“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [1]
To-do lists help us remember things... before we shop... before traveling... at the beginning of a day. Faith, hope, and love are three important to-do’s to follow Jesus.
Faith
Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry! God is still on the throne. He made the sun, moon, and stars. He who sustains the universe is aware of you. He never slumbers nor sleeps. He has given His angels charge over you. He is able to sustain you by miracles if necessary.
Hope
Don’t turn down the road that says, “No hope.” Don’t go there. Maintain an attitude of gratitude. Stay on the road of praise and thanksgiving. What has God already done for you? Allow blessings to be HUGE in your mind. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself! Be absolutely ecstatic about the eternal blessings that are to coming to you thanks to Jesus!
Love
Instead of me-ism... instead of materialism... instead of achieve-ism... L-O-V-E. Love those around you. Talk to people. Make a phone call. Do a zoom. Write an email. Text. Be kind. Add a L-O-V-E to-do on your list. Love unconditionally. No return necessary. Love for the sake of love.
Faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these love. “God is love.” [2]
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:13
[2] 1 John 4:8
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Thursday, October 29, 2020
God Exists - God Rewards
“...He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” [1]
“God, You exist. God, You reward.”
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” [2]
“Thank You Father God that the faith that You give us has substance. The faith You give us is evidence… a knowing in advance that You hear us. A gift of grace! Thank You for Your book, the Bible, for by believing it victories spring forth.”
“Thank You God for examples in Hebrews 11 of people who trusted You and changed the course of the world… Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David, and Samuel.”
“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” [3]
“Thank You God for the creative power in Your Word!”
“Therefore, I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You in advance for miracles that come from believing in You. The impossible made possible! I sing praises to You Name for Your Name is great and greatly praised. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
[1] Hebrews 11:6
[2] Hebrews 11:1-2
[3] Hebrews 11:3
[4] Mark 11:24
“God, You exist. God, You reward.”
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” [2]
“Thank You Father God that the faith that You give us has substance. The faith You give us is evidence… a knowing in advance that You hear us. A gift of grace! Thank You for Your book, the Bible, for by believing it victories spring forth.”
“Thank You God for examples in Hebrews 11 of people who trusted You and changed the course of the world… Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David, and Samuel.”
“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” [3]
“Thank You God for the creative power in Your Word!”
“Therefore, I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You in advance for miracles that come from believing in You. The impossible made possible! I sing praises to You Name for Your Name is great and greatly praised. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
[1] Hebrews 11:6
[2] Hebrews 11:1-2
[3] Hebrews 11:3
[4] Mark 11:24
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Faith In Christ Has Made You Well
The Pharisees could not stump Jesus with trick questions. [1]
The disciples rebuked people for bring children to Jesus. Jesus told His disciples, “Forbid them not.” He blessed the children. [2]
A rich young ruler parted with Jesus rather than with his riches. [3]
Jesus assured His disciples that whoever parts with meaningful relationships and earthly treasures for His sake and for the Gospel’s sake will receive a hundredfold in this life and eternal life in the age to come. [4]
Jesus prophesied to His twelve disciples that the religious leaders would betray Him, that the Gentiles would mock, scourge, spit on, and kill Him, but on the third day He would resurrect. [5]
Jesus told His disciples when they were competing with one another, “Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [6]
A blind beggar named Bartimaeus doesn’t want to stump Jesus with hard questions. He doesn’t want to thwart ministry to children. He’s not looking to Jesus for money or position. Amidst all the people with eyes that see, this blindman sees Jesus clearly. He believes in Jesus.
Bartimaeus cried out from his roadside position, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So, Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. People said to Bartimaeus, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” Throwing aside his beggar garment, he rose and came to Jesus. Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus responded by saying, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. [7]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for giving to blind Bartimaeus the gift of faith to recognize You as the Messiah. The faith You granted Him made Him well. Please grant us this gift of faith today as well. In our lives, Lord, be glorified. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Mark 10:1-12
[2] Mark 10:13-16
[3] Mark 10:17-22
[4] Mark 10:23-31
[5] Mark 10:32-34
[6] Mark 10:44-45
[7] Mark 10:47-52
The disciples rebuked people for bring children to Jesus. Jesus told His disciples, “Forbid them not.” He blessed the children. [2]
A rich young ruler parted with Jesus rather than with his riches. [3]
Jesus assured His disciples that whoever parts with meaningful relationships and earthly treasures for His sake and for the Gospel’s sake will receive a hundredfold in this life and eternal life in the age to come. [4]
Jesus prophesied to His twelve disciples that the religious leaders would betray Him, that the Gentiles would mock, scourge, spit on, and kill Him, but on the third day He would resurrect. [5]
Jesus told His disciples when they were competing with one another, “Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [6]
A blind beggar named Bartimaeus doesn’t want to stump Jesus with hard questions. He doesn’t want to thwart ministry to children. He’s not looking to Jesus for money or position. Amidst all the people with eyes that see, this blindman sees Jesus clearly. He believes in Jesus.
Bartimaeus cried out from his roadside position, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So, Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. People said to Bartimaeus, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” Throwing aside his beggar garment, he rose and came to Jesus. Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus responded by saying, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. [7]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for giving to blind Bartimaeus the gift of faith to recognize You as the Messiah. The faith You granted Him made Him well. Please grant us this gift of faith today as well. In our lives, Lord, be glorified. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Mark 10:1-12
[2] Mark 10:13-16
[3] Mark 10:17-22
[4] Mark 10:23-31
[5] Mark 10:32-34
[6] Mark 10:44-45
[7] Mark 10:47-52
Monday, October 26, 2020
Take Up Your Cross Follow Jesus
Jesus said to Peter and His disciples, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [1]
The cross isn’t about self-promotion or self-affirmation. Denying self means to live for God. To delight to do God’s will! Jesus did this perfectly. We are to follow His example. Cross-bearing is the mark of someone who is living by God's grace and is filled with God's love for sinners.
“Dear Lord Jesus, please grant us the grace to take up our cross and follow You. For glory of our Heavenly Father and for the sake of those who need You to be saved from sin. In Your Name I pray. Amen.”
[1] Mark 8:34
The cross isn’t about self-promotion or self-affirmation. Denying self means to live for God. To delight to do God’s will! Jesus did this perfectly. We are to follow His example. Cross-bearing is the mark of someone who is living by God's grace and is filled with God's love for sinners.
“Dear Lord Jesus, please grant us the grace to take up our cross and follow You. For glory of our Heavenly Father and for the sake of those who need You to be saved from sin. In Your Name I pray. Amen.”
[1] Mark 8:34
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Our Best Friend
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thoughts from afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.” [1]
Understanding – it is wonderful to have a friend who understands us – in some cases – better than we understand ourselves. The Lord is like that. He is watching over us. He pays attention to the places we go. He is acquainted with all our ways. He is the Potter. We are the clay. We do well to invite our Heavenly Father, our best Friend, to speak into and guide our lives.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the time and attention that You give us every day of our lives. Thank You that You understand us better than anyone else, even ourselves. Thank You that You are willing to help us when we give our listening ears to You.”
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book, they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.” [2]
“Thank You Heavenly Father that You wrote our books while we were yet unformed. Thank You for sharing Your thoughts about us with us. Otherwise, we might think we were a mistake, or that we should try to be someone other than who You made us to be. Thank You for all the good thoughts that You give us about ourselves.”
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, You know that we are prone to stress out over things that in the light of eternity do not really matter. You are what really matters to us. Our relationship with You. Please keep our minds stayed on You. For then, our minds will be at peace. For You are leading us in the way of everlasting life.”
“In Jesus’ Name, we give thanks and pray. Amen.”
[1] Psalm 139:1-3
[2] Psalm 139:16-18
[3] Psalm 139:23-24
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thoughts from afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.” [1]
Understanding – it is wonderful to have a friend who understands us – in some cases – better than we understand ourselves. The Lord is like that. He is watching over us. He pays attention to the places we go. He is acquainted with all our ways. He is the Potter. We are the clay. We do well to invite our Heavenly Father, our best Friend, to speak into and guide our lives.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the time and attention that You give us every day of our lives. Thank You that You understand us better than anyone else, even ourselves. Thank You that You are willing to help us when we give our listening ears to You.”
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book, they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.” [2]
“Thank You Heavenly Father that You wrote our books while we were yet unformed. Thank You for sharing Your thoughts about us with us. Otherwise, we might think we were a mistake, or that we should try to be someone other than who You made us to be. Thank You for all the good thoughts that You give us about ourselves.”
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, You know that we are prone to stress out over things that in the light of eternity do not really matter. You are what really matters to us. Our relationship with You. Please keep our minds stayed on You. For then, our minds will be at peace. For You are leading us in the way of everlasting life.”
“In Jesus’ Name, we give thanks and pray. Amen.”
[1] Psalm 139:1-3
[2] Psalm 139:16-18
[3] Psalm 139:23-24
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Miracles & Martyrdom
They [the disciples of Jesus) went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil, and healed them. King Herod heard about this.
Now, some were saying of Jesus, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.” Others said, “He is Elijah.” Still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” However, when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” [1]
Did Herod behead John the Baptist? Yes! Herod cuffed and imprisoned him. John had spoken against Herod’s adulterous affair with Herodias. Herodias was his brother’s wife. Herodias hated John and wanted him dead, but Herod refused to execute him. He feared John because John was righteous and holy. Therefore, Herodias engineered her own plan to exterminate John. [2]
Finally the opportune time came. Just want a hunter hopes for! On his birthday, Herodias had her daughter dance for Herod and his guests. Her dance influenced him to offer his “stepdaughter” up to half of his kingdom. Her mother told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. She complied. John’s head was presented to Herodias. [3]
Herodias ruined Herod’s birthday party. John was right. He should not have married her.
At the time of John’s execution, the disciples of Jesus were enjoying a day of miracles that included preaching, teaching, and healing.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He will replace the kingdoms of this world with His glorious kingdom. He will reign in righteousness. No more dirty politics. No more exploitation of minors. Only holiness and righteousness!
John the Baptist whom Herod beheaded is with Jesus. He has an eternal body. He is with Jesus!
This is why, despite of the evil in the world, we continue to teach, preach, and pray for the sick in the Name of Jesus!
“Lord Jesus, may Your Name be forever proclaimed, praised, and embraced! Amen!”
[1] Mark 6:12-16
[2] Mark 6:17-20
[3] Mark 6:21-28
Now, some were saying of Jesus, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.” Others said, “He is Elijah.” Still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” However, when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” [1]
Did Herod behead John the Baptist? Yes! Herod cuffed and imprisoned him. John had spoken against Herod’s adulterous affair with Herodias. Herodias was his brother’s wife. Herodias hated John and wanted him dead, but Herod refused to execute him. He feared John because John was righteous and holy. Therefore, Herodias engineered her own plan to exterminate John. [2]
Finally the opportune time came. Just want a hunter hopes for! On his birthday, Herodias had her daughter dance for Herod and his guests. Her dance influenced him to offer his “stepdaughter” up to half of his kingdom. Her mother told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. She complied. John’s head was presented to Herodias. [3]
Herodias ruined Herod’s birthday party. John was right. He should not have married her.
At the time of John’s execution, the disciples of Jesus were enjoying a day of miracles that included preaching, teaching, and healing.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He will replace the kingdoms of this world with His glorious kingdom. He will reign in righteousness. No more dirty politics. No more exploitation of minors. Only holiness and righteousness!
John the Baptist whom Herod beheaded is with Jesus. He has an eternal body. He is with Jesus!
This is why, despite of the evil in the world, we continue to teach, preach, and pray for the sick in the Name of Jesus!
“Lord Jesus, may Your Name be forever proclaimed, praised, and embraced! Amen!”
[1] Mark 6:12-16
[2] Mark 6:17-20
[3] Mark 6:21-28
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Divine Forgiveness
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’ Some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” [1]
He who has seen the Son [Jesus], has seen the Father. [2] Jesus is God, He can forgive sin.
“Immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, ‘Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Arise, take up your bed and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” [3]
The miracle of healing was a tangible sign that Jesus is able to forgive sin. “Thank You Jesus for You forgiveness. Thank You for the miracles that follow Your forgiveness.”
“When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’ [4]
“Thank You Jesus for calling us sinners to repent. Thank You for purging our criminal records. You have imparted to us a righteous standing before God that we have neither earned nor deserved. Thank You for Your grace, which yields for us an abundant love, joy, and peace. Glory and honor to Your Name. You deserve our praise!”
[1] Mark 2:5-7
[2] John 14:9
[3] Mark 2:8-12
[4] Mark 2:16-17
He who has seen the Son [Jesus], has seen the Father. [2] Jesus is God, He can forgive sin.
“Immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, ‘Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Arise, take up your bed and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” [3]
The miracle of healing was a tangible sign that Jesus is able to forgive sin. “Thank You Jesus for You forgiveness. Thank You for the miracles that follow Your forgiveness.”
“When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’ [4]
“Thank You Jesus for calling us sinners to repent. Thank You for purging our criminal records. You have imparted to us a righteous standing before God that we have neither earned nor deserved. Thank You for Your grace, which yields for us an abundant love, joy, and peace. Glory and honor to Your Name. You deserve our praise!”
[1] Mark 2:5-7
[2] John 14:9
[3] Mark 2:8-12
[4] Mark 2:16-17
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Wellness in the Lord
Dry without water…
Dependent on human strength…
Far from the Lord…
Failing to see good things to come…
“Thus says the Lord:
‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.’” [1]
Drinking from a river…
Surviving heat and drought…
Bearing good fruit…
Blessed in the Lord.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” [2]
Truth exposing deceit and wickedness…
The Lord revealing heart and mind…
The Lord rewarding certain ways…
The Lord choosing good fruit.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.” [3]
Shamed and forsaken…
They forsook the Lord…
The source of living water.
“O Lord, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
‘Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the Lord,
The fountain of living waters.’” [4]
Lord, You our Healer.
Lord, You our Savior.
We praise You.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” [5]
[1] Jeremiah 17:5-6
[2] Jeremiah 17:7-8
[3] Jeremiah 17:9-10
[4] Jeremiah 17:13
[5] Jeremiah 17:14
Dependent on human strength…
Far from the Lord…
Failing to see good things to come…
“Thus says the Lord:
‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.’” [1]
Drinking from a river…
Surviving heat and drought…
Bearing good fruit…
Blessed in the Lord.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” [2]
Truth exposing deceit and wickedness…
The Lord revealing heart and mind…
The Lord rewarding certain ways…
The Lord choosing good fruit.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.” [3]
Shamed and forsaken…
They forsook the Lord…
The source of living water.
“O Lord, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
‘Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the Lord,
The fountain of living waters.’” [4]
Lord, You our Healer.
Lord, You our Savior.
We praise You.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” [5]
[1] Jeremiah 17:5-6
[2] Jeremiah 17:7-8
[3] Jeremiah 17:9-10
[4] Jeremiah 17:13
[5] Jeremiah 17:14
Friday, October 16, 2020
He Chose to Love Anyway
Our Lord spelt love for us with the letters p-a-i-n. Consider the following Bible passages:
Jesus said to His disciples, “You know that after two days… the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” [1]
He knew that something bad was going to happen to Him but chose to love anyway.
“The chief priests, scribes, and elders… plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.” [2]
They were the ones who were supposed to be providing spiritual care for His people. He chose to love anyway.
“When His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.’” [3]
His disciples questioned the generous offering of someone who deemed Him precious. He chose to love anyway.
“’What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ They counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.” [4]
Judas exchanged the life of Jesus for a small amount of money. He chose to love anyway.
“Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’” [5]
Jesus knew that one of His dinner guests and “friends” was going to betray Him. He chose to love anyway.
“Take, eat; this is My body.” “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.”
The very meal He ate with them symbolized His death. He chose to love anyway.
“I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” [7]
He knew that His loved ones would betray Him. He chose to love anyway.
“He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’” “Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping…” [8]
He experienced deep sorrow and distress. No one comforted Him. He chose to love anyway.
“A great multitude with swords and clubs came from the chief priests and elders...” [9]
They mischaracterized Him as a dangerous man whereas He had done nothing wrong. He chose to love anyway.
“Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” [10]
One of the few kisses that Jesus ever received while on earth was from a traitor. He chose to love anyway.
“Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” [11]
Abandoned! He chose to love anyway.
“The chief priests, elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death.” [12]
They could not accuse Him justly, so they accused Him falsely. He chose to love anyway.
“He has spoken blasphemy!” [13]
The One who loved and honored God His Father perfectly - accused of blaspheming Him. He chose to love anyway.
“Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands.” [14]
The abuse escalated from verbal to physical. He chose to love anyway.
“Then he began to curse and swear, saying, ‘I do not know the Man!’” [15]
Peter vehemently denied that He knew Jesus. He chose to love anyway.
The Good News is that Jesus forgave all who mistreated Him while hanging on the cross. The good news is that pain, sadness, betrayal, abandonment, and death did not keep Jesus down. He came back to life on the third day. He is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Amazingly, He still loves the human race. US! He intercedes for US! He chose to love anyway.
“Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great love for us!”
[1] Matthew 26:1-2
[2] Matthew 26:3-4
[3] Matthew 26:8-9
[4] Matthew 26:15-16
[5] Matthew 26:25
[6] Matthew 26:27-28
[7] Matthew 26:31
Jesus said to His disciples, “You know that after two days… the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” [1]
He knew that something bad was going to happen to Him but chose to love anyway.
“The chief priests, scribes, and elders… plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.” [2]
They were the ones who were supposed to be providing spiritual care for His people. He chose to love anyway.
“When His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.’” [3]
His disciples questioned the generous offering of someone who deemed Him precious. He chose to love anyway.
“’What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ They counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.” [4]
Judas exchanged the life of Jesus for a small amount of money. He chose to love anyway.
“Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’” [5]
Jesus knew that one of His dinner guests and “friends” was going to betray Him. He chose to love anyway.
“Take, eat; this is My body.” “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.”
The very meal He ate with them symbolized His death. He chose to love anyway.
“I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” [7]
He knew that His loved ones would betray Him. He chose to love anyway.
“He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’” “Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping…” [8]
He experienced deep sorrow and distress. No one comforted Him. He chose to love anyway.
“A great multitude with swords and clubs came from the chief priests and elders...” [9]
They mischaracterized Him as a dangerous man whereas He had done nothing wrong. He chose to love anyway.
“Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” [10]
One of the few kisses that Jesus ever received while on earth was from a traitor. He chose to love anyway.
“Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” [11]
Abandoned! He chose to love anyway.
“The chief priests, elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death.” [12]
They could not accuse Him justly, so they accused Him falsely. He chose to love anyway.
“He has spoken blasphemy!” [13]
The One who loved and honored God His Father perfectly - accused of blaspheming Him. He chose to love anyway.
“Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands.” [14]
The abuse escalated from verbal to physical. He chose to love anyway.
“Then he began to curse and swear, saying, ‘I do not know the Man!’” [15]
Peter vehemently denied that He knew Jesus. He chose to love anyway.
The Good News is that Jesus forgave all who mistreated Him while hanging on the cross. The good news is that pain, sadness, betrayal, abandonment, and death did not keep Jesus down. He came back to life on the third day. He is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Amazingly, He still loves the human race. US! He intercedes for US! He chose to love anyway.
“Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great love for us!”
[1] Matthew 26:1-2
[2] Matthew 26:3-4
[3] Matthew 26:8-9
[4] Matthew 26:15-16
[5] Matthew 26:25
[6] Matthew 26:27-28
[7] Matthew 26:31
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Christ In Us The Hope of Glory
“…And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [1]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for being with us.”
"…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [2]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for living in us by Your Spirit. You are our hope of glory!”
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” [3]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for granting us the wisdom to teach and preach You and not ourselves. Please help us to focus our time, talent and energy on bringing people to You. In Your Name, we pray, Amen.”
[1] Matthew 28:20
[2] Colossians 1:27
[3] Colossians 1:28-29
“Thank You Lord Jesus for being with us.”
"…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [2]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for living in us by Your Spirit. You are our hope of glory!”
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” [3]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for granting us the wisdom to teach and preach You and not ourselves. Please help us to focus our time, talent and energy on bringing people to You. In Your Name, we pray, Amen.”
[1] Matthew 28:20
[2] Colossians 1:27
[3] Colossians 1:28-29
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
The Lord is Good!
“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.” [1]
“Thank You Lord for Your goodness and wonderful works. You abundantly satisfy us. ”
“O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your mercy is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth.” [2]
“Thank You God for hearts to sing, praise and glorify You. Our musical instruments and voices awaken and burst into song because of Your abundant mercy and truth. You are exalted! You are glorious! You are good.”
[1] Psalm 107:8-9
[2] Psalm 108:1-5
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” [1]
“Thank You Lord for Your goodness and wonderful works. You abundantly satisfy us. ”
“O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your mercy is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth.” [2]
“Thank You God for hearts to sing, praise and glorify You. Our musical instruments and voices awaken and burst into song because of Your abundant mercy and truth. You are exalted! You are glorious! You are good.”
[1] Psalm 107:8-9
[2] Psalm 108:1-5
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Humble Love
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” [1]
Problems increase when we glory in ourselves. God did not create us to glory in ourselves. He created us to glory in Him. I have found by experience that I am at my worse when I turn inward, but at my best when my eyes are on Jesus.
“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” [2]
When measuring others by standards that I take pride in, I do a disservice. It is better to begin from a base of love.
For Jeremiah, humility was not thinking less about himself. It was about thinking of himself less, and about other people more.
“Oh, that my head were waters,
And my eyes a fountain of tears,
That I might weep day and night
For the slain of the daughter of my people!” [3]
Jesus urged us to practice servanthood and humility. “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” [4]
“Dear Lord, thank You for showing us what humble love looks like.”
[1] Jeremiah 9:23-24
[2] Proverbs 13:10
[3] Jeremiah 9:1
[4] Matthew 23:11-12
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” [1]
Problems increase when we glory in ourselves. God did not create us to glory in ourselves. He created us to glory in Him. I have found by experience that I am at my worse when I turn inward, but at my best when my eyes are on Jesus.
“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” [2]
When measuring others by standards that I take pride in, I do a disservice. It is better to begin from a base of love.
For Jeremiah, humility was not thinking less about himself. It was about thinking of himself less, and about other people more.
“Oh, that my head were waters,
And my eyes a fountain of tears,
That I might weep day and night
For the slain of the daughter of my people!” [3]
Jesus urged us to practice servanthood and humility. “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” [4]
“Dear Lord, thank You for showing us what humble love looks like.”
[1] Jeremiah 9:23-24
[2] Proverbs 13:10
[3] Jeremiah 9:1
[4] Matthew 23:11-12
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Renewing Our Relationship With God
“They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would that land not be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return to Me, says the Lord.” [1]
What happened to devotion?
God’s people were all over the map in regards to their beliefs. He compared them to a “harlot with many lovers.” He points out that He would suffer pollution to take them back. “Yet return to Me.” He loves them so much that He is willing to embrace them once again.
“Therefore, the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth? [2]
Their behavior towards the Creator negatively affected creation. As goes their relationship with God so goes their circumstances – dry. Despite their unfaithfulness, He urged them to cry out to Him. Cry, “My Father.” Appreciate His guidance! He is the faithful lover of their souls.
“’Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” [3]
Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord proclaims that He is still married to them. He offers them incentives. If they return to Him, He will give them shepherds who have His heart. These shepherds will feed them with knowledge and understanding of Him.
God urges them, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.”
They reply, “Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for remaining faithful to us despite our failures towards You. Please do feed us with knowledge and understanding of You. We do not want You to suffer in this relationship. Thank You for giving us shepherds who have Your heart. Thank You for teaching us to love You even as You love us. In the Name of Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:14-15
[4] Jeremiah 3:22
What happened to devotion?
God’s people were all over the map in regards to their beliefs. He compared them to a “harlot with many lovers.” He points out that He would suffer pollution to take them back. “Yet return to Me.” He loves them so much that He is willing to embrace them once again.
“Therefore, the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth? [2]
Their behavior towards the Creator negatively affected creation. As goes their relationship with God so goes their circumstances – dry. Despite their unfaithfulness, He urged them to cry out to Him. Cry, “My Father.” Appreciate His guidance! He is the faithful lover of their souls.
“’Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” [3]
Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord proclaims that He is still married to them. He offers them incentives. If they return to Him, He will give them shepherds who have His heart. These shepherds will feed them with knowledge and understanding of Him.
God urges them, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.”
They reply, “Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for remaining faithful to us despite our failures towards You. Please do feed us with knowledge and understanding of You. We do not want You to suffer in this relationship. Thank You for giving us shepherds who have Your heart. Thank You for teaching us to love You even as You love us. In the Name of Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:14-15
[4] Jeremiah 3:22
Friday, October 9, 2020
You Are Deeply Loved By God!
“They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would that land not be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return to Me, says the Lord.” [1]
What happened to devotion?
God’s people were all over the map in regards to their beliefs. He compared them to a “harlot with many lovers.” He points out that He would suffer pollution to take them back. “Yet return to Me.” He loves them so much that He is willing to embrace them once again.
“Therefore, the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth? [2]
Their behavior towards the Creator negatively affected creation. As goes their relationship with God so goes their circumstances – dry. Despite their unfaithfulness, He urged them to cry out to Him. Cry, “My Father.” Appreciate His guidance! He is the faithful lover of their souls.
“’Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” [3]
Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord proclaims that He is still married to them. He offers them incentives. If they return to Him, He will give them shepherds who have His heart. These shepherds will feed them with knowledge and understanding of Him.
God urges them, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.”
They reply, “Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for remaining faithful to us despite our failures towards You. Please do feed us with knowledge and understanding of You. We do not want You to suffer in this relationship. Thank You for giving us shepherds who have Your heart. Thank You for teaching us to love You even as You love us. In the Name of Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:14-15
[4] Jeremiah 3:22
What happened to devotion?
God’s people were all over the map in regards to their beliefs. He compared them to a “harlot with many lovers.” He points out that He would suffer pollution to take them back. “Yet return to Me.” He loves them so much that He is willing to embrace them once again.
“Therefore, the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth? [2]
Their behavior towards the Creator negatively affected creation. As goes their relationship with God so goes their circumstances – dry. Despite their unfaithfulness, He urged them to cry out to Him. Cry, “My Father.” Appreciate His guidance! He is the faithful lover of their souls.
“’Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” [3]
Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord proclaims that He is still married to them. He offers them incentives. If they return to Him, He will give them shepherds who have His heart. These shepherds will feed them with knowledge and understanding of Him.
God urges them, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.”
They reply, “Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for remaining faithful to us despite our failures towards You. Please do feed us with knowledge and understanding of You. We do not want You to suffer in this relationship. Thank You for giving us shepherds who have Your heart. Thank You for teaching us to love You even as You love us. In the Name of Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:14-15
[4] Jeremiah 3:22
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Time To Forgive
Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus responded, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” [1]
Have you ever had to forgive someone seventy times seven times? How many times has God forgiven you?
Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving those who sin against us by telling a story of a man, his wife, and his children. They were about to be sold into slavery because the husband had not repaid his debt to the king.
The man said to his king, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” [2] The man owed the king ten thousand talents. Ten thousand talents is two hundred thousand years of labor! It is sixty million working days. In modern money, it is $3.48 billion. It is 375 tons of gold. [3]
This man could never repay his debt. Surprisingly, the king had compassion on him, released him and forgave him. [4]
Here, the king represents God. Our Heavenly Father sent His Beloved and innocent Son into the world to be a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus Christ paid off a debt we could never repay in a lifetime. He cancelled it completely. What’s more, God adopted us into His family. Such immeasurable grace!
However, the forgiven servant took God’s grace lightly. He had a fellow servant imprisoned for owing him a debt of one hundred denarii. One hundred denarii is about four month’s wages. In US dollars it is worth about $5,800. $5,800 is a significant sum of money. It should have been repaid, but compared to the great debt the creditor was forgiven by his king, it was small. The forgiven servant did not forgive his fellow servant. Though he begged for patience, he had him thrown in prison. [5]
Have we ever locked anyone up for a debt they owe us? Stopped communicating with them? Given them distance rather than closeness? If so, how has our action hurt them? How has our action hurt us?
The man’s action grieved his fellow servants. They reported his misbehavior back to the king. The king confronted him saying, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” [6] The king handed the man over to torturers.
Our forgiveness of others is important to God. He said, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” [7]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for forgiving our sins. Please forgive us for locking up fellow servants for debts they owe us. Please move our hearts with compassion to forgive them as freely as You forgave us. This we pray in the Name of Jesus Your Son. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 18:21-22
[2] Matthew 18:26
[3] rheaheraldnews
[4] Matthew 18:27
[5] Matthew 18:28-30
[6] Matthew 18:32-33
[7] Matthew 18:35
Have you ever had to forgive someone seventy times seven times? How many times has God forgiven you?
Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving those who sin against us by telling a story of a man, his wife, and his children. They were about to be sold into slavery because the husband had not repaid his debt to the king.
The man said to his king, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” [2] The man owed the king ten thousand talents. Ten thousand talents is two hundred thousand years of labor! It is sixty million working days. In modern money, it is $3.48 billion. It is 375 tons of gold. [3]
This man could never repay his debt. Surprisingly, the king had compassion on him, released him and forgave him. [4]
Here, the king represents God. Our Heavenly Father sent His Beloved and innocent Son into the world to be a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus Christ paid off a debt we could never repay in a lifetime. He cancelled it completely. What’s more, God adopted us into His family. Such immeasurable grace!
However, the forgiven servant took God’s grace lightly. He had a fellow servant imprisoned for owing him a debt of one hundred denarii. One hundred denarii is about four month’s wages. In US dollars it is worth about $5,800. $5,800 is a significant sum of money. It should have been repaid, but compared to the great debt the creditor was forgiven by his king, it was small. The forgiven servant did not forgive his fellow servant. Though he begged for patience, he had him thrown in prison. [5]
Have we ever locked anyone up for a debt they owe us? Stopped communicating with them? Given them distance rather than closeness? If so, how has our action hurt them? How has our action hurt us?
The man’s action grieved his fellow servants. They reported his misbehavior back to the king. The king confronted him saying, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” [6] The king handed the man over to torturers.
Our forgiveness of others is important to God. He said, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” [7]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for forgiving our sins. Please forgive us for locking up fellow servants for debts they owe us. Please move our hearts with compassion to forgive them as freely as You forgave us. This we pray in the Name of Jesus Your Son. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 18:21-22
[2] Matthew 18:26
[3] rheaheraldnews
[4] Matthew 18:27
[5] Matthew 18:28-30
[6] Matthew 18:32-33
[7] Matthew 18:35
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Building
“They shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.” [1]
Who are the “they” in the above Bible verse? They are the people who have been touched and changed by the ministry of the Messiah. The Spirit of the Lord anointed our Lord Jesus to preach good news to poverty-stricken souls. As a result, they now have beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and garments of praise instead of spirits of despair. [2]
“I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [3]
Peter had just declared of Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [4]
We confess Jesus as Lord to rebuild what sin has ruined. Our Lord Jesus is the One who repairs what is broken. The gates of Hades cannot prevail against the Church that confesses Christ in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus holds the keys to lock evil up and to loose goodness. He holds the keys to enslave poverty and set prosperity free. He shares these keys to those who proclaim Him.
But wait, the victory involves self-denial. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [5] The intent of rebuilders, repairers and kingdom advancers is to save others. We cannot serve the Selfless One with selfish motives. Messiah took up His cross and so must we. Advancements spring forth as we, like Jesus, lay down our lives for the eternal salvation of others. We must trust that self-denial works because God blesses it.
“For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [6]
The Lord God causes righteousness and praise to spring forth before ALL NATIONS. He makes the seed that appears to have died to produce an abundant harvest. That seed is Christ and all who follow Him.
“Dear God, Heavenly Father, so much is broken today, please anoint us to preach Your Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. Please graciously, continue to release the revelation of Your Son upon this dark world so that the restoration of joy and praise springs forth. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Isaiah 61:4
[2] Refer to Isaiah 61:1-2
[3] Matthew 16:18-19
[4] Matthew 16:16
[5] Matthew 16:24
[6] Isaiah 61:11
Who are the “they” in the above Bible verse? They are the people who have been touched and changed by the ministry of the Messiah. The Spirit of the Lord anointed our Lord Jesus to preach good news to poverty-stricken souls. As a result, they now have beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and garments of praise instead of spirits of despair. [2]
“I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [3]
Peter had just declared of Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [4]
We confess Jesus as Lord to rebuild what sin has ruined. Our Lord Jesus is the One who repairs what is broken. The gates of Hades cannot prevail against the Church that confesses Christ in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus holds the keys to lock evil up and to loose goodness. He holds the keys to enslave poverty and set prosperity free. He shares these keys to those who proclaim Him.
But wait, the victory involves self-denial. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [5] The intent of rebuilders, repairers and kingdom advancers is to save others. We cannot serve the Selfless One with selfish motives. Messiah took up His cross and so must we. Advancements spring forth as we, like Jesus, lay down our lives for the eternal salvation of others. We must trust that self-denial works because God blesses it.
“For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [6]
The Lord God causes righteousness and praise to spring forth before ALL NATIONS. He makes the seed that appears to have died to produce an abundant harvest. That seed is Christ and all who follow Him.
“Dear God, Heavenly Father, so much is broken today, please anoint us to preach Your Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. Please graciously, continue to release the revelation of Your Son upon this dark world so that the restoration of joy and praise springs forth. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Isaiah 61:4
[2] Refer to Isaiah 61:1-2
[3] Matthew 16:18-19
[4] Matthew 16:16
[5] Matthew 16:24
[6] Isaiah 61:11
Monday, October 5, 2020
Honoring The Lord’s Name
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” [1]
The Israelites had recently come out of Egypt where the ruler there said to Moses, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?” [2]
Pharaoh did not revere the name of God. Although mighty in the eyes of many, he was a pawn of the devil to incite people to despise God their Creator.
Let us honor the Name of God because He alone is God. He alone provides for us and protects us. He alone gives us eternal life. To believe anything else is to believe a lie and become a part in the rebellion of Pharaoh... the ruler who took the honor that belongs to God unto himself. He was, in fact, competing with God just as the devil does.
“Therefore I poured out My fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it.” [3]
Yesterday, as Mr. Jim Johnson taught Sunday school from the above passage, the Lord revealed to me the connection between idolatry and bloodshed. God equates idol worship with demon worship. [4] Demons create a culture of death. Demons want to see human blood shed whether it is imaginary on a TV show, video game or in real life. Demons want to kill, steal, and destroy human life.
Demons want to destroy life. God, on the other hand, creates a culture of life. Human life is sacred. We are made in the image of God.
You are made in God’s image, and He loves you, and wants to preserve you.
“For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” [5]
The answer for our sin problem... that part of us that wants to be independent and rebellious against God... is God. Only God cleanse our heart from sin. Only God can change a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. Only God the Father, in Christ Jesus, gives us His Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit conversion is the answer to overcome the power of demons who want to harden our hearts against God.
Let us honor the Name of our Lord Jesus because God assures us: “That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow... and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [6]
[1] Exodus 20:7
[2] Exodus 5:2
[3] Ezekiel 36:18
[4] 1 Corinthians 10:19-20
[5] Ezekiel 36:24-27
[6] Philippians 2:10-11
The Israelites had recently come out of Egypt where the ruler there said to Moses, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?” [2]
Pharaoh did not revere the name of God. Although mighty in the eyes of many, he was a pawn of the devil to incite people to despise God their Creator.
Let us honor the Name of God because He alone is God. He alone provides for us and protects us. He alone gives us eternal life. To believe anything else is to believe a lie and become a part in the rebellion of Pharaoh... the ruler who took the honor that belongs to God unto himself. He was, in fact, competing with God just as the devil does.
“Therefore I poured out My fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it.” [3]
Yesterday, as Mr. Jim Johnson taught Sunday school from the above passage, the Lord revealed to me the connection between idolatry and bloodshed. God equates idol worship with demon worship. [4] Demons create a culture of death. Demons want to see human blood shed whether it is imaginary on a TV show, video game or in real life. Demons want to kill, steal, and destroy human life.
Demons want to destroy life. God, on the other hand, creates a culture of life. Human life is sacred. We are made in the image of God.
You are made in God’s image, and He loves you, and wants to preserve you.
“For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” [5]
The answer for our sin problem... that part of us that wants to be independent and rebellious against God... is God. Only God cleanse our heart from sin. Only God can change a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. Only God the Father, in Christ Jesus, gives us His Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit conversion is the answer to overcome the power of demons who want to harden our hearts against God.
Let us honor the Name of our Lord Jesus because God assures us: “That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow... and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [6]
[1] Exodus 20:7
[2] Exodus 5:2
[3] Ezekiel 36:18
[4] 1 Corinthians 10:19-20
[5] Ezekiel 36:24-27
[6] Philippians 2:10-11
Saturday, October 3, 2020
Eternity
“Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.’ He answered and said to them, ‘He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seeds are the sons of the kingdom. The tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age. The reapers are the angels.
As the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels. They will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, they will remove those who practice lawlessness. They will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’” [1]
“‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had and bought it.
The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.’
Jesus said to them, ‘Have you understood all these things?’” [2]
Have you understood how much you need Jesus Christ? Only Jesus Christ can sow good seed into your life. Only He can remove your offensive and lawless ways.
If you embrace Jesus…
If you allow Him to transform you…
The holy angels will regard you as treasure.
If you disregard Jesus… If you refuse Him…
The angels will regard you as trash.
Your eternal future depends on what you do with Jesus!
Jesus is the treasure.
Jesus is the pearl of great price.
Jesus is the One that makes bad fish into good fish.
Eternity is a long time. Do not wait! Give your life to Jesus today!
[1] Matthew 13:36-43
[2] Matthew 13:44-51
As the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels. They will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, they will remove those who practice lawlessness. They will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’” [1]
“‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had and bought it.
The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.’
Jesus said to them, ‘Have you understood all these things?’” [2]
Have you understood how much you need Jesus Christ? Only Jesus Christ can sow good seed into your life. Only He can remove your offensive and lawless ways.
If you embrace Jesus…
If you allow Him to transform you…
The holy angels will regard you as treasure.
If you disregard Jesus… If you refuse Him…
The angels will regard you as trash.
Your eternal future depends on what you do with Jesus!
Jesus is the treasure.
Jesus is the pearl of great price.
Jesus is the One that makes bad fish into good fish.
Eternity is a long time. Do not wait! Give your life to Jesus today!
[1] Matthew 13:36-43
[2] Matthew 13:44-51
Friday, October 2, 2020
Jesus Messiah Lamb of God
“He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” [1]
Jesus Messiah – You did not come to impress, but to love.
“He is 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.” [2]
Jesus Messiah – You did not come to impress, but to relate. Please forgive us for the treatment You received.
“Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” [3]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You for listening. Thank You for caring. Thank You for walking with us when others fled. Please forgive us for the times we have been silent when Your Name was dishonored. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to glorify You.
“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.” [4]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You for taking wounds and a bruising for our sakes. Thank You for taking the punishment that we deserved. Thank You for giving us peace and healing when what we did caused You pain.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [5]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You for Your faithfulness. Please forgive us for wandering from You. Thank You for removing our sin and shame.
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” [6]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You Lord Jesus for becoming a Lamb for straying sheep. Thank You for delighting to do the Father’s will, even when His will was to give Your life as a ransom for our souls. Please help us dear Lord to follow You. Please fill us with Your love for people so that they can see Your life in us. Praise, glory, blessing, and honor be unto You alone!
[1] Isaiah 53:2
[2] Isaiah 53:3
[3] Isaiah 53:4
[4] Isaiah 53:5
[5] Isaiah 53:6
[6] Isaiah 53:7
Jesus Messiah – You did not come to impress, but to love.
“He is 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.” [2]
Jesus Messiah – You did not come to impress, but to relate. Please forgive us for the treatment You received.
“Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” [3]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You for listening. Thank You for caring. Thank You for walking with us when others fled. Please forgive us for the times we have been silent when Your Name was dishonored. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to glorify You.
“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.” [4]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You for taking wounds and a bruising for our sakes. Thank You for taking the punishment that we deserved. Thank You for giving us peace and healing when what we did caused You pain.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [5]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You for Your faithfulness. Please forgive us for wandering from You. Thank You for removing our sin and shame.
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” [6]
Jesus Messiah – Thank You Lord Jesus for becoming a Lamb for straying sheep. Thank You for delighting to do the Father’s will, even when His will was to give Your life as a ransom for our souls. Please help us dear Lord to follow You. Please fill us with Your love for people so that they can see Your life in us. Praise, glory, blessing, and honor be unto You alone!
[1] Isaiah 53:2
[2] Isaiah 53:3
[3] Isaiah 53:4
[4] Isaiah 53:5
[5] Isaiah 53:6
[6] Isaiah 53:7
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Our God Reigns
This morning, I opened my Bible to…
“The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” [1]
The Lord’s joy dispels sorrow as light dispels darkness.
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? And you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? [2]
Fear not what oppressors do. God is greater! He removes the lids they have placed on us.
“I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand…” [3]
God has given us His Word and divine presence. We are in His hands.
“Thus says your Lord, the Lord, and your God, who pleads the cause of His people: ‘See, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to you, ‘lie down, that we may walk over you.’” [4]
The Lord turns the tables on oppression.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” [5]
OUR GOD REIGNS. GOOD NEWS REIGNS!
“The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” [6]
No one can keep God in a box. His salvation is happening everywhere!
“For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” [7]
He is our victory!
“Behold, My Servant [Jesus Christ] shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men; so shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider.” [8]
Our Great God conquered the powers of darkness and sin through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through a Lamb who was slain! Through a Son who has risen from the grave! He is exalted! He is extolled! He is higher than any other! Our God reigns! Hallelujah!
[1] Isaiah 51:11
[2] Isaiah 51:12-13
[3] Isaiah 51:16
[4] Isaiah 51:22-23
[5] Isaiah 52:7
[6] Isaiah 52:10
[7] Isaiah 52:12
[8] Isaiah 52:13-15
“The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” [1]
The Lord’s joy dispels sorrow as light dispels darkness.
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? And you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? [2]
Fear not what oppressors do. God is greater! He removes the lids they have placed on us.
“I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand…” [3]
God has given us His Word and divine presence. We are in His hands.
“Thus says your Lord, the Lord, and your God, who pleads the cause of His people: ‘See, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to you, ‘lie down, that we may walk over you.’” [4]
The Lord turns the tables on oppression.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” [5]
OUR GOD REIGNS. GOOD NEWS REIGNS!
“The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” [6]
No one can keep God in a box. His salvation is happening everywhere!
“For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” [7]
He is our victory!
“Behold, My Servant [Jesus Christ] shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men; so shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider.” [8]
Our Great God conquered the powers of darkness and sin through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through a Lamb who was slain! Through a Son who has risen from the grave! He is exalted! He is extolled! He is higher than any other! Our God reigns! Hallelujah!
[1] Isaiah 51:11
[2] Isaiah 51:12-13
[3] Isaiah 51:16
[4] Isaiah 51:22-23
[5] Isaiah 52:7
[6] Isaiah 52:10
[7] Isaiah 52:12
[8] Isaiah 52:13-15
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