“I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.” [1]
I am glad that the Lord thinks upon us. There are many aspects to our lives. We may do well in some areas and be poor and needy in other areas. I praise the Lord for helping and delivering us in a timely fashion.
The Lord says, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” [2]
A Roman Centurion had successfully guided his hundred soldiers to victory after victory. He was wealthy and generous, but he could not heal his servant… the servant whom he highly valued. What did he do? He looked to Jesus. Our Lord Jesus healed that servant that very hour… “Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.’” [3]
Peter and Andrew, James and John were professional seamen. They had spent much of their early adult years navigating boats through stormy seas. Suddenly, a storm struck that they could not overcome. At that moment, they were poor and needy. They cried out to Jesus. They were astonished at what the Lord can do. “So the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” [4]
My dear friends, I thank our Lord Jesus in advance, because no matter what situation arises in our lives, He is able and willing to help us. Glory and honor be unto Him!
[1] Psalm 40:17
[2] Isaiah 45:22
[3] Matthew 8:13
[4] Matthew 8:27
Monday, September 28, 2020
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Declaration of Praise to our God!
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” [1]
It is a miracle! It is amazing grace! When God, the Creator of the universe, leads anyone of us to acknowledge our sin before Him, moves us to ask His forgiveness, and then, indeed, blots out our transgressions and remembers our sins no more. Thank You Heavenly Father that through Jesus Your Son, You have given us a clean slate… purged our record.
“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” [2]
God’s forgiveness and grace initiates a new beginning for us. Roads suddenly appear where once there was only dead ends. Rivers flow where once there was only unquenched thirst.
“Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” [3]
When God brings forth a new beginning, no one reverses it.
“Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life.” [4]
GOD is love. HE did something right. HE did something good. HE counted us precious. HE honored us. HE loved us. HE inspired people to treat us favorably.
“This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.” [5]
“Praise You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for Your continued goodness, kindness, love and favor. We praise YOU!”
[1] Isaiah 43:25
[2] Isaiah 43:19
[3] Isaiah 43:13
[4] Isaiah 43:4
[5] Isaiah 43:21
It is a miracle! It is amazing grace! When God, the Creator of the universe, leads anyone of us to acknowledge our sin before Him, moves us to ask His forgiveness, and then, indeed, blots out our transgressions and remembers our sins no more. Thank You Heavenly Father that through Jesus Your Son, You have given us a clean slate… purged our record.
“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” [2]
God’s forgiveness and grace initiates a new beginning for us. Roads suddenly appear where once there was only dead ends. Rivers flow where once there was only unquenched thirst.
“Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” [3]
When God brings forth a new beginning, no one reverses it.
“Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life.” [4]
GOD is love. HE did something right. HE did something good. HE counted us precious. HE honored us. HE loved us. HE inspired people to treat us favorably.
“This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.” [5]
“Praise You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for Your continued goodness, kindness, love and favor. We praise YOU!”
[1] Isaiah 43:25
[2] Isaiah 43:19
[3] Isaiah 43:13
[4] Isaiah 43:4
[5] Isaiah 43:21
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Moving Forward With Divine Power
“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench.
He will bring forth justice for truth.
He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.
To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.” [1]
The Messiah accomplishes justice. He opens blind eyes and sets prisoners free. His ministry in our lives brings forth breakthroughs that we could never accomplish without Him.
We do not need to perform for people as though Messiah needs our help to bring about the justice. For example, Jesus said, “Do not do your charitable deeds before men... When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites… to be seen by men… When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites… to appear to men to be fasting…” We do not need to worry about lack of provisions when pursuing God’s kingdom and His righteousness. “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” [2]
Our Heavenly Father knows what we need. He provides. Our Lord Jesus Christ urges us to stay focused on God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and to let God take care of the rest. Our part is to trust in His promises and act accordingly.
“Thank You Lord Jesus for Your steady calm approach to justice. You moved forward with divine power, and so do we as we rely on You!”
[1] Isaiah 42:1-4, 7
[2] Matthew 6:1, 5, 16, 19-20, 24, 31-33
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench.
He will bring forth justice for truth.
He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.
To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.” [1]
The Messiah accomplishes justice. He opens blind eyes and sets prisoners free. His ministry in our lives brings forth breakthroughs that we could never accomplish without Him.
We do not need to perform for people as though Messiah needs our help to bring about the justice. For example, Jesus said, “Do not do your charitable deeds before men... When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites… to be seen by men… When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites… to appear to men to be fasting…” We do not need to worry about lack of provisions when pursuing God’s kingdom and His righteousness. “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” [2]
Our Heavenly Father knows what we need. He provides. Our Lord Jesus Christ urges us to stay focused on God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and to let God take care of the rest. Our part is to trust in His promises and act accordingly.
“Thank You Lord Jesus for Your steady calm approach to justice. You moved forward with divine power, and so do we as we rely on You!”
[1] Isaiah 42:1-4, 7
[2] Matthew 6:1, 5, 16, 19-20, 24, 31-33
Friday, September 25, 2020
Seeing God
On the morning of June 10, 1973, I awoke from sleep. It was Sunday morning. I told my older brother that I had a dream. I heard a choir singing the words of Psalm 51:10-12. I saw a bright light. He responded, “Write it down and see what happens.”
Later that afternoon, my father died in a manner of minutes from a heart attack. I was on my knees next to him, begging him not to die. I was 13 years old.
As I reflect back on that day, I thank my Heavenly Father because He knew that I could not hold up under the burden of my guilt and my grief. He provided pre-trial guidance for me…
“Create in me a clean heart, O God”
(God did create a new heart in me)
“Renew a steadfast spirit within me”
(His Spirit was working on me)
“Do not cast me away from Your presence”
(The Lord never left me. He did not forsake me.)
“Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
(The Holy Spirit has helped me throughout my life.)
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,”
(Joy - because Christ paid for my salvation on the cross.
Joy - My father believed in Jesus. I shall see him again.)
Though I did not hear the angelic choir sing verse 13 of Psalm 51, I add it here:
“Uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
(The Holy Spirit does help me in generous fashion.)
“Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,”
(The Holy Spirit points transgressors to Jesus.)
“Sinners shall be converted to You.”
(The Gospel of Jesus Christ converts sinners.)
Jesus taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Ask the Lord to forgive your sins and create in you a new heart. Once He does, you will see the many ways in which He is working in your life. You will sense His presence with you.
Later that afternoon, my father died in a manner of minutes from a heart attack. I was on my knees next to him, begging him not to die. I was 13 years old.
As I reflect back on that day, I thank my Heavenly Father because He knew that I could not hold up under the burden of my guilt and my grief. He provided pre-trial guidance for me…
“Create in me a clean heart, O God”
(God did create a new heart in me)
“Renew a steadfast spirit within me”
(His Spirit was working on me)
“Do not cast me away from Your presence”
(The Lord never left me. He did not forsake me.)
“Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
(The Holy Spirit has helped me throughout my life.)
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,”
(Joy - because Christ paid for my salvation on the cross.
Joy - My father believed in Jesus. I shall see him again.)
Though I did not hear the angelic choir sing verse 13 of Psalm 51, I add it here:
“Uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
(The Holy Spirit does help me in generous fashion.)
“Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,”
(The Holy Spirit points transgressors to Jesus.)
“Sinners shall be converted to You.”
(The Gospel of Jesus Christ converts sinners.)
Jesus taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Ask the Lord to forgive your sins and create in you a new heart. Once He does, you will see the many ways in which He is working in your life. You will sense His presence with you.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
The Baptism of Jesus Christ
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’” [1]
No one compelled Jesus to be baptized. He came to John of His own choice.
How ironic! Jesus had no sin. John did. John needed the Spirit-and-fire baptism Jesus gives.
“But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.” [2]
Sometimes we take lightly one or two steps in the process of following the Lord. Surely, we can fudge a little, right? Well, consider the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The one thought a house on the beach was okay. What happened to his house? “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Water baptism was another important step in the overall mission of Jesus to identify with fallen and sinful man. His final step in the mission to identify with sinners was at the cross.
Jesus identified Himself with sinners. He did this in His birth, His upbringing, and His death. Therefore, John the Baptist allowed Jesus to stand in the place of sinful man. He baptized Him.
Isaiah wrote of the Messiah, “He was numbered with the transgressors, He bore the sin of many, He made intercession for the transgressors.” [3]
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” [4] Jesus’ baptism was a righteous identification with sinners, motivated by love. This act pleased His Heavenly Father.
“The heavens were opened to Him.” The Father, Son and Holy Spirit open heaven for us. “The Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted upon Him.” Jesus began His ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. We should do likewise.
God the Father said of Jesus, “In whom I am well pleased.” To “well-please” our Heavenly Father, we need to be like Jesus in His love for sinners.
[1] Matthew 3:14
[2] Matthew 3:15
[3] Isaiah 53:12
[4] Matthew 3:16-17
No one compelled Jesus to be baptized. He came to John of His own choice.
How ironic! Jesus had no sin. John did. John needed the Spirit-and-fire baptism Jesus gives.
“But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.” [2]
Sometimes we take lightly one or two steps in the process of following the Lord. Surely, we can fudge a little, right? Well, consider the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The one thought a house on the beach was okay. What happened to his house? “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Water baptism was another important step in the overall mission of Jesus to identify with fallen and sinful man. His final step in the mission to identify with sinners was at the cross.
Jesus identified Himself with sinners. He did this in His birth, His upbringing, and His death. Therefore, John the Baptist allowed Jesus to stand in the place of sinful man. He baptized Him.
Isaiah wrote of the Messiah, “He was numbered with the transgressors, He bore the sin of many, He made intercession for the transgressors.” [3]
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” [4] Jesus’ baptism was a righteous identification with sinners, motivated by love. This act pleased His Heavenly Father.
“The heavens were opened to Him.” The Father, Son and Holy Spirit open heaven for us. “The Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted upon Him.” Jesus began His ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. We should do likewise.
God the Father said of Jesus, “In whom I am well pleased.” To “well-please” our Heavenly Father, we need to be like Jesus in His love for sinners.
[1] Matthew 3:14
[2] Matthew 3:15
[3] Isaiah 53:12
[4] Matthew 3:16-17
Thursday, September 17, 2020
You’re Invited to a Marriage Feast
A great multitude in heaven say with a loud voice, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory, honor, and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” [1]
The great harlot refers to Babylon. Babylon refers to the devil’s kingdom that sought to displace and replace God’s kingdom.
A great multitude says with a loud voice, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” [2]
Then, an angel spoke to John and said, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” [3]
John fell at the angel’s feet to worship him, but the angel said to him, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” [4]
The message of all messages is the testimony of Jesus. The Gospel of Christ is the prophecy flowing with divine grace. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him. [5]
Are you ready? The marriage feast is planned. The Holy Spirit is inviting you today. Have you responded? If not, don’t wait, receive Christ and all that He has done for your salvation.
[1] Revelation 19:1-2
[2] Revelation 19:6-7
[3] Revelation 19:9
[4] Revelation 19:10
[5] John 14:6
The great harlot refers to Babylon. Babylon refers to the devil’s kingdom that sought to displace and replace God’s kingdom.
A great multitude says with a loud voice, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” [2]
Then, an angel spoke to John and said, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” [3]
John fell at the angel’s feet to worship him, but the angel said to him, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” [4]
The message of all messages is the testimony of Jesus. The Gospel of Christ is the prophecy flowing with divine grace. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him. [5]
Are you ready? The marriage feast is planned. The Holy Spirit is inviting you today. Have you responded? If not, don’t wait, receive Christ and all that He has done for your salvation.
[1] Revelation 19:1-2
[2] Revelation 19:6-7
[3] Revelation 19:9
[4] Revelation 19:10
[5] John 14:6
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
My Two Witnesses
“I will grant authority to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” [1]
The word prophesy literally means to speak for someone. These two speak for God. They do so in sackcloth. Sackcloth is worn as a sign of mourning or repentance.
The symbolism of sackcloth reminds us of the importance of repentance. Without repentance (asking God to forgive our sins and change our hearts) people are blindsided by divine judgment when it comes.
They exhibit the signs of Elijah “power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying” and of Moses “power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.” [2]
Elijah prophesied against idolatry among the people of Israel. He challenged false prophets to a dual and defeated them by leaning on the power of God.
Moses prophesied against Pharaoh of Egypt. He delivered slaves from their slaveholders.
Both prophets revealed to cruel authorities that God was God, and they were not.
When earthly authorities horribly mistreat people, Christ anoints His Church to indict them and call them to repentance and to submission to God and His Word.
Moses represents God’s Word and Elijah represents the Spirit of the Lord. These two figures also appeared at the transfiguration of Jesus. The Christian Church has these two witnesses. When the Word and the Holy Spirit is operating in the Church, the Church is operating as Christ’s prophet in the world.
The Lord Jesus gives authority to His Church to speak for Him.
Like Jesus, they both suffer a setback. Jesus was crucified. These witnesses are killed by the beast. Both Jesus and they experience death. Jesus for three days. They for three and half days. Like Jesus, they resurrect from the dead. Like Jesus, they ascend to heaven while people watch.
“When they have finished their testimony,” the beast kills them. Their dead bodies lie in the street where their Lord was crucified for three and a half days. SOME peoples from the nations gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be entombed. People rejoice, make merriment and exchange gifts because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. But three and a half days later, God breathes into them, and they stand up on their feet. Great fear falls on those who see this happen. Then, the Lord calls them up to heaven. They ascend to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watch. [3]
After their rapture, loud voices in heaven say, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” [4]
Don’t rejoice when Christians are taken down because God will raise them up.
Finally, the kingdom of the world is destined to become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. Only His Kingdom shall remain forever.
[1] Revelation 11:3
[2] Revelation 11:6
[3] Revelation 11:7-12
[4] Revelation 11:15
The word prophesy literally means to speak for someone. These two speak for God. They do so in sackcloth. Sackcloth is worn as a sign of mourning or repentance.
The symbolism of sackcloth reminds us of the importance of repentance. Without repentance (asking God to forgive our sins and change our hearts) people are blindsided by divine judgment when it comes.
They exhibit the signs of Elijah “power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying” and of Moses “power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.” [2]
Elijah prophesied against idolatry among the people of Israel. He challenged false prophets to a dual and defeated them by leaning on the power of God.
Moses prophesied against Pharaoh of Egypt. He delivered slaves from their slaveholders.
Both prophets revealed to cruel authorities that God was God, and they were not.
When earthly authorities horribly mistreat people, Christ anoints His Church to indict them and call them to repentance and to submission to God and His Word.
Moses represents God’s Word and Elijah represents the Spirit of the Lord. These two figures also appeared at the transfiguration of Jesus. The Christian Church has these two witnesses. When the Word and the Holy Spirit is operating in the Church, the Church is operating as Christ’s prophet in the world.
The Lord Jesus gives authority to His Church to speak for Him.
Like Jesus, they both suffer a setback. Jesus was crucified. These witnesses are killed by the beast. Both Jesus and they experience death. Jesus for three days. They for three and half days. Like Jesus, they resurrect from the dead. Like Jesus, they ascend to heaven while people watch.
“When they have finished their testimony,” the beast kills them. Their dead bodies lie in the street where their Lord was crucified for three and a half days. SOME peoples from the nations gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be entombed. People rejoice, make merriment and exchange gifts because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. But three and a half days later, God breathes into them, and they stand up on their feet. Great fear falls on those who see this happen. Then, the Lord calls them up to heaven. They ascend to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watch. [3]
After their rapture, loud voices in heaven say, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” [4]
Don’t rejoice when Christians are taken down because God will raise them up.
Finally, the kingdom of the world is destined to become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. Only His Kingdom shall remain forever.
[1] Revelation 11:3
[2] Revelation 11:6
[3] Revelation 11:7-12
[4] Revelation 11:15
Monday, September 7, 2020
Chained To The Gospel
“Jesus came and said to them, ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.’” [1]
There are so many causes today that beckon for attention, time, energy, and resources. Before ascending to heaven, Messiah gave His disciples two assurances, and two commissions.
Two Assurances:
I (Jesus) have power over heaven and earth
I (Jesus) am with you always
Two Commissions:
Teach nations to observe whatsoever I have commanded you
Baptize nations in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Book of Acts tells the story of disciples acting on the assurances and commissions of Jesus.
Once, the Apostle Paul told a king in a crowded courtroom, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” [2] Despite being in prison chains, Paul wanted his hearers to become Christ-followers like he was. His message wasn’t about creating a utopia on earth. He spoke of how through faith in Christ earth-dwellers become citizens of heaven.
The worse human crisis is to miss an eternity in heaven with God. Believing in and confessing Christ is the solution.
Paul asked Christians to pray for him that utterance and boldness would be given to him to make known the mystery of the Gospel. He told them, “I am an ambassador in chains.” [3]
Let us pray for one another to be ambassadors for Christ. That we would be chained to the effort of sharing the Gospel with people who need to know Jesus!
[1] Matthew 28:18-20
[2] Acts 26:29
[3] Ephesians 6:18-20
There are so many causes today that beckon for attention, time, energy, and resources. Before ascending to heaven, Messiah gave His disciples two assurances, and two commissions.
Two Assurances:
I (Jesus) have power over heaven and earth
I (Jesus) am with you always
Two Commissions:
Teach nations to observe whatsoever I have commanded you
Baptize nations in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Book of Acts tells the story of disciples acting on the assurances and commissions of Jesus.
Once, the Apostle Paul told a king in a crowded courtroom, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” [2] Despite being in prison chains, Paul wanted his hearers to become Christ-followers like he was. His message wasn’t about creating a utopia on earth. He spoke of how through faith in Christ earth-dwellers become citizens of heaven.
The worse human crisis is to miss an eternity in heaven with God. Believing in and confessing Christ is the solution.
Paul asked Christians to pray for him that utterance and boldness would be given to him to make known the mystery of the Gospel. He told them, “I am an ambassador in chains.” [3]
Let us pray for one another to be ambassadors for Christ. That we would be chained to the effort of sharing the Gospel with people who need to know Jesus!
[1] Matthew 28:18-20
[2] Acts 26:29
[3] Ephesians 6:18-20
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Resistance & The Gospel
“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” [1]
There’s a lot of talk these days about resistance to tyrants. Well, the tyrant of all tyrants is the devil. If we don’t resist him in the power of God’s Word and Spirit, souls perish. The Lord taught us to ask God to keep us from temptation and to deliver us from evil. To resist it!
Resistance - Dictionary Definition:
“the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.
armed or violent opposition as in resisting authority in an occupied country.
the ability not to be affected by something, especially adversely.
lack of sensitivity to a drug, insecticide, etc., especially as a result of continued exposure or genetic change.
the impeding, slowing, or stopping effect exerted by one material thing on another.
the degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy dissipation.
[Volume controls are examples of resistance in electric circuitry. Turning down a volume control dial raises the resistance to electricity flowing and lowers the volume of sound. We need to turn off volume dials that oppose Christ and to turn up the dials that proclaim Him. Jesus Christ makes people better.]
Phrase: the path of least resistance — an option avoiding difficulty or unpleasantness; the easiest course of action.” [2]
“Logs, carcasses, and trash float downstream.” In other words, “they go with the flow.” [3]
What does God resist? What does He urge us to resist?
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [4]
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [5]
“[The devil] resist steadfast in the faith.” [6]
Peter said to the leaders who wanted him to stop speaking about Jesus, “We must obey God rather than man.” [7]
May we resist the temptation to neglect the ministry of the Gospel. After all, this message cost the Son of God His life.
[1] Matthew 6:13
[2] Oxford Languages Dictionary
[3] Anonymous quote
[4] James 4:6
[5] James 4:7
[6] 1 Peter 5:9
[7] Acts 5:29
There’s a lot of talk these days about resistance to tyrants. Well, the tyrant of all tyrants is the devil. If we don’t resist him in the power of God’s Word and Spirit, souls perish. The Lord taught us to ask God to keep us from temptation and to deliver us from evil. To resist it!
Resistance - Dictionary Definition:
“the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.
armed or violent opposition as in resisting authority in an occupied country.
the ability not to be affected by something, especially adversely.
lack of sensitivity to a drug, insecticide, etc., especially as a result of continued exposure or genetic change.
the impeding, slowing, or stopping effect exerted by one material thing on another.
the degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy dissipation.
[Volume controls are examples of resistance in electric circuitry. Turning down a volume control dial raises the resistance to electricity flowing and lowers the volume of sound. We need to turn off volume dials that oppose Christ and to turn up the dials that proclaim Him. Jesus Christ makes people better.]
Phrase: the path of least resistance — an option avoiding difficulty or unpleasantness; the easiest course of action.” [2]
“Logs, carcasses, and trash float downstream.” In other words, “they go with the flow.” [3]
What does God resist? What does He urge us to resist?
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [4]
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [5]
“[The devil] resist steadfast in the faith.” [6]
Peter said to the leaders who wanted him to stop speaking about Jesus, “We must obey God rather than man.” [7]
May we resist the temptation to neglect the ministry of the Gospel. After all, this message cost the Son of God His life.
[1] Matthew 6:13
[2] Oxford Languages Dictionary
[3] Anonymous quote
[4] James 4:6
[5] James 4:7
[6] 1 Peter 5:9
[7] Acts 5:29
Thursday, September 3, 2020
The Holy Spirit & Evangelism
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” [1]
Yesterday, the Holy Spirit brought to mind the image of crocus flowers sprouting and blooming in the snow. This happened every year in the flower beds in front of my mother’s house. The vision came with a sense of hope that the Lord is renewing His people’s readiness to bloom with the Gospel after a long period of lying dormant. Praise the Lord!
He also gave me the image of an electrical plug. When a plug is connected to a power source, power can flow through it to power the device that is otherwise of no use without it. At the time of the vision, I was thinking about evangelism. We may have learned and internalized an outline of the Gospel to share with someone, but unless the Holy Spirit is in us and flowing through us, the person with whom we speak will not be converted.
Evangelistic outlines are helpful tools. During my lifetime, I have used the following methods: Evangelism Explosion, Bridge, Roman Road, and ABC. However, I have learned by experience that only the Holy Spirit can convert a person’s soul. It is not enough to convince the mind because the mind can be unconvinced. The Holy Spirit must be present and bear witness to the listener’s spirit that what is said is true. The person must respond to the witness of the Word and Spirit by believing and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people to propagate Your Good News of how You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be a Savior from sin. Help us to do so with the power and anointing of Your Holy Spirit. For we pray this in the Name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.”
[1] John 3:8
Yesterday, the Holy Spirit brought to mind the image of crocus flowers sprouting and blooming in the snow. This happened every year in the flower beds in front of my mother’s house. The vision came with a sense of hope that the Lord is renewing His people’s readiness to bloom with the Gospel after a long period of lying dormant. Praise the Lord!
He also gave me the image of an electrical plug. When a plug is connected to a power source, power can flow through it to power the device that is otherwise of no use without it. At the time of the vision, I was thinking about evangelism. We may have learned and internalized an outline of the Gospel to share with someone, but unless the Holy Spirit is in us and flowing through us, the person with whom we speak will not be converted.
Evangelistic outlines are helpful tools. During my lifetime, I have used the following methods: Evangelism Explosion, Bridge, Roman Road, and ABC. However, I have learned by experience that only the Holy Spirit can convert a person’s soul. It is not enough to convince the mind because the mind can be unconvinced. The Holy Spirit must be present and bear witness to the listener’s spirit that what is said is true. The person must respond to the witness of the Word and Spirit by believing and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people to propagate Your Good News of how You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be a Savior from sin. Help us to do so with the power and anointing of Your Holy Spirit. For we pray this in the Name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.”
[1] John 3:8
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