because when he tried to takeover heaven in a coup, God’s loyal angels cast him out. (See Revelation 12:7-9, 12)
The names Jerusalem and new Jerusalem are used as metaphors for the kingdom of Christ. This kingdom is made up of people from every language, tribe and nation who believe in Christ and follow Him. They, as a collective group, are also called the Church and the Bride of Christ. (See Acts 2:47, Ephesians 5:23-32, Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 7:9, 14)
Revelation 18:2 speaks of Babylon’s demise. The rationale is explained in Revelation 18:3…
“All the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”
She seduced people away from God by sexual and material pleasures.
God’s people are urged to come out from this kingdom. Perhaps, they were playing with fire in the sense of straddling the fence between God and the devil. Perhaps, they were faithful people to God who were trying to save some FROM the fire. I tend to believe the latter case is true.
“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’” [1]
God’s holy apostles and prophets are urged to rejoice over Babylon’s fall, because He overthrew this evil empire in answer to their prayers…
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” “And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” [2]
After Babylon’s demise, John the Apostle hears a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory, honor, and power belong to the Lord our God!” “Because the Lord has judged the kingdom that corrupted the earth; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” [3]
There is another reason for rejoicing in heaven. “The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” The New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the Church is granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright. “The fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” [4]
Who is ultimately blessed?
“Then he [the angel] said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” [5]
The devil’s beast [the antichrist], and his false prophet, who deceived people to receive the mark of the beast are cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. As is the devil, death, and hades (the place of the dead), and anyone whose name is not found in the Lamb’s book of life. [6]
Which kingdom are you living for? Babylon or New Jerusalem?
If it is Babylon, it is not too late to come out of her!
Just ask God to forgive your sins and believe in and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God will receive you as you come to Him based on the merits of Jesus Christ His Son. He died on the cross to remove your sins. He rose from the dead to guarantee your resurrection. No other religion proclaims God’s grace as the way of salvation. Be saved by God’s grace in Christ Jesus.
[1] Revelation 18:4-5
[2] Revelation 18:20, 24 – See also Revelation 6:9-11
[3] Revelation 19:1-2
[4] Revelation 19:7-8
[5] Revelation 19:9
[6] Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 14-15
Monday, December 28, 2020
Psalm 31: A Song and a Prayer
David’s song and his prayer are to the Lord. He sings and prays…
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.” [1]
David’s king and his father-in-law, Saul, persecuted him. At one point, he lived among the idolatrous Philistines rather than in Israel to escape from Saul.
David had conquered foreign armies, but toward King Saul, he would not lift his sword. Though Saul fell from grace, he was still the Lord’s anointed leader. So, what did he do? He prayed! He asked the Lord to…
“Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.” “…For Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” [2]
Rescue me quickly, defend me strongly and guide me successfully!
He recognizes that he needs the Lord’s help, and he asks the Lord for it. He recognizes that he is a hunted man and needs God to protect him from being captured. He knows that the Lord is his Redeemer and that God’s verdict on his life’s value is truth.
“Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” [3]
Though he lived among idolaters for a time to escape from King Saul, he did not become one.
“I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the Lord.” [4]
He said to the Lord…
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place.” [5]
The Lord had an open ear toward David. He was willing to listen to David speak of his troubles and hardships. David’s Messiah… David’s Redeemer… would one day experience even more hardships than he did…
[Jesus] was “despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows.
He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter.” [6]
So, David prayed with confidence because he knew the Lord understood and cared for him. His enemies slandered him. Intimidated him! Made well-devised plans to kill him! But the Lord delivered him and shined His face upon Him.
“I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life.” “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me for Your mercies’ sake.” [7]
David praised the Lord, saying, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” [8]
The Lord hid David in the secret place of His presence from the plots of man. He protected David from the strife of tongues. [9]
David blessed the Lord because the Lord showed marvelous kindness in a strong city! [10]
What does David do with his joy in the Lord? He turns it on his listeners. He urges us…
“Oh, love the Lord, all you, His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” [11]
AMEN!!!
[1] Psalm 31:1
[2[ Psalm 31:2-3
[3] Psalm 31:4-5
[4] Psalm 31:6
[5] Psalm 31:7-8
[6] Isaiah 53:3-7
[7] Psalm 31:13-16
[8] Psalm 31:19
[9] Psalm 31:20
[10] Psalm 31:21
[11] Psalm 31:23-24
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.” [1]
David’s king and his father-in-law, Saul, persecuted him. At one point, he lived among the idolatrous Philistines rather than in Israel to escape from Saul.
David had conquered foreign armies, but toward King Saul, he would not lift his sword. Though Saul fell from grace, he was still the Lord’s anointed leader. So, what did he do? He prayed! He asked the Lord to…
“Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.” “…For Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” [2]
Rescue me quickly, defend me strongly and guide me successfully!
He recognizes that he needs the Lord’s help, and he asks the Lord for it. He recognizes that he is a hunted man and needs God to protect him from being captured. He knows that the Lord is his Redeemer and that God’s verdict on his life’s value is truth.
“Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” [3]
Though he lived among idolaters for a time to escape from King Saul, he did not become one.
“I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the Lord.” [4]
He said to the Lord…
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place.” [5]
The Lord had an open ear toward David. He was willing to listen to David speak of his troubles and hardships. David’s Messiah… David’s Redeemer… would one day experience even more hardships than he did…
[Jesus] was “despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows.
He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter.” [6]
So, David prayed with confidence because he knew the Lord understood and cared for him. His enemies slandered him. Intimidated him! Made well-devised plans to kill him! But the Lord delivered him and shined His face upon Him.
“I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life.” “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me for Your mercies’ sake.” [7]
David praised the Lord, saying, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” [8]
The Lord hid David in the secret place of His presence from the plots of man. He protected David from the strife of tongues. [9]
David blessed the Lord because the Lord showed marvelous kindness in a strong city! [10]
What does David do with his joy in the Lord? He turns it on his listeners. He urges us…
“Oh, love the Lord, all you, His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” [11]
AMEN!!!
[1] Psalm 31:1
[2[ Psalm 31:2-3
[3] Psalm 31:4-5
[4] Psalm 31:6
[5] Psalm 31:7-8
[6] Isaiah 53:3-7
[7] Psalm 31:13-16
[8] Psalm 31:19
[9] Psalm 31:20
[10] Psalm 31:21
[11] Psalm 31:23-24
Sunday, December 27, 2020
The Matchless Worth of Christian Fellowship
I praise God for Christian fellowship!
Throughout Scripture I see the heart of God for us His people.
For example, in the Book of Jeremiah I see the Lord’s passion for the wayward people of Jerusalem. God’s passionate love for His people was never doused by a lack of response on their part to love Him in return. God helped to restore their love for Him by way of temporary exile in Babylon. Amidst trials, their love for God was restored. His ultimate goal is to save us eternally.
God knows we need Him to enter everlasting life. He loves us. He wants us to be with Him forever. He does not want a heaven without us.
Last night, the Lord blessed Sherry and I with hearts of worship towards Him. We sang together the words penned by Samuel J. Stone back in 1866…
“The Church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From Heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.”
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came from heaven to save us. He took on human flesh. He suffered for our sins, not His own. He committed no sin. He gave His blood to cleanse us from our sin and guilt. Now, by faith in Him, WE ARE SAVED!
Christ punctuates His love for the Church and for lost souls in The Book of Revelation.
For example, in Revelation 14:6-7, John sees an angel flying amidst heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. He says with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
Messengers of Christ are proclaiming the Gospel all over the world with great effort and with much personal sacrifice so that people will be saved.
Another heavenly messenger warns people against disowning Christ and embracing the beast (the antichrist). Such a decision leads to endless torment in fire and brimstone day and night. [1]
Jesus urges us His saints to be patient, to keep God’s commandments and faith in Him. He tells John to write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Why, because… “They may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” [2] Our works will still be producing results long after we are gone.
Jesus shows John saints singing victoriously in heaven. They sing:
“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.” [3]
“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great love for Your bride the Church and for the lost! Thank You that Your Gospel continues to be preached throughout the earth via Your bride the Church. Help us to always realize the matchless worth of faith in You and the matchless worth of fellowship with Your people, the Church. For it is in Your Name Jesus that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Revelation 14:9-11
[2] Revelation 14:12-13
[3] Revelation 15:2-4
Throughout Scripture I see the heart of God for us His people.
For example, in the Book of Jeremiah I see the Lord’s passion for the wayward people of Jerusalem. God’s passionate love for His people was never doused by a lack of response on their part to love Him in return. God helped to restore their love for Him by way of temporary exile in Babylon. Amidst trials, their love for God was restored. His ultimate goal is to save us eternally.
God knows we need Him to enter everlasting life. He loves us. He wants us to be with Him forever. He does not want a heaven without us.
Last night, the Lord blessed Sherry and I with hearts of worship towards Him. We sang together the words penned by Samuel J. Stone back in 1866…
“The Church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From Heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.”
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came from heaven to save us. He took on human flesh. He suffered for our sins, not His own. He committed no sin. He gave His blood to cleanse us from our sin and guilt. Now, by faith in Him, WE ARE SAVED!
Christ punctuates His love for the Church and for lost souls in The Book of Revelation.
For example, in Revelation 14:6-7, John sees an angel flying amidst heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. He says with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
Messengers of Christ are proclaiming the Gospel all over the world with great effort and with much personal sacrifice so that people will be saved.
Another heavenly messenger warns people against disowning Christ and embracing the beast (the antichrist). Such a decision leads to endless torment in fire and brimstone day and night. [1]
Jesus urges us His saints to be patient, to keep God’s commandments and faith in Him. He tells John to write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Why, because… “They may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” [2] Our works will still be producing results long after we are gone.
Jesus shows John saints singing victoriously in heaven. They sing:
“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.” [3]
“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great love for Your bride the Church and for the lost! Thank You that Your Gospel continues to be preached throughout the earth via Your bride the Church. Help us to always realize the matchless worth of faith in You and the matchless worth of fellowship with Your people, the Church. For it is in Your Name Jesus that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Revelation 14:9-11
[2] Revelation 14:12-13
[3] Revelation 15:2-4
Saturday, December 26, 2020
The Two Anointed Ones
The story of humankind in the Bible begins in Genesis 1-2 with harmony with God and ends similarly in Revelation 21-22. However, in between beginning and end war ensues as people are the subject of the devil’s effort to defame and dethrone God. The devil was expelled from heaven. [1] He cannot rule God or God’s loyal angels, so his goal is to rule over people.
In Revelation 12:9, Jesus reveals to us a dragon named Satan and the devil. He is against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. [2]
In Revelation 13:1, Jesus reveals to us a beast that ascends from the sea (a metaphor for people) with multiple heads and crowns (metaphors for evil empires) with blasphemous names on their heads.
The beast blasphemes (speak against) God, His name, His dwelling place, and blasphemes those who dwell in heaven. He makes war with the saints to overcome them. Many people on earth worship him. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (believers in Christ) do not. [3]
The Lord says to His people… “If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." [4]
Those who enslave and murder, shall reap the same reward. Saints, on other hand, will live by patience and faith in God.
The goal of the beast is to place his mark on the right hand or foreheads of people. He uses economic sanctions to conquer people. [5]
In the days of the Old Testament Prophet Zechariah, God’s people had experienced similar rule under pagan rulers. The Lord revealed to Zechariah in a vision two olive trees. Zechariah wanted to know what they represented. An angel said to him,
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
says the Lord of hosts.
‘Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” [6]
This prophecy had an immediate application for the people of his time, but also an application for what was to come, namely, the ministry of Holy Spirit through Messiah Jesus Christ. God’s people are to rest in the power of the Holy Spirit and in Jesus Christ who comes with grace upon grace. These two are God’s mountain levelers.
The angel explained the two olive trees to Zechariah… “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” [7] Together with the Lord between them, they represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Later, the angel speaks to Zechariah of a “Man whose name is the BRANCH! He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory and shall sit and rule on His throne; so, He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” [8] Branch is a metaphor for Messiah. Our Lord Jesus Christ is both King and Priest. He is the one who brings peace and victory for God’s people.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son and Holy Spirit. Please help us to always live by faith in You. Please grant us resolve to boldly proclaim the message of Your reign and victory despite all the blasphemy of the enemy. We know in the end, the devil is destroyed, but You and Yours, that is, WE, shall live forever in paradise. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.”
[1] Revelation 12:9
[2] Revelation 12:17
[3] Revelation 13:6-8
[4] Revelation 13:9-10
[5] Revelation 13:16-17
[6] Zechariah 4:3-7
[7] Zechariah 4:13-14
[8] Zechariah 5:12-13
In Revelation 12:9, Jesus reveals to us a dragon named Satan and the devil. He is against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. [2]
In Revelation 13:1, Jesus reveals to us a beast that ascends from the sea (a metaphor for people) with multiple heads and crowns (metaphors for evil empires) with blasphemous names on their heads.
The beast blasphemes (speak against) God, His name, His dwelling place, and blasphemes those who dwell in heaven. He makes war with the saints to overcome them. Many people on earth worship him. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (believers in Christ) do not. [3]
The Lord says to His people… “If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." [4]
Those who enslave and murder, shall reap the same reward. Saints, on other hand, will live by patience and faith in God.
The goal of the beast is to place his mark on the right hand or foreheads of people. He uses economic sanctions to conquer people. [5]
In the days of the Old Testament Prophet Zechariah, God’s people had experienced similar rule under pagan rulers. The Lord revealed to Zechariah in a vision two olive trees. Zechariah wanted to know what they represented. An angel said to him,
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
says the Lord of hosts.
‘Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” [6]
This prophecy had an immediate application for the people of his time, but also an application for what was to come, namely, the ministry of Holy Spirit through Messiah Jesus Christ. God’s people are to rest in the power of the Holy Spirit and in Jesus Christ who comes with grace upon grace. These two are God’s mountain levelers.
The angel explained the two olive trees to Zechariah… “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” [7] Together with the Lord between them, they represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Later, the angel speaks to Zechariah of a “Man whose name is the BRANCH! He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory and shall sit and rule on His throne; so, He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” [8] Branch is a metaphor for Messiah. Our Lord Jesus Christ is both King and Priest. He is the one who brings peace and victory for God’s people.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son and Holy Spirit. Please help us to always live by faith in You. Please grant us resolve to boldly proclaim the message of Your reign and victory despite all the blasphemy of the enemy. We know in the end, the devil is destroyed, but You and Yours, that is, WE, shall live forever in paradise. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.”
[1] Revelation 12:9
[2] Revelation 12:17
[3] Revelation 13:6-8
[4] Revelation 13:9-10
[5] Revelation 13:16-17
[6] Zechariah 4:3-7
[7] Zechariah 4:13-14
[8] Zechariah 5:12-13
Friday, December 25, 2020
Christmas Cheer
Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem
They sought to worship a newborn King.
King Herod and Jerusalem were troubled.
Herod asked his advisors about this.
Little Bethlehem is the place the prophet foretold.
Herod told the wise he would worship Him too.
The Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream,
“Arise, take the young Child and His mother,
Flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word;
For Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
Herod attempted a coup against God’s anointed.
He thought he could overturn God’s plan.
His soldiers massacred the baby boys of Bethlehem.
But King Jesus was in Egypt.
When King Jesus returned to Israel…
Herod was dead - Jesus was alive. [1]
Later, Herod’s son and Pontius Pilate conspired with the religious leaders of Jerusalem. Pilate ordered Jesus to be crucified.
But a crucified and risen Savior was prophesied of centuries beforehand in Psalm 22…
“Dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;
I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots. [2]
Yes, Jesus was pierced and mocked, but Psalm 22:24 says that God “has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard.”
Psalm 22:27-28 says, “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations.”
Herod’s gone.
Jesus lives.
As of Christmas 2020, families from all nations worship Jesus.
“Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah” [3]
Pretenders to the throne shan't survive.
Our Lord Jesus is the King of Glory.
The Lord prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies; He anoints our heads with oil; our cup runs over. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” [4]
All cheers to Christ our Lord! Glory to His Name!
[1] Matthew 2:2-19
[2] Psalm 22:16-18
[3] Psalm 24:8-10
[4] Psalm 23:5-6
They sought to worship a newborn King.
King Herod and Jerusalem were troubled.
Herod asked his advisors about this.
Little Bethlehem is the place the prophet foretold.
Herod told the wise he would worship Him too.
The Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream,
“Arise, take the young Child and His mother,
Flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word;
For Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
Herod attempted a coup against God’s anointed.
He thought he could overturn God’s plan.
His soldiers massacred the baby boys of Bethlehem.
But King Jesus was in Egypt.
When King Jesus returned to Israel…
Herod was dead - Jesus was alive. [1]
Later, Herod’s son and Pontius Pilate conspired with the religious leaders of Jerusalem. Pilate ordered Jesus to be crucified.
But a crucified and risen Savior was prophesied of centuries beforehand in Psalm 22…
“Dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;
I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots. [2]
Yes, Jesus was pierced and mocked, but Psalm 22:24 says that God “has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard.”
Psalm 22:27-28 says, “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations.”
Herod’s gone.
Jesus lives.
As of Christmas 2020, families from all nations worship Jesus.
“Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah” [3]
Pretenders to the throne shan't survive.
Our Lord Jesus is the King of Glory.
The Lord prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies; He anoints our heads with oil; our cup runs over. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” [4]
All cheers to Christ our Lord! Glory to His Name!
[1] Matthew 2:2-19
[2] Psalm 22:16-18
[3] Psalm 24:8-10
[4] Psalm 23:5-6
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
The Lord’s Great Reset
The Lord saw idolaters in high places amidst His godly people. [1]
These idolaters previously walked with God… “Those who have turned back from following the Lord, and have not sought the Lord, nor inquired of Him.” [2]
They were the king’s children. They were clothed with foreign apparel. But sadly, their houses were filled with violence and deceit. [3]
The Lord’s Word for them was… “And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and punish the men who are settled in complacency, who say in their heart, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil.’”
The Lord promises to plunder the thieves and make their houses empty. [4]
The Lord says, “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath.” [5]
The Lord turns to the humble and says, “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” [6]
To the people who insulted and made arrogant threats against His people, the Lord says, “The residue of My people shall plunder them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.” [7]
It is the Lord’s great reset.
He says, “Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, to the oppressing city! She has not obeyed His voice, she has not received correction; she has not trusted in the Lord, she has not drawn near to her God.” [8]
Her princes are roaring lions.
Her judges are evening wolves.
Her prophets are insolent.
Her priests do violence to the law. [9]
The Lord says to His faithful ones, “Wait for Me until the day I rise up… to pour on them My fierce anger.” “For then I will take away from your midst those who rejoice in pride... I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord.” They will not speak lies. “And no one shall make them afraid.” [10]
The Lord urges His people to sing and shout. “Be glad and rejoice with all your heart!” For the Lord has taken away your judgments and cast out your enemy. He is in your midst. You shall see disaster no more. He says, “Fear not. Let not your hands be weak. The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” [11]
The Lord promises that in that day… “I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out… I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes.” [12]
“Thank You Lord God Almighty for singing over us! For rejoicing over us with gladness! Thank You that You have seen all that has been done to Your faithful people. You have set a time and a date for the great reset. It will be a day of victory for Your people.”
[1] Zephaniah 1:4-5
[2] Zephaniah 1:6
[3] Zephaniah 1:7-9
[4] Zephaniah 1:12-13
[5] Zephaniah 1:18
[6] Zephaniah 2:3
[7] Zephaniah 2:8-9
[8] Zephaniah 3:1-2
[9] Zephaniah 3:3-4
[10] Zephaniah 3:8, 11-13
[11] Zephaniah 3:14-17
[12] Zephaniah 3:19-20
These idolaters previously walked with God… “Those who have turned back from following the Lord, and have not sought the Lord, nor inquired of Him.” [2]
They were the king’s children. They were clothed with foreign apparel. But sadly, their houses were filled with violence and deceit. [3]
The Lord’s Word for them was… “And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and punish the men who are settled in complacency, who say in their heart, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil.’”
The Lord promises to plunder the thieves and make their houses empty. [4]
The Lord says, “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath.” [5]
The Lord turns to the humble and says, “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” [6]
To the people who insulted and made arrogant threats against His people, the Lord says, “The residue of My people shall plunder them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.” [7]
It is the Lord’s great reset.
He says, “Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, to the oppressing city! She has not obeyed His voice, she has not received correction; she has not trusted in the Lord, she has not drawn near to her God.” [8]
Her princes are roaring lions.
Her judges are evening wolves.
Her prophets are insolent.
Her priests do violence to the law. [9]
The Lord says to His faithful ones, “Wait for Me until the day I rise up… to pour on them My fierce anger.” “For then I will take away from your midst those who rejoice in pride... I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord.” They will not speak lies. “And no one shall make them afraid.” [10]
The Lord urges His people to sing and shout. “Be glad and rejoice with all your heart!” For the Lord has taken away your judgments and cast out your enemy. He is in your midst. You shall see disaster no more. He says, “Fear not. Let not your hands be weak. The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” [11]
The Lord promises that in that day… “I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out… I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes.” [12]
“Thank You Lord God Almighty for singing over us! For rejoicing over us with gladness! Thank You that You have seen all that has been done to Your faithful people. You have set a time and a date for the great reset. It will be a day of victory for Your people.”
[1] Zephaniah 1:4-5
[2] Zephaniah 1:6
[3] Zephaniah 1:7-9
[4] Zephaniah 1:12-13
[5] Zephaniah 1:18
[6] Zephaniah 2:3
[7] Zephaniah 2:8-9
[8] Zephaniah 3:1-2
[9] Zephaniah 3:3-4
[10] Zephaniah 3:8, 11-13
[11] Zephaniah 3:14-17
[12] Zephaniah 3:19-20
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
The Burden and Rejoicing of Habakkuk
“The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw.” [1]
What ails you?’
For Habakkuk, at first, it what he was seeing when he looked around him. But later, when he fixed his eyes on the Lord, faith entered his heart, and he rejoices.
At first, he asked the Lord…
“O Lord, how long shall I cry,
And You will not hear?
Even cry out to You, “Violence!”
And You will not save.
Why do You show me iniquity,
And cause me to see trouble?
For plundering and violence are before me;
There is strife, and contention arises.
Therefore, the law is powerless,
And justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
Therefore, perverse judgment proceeds.” [2]
The Lord’s reply to him was that a fierce invading force was about to overrun his nation.
“They are terrible and dreadful.” “They deride every stronghold.” [3]
This nation offends God… “He commits offense, ascribing this power to his god.” [4]
Habakkuk asks the Lord… “Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours a person more righteous than he?” [5]
Habakkuk compares the wicked to fishermen who catch people instead of fish in their nets. The wicked delight in their catch of people because… “By them, their share is sumptuous and their food plentiful.” [6]
He asks the Lord… “Shall they therefore empty their net, and continue to slay nations without pity?” [7]
The Lord answered and said… “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” [8]
The Lord assures Habakkuk that He does not view the proud as upright. He views those who live by faith in Him as the upright.
The Lord sees the drunkenness of the proud man. He sees that he does not stay at home with his family. He sees the stealing. He promises a reversal. The oppressor will be plundered. The blood he sheds feeds the fire of God’s wrath. Woes shall be to him who makes others drunk to expose their nakedness. He will be filled with shame instead of glory. His idols of wood, gold and silver will not rescue him on the day of reversal. [9]
The Lord tells Habakkuk… “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” [10]
Habakkuk prays… “O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work amidst the years! Amidst the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” [11]
Then, he ends with a hymn of faith…
“Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.” [12]
[1] Habakkuk 1:1
[2] Habakkuk 1:2-4
[3] Habakkuk 1:7, 10
[4] Habakkuk 1:11
[5] Habakkuk 1:13
[6] Habakkuk 1:16
[7] Habakkuk 1:17
[8] Habakkuk 2:1-2, 4
[9] Habakkuk 2:5-19
[10] Habakkuk 2:14, 20
[11] Habakkuk 3:1-2
[12] Habakkuk 3:17-19
What ails you?’
For Habakkuk, at first, it what he was seeing when he looked around him. But later, when he fixed his eyes on the Lord, faith entered his heart, and he rejoices.
At first, he asked the Lord…
“O Lord, how long shall I cry,
And You will not hear?
Even cry out to You, “Violence!”
And You will not save.
Why do You show me iniquity,
And cause me to see trouble?
For plundering and violence are before me;
There is strife, and contention arises.
Therefore, the law is powerless,
And justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
Therefore, perverse judgment proceeds.” [2]
The Lord’s reply to him was that a fierce invading force was about to overrun his nation.
“They are terrible and dreadful.” “They deride every stronghold.” [3]
This nation offends God… “He commits offense, ascribing this power to his god.” [4]
Habakkuk asks the Lord… “Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours a person more righteous than he?” [5]
Habakkuk compares the wicked to fishermen who catch people instead of fish in their nets. The wicked delight in their catch of people because… “By them, their share is sumptuous and their food plentiful.” [6]
He asks the Lord… “Shall they therefore empty their net, and continue to slay nations without pity?” [7]
The Lord answered and said… “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” [8]
The Lord assures Habakkuk that He does not view the proud as upright. He views those who live by faith in Him as the upright.
The Lord sees the drunkenness of the proud man. He sees that he does not stay at home with his family. He sees the stealing. He promises a reversal. The oppressor will be plundered. The blood he sheds feeds the fire of God’s wrath. Woes shall be to him who makes others drunk to expose their nakedness. He will be filled with shame instead of glory. His idols of wood, gold and silver will not rescue him on the day of reversal. [9]
The Lord tells Habakkuk… “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” [10]
Habakkuk prays… “O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work amidst the years! Amidst the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” [11]
Then, he ends with a hymn of faith…
“Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.” [12]
[1] Habakkuk 1:1
[2] Habakkuk 1:2-4
[3] Habakkuk 1:7, 10
[4] Habakkuk 1:11
[5] Habakkuk 1:13
[6] Habakkuk 1:16
[7] Habakkuk 1:17
[8] Habakkuk 2:1-2, 4
[9] Habakkuk 2:5-19
[10] Habakkuk 2:14, 20
[11] Habakkuk 3:1-2
[12] Habakkuk 3:17-19
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Lips of Knowledge are a Precious Jewel
“There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.” [1]
There are various ways to invest time, talent, and treasure. The Lord says that lips that speak knowledge are a precious jewel.
Our Lord Jesus came to earth. Full of knowledge and wisdom! He is God. Creator, now in flesh appearing! Receiving His Words is better than obtaining gold or jewelry. He advises us to invest in Him because He pays eternal dividends. The treasures He gives us cannot be stolen.
“I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.” [2]
Unlike material items that have no ears, no mouth, and no ability to change our circumstances, the Lord is worthy of our focus, our ponderings, and our patience. He does much more for us than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
“To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” [3]
Our Lord Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. He helps us overcome trials, temptations, evil, and death. He brings us to paradise. Think of that! Life in a world with no pain, no death, no sorrow! Everlasting treasure! A city with walls of jewels, doors of pearls and streets of gold. A city whose culture is to love God and one another.
I hope and pray that you will invest in listening to the Lord today via Bible study, prayer, worship attendance online or in person. The Bible via Hebrews 10:25 encourages us to gather with fellow believers to encourage one another as we wait for the Lord’s appearance.
[1] Proverbs 20:15
[2] Micah 7:7
[3] Revelation 2:7
There are various ways to invest time, talent, and treasure. The Lord says that lips that speak knowledge are a precious jewel.
Our Lord Jesus came to earth. Full of knowledge and wisdom! He is God. Creator, now in flesh appearing! Receiving His Words is better than obtaining gold or jewelry. He advises us to invest in Him because He pays eternal dividends. The treasures He gives us cannot be stolen.
“I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.” [2]
Unlike material items that have no ears, no mouth, and no ability to change our circumstances, the Lord is worthy of our focus, our ponderings, and our patience. He does much more for us than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
“To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” [3]
Our Lord Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. He helps us overcome trials, temptations, evil, and death. He brings us to paradise. Think of that! Life in a world with no pain, no death, no sorrow! Everlasting treasure! A city with walls of jewels, doors of pearls and streets of gold. A city whose culture is to love God and one another.
I hope and pray that you will invest in listening to the Lord today via Bible study, prayer, worship attendance online or in person. The Bible via Hebrews 10:25 encourages us to gather with fellow believers to encourage one another as we wait for the Lord’s appearance.
[1] Proverbs 20:15
[2] Micah 7:7
[3] Revelation 2:7
Friday, December 18, 2020
From Fishermen to Shepherds
“When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’” [1]
This is only the third time in the Gospel’s that it is recorded where Jesus referred to Peter using his full Hebrew name… “Simon son of Jonah.” The first reference is recorded in John 1:42. Andrew had just brought his brother to Jesus, and Jesus addressed him, saying...
“’You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, Stone).”
Simon and Jonah are Hebrew names. Cephas is Peter’s initial Greek name. Greek was the international language, so it was common for people to have a Greek name in addition to a name in their first language. Jesus initially calls Simon “Stone” in Greek. But later in Mark 3:16, Jesus upgrades Cephas from “Stone” to Peter which means “Rock” in Greek.
In John 21:15, Jesus refers to Peter by his Hebrew names, “Simon son of Jonah.” Peter’s father was named after the Prophet Jonah. Remember Jonah? He was the prophet that God called to preach to the people of Nineveh. What did Jonah do? Initially, he ran from God’s calling. But later, after a miraculous experience, Jonah spoke for God.
Jonah’s change of heart happened after he experienced a storm. He was on a ship that was about to sink. The sailors cast lots to determine who was to blame for this crisis. The lot fell on Jonah. Jonah confessed his sin to the sailors. He told them to cast him into the sea to save their lives. They tried to save themselves by rowing harder. Their own work could not save them. They needed someone to die in their place. Jonah told them to sacrifice him. They did so by throwing him overboard. The storm immediately ceased. Jonah surrendered his life that they might live.
Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days. Perhaps, he died, and the Lord resurrected him. Jonah said…
“Out of the belly of Sheol [the place of the dead] I cried, and You heard my voice.” [2]
“The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God.” [3]
Jesus said…
“No sign will be given to it [this generation] except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
On the third day, the fish vomited Jonah up on dry land. He was alive.
Jesus refers to Peter as Simon son of Jonah three times (See John 21:15-17). Each time, He asks the son of Jonah, “Do you love me?” Simon Son of Jonah and his crew just caught 153 fish in one net. [5] Could he surrender fish for Jesus? Could he who denied the Lord three times confess that he loved Jesus three times? Yes, he did.
How about you and me? Is there anything that is keeping us from confessing our love for Jesus? What is between us and Jesus? Can we give it up? Will our Ninevites die without Jesus? Or will we love Jesus enough to feed them. With each confession of his love for Jesus. Jesus directs Peter to feed God’s people.
Sheep need shepherds because they are prone to go astray. If we love Jesus, we will feed them God's Word as Jonah did, as Jesus did, and yes… as Peter did.
“Yes, Jesus, we love You. Yes, we will feed Your sheep.”
[1] John 21:15
[2] Jonah 2:2
[3] Jonah 2:6
[4] Matthew 12:39-40
[5] John 21:11
The second picture is my son Andrew's painting. He is a fisherman who by the testimony of another fisherman had a positive impact on his life for Christ.
This is only the third time in the Gospel’s that it is recorded where Jesus referred to Peter using his full Hebrew name… “Simon son of Jonah.” The first reference is recorded in John 1:42. Andrew had just brought his brother to Jesus, and Jesus addressed him, saying...
“’You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, Stone).”
Simon and Jonah are Hebrew names. Cephas is Peter’s initial Greek name. Greek was the international language, so it was common for people to have a Greek name in addition to a name in their first language. Jesus initially calls Simon “Stone” in Greek. But later in Mark 3:16, Jesus upgrades Cephas from “Stone” to Peter which means “Rock” in Greek.
In John 21:15, Jesus refers to Peter by his Hebrew names, “Simon son of Jonah.” Peter’s father was named after the Prophet Jonah. Remember Jonah? He was the prophet that God called to preach to the people of Nineveh. What did Jonah do? Initially, he ran from God’s calling. But later, after a miraculous experience, Jonah spoke for God.
Jonah’s change of heart happened after he experienced a storm. He was on a ship that was about to sink. The sailors cast lots to determine who was to blame for this crisis. The lot fell on Jonah. Jonah confessed his sin to the sailors. He told them to cast him into the sea to save their lives. They tried to save themselves by rowing harder. Their own work could not save them. They needed someone to die in their place. Jonah told them to sacrifice him. They did so by throwing him overboard. The storm immediately ceased. Jonah surrendered his life that they might live.
Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days. Perhaps, he died, and the Lord resurrected him. Jonah said…
“Out of the belly of Sheol [the place of the dead] I cried, and You heard my voice.” [2]
“The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God.” [3]
Jesus said…
“No sign will be given to it [this generation] except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
On the third day, the fish vomited Jonah up on dry land. He was alive.
Jesus refers to Peter as Simon son of Jonah three times (See John 21:15-17). Each time, He asks the son of Jonah, “Do you love me?” Simon Son of Jonah and his crew just caught 153 fish in one net. [5] Could he surrender fish for Jesus? Could he who denied the Lord three times confess that he loved Jesus three times? Yes, he did.
How about you and me? Is there anything that is keeping us from confessing our love for Jesus? What is between us and Jesus? Can we give it up? Will our Ninevites die without Jesus? Or will we love Jesus enough to feed them. With each confession of his love for Jesus. Jesus directs Peter to feed God’s people.
Sheep need shepherds because they are prone to go astray. If we love Jesus, we will feed them God's Word as Jonah did, as Jesus did, and yes… as Peter did.
“Yes, Jesus, we love You. Yes, we will feed Your sheep.”
[1] John 21:15
[2] Jonah 2:2
[3] Jonah 2:6
[4] Matthew 12:39-40
[5] John 21:11
The second picture is my son Andrew's painting. He is a fisherman who by the testimony of another fisherman had a positive impact on his life for Christ.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
The Continuous Coup Against Creator Ceases
The Holy Spirit has brought to light during this current political climate that there has been a continuous coup attempt by the devil to unseat God from His throne. What is happening on earth is just a manifestation of what is happening in the spiritual realm.
While the devil seems to be winning as we hear of God’s people suffering injustices and many being slain in various countries for their faith (Nigeria, for example), God emphatically tells His people in the Bible that HE and WE shall WIN!
God can halt the coup at any time. The devil is no match for Him. He is being patient for the last soul to be saved before He sounds the trump.
Below are a few of many Bible verses that speak of Satan’s defeat:
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” [1]
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” [2]
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” [3]
Other references to God’s victory over the coup include:
Psalm 2 – Humanity’s coup against God fails
Revelation 12:7-11 – The devil’s coup against God fails
Luke 10:18 – “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Revelation 20:10 – The devil is cast into the lake of fire
Until this current world is replaced by a new heaven and a new earth, what does the last verse of the Bible say?
It says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [4]
"Amen! Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people. The battle on earth is fierce... many are suffering... many innocent people have been senselessly slain. Please hear our cry. For it is in Name of Jesus Your Son that we pray. Amen."
[1] 2 Peter 3:9
[2] 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
[3] Revelation 11:15
[4] Revelation 22:21
While the devil seems to be winning as we hear of God’s people suffering injustices and many being slain in various countries for their faith (Nigeria, for example), God emphatically tells His people in the Bible that HE and WE shall WIN!
God can halt the coup at any time. The devil is no match for Him. He is being patient for the last soul to be saved before He sounds the trump.
Below are a few of many Bible verses that speak of Satan’s defeat:
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” [1]
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” [2]
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” [3]
Other references to God’s victory over the coup include:
Psalm 2 – Humanity’s coup against God fails
Revelation 12:7-11 – The devil’s coup against God fails
Luke 10:18 – “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Revelation 20:10 – The devil is cast into the lake of fire
Until this current world is replaced by a new heaven and a new earth, what does the last verse of the Bible say?
It says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [4]
"Amen! Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people. The battle on earth is fierce... many are suffering... many innocent people have been senselessly slain. Please hear our cry. For it is in Name of Jesus Your Son that we pray. Amen."
[1] 2 Peter 3:9
[2] 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
[3] Revelation 11:15
[4] Revelation 22:21
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
The Lord’s Word via His prophet Amos
Lack of bread in all your places –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Lack of rain –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Blight, mildew, locust consuming gardens, vineyards, and groves –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Plagues and war –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Overthrow of cities –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Finally, He said, “I will do this to you,
Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” [1]
Jesus told a Roman Governor…
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” [2]
Fight is precisely what Michael did when Satan launched a coup against God in heaven…
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So, the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” [3]
The Lord says it is time to return to Him. Not half-heartedly, but as if our lives depended on Him… which they do. He says…
“It is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, we turn to You. We know that You created and sustain all things. Thank You. You have shown us through the life of Your Son Jesus Christ the example of deeply loving You (God) and others. Please place Your perfect love in us, love like a mother for her child, so that we fight for You and for our neighbor… make sacrifices of love for You and Your kingdom. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Amos 4:6-12
[2] John 19:36
[3] Revelation 12:7-9
[4] Hosea 10:12
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Lack of rain –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Blight, mildew, locust consuming gardens, vineyards, and groves –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Plagues and war –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Overthrow of cities –
“Yet you have not returned to Me.”
Finally, He said, “I will do this to you,
Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” [1]
Jesus told a Roman Governor…
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” [2]
Fight is precisely what Michael did when Satan launched a coup against God in heaven…
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So, the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” [3]
The Lord says it is time to return to Him. Not half-heartedly, but as if our lives depended on Him… which they do. He says…
“It is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, we turn to You. We know that You created and sustain all things. Thank You. You have shown us through the life of Your Son Jesus Christ the example of deeply loving You (God) and others. Please place Your perfect love in us, love like a mother for her child, so that we fight for You and for our neighbor… make sacrifices of love for You and Your kingdom. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Amos 4:6-12
[2] John 19:36
[3] Revelation 12:7-9
[4] Hosea 10:12
Friday, December 11, 2020
Peace Through His Presence
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” [1]
Rather than be troubled, trust in God and Jesus Christ.
Jesus cites two reasons to trust in Him. First, He has prepared and paid the price for us to have an eternal home with God.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” [2]
This is not a maybe or a could be… it is a promise from God the Son.
The second reason He cites for us to trust in Him, and to keep His commandments is His presence given to us in the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives His Holy Spirit to those who serve Him…
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.
And I will pray the Father,
And He will give you another Helper,
That He may abide with you forever—
The Spirit of truth,
Whom the world cannot receive,
Because it neither sees Him nor knows Him;
But you know Him,
For He dwells with you and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans;
I will come to you.” [3]
The Father and Son give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him. The Holy Spirit dwells with us and is in us. He is God’s abiding presence.
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” [4]
God abiding with us and in us gives us peace and confidence. We are not alone. Whatever task, whatever circumstance, whatever relationship, we can rely on the abiding Holy Spirit of the Living God to be with us, guide us and empower us.
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [5]
The abiding presence of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is a powerful source of peace in a troubled world. His presence replaces paralyzing panic with power to BELIEVE!
May the God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our One Triune God, bless you with His abiding presence and peace today!
[1] John 14:1
[2] John 14:2-3
[3] John 14:15-18
[4] John 14:23
[5] John 14:25-27
Rather than be troubled, trust in God and Jesus Christ.
Jesus cites two reasons to trust in Him. First, He has prepared and paid the price for us to have an eternal home with God.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” [2]
This is not a maybe or a could be… it is a promise from God the Son.
The second reason He cites for us to trust in Him, and to keep His commandments is His presence given to us in the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives His Holy Spirit to those who serve Him…
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.
And I will pray the Father,
And He will give you another Helper,
That He may abide with you forever—
The Spirit of truth,
Whom the world cannot receive,
Because it neither sees Him nor knows Him;
But you know Him,
For He dwells with you and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans;
I will come to you.” [3]
The Father and Son give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him. The Holy Spirit dwells with us and is in us. He is God’s abiding presence.
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” [4]
God abiding with us and in us gives us peace and confidence. We are not alone. Whatever task, whatever circumstance, whatever relationship, we can rely on the abiding Holy Spirit of the Living God to be with us, guide us and empower us.
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [5]
The abiding presence of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is a powerful source of peace in a troubled world. His presence replaces paralyzing panic with power to BELIEVE!
May the God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our One Triune God, bless you with His abiding presence and peace today!
[1] John 14:1
[2] John 14:2-3
[3] John 14:15-18
[4] John 14:23
[5] John 14:25-27
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
The Church Shall Prevail
Lazarus is dead.
Jesus loves him and his sisters (Mary and Martha). Mary is the woman who anointed Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. She is the one whose story is told in every place that the Gospel is preached. These three siblings are dear to Jesus. [1]
Jesus waits two days. He knows that Lazarus is already dead. He tells His disciples, “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe.” [2]
I am glad that Jesus upholds our faith in Him. Our faith in Him is our key to heaven. Jesus once told Peter, “Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brothers.” [3]
Afterwards, Jesus arrives in Bethany where Martha says to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother had not died…. But I know that even now, whatsoever You ask of God, God will give it to You.”
Jesus assures her that her brother shall rise again.
She replies, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus says to her, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Martha professes, “Yes, Lord: I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.” [4]
Mary arrives and says to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother had not died.”
Jesus sees her and her friends weeping. He groans. He is troubled. He weeps. The people see His reaction and remark, “Behold how He loved him!” [5]
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. [6]
Praise the Lord! No matter how dead a person or circumstance appears to be… Jesus is the resurrection. He overpowers and defeats death. He is the resurrection and the life.
Back in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the Pharisees call a council to solve a problem. Jesus! He is messing up their narrative. He is exposing their lies. They conclude… He must die. [7]
How crazy is that? They think they can eliminate the One who resurrects dead people. As crazy as that is, people in powerful places still think they can eliminate Jesus. Jesus told Peter...
“I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” [8]
No matter what anyone says or does, Jesus and His Church shall prevail. Hallelujah! Amen!
[1] John 11:1-3, Matthew 26:13
[2] John 11:6-8, 14-15
[3] Luke 22:31-32
[4] John 11:21-27
[5] John 11:32-36
[6] John 11:39-44
[7] John 11:47-57
[8] Matthew 16:18
Jesus loves him and his sisters (Mary and Martha). Mary is the woman who anointed Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. She is the one whose story is told in every place that the Gospel is preached. These three siblings are dear to Jesus. [1]
Jesus waits two days. He knows that Lazarus is already dead. He tells His disciples, “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe.” [2]
I am glad that Jesus upholds our faith in Him. Our faith in Him is our key to heaven. Jesus once told Peter, “Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brothers.” [3]
Afterwards, Jesus arrives in Bethany where Martha says to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother had not died…. But I know that even now, whatsoever You ask of God, God will give it to You.”
Jesus assures her that her brother shall rise again.
She replies, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus says to her, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Martha professes, “Yes, Lord: I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.” [4]
Mary arrives and says to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother had not died.”
Jesus sees her and her friends weeping. He groans. He is troubled. He weeps. The people see His reaction and remark, “Behold how He loved him!” [5]
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. [6]
Praise the Lord! No matter how dead a person or circumstance appears to be… Jesus is the resurrection. He overpowers and defeats death. He is the resurrection and the life.
Back in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the Pharisees call a council to solve a problem. Jesus! He is messing up their narrative. He is exposing their lies. They conclude… He must die. [7]
How crazy is that? They think they can eliminate the One who resurrects dead people. As crazy as that is, people in powerful places still think they can eliminate Jesus. Jesus told Peter...
“I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” [8]
No matter what anyone says or does, Jesus and His Church shall prevail. Hallelujah! Amen!
[1] John 11:1-3, Matthew 26:13
[2] John 11:6-8, 14-15
[3] Luke 22:31-32
[4] John 11:21-27
[5] John 11:32-36
[6] John 11:39-44
[7] John 11:47-57
[8] Matthew 16:18
Monday, December 7, 2020
TO KNOW HIM AND MAKE HIM KNOWN
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has a great mission statement:
“TO KNOW HIM AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
Jesus prayed for us, “This is eternal life, that they may KNOW YOU, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” [1]
How do we know God? The answer is through the Bible.
The following petitions based on Psalm 119 are prayers to better know God through His Word.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please…
Open our eyes to see blessings in Your Word.
Revive and strengthen our soul with Your Word.
Turn (T) our eyes from worthless Visions (V) – (TV)
Establish us in Your Word!
Comfort and make us alive in Your Word!
Keep us in Your Word even if affliction is necessary!
Help us love Your Word more than money!
Restrain us from evil ways so we keep Your Word!
Make Your Word sweet to our taste!
Wake us up before dawn to hope in Your Word!”
The actual verses from Psalm 119:
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your Word.”
My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your Word.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding Vanity; and quicken Thou me in Thy way. (KJV)
Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.
This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.
Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.
I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word.
How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your Word.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, may we know You and make You known. This we ask in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ! Amen.”
[1] John 17:3
[2] Psalm 119:18, 25, 28, 37-38, 50, 67, 72, 101, 147
“TO KNOW HIM AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
Jesus prayed for us, “This is eternal life, that they may KNOW YOU, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” [1]
How do we know God? The answer is through the Bible.
The following petitions based on Psalm 119 are prayers to better know God through His Word.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please…
Open our eyes to see blessings in Your Word.
Revive and strengthen our soul with Your Word.
Turn (T) our eyes from worthless Visions (V) – (TV)
Establish us in Your Word!
Comfort and make us alive in Your Word!
Keep us in Your Word even if affliction is necessary!
Help us love Your Word more than money!
Restrain us from evil ways so we keep Your Word!
Make Your Word sweet to our taste!
Wake us up before dawn to hope in Your Word!”
The actual verses from Psalm 119:
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your Word.”
My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your Word.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding Vanity; and quicken Thou me in Thy way. (KJV)
Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.
This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.
Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.
I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word.
How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your Word.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, may we know You and make You known. This we ask in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ! Amen.”
[1] John 17:3
[2] Psalm 119:18, 25, 28, 37-38, 50, 67, 72, 101, 147
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Seeing Eyes
“Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore, your sin remains.’” [1] John 9:41
The Pharisees were not willing to see the plain truth that was standing right in front of them. The Messiah foretold of in the Scriptures had arrived.
He had been born in Bethlehem. [2]
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit via a virgin. [3]
He was called out of Egypt. [4]
His parents fled to Egypt to avoid a slaughter of babies. [5]
He was called a Nazarene, which means My Branch. [6]
He did the healing miracles that Isaiah foretold. [7]
They just refused to believe.
“There are none so blind as those who refuse to see.” [8]
Or as Jeremiah said, “Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not.” [9]
Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. The Pharisees questioned the man. They questioned his parents. They were told repeatedly that he had been healed, but they refused to believe him.
Just before the Pharisees threw the healed man out from their place of worship, he said to them, “Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” [10]
The healed man said to Jesus afterwards, “’Lord, I believe!’ And he worshiped Him.” [11]
Our Messiah has come. It is obvious for those who see. His Name is Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you as you believe in Him and as you worship Him!
[1] John 9:41
[2] Micah 5:2
[3] Isaiah 7:14
[4] Hosea 11:1
[5] Jeremiah 31:15
[6] Isaiah 11:1
[7] Isaiah 35:5–6
[8] John Heywood
[9] Jeremiah 5:21
[10] John 9:32-33
[11] John 9:38
The Pharisees were not willing to see the plain truth that was standing right in front of them. The Messiah foretold of in the Scriptures had arrived.
He had been born in Bethlehem. [2]
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit via a virgin. [3]
He was called out of Egypt. [4]
His parents fled to Egypt to avoid a slaughter of babies. [5]
He was called a Nazarene, which means My Branch. [6]
He did the healing miracles that Isaiah foretold. [7]
They just refused to believe.
“There are none so blind as those who refuse to see.” [8]
Or as Jeremiah said, “Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not.” [9]
Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. The Pharisees questioned the man. They questioned his parents. They were told repeatedly that he had been healed, but they refused to believe him.
Just before the Pharisees threw the healed man out from their place of worship, he said to them, “Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” [10]
The healed man said to Jesus afterwards, “’Lord, I believe!’ And he worshiped Him.” [11]
Our Messiah has come. It is obvious for those who see. His Name is Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you as you believe in Him and as you worship Him!
[1] John 9:41
[2] Micah 5:2
[3] Isaiah 7:14
[4] Hosea 11:1
[5] Jeremiah 31:15
[6] Isaiah 11:1
[7] Isaiah 35:5–6
[8] John Heywood
[9] Jeremiah 5:21
[10] John 9:32-33
[11] John 9:38
Saturday, December 5, 2020
The Significance of Knowing God
“The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” [1]
Knowing God yields strength and notable works.
How does a person come to know God?
1) God reveals Himself to us in the Bible.
2) God reveals Himself to people who believe in Jesus.
3) God gives His Spirit to those who believe in Jesus
Jesus is the Way to God our Father according to John 14:6.
Why must a person come to God through Jesus His Son?
Jesus Christ atoned for our sins on the cross. He is the Meditator between God and humankind. [2] He bridges the sin gap between a holy God and sinners by removing our sins from us and making way for God’s Spirit to come and dwell in us.
The Revised Common Lectionary Gospel Lesson for this Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent is Mark 1:1-8. Verse 8 of this reading ends with John the Baptist stating…
“I have baptized you with water; but He [referring to Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The people in the Christmas story are politically under the thumb of foreign invaders, and spiritually under the thumb of performance-oriented legalistic religious leaders. Circumstances seem highly unfavorable for them to know God and His strength.
But then…
God gave Elizabeth a son filled with the Holy Spirit. [3]
The Holy Spirit came upon Mary, and she conceived God's Son. [4]
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at the greeting of Mary. [5]
Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit. [6]
The Holy Spirit revealed the Messiah to Simeon. [7]
Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Simeon were filled and moved by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Later, on the Day of Pentecost, the Church is born of the Holy Spirit. [8]
God the Father gave us His Son to redeem us from our sins. The Son gave us His Spirit to live in us and empower us. This is why those who know God are strong and do great exploits.
As Daniel wrote…
“Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.” [9]
[1] Daniel 11:32
[2] 1 Timothy 2:5
[3] Luke 1:15
[4] Luke 1:35
[5] Luke 1:41
[6] Luke 1:67
[7] Luke 2:26
[8] Acts 2
[9] Daniel 12:3
Knowing God yields strength and notable works.
How does a person come to know God?
1) God reveals Himself to us in the Bible.
2) God reveals Himself to people who believe in Jesus.
3) God gives His Spirit to those who believe in Jesus
Jesus is the Way to God our Father according to John 14:6.
Why must a person come to God through Jesus His Son?
Jesus Christ atoned for our sins on the cross. He is the Meditator between God and humankind. [2] He bridges the sin gap between a holy God and sinners by removing our sins from us and making way for God’s Spirit to come and dwell in us.
The Revised Common Lectionary Gospel Lesson for this Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent is Mark 1:1-8. Verse 8 of this reading ends with John the Baptist stating…
“I have baptized you with water; but He [referring to Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The people in the Christmas story are politically under the thumb of foreign invaders, and spiritually under the thumb of performance-oriented legalistic religious leaders. Circumstances seem highly unfavorable for them to know God and His strength.
But then…
God gave Elizabeth a son filled with the Holy Spirit. [3]
The Holy Spirit came upon Mary, and she conceived God's Son. [4]
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at the greeting of Mary. [5]
Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit. [6]
The Holy Spirit revealed the Messiah to Simeon. [7]
Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Simeon were filled and moved by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Later, on the Day of Pentecost, the Church is born of the Holy Spirit. [8]
God the Father gave us His Son to redeem us from our sins. The Son gave us His Spirit to live in us and empower us. This is why those who know God are strong and do great exploits.
As Daniel wrote…
“Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.” [9]
[1] Daniel 11:32
[2] 1 Timothy 2:5
[3] Luke 1:15
[4] Luke 1:35
[5] Luke 1:41
[6] Luke 1:67
[7] Luke 2:26
[8] Acts 2
[9] Daniel 12:3
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Focusing On Jesus
Many people were seeking Jesus.
Why?
BECAUSE they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.
Where was Jesus?
He was up on a mountain sitting with His disciples.
Jesus saw the crowd coming towards Him. He said to His disciples…
“Make the people sit down.”
There was 5,000 people not including women and children.
Jesus took five loaves and two fishes and gave thanks to God.
Suddenly, there was enough bread and fish to feed everyone and still had twelve large baskets of loaves left over.
The people remarked, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Jesus perceived that they were about to take Him by force to make Him king, so what He do?
He departed to a mountain by Himself alone. [1]
The crowd of people caught up with Jesus the next day, and asked Him…
“Rabbi, when did You come here?”
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” Then, Jesus pointed them to the food that is most vital. He said…
“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” [2]
They seized upon the word “labor” more than on the word “give.” Jesus was telling them that He would GIVE them everlasting life.
They asked Jesus, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
Jesus answered them…
“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” [3]
“Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” [4]
Jesus promised them eternal life if they partook of Him. They needed to believe that He was the Passover Lamb, God’s Messiah, which would save them from the angel of death. They were not ready to make this kind of commitment. Many left Him. Even many disciples left Him.
Jesus said to those disciples who were leaving Him…
“What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.”
Then, He said to the twelve disciples…
“Do you also want to go away?”
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [5]
“Dear Lord Jesus, You are the Son of the Living God. Please pray for us that we will stay focused on believing in You. Worries about this temporary life seek to drown out concerns about eternal life. We want to stay focused on You.”
[1] John 6:2-15
[2] John 6:25-27
[3] John 6:28-29
[4] John 6:40, 47
[5] John 6:60, 62-64, 67-69
Why?
BECAUSE they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.
Where was Jesus?
He was up on a mountain sitting with His disciples.
Jesus saw the crowd coming towards Him. He said to His disciples…
“Make the people sit down.”
There was 5,000 people not including women and children.
Jesus took five loaves and two fishes and gave thanks to God.
Suddenly, there was enough bread and fish to feed everyone and still had twelve large baskets of loaves left over.
The people remarked, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Jesus perceived that they were about to take Him by force to make Him king, so what He do?
He departed to a mountain by Himself alone. [1]
The crowd of people caught up with Jesus the next day, and asked Him…
“Rabbi, when did You come here?”
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” Then, Jesus pointed them to the food that is most vital. He said…
“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” [2]
They seized upon the word “labor” more than on the word “give.” Jesus was telling them that He would GIVE them everlasting life.
They asked Jesus, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
Jesus answered them…
“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” [3]
“Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” [4]
Jesus promised them eternal life if they partook of Him. They needed to believe that He was the Passover Lamb, God’s Messiah, which would save them from the angel of death. They were not ready to make this kind of commitment. Many left Him. Even many disciples left Him.
Jesus said to those disciples who were leaving Him…
“What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.”
Then, He said to the twelve disciples…
“Do you also want to go away?”
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [5]
“Dear Lord Jesus, You are the Son of the Living God. Please pray for us that we will stay focused on believing in You. Worries about this temporary life seek to drown out concerns about eternal life. We want to stay focused on You.”
[1] John 6:2-15
[2] John 6:25-27
[3] John 6:28-29
[4] John 6:40, 47
[5] John 6:60, 62-64, 67-69
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Our Faithful Father
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
One day, Esther, the niece that Mordecai had helped to raise was taken from him by his government.
On another day, while sitting outside the government building where Esther was kept, Mordecai overheard two men discussing an assassination plot against the nation’s ruler. He sent a message to Esther, and the assassination attempt was averted.
On another day, a proud man named Haman walked by. He was a newly elected official who expected everyone to literally bow to him. Mordecai refused to do so. So, Haman bribed the king to pass irreversible legislation to eliminate Mordecai and his people.
Mordecai, Esther, and their faithful friends prayed and fasted before God.
God answered their prayers inasmuch that Haman and his sons were arrested and executed, while Mordecai, Esther and their people were rescued and honored by their government.
The Bible verses below correspond to the attached pictures.
“Thank You Heavenly Father for causing all things to work together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purposes.”
“In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. So, the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.” [1]
“And all the king’s servants who were within the king’s gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.” [2]
“Then the king said to Haman, ‘Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.’” [3]
“Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, ‘Look! The gallows, 75 feet high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.’” [4]
“Then Esther said, ‘If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do again tomorrow according to today’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.’” [5]
“Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.” [6]
[1] Esther 2:21-23
[2] Esther 3:2, 5-6
[3] Esther 6:10
[4] Esther 7:9
[5] Esther 9:13
[6] Esther 10:3
One day, Esther, the niece that Mordecai had helped to raise was taken from him by his government.
On another day, while sitting outside the government building where Esther was kept, Mordecai overheard two men discussing an assassination plot against the nation’s ruler. He sent a message to Esther, and the assassination attempt was averted.
On another day, a proud man named Haman walked by. He was a newly elected official who expected everyone to literally bow to him. Mordecai refused to do so. So, Haman bribed the king to pass irreversible legislation to eliminate Mordecai and his people.
Mordecai, Esther, and their faithful friends prayed and fasted before God.
God answered their prayers inasmuch that Haman and his sons were arrested and executed, while Mordecai, Esther and their people were rescued and honored by their government.
The Bible verses below correspond to the attached pictures.
“Thank You Heavenly Father for causing all things to work together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purposes.”
“In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. So, the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.” [1]
“And all the king’s servants who were within the king’s gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.” [2]
“Then the king said to Haman, ‘Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.’” [3]
“Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, ‘Look! The gallows, 75 feet high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.’” [4]
“Then Esther said, ‘If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do again tomorrow according to today’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.’” [5]
“Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.” [6]
[1] Esther 2:21-23
[2] Esther 3:2, 5-6
[3] Esther 6:10
[4] Esther 7:9
[5] Esther 9:13
[6] Esther 10:3
Monday, November 30, 2020
Mustard Seed Faith
“Truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” [1]
We’re prone to think if we just had more faith, then God could do amazing things through us. But Jesus tells us something quite astonishing. The issue isn’t whether we are full of faith but whether we have any faith. If we have the smallest amount of faith, God works on our behalf.
A small amount of faith is enough because the focus is not on our faith but its object.
Our faith makes a difference not because it is so great but because God is so great.
Jesus is teaching us that stunning things happen if we have faith. Mountains are metaphors for things and circumstances that are too big for us to conquer. God moves them as we believe in Him and do not doubt.
What is there to doubt about God anyway? He created the universe. He sent His Son into the world to save us from our sin. He loves us. He helps those who ask for His help.
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” [2]
Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” [3]
Jesus is saying to cast our cares on Him for He cares for us. He says, “Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door shall be opened, seek and you shall find.”
Mountain-moving faith is based on God’s promises—on what is revealed in his Word.
Mustard seed faith is enormously powerful—not because of our faith, but because it unites us to the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
Faith is receptivity. It receives Christ and all that He has done for us, and all that He is willing to do in and through us when we trust in Him.
Now, let's start praying and believing... start praising and thanking God in advance for what He is going to do as we ask for His help... as we cast our cares upon Him knowing that He cares for us.
[1] Matthew 17:20
[2] Matthew 7:7-8
[3] 1 Peter 5:7
We’re prone to think if we just had more faith, then God could do amazing things through us. But Jesus tells us something quite astonishing. The issue isn’t whether we are full of faith but whether we have any faith. If we have the smallest amount of faith, God works on our behalf.
A small amount of faith is enough because the focus is not on our faith but its object.
Our faith makes a difference not because it is so great but because God is so great.
Jesus is teaching us that stunning things happen if we have faith. Mountains are metaphors for things and circumstances that are too big for us to conquer. God moves them as we believe in Him and do not doubt.
What is there to doubt about God anyway? He created the universe. He sent His Son into the world to save us from our sin. He loves us. He helps those who ask for His help.
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” [2]
Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” [3]
Jesus is saying to cast our cares on Him for He cares for us. He says, “Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door shall be opened, seek and you shall find.”
Mountain-moving faith is based on God’s promises—on what is revealed in his Word.
Mustard seed faith is enormously powerful—not because of our faith, but because it unites us to the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
Faith is receptivity. It receives Christ and all that He has done for us, and all that He is willing to do in and through us when we trust in Him.
Now, let's start praying and believing... start praising and thanking God in advance for what He is going to do as we ask for His help... as we cast our cares upon Him knowing that He cares for us.
[1] Matthew 17:20
[2] Matthew 7:7-8
[3] 1 Peter 5:7
Friday, November 27, 2020
Aglow with God’s Spirit
“The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.” [1]
If we truly want God’s approval…
If we truly want to please God…
If we truly aim to promote the kingdom of God…
Then, let us be filled with righteousness, peace and joy from the Holy Spirit.
A righteous and holy person is a great witness for God. The devil wants undermine Christianity’s credibility. Therefore, our righteousness must be from God. If we try to be Christian (Christ-like) in our own strength, we will fail.
We need the Holy Spirit to be aglow for Jesus. We are the candles. The Holy Spirit is the fire.
“Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!” [2]
I will use the Chinese word for glory (榮)to illustrate my point. It contains two people, Adam and Eve, aglow next to a tree (see picture). Perhaps, before Adam and Eve sinned, they shined with the glory of God.
The Bible says that God “covers Himself with light as with a garment.” [3]
When Jesus was transfigured in the Gospels, “His face shone like the sun.” [4]
When our first parents, Adam and Eve sinned, they lost God’s glory. Their likeness to God - their glow was lost. They knew they were naked.
“Also, for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them.” [5]
God sacrificed animals to cover (atone) their nakedness. He forgave their sin and removed their guilt.
We have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit because He reminds us of what God did for us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to take away our sins so that we could receive the Holy Spirit and shine once again with His glory.
If we depend on our works to get to heaven, we will never have peace. We will lack joy. Peace and joy stem from knowing that God has sent a Savior to save us from our sins.
Christmas lights need electricity to shine. They must be plugged-in to shine. In like manner, we must be filled the Holy Spirit, God’s radiance, to shine for Him.
“Thank You Heavenly Father for giving up Your Son for us. Thank You Lord Jesus for giving up Your life for us. Thank You Holy Spirit for filling us and causing us to glow for God.”
[1] Romans 14:17-18
[2] Romans 12:11
[3] Psalm 104:2
[4] Matthew 17:2
[5] Genesis 3:21
If we truly want God’s approval…
If we truly want to please God…
If we truly aim to promote the kingdom of God…
Then, let us be filled with righteousness, peace and joy from the Holy Spirit.
A righteous and holy person is a great witness for God. The devil wants undermine Christianity’s credibility. Therefore, our righteousness must be from God. If we try to be Christian (Christ-like) in our own strength, we will fail.
We need the Holy Spirit to be aglow for Jesus. We are the candles. The Holy Spirit is the fire.
“Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!” [2]
I will use the Chinese word for glory (榮)to illustrate my point. It contains two people, Adam and Eve, aglow next to a tree (see picture). Perhaps, before Adam and Eve sinned, they shined with the glory of God.
The Bible says that God “covers Himself with light as with a garment.” [3]
When Jesus was transfigured in the Gospels, “His face shone like the sun.” [4]
When our first parents, Adam and Eve sinned, they lost God’s glory. Their likeness to God - their glow was lost. They knew they were naked.
“Also, for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them.” [5]
God sacrificed animals to cover (atone) their nakedness. He forgave their sin and removed their guilt.
We have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit because He reminds us of what God did for us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to take away our sins so that we could receive the Holy Spirit and shine once again with His glory.
If we depend on our works to get to heaven, we will never have peace. We will lack joy. Peace and joy stem from knowing that God has sent a Savior to save us from our sins.
Christmas lights need electricity to shine. They must be plugged-in to shine. In like manner, we must be filled the Holy Spirit, God’s radiance, to shine for Him.
“Thank You Heavenly Father for giving up Your Son for us. Thank You Lord Jesus for giving up Your life for us. Thank You Holy Spirit for filling us and causing us to glow for God.”
[1] Romans 14:17-18
[2] Romans 12:11
[3] Psalm 104:2
[4] Matthew 17:2
[5] Genesis 3:21
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving
The very first Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated on December 13, 1621. As devout Christians, the Pilgrims wished to thank God for His favor and to celebrate with and thank their Indian friends. The celebration featured a feast that included numerous types of waterfowl, wild turkeys and fish procured by the colonists, and five deer brought by the Native Americans.
While individual colonies and states celebrated Thanksgiving for two subsequent centuries, it wasn’t until 1863, amidst the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. [1]
In his proclamation, President Lincoln noted reasons to be grateful to God…
“In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity…
Peace has been preserved with all nations…
Order has been maintained…
Laws have been respected and obeyed…
Harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict.”
Crops continue to grow…
Commerce continues over land and sea…
New settlements are established…
Precious metals continue to be mined…
The population is growing.
“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most-High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [these blessings] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.” [2]
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And declare His works with rejoicing.” [3]
[1] gospelherald.com/articles/68177/20161122/thanksgiving-2016
[2] abrahamlincolnonline.org/Lincoln/speeches/thanks
[3] Psalm 107:8-9, 21-22
While individual colonies and states celebrated Thanksgiving for two subsequent centuries, it wasn’t until 1863, amidst the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. [1]
In his proclamation, President Lincoln noted reasons to be grateful to God…
“In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity…
Peace has been preserved with all nations…
Order has been maintained…
Laws have been respected and obeyed…
Harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict.”
Crops continue to grow…
Commerce continues over land and sea…
New settlements are established…
Precious metals continue to be mined…
The population is growing.
“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most-High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [these blessings] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.” [2]
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And declare His works with rejoicing.” [3]
[1] gospelherald.com/articles/68177/20161122/thanksgiving-2016
[2] abrahamlincolnonline.org/Lincoln/speeches/thanks
[3] Psalm 107:8-9, 21-22
Monday, November 23, 2020
The Power of the Bible And Prayer
A missionary was once asked by border guards of a communist country, “Do you have any guns, drugs, or Bibles?” The border guards apparently believed the Bible was as dangerous as guns and drugs. Guns injure and kill the body. Drugs alter and distort the mind. The Bible exposes and destroys falsehood. [1]
“The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” [2]
“There is no devil in the first two chapters of the Bible and no devil in the last two chapters. Thank God for a book that disposes of the devil!” [3]
“The Word not only lets you see what your thoughts are, but it criticizes your thoughts. The Word of God says of this thought, “it is vain,” and of that thought, “it is acceptable”; of this thought, “it is selfish,” and of that thought, “it is Christlike.” The Word of God gets at the very marrow of our manhood; it lays bare the secret thoughts of the soul. The Christ that is in the Word sees everything.” [4]
“The foundation of every reformation of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God made plain to the people.” [5]
“The first thing the Bible does is to make man take a serious view of life.” [6]
The Power of Prayer
"Prayer is not getting man's will done in heaven, but getting God's will done on earth. It is not overcoming God's reluctance but laying hold of God's willingness.” [7]
“What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use — men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men, men of prayer.” [8]
“When man works man works, but when man prays, God works.” [9]
“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” [10]
[1] Story told by D. J. De Haan
[2] Hebrews 4:12
[3] Vance Havner
[4] Quote from Charles Spurgeon
[5] Frank Cooke
[6] D. Martin Lloyd-Jones
[7] Richard C. Trench
[8] E.M. Bounds
[9] Hans Von Staden
[10] Dwight L. Moody
“The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” [2]
“There is no devil in the first two chapters of the Bible and no devil in the last two chapters. Thank God for a book that disposes of the devil!” [3]
“The Word not only lets you see what your thoughts are, but it criticizes your thoughts. The Word of God says of this thought, “it is vain,” and of that thought, “it is acceptable”; of this thought, “it is selfish,” and of that thought, “it is Christlike.” The Word of God gets at the very marrow of our manhood; it lays bare the secret thoughts of the soul. The Christ that is in the Word sees everything.” [4]
“The foundation of every reformation of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God made plain to the people.” [5]
“The first thing the Bible does is to make man take a serious view of life.” [6]
The Power of Prayer
"Prayer is not getting man's will done in heaven, but getting God's will done on earth. It is not overcoming God's reluctance but laying hold of God's willingness.” [7]
“What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use — men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men, men of prayer.” [8]
“When man works man works, but when man prays, God works.” [9]
“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” [10]
[1] Story told by D. J. De Haan
[2] Hebrews 4:12
[3] Vance Havner
[4] Quote from Charles Spurgeon
[5] Frank Cooke
[6] D. Martin Lloyd-Jones
[7] Richard C. Trench
[8] E.M. Bounds
[9] Hans Von Staden
[10] Dwight L. Moody
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Victory Verses From Our Lord
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” [1]
“Your righteousness, O God, is very high,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
Shall revive me again,
And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
You shall increase my greatness,
And comfort me on every side.” [2]
“…Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” [3]
“Be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way.” [4]
“God shall avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them. I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” [5]
“On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.” [6]
“There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the Lord.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the Lord.” [7]
[1] Luke 18:27
[2] Psalm 71:19-21
[3] Luke 18:1
[4] Psalm 2:10-11
[5] Luke 18:7-8
[6] Esther 9:1
[7] Proverbs 21:30-31
“Your righteousness, O God, is very high,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
Shall revive me again,
And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
You shall increase my greatness,
And comfort me on every side.” [2]
“…Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” [3]
“Be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way.” [4]
“God shall avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them. I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” [5]
“On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.” [6]
“There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the Lord.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the Lord.” [7]
[1] Luke 18:27
[2] Psalm 71:19-21
[3] Luke 18:1
[4] Psalm 2:10-11
[5] Luke 18:7-8
[6] Esther 9:1
[7] Proverbs 21:30-31
Thursday, November 19, 2020
The Great Creator is Our Savior
“Thus, says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord.” [1]
“Yes, God, You are God and we are not. We need Your continued intervention, guidance, provision, protection and blessing today.”
“On this one I will look: on Him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” [2]
Contrite literally means to be “lamed.” A person who is aware of the damage done by sin… Personally unable to stand upright before God. (Motyer)
“Yes, Lord, grant us the wisdom to lean on You and receive strength from You.”
“Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: ‘Your brethren who hated you, who cast you out for My name’s sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they shall be ashamed.” [3]
“Dear Father, help us to forgive those who hate and reject us in Your Name. The day shall come when they shall know that we faithfully served You and sought what was best for them.”
“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child.” [4]
“The day of victory will come easily for us because You Lord will bring it. As Romans 8:37 says… we more than conquerors because You love us. Thank You for new beginnings.”
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for Your comfort as of caring mother for us.”
“I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory.” “And I will take some of them for priests and Levites.” [6]
“Thank You Heavenly Father that You care for all people. You want ALL to see Your glory. Forgive us for the times that we have heard of terrible disasters and wars happening to people in the distant lands and did not take their sufferings to heart. Thank You for extending the priesthood of all believers to people from every nation and language. In our lives, Lord, be glorified. Be glorified today! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Isaiah 66:1
[2] Isaiah 66:2
[3] Isaiah 66:5
[4] Isaiah 66:7
[5] Isaiah 66:13
[6] Isaiah 66:18, 21
“Yes, God, You are God and we are not. We need Your continued intervention, guidance, provision, protection and blessing today.”
“On this one I will look: on Him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” [2]
Contrite literally means to be “lamed.” A person who is aware of the damage done by sin… Personally unable to stand upright before God. (Motyer)
“Yes, Lord, grant us the wisdom to lean on You and receive strength from You.”
“Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: ‘Your brethren who hated you, who cast you out for My name’s sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they shall be ashamed.” [3]
“Dear Father, help us to forgive those who hate and reject us in Your Name. The day shall come when they shall know that we faithfully served You and sought what was best for them.”
“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child.” [4]
“The day of victory will come easily for us because You Lord will bring it. As Romans 8:37 says… we more than conquerors because You love us. Thank You for new beginnings.”
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for Your comfort as of caring mother for us.”
“I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory.” “And I will take some of them for priests and Levites.” [6]
“Thank You Heavenly Father that You care for all people. You want ALL to see Your glory. Forgive us for the times that we have heard of terrible disasters and wars happening to people in the distant lands and did not take their sufferings to heart. Thank You for extending the priesthood of all believers to people from every nation and language. In our lives, Lord, be glorified. Be glorified today! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Isaiah 66:1
[2] Isaiah 66:2
[3] Isaiah 66:5
[4] Isaiah 66:7
[5] Isaiah 66:13
[6] Isaiah 66:18, 21
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
To Pastor Prophetically is to:
Believe the Bible is inerrant
Be guided by the Holy Spirit
Speak God’s truth with conviction
Fill breeches
Sound alarms
Repair walls
Expose evil
Help people’s God-consciousness
Advocate for justice
Speak to the deaf
Provide laws for the lawless
Abandon self to serve others
Confront wrong choices
Clarify consequences
Love deeply
Identify hope for the hopeless
Write poetically
Tell helpful stories
Give testimonies
Dramatize scenarios to make a point
Exude enthusiasm
Rise up in faith amidst doubt
Rejoice in repentance
Delight in forgiveness
Magnify God’s grace
Proclaim Messiah
Celebrate a risen Savior
Preach the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Reconcile people to God
Assure of divine rewards
Build and inhabit vacated cities
See humanity’s future in the Bible
Remind people of their Redeemer
Rejoice evil ends and good endures
Shout victory for God’s people
Praise the Lord! [1]
“In this you greatly rejoice,
Though now for a little while, if need be,
You have been grieved by various trials,
That the genuineness of your faith,
Being much more precious than gold that perishes,
Though it is tested by fire,
May be found to praise, honor, and glory…
At the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Whom having not seen you love.
Though now you do not see Him,
Yet believing, you rejoice with…
Joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Receiving the end of your faith—
The salvation of your souls.
Of this salvation the prophets have…
Inquired and searched carefully,
Who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
Searching what, or what manner of time,
The Spirit of Christ…
Be guided by the Holy Spirit
Speak God’s truth with conviction
Fill breeches
Sound alarms
Repair walls
Expose evil
Help people’s God-consciousness
Advocate for justice
Speak to the deaf
Provide laws for the lawless
Abandon self to serve others
Confront wrong choices
Clarify consequences
Love deeply
Identify hope for the hopeless
Write poetically
Tell helpful stories
Give testimonies
Dramatize scenarios to make a point
Exude enthusiasm
Rise up in faith amidst doubt
Rejoice in repentance
Delight in forgiveness
Magnify God’s grace
Proclaim Messiah
Celebrate a risen Savior
Preach the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Reconcile people to God
Assure of divine rewards
Build and inhabit vacated cities
See humanity’s future in the Bible
Remind people of their Redeemer
Rejoice evil ends and good endures
Shout victory for God’s people
Praise the Lord! [1]
“In this you greatly rejoice,
Though now for a little while, if need be,
You have been grieved by various trials,
That the genuineness of your faith,
Being much more precious than gold that perishes,
Though it is tested by fire,
May be found to praise, honor, and glory…
At the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Whom having not seen you love.
Though now you do not see Him,
Yet believing, you rejoice with…
Joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Receiving the end of your faith—
The salvation of your souls.
Of this salvation the prophets have…
Inquired and searched carefully,
Who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
Searching what, or what manner of time,
The Spirit of Christ…
Who was in them was indicating when—
He testified beforehand…
The sufferings of Christ
And the glories that would follow.” [2]
[1] Abbreviated list based on the Bible
[2] 1 Peter 1:6-11
He testified beforehand…
The sufferings of Christ
And the glories that would follow.” [2]
[1] Abbreviated list based on the Bible
[2] 1 Peter 1:6-11
Sunday, November 15, 2020
On Time & On Track
Countless people crowding, trampling on one another, it is time to teach…
Jesus said to His disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” [1]
Religious hypocrisy is using others to please oneself while pretending to serve God and people.
Jesus promised, “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed.” [2] The Holy Spirit exhorts us, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” [3]
The religious hypocrites behaved like ruthless beasts towards Jesus. They are the ones who brought false charges against Him and instigated His crucifixion. In lieu of their murderous intentions, Jesus advised His disciples, “My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear. Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” [4]
Worried about provisions for the ministry and for your survival? Jesus assured us, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” [5]
Do you want your name to be mentioned by Jesus before the angels of God? Then, confess Jesus before people. Jesus said, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.” [6]
What if your listener has you hauled to court for speaking the Name of Jesus? Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” [7]
Remember, the mission is not about you. It’s about God and others. Do what’s best for them. “Do all that you do for the glory of God!” [8]
What about material wealth? Jesus advised, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” [9] Do you really need a mansion or luxury vehicle to be happy? No, just a life that is making a positive difference for Jesus and others.
When tempted to worry about provisions, remember what Jesus said, “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Your Father knows that you need these things. Seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” [10]
The main concern to be concerned about is the Lord’s return. “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [11]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us on time and on track. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Luke 12:1
[2] Luke 12:2
[3] Ephesians 5:11
[4] Luke 12:4-5
[5] Luke 12:7
[6] Luke 12:8
[7] Luke 12:12
[8] 1 Corinthians 10:31
[9] Luke 12:15
[10] Luke 12:24-32
[11] Luke 12:40
Jesus said to His disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” [1]
Religious hypocrisy is using others to please oneself while pretending to serve God and people.
Jesus promised, “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed.” [2] The Holy Spirit exhorts us, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” [3]
The religious hypocrites behaved like ruthless beasts towards Jesus. They are the ones who brought false charges against Him and instigated His crucifixion. In lieu of their murderous intentions, Jesus advised His disciples, “My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear. Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” [4]
Worried about provisions for the ministry and for your survival? Jesus assured us, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” [5]
Do you want your name to be mentioned by Jesus before the angels of God? Then, confess Jesus before people. Jesus said, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.” [6]
What if your listener has you hauled to court for speaking the Name of Jesus? Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” [7]
Remember, the mission is not about you. It’s about God and others. Do what’s best for them. “Do all that you do for the glory of God!” [8]
What about material wealth? Jesus advised, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” [9] Do you really need a mansion or luxury vehicle to be happy? No, just a life that is making a positive difference for Jesus and others.
When tempted to worry about provisions, remember what Jesus said, “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Your Father knows that you need these things. Seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” [10]
The main concern to be concerned about is the Lord’s return. “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [11]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us on time and on track. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Luke 12:1
[2] Luke 12:2
[3] Ephesians 5:11
[4] Luke 12:4-5
[5] Luke 12:7
[6] Luke 12:8
[7] Luke 12:12
[8] 1 Corinthians 10:31
[9] Luke 12:15
[10] Luke 12:24-32
[11] Luke 12:40
Friday, November 13, 2020
70
That’s how many messengers Jesus appointed to prepare cities in advance of His arrival. He sent them out in pairs. This way, they could reach 35 cities simultaneously. Jesus wants people saved. [1]
He said to His messengers… “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” [2]
This was their mission. To bring in harvest and increase harvesters.
“Go your way. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.” [3] Wait! What was that! Don’t wolves eat lambs? Why are You sending us into harm’s way? Don’t You love us?
Yes, Jesus loves us, but He loves all people. He wants all people saved.
“Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” [4]
When we bring the message of Jesus to people, we bring to them the kingdom of God. We give them the opportunity to receive eternal life. We bring divine healing to the sick. We pray for them in the Name of Jesus.
“Then the 70 returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name!’ And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’” [5]
70! That’s how many returned from a dangerous mission. Not one was lost! All were joyful! All amazed! The powerful Name of Jesus, unlocked hearts… healed sick bodies… and opened heaven’s door to sinners who needed a Savior.
The power of Satan is no match for Jesus. Jesus delegates His authority and power to us His messengers so that we have authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us.
Our Lord’s kingdom spreads by HIS authority and HIS power. These are the tools we need to do the work.
“Dear 70,
Yes, you've got God's backing to defeat Satan, but rejoice in this…Your names are written in Heaven.”
Hallelujah!
[1] Luke 10:1
[2] Matthew 9:37
[3] Luke 10:3
[4] Luke 10:8-9
[5] Luke 10:17-20
He said to His messengers… “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” [2]
This was their mission. To bring in harvest and increase harvesters.
“Go your way. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.” [3] Wait! What was that! Don’t wolves eat lambs? Why are You sending us into harm’s way? Don’t You love us?
Yes, Jesus loves us, but He loves all people. He wants all people saved.
“Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” [4]
When we bring the message of Jesus to people, we bring to them the kingdom of God. We give them the opportunity to receive eternal life. We bring divine healing to the sick. We pray for them in the Name of Jesus.
“Then the 70 returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name!’ And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’” [5]
70! That’s how many returned from a dangerous mission. Not one was lost! All were joyful! All amazed! The powerful Name of Jesus, unlocked hearts… healed sick bodies… and opened heaven’s door to sinners who needed a Savior.
The power of Satan is no match for Jesus. Jesus delegates His authority and power to us His messengers so that we have authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us.
Our Lord’s kingdom spreads by HIS authority and HIS power. These are the tools we need to do the work.
“Dear 70,
Yes, you've got God's backing to defeat Satan, but rejoice in this…Your names are written in Heaven.”
Hallelujah!
[1] Luke 10:1
[2] Matthew 9:37
[3] Luke 10:3
[4] Luke 10:8-9
[5] Luke 10:17-20
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Our Hope & Prayer for the USA
They are on a mountain. Jesus is praying. Suddenly, Peter, John and James see the face of Jesus change. His clothing glistens. Two men are talking with Jesus. It is Moses and Elijah. They look glorious. They are talking with Jesus about the death He will die in Jerusalem. Moses and Elijah depart. Peter says to Jesus…
“Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.”
“Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.”
While Peter is talking, a cloud comes. They are afraid. Then, they hear a voice saying…
“This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” [1]
“This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” [1]
Moses was an imperfect embodiment of the God’s Law. Elijah was an imperfect embodiment of God’s Spirit. They have departed. Jesus remains. The Heavenly Father bears witness to Jesus. One greater than Moses and Elijah! He is the fulfillment of their incomplete embodiment. Their lives point to Him. He is the Perfect One. He is the express image of God’s person. [2] God, our Creator and Sustainer, says, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
They are on their way to Jerusalem. They want to pass through a village of Samaria. James and John note that this group of Samaritans are unreceptive of Jesus. They ask Jesus…
“Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”
Jesus turns and rebukes them, saying…
“You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to save us from our sins. Our nation needs saving, our unborn babies need saving, Your faithful people who love, serve and proclaim Your Son, Jesus… we need saving. We need You to intervene. We ask You to intervene. If You don’t intervene, evil will crush us and destroy our nation.
Thank You Heavenly Father that You have sent to us a greater One than Moses and Elijah! You have sent Your beloved Son, Jesus. He is with us. He intercedes for us. He atoned for our offenses so that You can now freely bless, prosper, save and love us. Our nation needs You to love us. Our unborn babies need You to love us. We need You to love us. Please, for the sake of Your Son’s bitter sufferings and death on the cross, bring forth floods of blessings to Your people in the United States today. For I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Luke 9:28-35
[2] Hebrews 1:3
[3] Luke 9:51-56
[2] Hebrews 1:3
[3] Luke 9:51-56
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Love Remains
It was an early day in the month of April. Temperatures in Jerusalem ranged from 65°F to 73°F. The religious leaders were gathered at the palace of the high priest. Note the word, “palace.” They were not planning a charitable event, praying or planning improvements to the pastoral services in their nation. The Bible says…
“[They] plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.” [1]
Not far away, in the home of a man with leprosy, Jesus is with His disciples. A woman feels compelled to pour her very expensive anointing oil on Jesus. His disciples become angry, but Jesus defends the woman. He says to them…
“Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” [2]
She did a good work for Jesus.
She believed that Jesus would die for the sins of the world.
She believed He was the Anointed One: “Messiah” (Hebrew) and “Christ” (Greek).
Wow! Jesus was being betrayed by religious leaders and by Judas (whose name means “Praise the Lord”). His disciples were about to forsake Him. The Romans were about to crucify Him… yet, this one woman… lavishes expensive anointing oil on Him. Jesus said…
“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
I had the privilege of telling university students in Guangzhou, China, the story of this woman. They warmly embraced Jesus and the love that this woman showed Him. Praise the Lord!
Soon after this woman lovingly lavished her expensive oil on Jesus, Judas Iscariot held out his empty hand to receive thirty pieces of silver from the high priest and his supporters. [3]
Now in a garden, Jesus is speaking with His disciples. Suddenly, Judas arrives with a large group of men armed with swords and clubs. They are on the payroll of the chief priests. Judas kisses Jesus on the cheek to indicate to the swordsmen and to the club bearers that this one is Jesus.
But wait, suddenly, Peter strikes a servant of the high priest with his sword. Peter severs the man’s ear clean off. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword…
“For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
Jesus asks Peter…
“Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels (36,000-72,000 or perhaps “countless”)? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” Then, Jesus healed the injured man’s ear. [4]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for demonstrating love in the darkest hour of Your life. Please grant us the grace to demonstrate love to those around us during the darkest days on earth.”
“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [5]
[1] Matthew 26:3
[2] Matthew 26:10-13
[3] Matthew 26:14-15
[4] Matthew 26:47-54
“[They] plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.” [1]
Not far away, in the home of a man with leprosy, Jesus is with His disciples. A woman feels compelled to pour her very expensive anointing oil on Jesus. His disciples become angry, but Jesus defends the woman. He says to them…
“Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” [2]
She did a good work for Jesus.
She believed that Jesus would die for the sins of the world.
She believed He was the Anointed One: “Messiah” (Hebrew) and “Christ” (Greek).
Wow! Jesus was being betrayed by religious leaders and by Judas (whose name means “Praise the Lord”). His disciples were about to forsake Him. The Romans were about to crucify Him… yet, this one woman… lavishes expensive anointing oil on Him. Jesus said…
“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
I had the privilege of telling university students in Guangzhou, China, the story of this woman. They warmly embraced Jesus and the love that this woman showed Him. Praise the Lord!
Soon after this woman lovingly lavished her expensive oil on Jesus, Judas Iscariot held out his empty hand to receive thirty pieces of silver from the high priest and his supporters. [3]
Now in a garden, Jesus is speaking with His disciples. Suddenly, Judas arrives with a large group of men armed with swords and clubs. They are on the payroll of the chief priests. Judas kisses Jesus on the cheek to indicate to the swordsmen and to the club bearers that this one is Jesus.
But wait, suddenly, Peter strikes a servant of the high priest with his sword. Peter severs the man’s ear clean off. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword…
“For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
Jesus asks Peter…
“Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels (36,000-72,000 or perhaps “countless”)? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” Then, Jesus healed the injured man’s ear. [4]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for demonstrating love in the darkest hour of Your life. Please grant us the grace to demonstrate love to those around us during the darkest days on earth.”
“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [5]
[1] Matthew 26:3
[2] Matthew 26:10-13
[3] Matthew 26:14-15
[4] Matthew 26:47-54
[5] 1 Corinthians 13:13
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Healthy Do’s & Don’ts
Do not…
Fret
Envy
Be angry
Be full of wrath
Do…
Trust in the Lord
Good (Do good)
Delight in the Lord
Commit your way to the Lord
Rest in the Lord
Wait on the Lord
Fruits from the don’t do list:
Wasted time
Personal harm
Sudden disappearance
Fruits from the to do list:
Land and faithfulness from the Lord
My delight in the Lord being full
The Lord making a way
The Lord bringing forth righteousness and justice
Earthly inheritances
Abundant peace
No need to beg
God’s mercy
Ability to lend to others
Blessed
Strength in time of trouble.
Divine help
Divine deliverance
Salvation
The Biblical basis for the above claims:
“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.
I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed, I sought him, but he could not be found.
But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them,
Because they trust in Him.” [1]
[1] Psalm 37:1-11, 25-26, 35-36, 39-40
Fret
Envy
Be angry
Be full of wrath
Do…
Trust in the Lord
Good (Do good)
Delight in the Lord
Commit your way to the Lord
Rest in the Lord
Wait on the Lord
Fruits from the don’t do list:
Wasted time
Personal harm
Sudden disappearance
Fruits from the to do list:
Land and faithfulness from the Lord
My delight in the Lord being full
The Lord making a way
The Lord bringing forth righteousness and justice
Earthly inheritances
Abundant peace
No need to beg
God’s mercy
Ability to lend to others
Blessed
Strength in time of trouble.
Divine help
Divine deliverance
Salvation
The Biblical basis for the above claims:
“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.
I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed, I sought him, but he could not be found.
But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them,
Because they trust in Him.” [1]
[1] Psalm 37:1-11, 25-26, 35-36, 39-40
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