I have often said, “God’s Word is the glue that holds me together. Without God’s Word I would come apart.” I post Scripture on social media because I want to share my blessings from the Lord with friends.
For example, I read in the Bible read good news of a godly governor who listened to the cries of the poor…
“We are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have been brought into slavery. It is not in our power to redeem them, for other men have our lands and vineyards.” [1]
Godly Governor Nehemiah rebuked the money lenders. He said…
“What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also a hundredth of the money and the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you have charged them.” [2]
Nehemiah shook out his garment and said, “So may God shake out each man from his house, and from his property, who does not perform this promise. Even thus may he be shaken out and emptied.” All the assembly said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord. Then the people did according to this promise.” [3] He established a law and attached to it undesirable consequences for lawbreakers.
Nehemiah and his staff did not take wages during his twelve years as governor. He said that the former governors laid heavy burdens on them. He said, “Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.” [4]
He and his servants worked with the people. He fed 150 Jews and rulers at his table daily.
He prayed, “Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” [5]
While he was appreciated by some, Nehemiah had enemies due to his rebuilding of Jerusalem. These enemies wanted to meet with him in the villages in the plain of Ono. They were like, “Oh no!” (from Ono). They thought to do him harm. Nehemiah sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” [6]
“They sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.” “They all were trying to make us afraid, saying, ‘Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.’ ‘Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.’” He was told, “They are coming to kill you; indeed, at night they will come to kill you.” He replied, “Should such a man as I flee?” [7]
Nehemiah placed the enemies of God in God’s hands. He prayed, “My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who would have made me afraid.” And as a result, the construction was completed and Nehemiah’s enemies, “Perceived that this work was done by our God.” [8]
I read the prophetic words of Jesus, written long before He was crucified:
“For 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.” [9]
Jesus sacrificed Himself for our sins. He is the best “governor” because He laid down His life for us. Jesus provides for us…
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (experience want). “He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He anoints my head with oil; my 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.” [10]
God’s Spirit of wisdom urges us to be faithful towards God and others, even as Nehemiah and Jesus were…
“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.” [11]
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.” [12]
“One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor.” [13]
“A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.” [14]
“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!” [15]
“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” [16]
“He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [17]
I read of the empathetic closeness of JESUS to us:
“We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” [18]
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” [19]
“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” [20]
The Bible affirms that God is faithful, and that His faithful ones are abundantly blessed! Praise be to His Holy Name!
[1] Nehemiah 5:5
[2] Nehemiah 5:9, 11
[3] Nehemiah 5:13
[4] Nehemiah 5:15
[5] Nehemiah 5:19
[6] Nehemiah 6:2-3
[7] Nehemiah 6:4, 9-11
[8] Nehemiah 6:14, 16
[9] Psalm 22:16-18
[10] Psalm 23:1, 5-6
[11] Proverbs 28:4-5
[12] Proverbs 28:6
[13] Proverbs 28:8
[14] Proverbs 28:16
[15] Proverbs 28:19
[16] Proverbs 28:20
[17] Proverbs 28:25
[18] Hebrews 2:9-10
[19] Hebrews 2:14
[20] Hebrews 2:17-18
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Well Done Good & Faithful Servant
Nehemiah was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia. He referred to himself, Israel, and Moses as the Lord’s servants. Suddenly, by God’s grace, this humble servant of God and king was sent to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. [1]
Paul referred to himself as the prisoner of the Lord. He appealed to a slave owner named Philemon to let Onesimus serve the Lord. He wrote to Philemon, saying, “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains. He once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart.” [2]
Paul referred to Onesimus as a son. Apparently, Paul had led Onesimus to believe in Christ. Onesimus was now a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Paul called him “my own heart.” In other words, very dear to him.
Paul reminded Philemon that he owed his life to him. Paul had led Philemon to Christ. He wanted Philemon to treat Onesimus as a partner and to receive him with the same respect that he would receive the apostle. He wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.” [3]
One out of every five people in the Roman empire was a slave. Slavery was common. Though Paul was not enslaved to any man, he often referred to himself as a slave of Jesus Christ. So, did Peter, John, and James! Jesus Christ did the work of a slave when He washed His disciples feet. He urged us to have the same mindset.
The concept of serving the interests of another above one’s own interests is so foreign to us today. Early Christianity was widely embraced by slaves. They turned what was considered contemptible, namely servitude, into a badge of honor.
The good news about being a slave of Christ is that His ultimate goal for us is to tell us at the end of our lives: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” [4]
I too want to be locked into serving such a loving Lord as Jesus Christ.
[1] Nehemiah 1-2
[2] Philemon 1:11-12
[3] Philemon 1:17-19
[4] Matthew 25:21
Paul referred to himself as the prisoner of the Lord. He appealed to a slave owner named Philemon to let Onesimus serve the Lord. He wrote to Philemon, saying, “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains. He once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart.” [2]
Paul referred to Onesimus as a son. Apparently, Paul had led Onesimus to believe in Christ. Onesimus was now a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Paul called him “my own heart.” In other words, very dear to him.
Paul reminded Philemon that he owed his life to him. Paul had led Philemon to Christ. He wanted Philemon to treat Onesimus as a partner and to receive him with the same respect that he would receive the apostle. He wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.” [3]
One out of every five people in the Roman empire was a slave. Slavery was common. Though Paul was not enslaved to any man, he often referred to himself as a slave of Jesus Christ. So, did Peter, John, and James! Jesus Christ did the work of a slave when He washed His disciples feet. He urged us to have the same mindset.
The concept of serving the interests of another above one’s own interests is so foreign to us today. Early Christianity was widely embraced by slaves. They turned what was considered contemptible, namely servitude, into a badge of honor.
The good news about being a slave of Christ is that His ultimate goal for us is to tell us at the end of our lives: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” [4]
I too want to be locked into serving such a loving Lord as Jesus Christ.
[1] Nehemiah 1-2
[2] Philemon 1:11-12
[3] Philemon 1:17-19
[4] Matthew 25:21
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Kingdom Builders
The Trans-Euphrates governor and his associates asked the builders who were busy rebuilding the temple to the Lord, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?” “What are the names of those who are constructing this building?” [1]
Intimidation, anger, and questioning!
“The eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped...” [2] Next, the political leaders sent a letter to King Darius detailing the work that the builders were doing. They gave the king the names of the builders. They gave the king quotes from the leaders like this one: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth.” [3] Thankfully, God had given the builders prophets named Haggai and Zechariah to be WITH them and SUPPORT THEM.
Thankfully, King Darius did not take the word of the critics of those builders at face value, but had a search done of the royal records. After a diligent search, it was discovered that the builders had been authorized to do the work a long time ago by King Cyrus. The complainants were actually breaking the law by hindering a fully sanctioned work by a previous king. [5]
King Darius sent a decree to the governor of the Trans-Euphrates, “Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury.” [6]
To those who thought to disregard the aforementioned words of King Darius, he decreed: “A beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.” [7]
This was a miracle of God! God is greater than all earthly power and authorities. He is able to ensure the ongoing success of the builders of His kingdom.
The temple was completed. The priesthood was organized and outfitted. Sacrifices were made to the Lord. The Passover was kept. [8]
“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” [9]
“Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” [10]
“The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” [11]
God’s grace to humankind is His Son Jesus Christ. When we trust In Him, He gets His kingdom work accomplished and we enjoy the privilege of being a part of His wonderful deeds.
[1] Ezra 5:3-4
[2] Ezra 5:5
[3] Ezra 5:6-11
[4] Ezra 5:1-2
[5] Ezra 6:1-5
[6] Ezra 6:7-8
[7] Ezra 6:11-12
[8] Ezra 6:14-21
[9] Ezra 6:22
[10] Psalm 9:10
[11] Titus 2:11
Intimidation, anger, and questioning!
“The eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped...” [2] Next, the political leaders sent a letter to King Darius detailing the work that the builders were doing. They gave the king the names of the builders. They gave the king quotes from the leaders like this one: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth.” [3] Thankfully, God had given the builders prophets named Haggai and Zechariah to be WITH them and SUPPORT THEM.
Thankfully, King Darius did not take the word of the critics of those builders at face value, but had a search done of the royal records. After a diligent search, it was discovered that the builders had been authorized to do the work a long time ago by King Cyrus. The complainants were actually breaking the law by hindering a fully sanctioned work by a previous king. [5]
King Darius sent a decree to the governor of the Trans-Euphrates, “Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury.” [6]
To those who thought to disregard the aforementioned words of King Darius, he decreed: “A beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.” [7]
This was a miracle of God! God is greater than all earthly power and authorities. He is able to ensure the ongoing success of the builders of His kingdom.
The temple was completed. The priesthood was organized and outfitted. Sacrifices were made to the Lord. The Passover was kept. [8]
“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” [9]
“Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” [10]
“The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” [11]
God’s grace to humankind is His Son Jesus Christ. When we trust In Him, He gets His kingdom work accomplished and we enjoy the privilege of being a part of His wonderful deeds.
[1] Ezra 5:3-4
[2] Ezra 5:5
[3] Ezra 5:6-11
[4] Ezra 5:1-2
[5] Ezra 6:1-5
[6] Ezra 6:7-8
[7] Ezra 6:11-12
[8] Ezra 6:14-21
[9] Ezra 6:22
[10] Psalm 9:10
[11] Titus 2:11
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Winning With God’s Help
The Lord moved the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to have the temple rebuilt in Jerusalem. This was to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah the prophet. However, “When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.” [1]
The enemies of God, His work and His people wanted them to open their hearts to hypocritical helpers. The Jews responded, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” [2]
The stealthy infiltration tactics of the enemies did not succeed so they tried others method to defeat them. “Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them.
At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.” [3]
The enemies resorted to five tactics to halt the work of God: 1) Infiltrate their ranks with play actors who would defeat them from within; 2) discouragement; 3) fearmongering; 4) bribes authorities to oppose them; 5) smearing their reputations. The work was temporarily halted due to these enemies.
However, the work was completed because God gave the people men of faith to move forward. “So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.” [4]
The Prophets Haggai and Zechariah had a close relationship with God and His Word. Also, they used the prophetic gift that God gave them to help their people navigate to victory over the roadblocks of their enemies.
God gets His will done, but it is good when we His people also pray for it and want it to happen. The conclusion of the story is that God wins. Hallelujah!
[1] Ezra 4:1-2
[2] Ezra 4:3
[3] Ezra 4:4-6
[4] Ezra 6:14
The enemies of God, His work and His people wanted them to open their hearts to hypocritical helpers. The Jews responded, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” [2]
The stealthy infiltration tactics of the enemies did not succeed so they tried others method to defeat them. “Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them.
At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.” [3]
The enemies resorted to five tactics to halt the work of God: 1) Infiltrate their ranks with play actors who would defeat them from within; 2) discouragement; 3) fearmongering; 4) bribes authorities to oppose them; 5) smearing their reputations. The work was temporarily halted due to these enemies.
However, the work was completed because God gave the people men of faith to move forward. “So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.” [4]
The Prophets Haggai and Zechariah had a close relationship with God and His Word. Also, they used the prophetic gift that God gave them to help their people navigate to victory over the roadblocks of their enemies.
God gets His will done, but it is good when we His people also pray for it and want it to happen. The conclusion of the story is that God wins. Hallelujah!
[1] Ezra 4:1-2
[2] Ezra 4:3
[3] Ezra 4:4-6
[4] Ezra 6:14
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Navigating via Gifts of the Holy Spirit
“Earnestly desire the best gifts.” [1]
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities,
but it is the same God who works all in all.
The manifestation of the Spirit is given to...
Each one for the profit of all:
To one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,
To another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
To another faith by the same Spirit,
To another the working of miracles,
To another prophecy,
To another discerning of spirits,
To another different kinds of tongues,
To another the interpretation of tongues.
The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” [2]
Gifts of the Spirit are given according to the grace of God. The Lord says that it is okay to earnestly desire them. I am praying for the gifts of...
Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Faith
Discerning of spirits
Dr. Hong Sit taught me years ago that the gifts are navigational gifts. They help the Church to navigate through the darkness and confusion. He went on to teach that 1 Corinthians 13 is about love which is the engine that empowers the ship or Church to move forward. So, Christ's gifts help us to steer, and His love empowers us.
Divine wisdom helps us to see the right choice
Divine knowledge is precise info regarding a person, place, situation
Divine faith is ability to trust God against odds
Discernment of spirits distinguishes between the clean and unclean
The human race is up against spiritual powers of wickedness in high places. [3] To win this war, we need good intel from God’s Spirit.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Church, Your body of believers, divine gifts via Your Holy Spirit. Please lead us to employ them for Your glory and for the blessing of the people. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that I pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 12:31
[2] 1 Corinthians 12:5-11
[3] Ephesians 6:12
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities,
but it is the same God who works all in all.
The manifestation of the Spirit is given to...
Each one for the profit of all:
To one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,
To another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
To another faith by the same Spirit,
To another the working of miracles,
To another prophecy,
To another discerning of spirits,
To another different kinds of tongues,
To another the interpretation of tongues.
The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” [2]
Gifts of the Spirit are given according to the grace of God. The Lord says that it is okay to earnestly desire them. I am praying for the gifts of...
Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Faith
Discerning of spirits
Dr. Hong Sit taught me years ago that the gifts are navigational gifts. They help the Church to navigate through the darkness and confusion. He went on to teach that 1 Corinthians 13 is about love which is the engine that empowers the ship or Church to move forward. So, Christ's gifts help us to steer, and His love empowers us.
Divine wisdom helps us to see the right choice
Divine knowledge is precise info regarding a person, place, situation
Divine faith is ability to trust God against odds
Discernment of spirits distinguishes between the clean and unclean
The human race is up against spiritual powers of wickedness in high places. [3] To win this war, we need good intel from God’s Spirit.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Church, Your body of believers, divine gifts via Your Holy Spirit. Please lead us to employ them for Your glory and for the blessing of the people. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that I pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 12:31
[2] 1 Corinthians 12:5-11
[3] Ephesians 6:12
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Facing Death With God’s Word
The thought of one’s death can evoke an wide range of emotions especially if the only resource one to face death is oneself. One day, our earth suits will expire. Our breathing will halt. All our systems shut down! What can we do?
The answer is JESUS. Believe what HE said. Rely on His grace! Then, He will be with us in that moment. JESUS has already overcome death, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself [JESUS] likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” [1]
We need not fear death because JESUS took it head-on at the cross and at the tomb, soundly defeated death for us. Yes, “The wage of sin is death, but the GIFT of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [2] GOD gives to us eternal life as a gift not as a wage.
We have this promise from God, “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of GOD which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [3] Our salvation is based on GOD’s LOVE for us in JESUS.
The day is coming when, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” [4]
As Jesus said to us, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” [5]
[1] Hebrew 2:14-15
[2] Romans 6:23
[3] Romans 8:38-39
[4] Revelation 21:4
[5] Luke 12:32
The answer is JESUS. Believe what HE said. Rely on His grace! Then, He will be with us in that moment. JESUS has already overcome death, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself [JESUS] likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” [1]
We need not fear death because JESUS took it head-on at the cross and at the tomb, soundly defeated death for us. Yes, “The wage of sin is death, but the GIFT of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [2] GOD gives to us eternal life as a gift not as a wage.
We have this promise from God, “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of GOD which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [3] Our salvation is based on GOD’s LOVE for us in JESUS.
The day is coming when, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” [4]
As Jesus said to us, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” [5]
[1] Hebrew 2:14-15
[2] Romans 6:23
[3] Romans 8:38-39
[4] Revelation 21:4
[5] Luke 12:32
Friday, July 10, 2020
Prevailing While Relying
Has the Lord done miracles for you?
In 1985, my wife and I were directing the New Life Evangelistic Center of Columbia, Missouri. The ministry involved sheltering homeless women and children, as well as providing utility assistance, free clothing, and food distribution for those who walked into the center during office hours. Our goal was to share the Gospel with people.
One day, I experienced a severe allergic reaction followed by a high fever of 104. I was advised at a free clinic to go to ER. I did and was admitted. After three days, my health had not improved, but my medical bill had reached $1,700. The hospital sent a social worker to me who asked me how I planned to pay my bill. I told her that I did not have a salary and was living by faith. I would pay the bill by faith. She did not like that answer. She noted that my wife and I both had college degrees. She told me that we would have to pay the full amount.
After considering her words, I checked out from the hospital. I did not want my debt to the hospital to keep on increasing. I was still sick and weak. I went home and went to bed. Sherry directed the ministry center. I started reading the Bible day and night. I read the entire Bible from to cover to cover in 28-days.
On the 28th day, the Lord brought 2 Chronicles 13:10-18 to my remembrance. I felt impressed that I was to sound a trumpet and shout to the Lord. I found a vacuum cleaner pipe and was able to make a sound through it three times. Then, I shouted, “Victory in Jesus! Victory over sickness! Victory over finances! Victory for Sherry’s upcoming childbirth! Victory for paying the hospital bill!
That very day my fever broke. My strength returned. There was a roll out of blessings afterwards.
The State of Missouri began forcing people on state aid in hospital beds out to the streets. The hospital called us and asked us to house them in our shelter. We did. Later, a lady on the Board of Regents at the hospital saw that I owed the hospital money and cancelled my bill of $1,700 and reduced Sherry’s upcoming birth fee from $3,000 to $500. Soon after that, an out of state donor sent us a random gift of $500 to cover any personal bills that we might have.
While I was ill, a lady named Bunny Walters began helping Sherry in the ministry center. Bunny eventually took over the ministry which freed us up to go to China and preach the Gospel. God boosted our faith by these miracles. When our first child was born, we named her Grace with no middle name, because we could testify that God’s grace enough. Glory to God!
I am an advocate for bold faith in God in the face of trials. I am an advocate for Christians rising up and relying on God to do miracles. Nothing is impossible with God. Let us be believing believers!
“The Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the priests who minister to the Lord are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. And they burn to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense; they also set the show bread in order on the pure gold table, and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps to burn every evening; for we keep the command of the Lord our God... Now look, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with sounding trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the Lord God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper!” [1]
“Jeroboam caused an ambush to go around behind them; so, they were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear and they cried out to the Lord, and the priests sounded the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand. Then Abijah and his people struck them with a great slaughter; so, five hundred thousand choice men of Israel fell slain. Thus, the children of Israel were subdued at that time and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers.” [2]
Picture: The New Life Evangelistic Center as it looked in 1986.
[1] 2 Chronicles 13:10-12
[2] 2 Chronicles 13:13-18
In 1985, my wife and I were directing the New Life Evangelistic Center of Columbia, Missouri. The ministry involved sheltering homeless women and children, as well as providing utility assistance, free clothing, and food distribution for those who walked into the center during office hours. Our goal was to share the Gospel with people.
One day, I experienced a severe allergic reaction followed by a high fever of 104. I was advised at a free clinic to go to ER. I did and was admitted. After three days, my health had not improved, but my medical bill had reached $1,700. The hospital sent a social worker to me who asked me how I planned to pay my bill. I told her that I did not have a salary and was living by faith. I would pay the bill by faith. She did not like that answer. She noted that my wife and I both had college degrees. She told me that we would have to pay the full amount.
After considering her words, I checked out from the hospital. I did not want my debt to the hospital to keep on increasing. I was still sick and weak. I went home and went to bed. Sherry directed the ministry center. I started reading the Bible day and night. I read the entire Bible from to cover to cover in 28-days.
On the 28th day, the Lord brought 2 Chronicles 13:10-18 to my remembrance. I felt impressed that I was to sound a trumpet and shout to the Lord. I found a vacuum cleaner pipe and was able to make a sound through it three times. Then, I shouted, “Victory in Jesus! Victory over sickness! Victory over finances! Victory for Sherry’s upcoming childbirth! Victory for paying the hospital bill!
That very day my fever broke. My strength returned. There was a roll out of blessings afterwards.
The State of Missouri began forcing people on state aid in hospital beds out to the streets. The hospital called us and asked us to house them in our shelter. We did. Later, a lady on the Board of Regents at the hospital saw that I owed the hospital money and cancelled my bill of $1,700 and reduced Sherry’s upcoming birth fee from $3,000 to $500. Soon after that, an out of state donor sent us a random gift of $500 to cover any personal bills that we might have.
While I was ill, a lady named Bunny Walters began helping Sherry in the ministry center. Bunny eventually took over the ministry which freed us up to go to China and preach the Gospel. God boosted our faith by these miracles. When our first child was born, we named her Grace with no middle name, because we could testify that God’s grace enough. Glory to God!
I am an advocate for bold faith in God in the face of trials. I am an advocate for Christians rising up and relying on God to do miracles. Nothing is impossible with God. Let us be believing believers!
“The Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the priests who minister to the Lord are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. And they burn to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense; they also set the show bread in order on the pure gold table, and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps to burn every evening; for we keep the command of the Lord our God... Now look, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with sounding trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the Lord God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper!” [1]
“Jeroboam caused an ambush to go around behind them; so, they were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear and they cried out to the Lord, and the priests sounded the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand. Then Abijah and his people struck them with a great slaughter; so, five hundred thousand choice men of Israel fell slain. Thus, the children of Israel were subdued at that time and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers.” [2]
Picture: The New Life Evangelistic Center as it looked in 1986.
[1] 2 Chronicles 13:10-12
[2] 2 Chronicles 13:13-18
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
The Cups of Wrath and Forgiveness
Jeremiah proclaimed God’s judgments on sin, but also spoke of God’s love for sinners. He told them that after a season of uprooting, God would replant them. He gave them hope. He told them that God was going to write His words on their hearts. God was going to rebuild them with a new depth of understanding of His great love for them.
Amid upheaval and hardship, Jeremiah prophesied of Messiah…
“’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” [1]
He urged people to base their hope in the Lord’s righteousness.
Our Messiah Jesus drank the cup of eternal wrath on sin that we deserved. He offers to us the cup of God’s forgiveness. The cup of salvation! He offers to us a new covenant…
“Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” [2]
Jesus Christ is our promise of victory during seasons of refinement. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and our sin. He baptizes us with His Holy Spirit so we can enjoy and love God.
[1] Jeremiah 23:5-6
[2] Matthew 26:27-28
Amid upheaval and hardship, Jeremiah prophesied of Messiah…
“’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” [1]
He urged people to base their hope in the Lord’s righteousness.
Our Messiah Jesus drank the cup of eternal wrath on sin that we deserved. He offers to us the cup of God’s forgiveness. The cup of salvation! He offers to us a new covenant…
“Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” [2]
Jesus Christ is our promise of victory during seasons of refinement. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and our sin. He baptizes us with His Holy Spirit so we can enjoy and love God.
[1] Jeremiah 23:5-6
[2] Matthew 26:27-28
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Grace-based Love
Grace-based love is not based on the person’s merit, but on Christ’s divine love and forgiveness... remember when Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them for they not what they do.”
Christ's example:
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [1]
Jesus demonstrated for us and called us to demonstrate for others God’s grace-based love:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [2]
The way this law works is that we recognize the grace we have received from God through His Son Jesus Christ, and love people based on God’s grace to us, and as the Holy Spirit urges us. Love can be an act of obedience to God, as well as an emotion that springs from compassion given to us by God’s Spirit.
“A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he [the robbed and beaten man] was. And when he saw him...
1) He had compassion.
2) He went to him.
3) Bandaged his wounds.
4) Poured on oil and wine.
5) He set him on his own animal.
6) Brought him to an inn.
7) Took care of him.
8) Took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper.
9) Said to the innkeeper, ‘Take care of him.’
10) Said to the innkeeper. ‘Whatever more you spend, I will repay you.’ [3]
By his actions he demonstrated love for God and love for neighbor. An extravagant and overtop way to keep the Ten Commandments.
The Good Samaritan gave to the wounded man with no expectation of a positive payback from him. He practiced grace-based love. Loving his neighbor was God’s grace at work in him.
[1] Romans 5:6-8
[2] John 13:34-35
[3] Luke 10:30-37
Christ's example:
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [1]
Jesus demonstrated for us and called us to demonstrate for others God’s grace-based love:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [2]
The way this law works is that we recognize the grace we have received from God through His Son Jesus Christ, and love people based on God’s grace to us, and as the Holy Spirit urges us. Love can be an act of obedience to God, as well as an emotion that springs from compassion given to us by God’s Spirit.
“A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he [the robbed and beaten man] was. And when he saw him...
1) He had compassion.
2) He went to him.
3) Bandaged his wounds.
4) Poured on oil and wine.
5) He set him on his own animal.
6) Brought him to an inn.
7) Took care of him.
8) Took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper.
9) Said to the innkeeper, ‘Take care of him.’
10) Said to the innkeeper. ‘Whatever more you spend, I will repay you.’ [3]
By his actions he demonstrated love for God and love for neighbor. An extravagant and overtop way to keep the Ten Commandments.
The Good Samaritan gave to the wounded man with no expectation of a positive payback from him. He practiced grace-based love. Loving his neighbor was God’s grace at work in him.
[1] Romans 5:6-8
[2] John 13:34-35
[3] Luke 10:30-37
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