Mustard Seed Faith

“Truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” [1]

We’re prone to think if we just had more faith, then God could do amazing things through us. But Jesus tells us something quite astonishing. The issue isn’t whether we are full of faith but whether we have any faith. If we have the smallest amount of faith, God works on our behalf.

A small amount of faith is enough because the focus is not on our faith but its object.

Our faith makes a difference not because it is so great but because God is so great.

Jesus is teaching us that stunning things happen if we have faith. Mountains are metaphors for things and circumstances that are too big for us to conquer. God moves them as we believe in Him and do not doubt.

What is there to doubt about God anyway? He created the universe. He sent His Son into the world to save us from our sin. He loves us. He helps those who ask for His help.

Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” [2]

Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” [3]

Jesus is saying to cast our cares on Him for He cares for us. He says, “Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door shall be opened, seek and you shall find.”

Mountain-moving faith is based on God’s promises—on what is revealed in his Word.

Mustard seed faith is enormously powerful—not because of our faith, but because it unites us to the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Faith is receptivity. It receives Christ and all that He has done for us, and all that He is willing to do in and through us when we trust in Him.

Now, let's start praying and believing... start praising and thanking God in advance for what He is going to do as we ask for His help... as we cast our cares upon Him knowing that He cares for us.

[1] Matthew 17:20
[2] Matthew 7:7-8
[3] 1 Peter 5:7

Aglow with God’s Spirit

“The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.” [1]

If we truly want God’s approval…
If we truly want to please God…
If we truly aim to promote the kingdom of God…
Then, let us be filled with righteousness, peace and joy from the Holy Spirit.

A righteous and holy person is a great witness for God. The devil wants undermine Christianity’s credibility. Therefore, our righteousness must be from God. If we try to be Christian (Christ-like) in our own strength, we will fail.

We need the Holy Spirit to be aglow for Jesus. We are the candles. The Holy Spirit is the fire.

“Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!” [2]

I will use the Chinese word for glory (榮)to illustrate my point. It contains two people, Adam and Eve, aglow next to a tree (see picture). Perhaps, before Adam and Eve sinned, they shined with the glory of God.

The Bible says that God “covers Himself with light as with a garment.” [3]

When Jesus was transfigured in the Gospels, “His face shone like the sun.” [4]

When our first parents, Adam and Eve sinned, they lost God’s glory. Their likeness to God - their glow was lost. They knew they were naked.

“Also, for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them.” [5]

God sacrificed animals to cover (atone) their nakedness. He forgave their sin and removed their guilt.

We have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit because He reminds us of what God did for us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to take away our sins so that we could receive the Holy Spirit and shine once again with His glory.

If we depend on our works to get to heaven, we will never have peace. We will lack joy. Peace and joy stem from knowing that God has sent a Savior to save us from our sins.

Christmas lights need electricity to shine. They must be plugged-in to shine. In like manner, we must be filled the Holy Spirit, God’s radiance, to shine for Him.

“Thank You Heavenly Father for giving up Your Son for us. Thank You Lord Jesus for giving up Your life for us. Thank You Holy Spirit for filling us and causing us to glow for God.”

[1] Romans 14:17-18
[2] Romans 12:11
[3] Psalm 104:2
[4] Matthew 17:2
[5] Genesis 3:21

Happy Thanksgiving

The very first Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated on December 13, 1621. As devout Christians, the Pilgrims wished to thank God for His favor and to celebrate with and thank their Indian friends. The celebration featured a feast that included numerous types of waterfowl, wild turkeys and fish procured by the colonists, and five deer brought by the Native Americans.

While individual colonies and states celebrated Thanksgiving for two subsequent centuries, it wasn’t until 1863, amidst the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. [1]

In his proclamation, President Lincoln noted reasons to be grateful to God…

“In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity…

Peace has been preserved with all nations…
Order has been maintained…
Laws have been respected and obeyed…
Harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict.” 

Crops continue to grow…
Commerce continues over land and sea…
New settlements are established…
Precious metals continue to be mined…
The population is growing.

“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most-High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”

“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [these blessings] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.” [2]

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And declare His works with rejoicing.” [3]

[1] gospelherald.com/articles/68177/20161122/thanksgiving-2016
[2] abrahamlincolnonline.org/Lincoln/speeches/thanks
[3] Psalm 107:8-9, 21-22

The Power of the Bible And Prayer

A missionary was once asked by border guards of a communist country, “Do you have any guns, drugs, or Bibles?” The border guards apparently believed the Bible was as dangerous as guns and drugs. Guns injure and kill the body. Drugs alter and distort the mind. The Bible exposes and destroys falsehood. [1]

“The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” [2]

“There is no devil in the first two chapters of the Bible and no devil in the last two chapters. Thank God for a book that disposes of the devil!” [3]

“The Word not only lets you see what your thoughts are, but it criticizes your thoughts. The Word of God says of this thought, “it is vain,” and of that thought, “it is acceptable”; of this thought, “it is selfish,” and of that thought, “it is Christlike.” The Word of God gets at the very marrow of our manhood; it lays bare the secret thoughts of the soul. The Christ that is in the Word sees everything.” [4]

“The foundation of every reformation of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God made plain to the people.” [5]

“The first thing the Bible does is to make man take a serious view of life.” [6]

The Power of Prayer

"Prayer is not getting man's will done in heaven, but getting God's will done on earth. It is not overcoming God's reluctance but laying hold of God's willingness.” [7]

“What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use — men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men, men of prayer.” [8]

“When man works man works, but when man prays, God works.” [9]

“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” [10]

[1] Story told by D. J. De Haan
[2] Hebrews 4:12
[3] Vance Havner
[4] Quote from Charles Spurgeon
[5] Frank Cooke
[6] D. Martin Lloyd-Jones
[7] Richard C. Trench
[8] E.M. Bounds
[9] Hans Von Staden
[10] Dwight L. Moody

Victory Verses From Our Lord

“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” [1]

“Your righteousness, O God, is very high,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
Shall revive me again,
And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
You shall increase my greatness,

And comfort me on every side.” [2]

“…Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” [3]

“Be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way.” [4]

“God shall avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them. I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” [5]

“On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.” [6]

“There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the Lord.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the Lord.” [7]

[1] Luke 18:27
[2] Psalm 71:19-21
[3] Luke 18:1
[4] Psalm 2:10-11
[5] Luke 18:7-8
[6] Esther 9:1
[7] Proverbs 21:30-31

The Great Creator is Our Savior

“Thus, says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord.” [1]

“Yes, God, You are God and we are not. We need Your continued intervention, guidance, provision, protection and blessing today.”

“On this one I will look: on Him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” [2]

Contrite literally means to be “lamed.” A person who is aware of the damage done by sin… Personally unable to stand upright before God. (Motyer)

“Yes, Lord, grant us the wisdom to lean on You and receive strength from You.”

“Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: ‘Your brethren who hated you, who cast you out for My name’s sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they shall be ashamed.” [3]

“Dear Father, help us to forgive those who hate and reject us in Your Name. The day shall come when they shall know that we faithfully served You and sought what was best for them.”

“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child.” [4]

“The day of victory will come easily for us because You Lord will bring it. As Romans 8:37 says… we more than conquerors because You love us. Thank You for new beginnings.”

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for Your comfort as of caring mother for us.”

“I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory.” “And I will take some of them for priests and Levites.” [6]

“Thank You Heavenly Father that You care for all people. You want ALL to see Your glory. Forgive us for the times that we have heard of terrible disasters and wars happening to people in the distant lands and did not take their sufferings to heart. Thank You for extending the priesthood of all believers to people from every nation and language. In our lives, Lord, be glorified. Be glorified today! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”

[1] Isaiah 66:1
[2] Isaiah 66:2
[3] Isaiah 66:5
[4] Isaiah 66:7
[5] Isaiah 66:13
[6] Isaiah 66:18, 21

To Pastor Prophetically is to:

Believe the Bible is inerrant
Be guided by the Holy Spirit
Speak God’s truth with conviction
Fill breeches
Sound alarms
Repair walls
Expose evil
Help people’s God-consciousness 
Advocate for justice
Speak to the deaf
Provide laws for the lawless
Abandon self to serve others
Confront wrong choices
Clarify consequences
Love deeply

Identify hope for the hopeless
Write poetically
Tell helpful stories
Give testimonies
Dramatize scenarios to make a point

Exude enthusiasm
Rise up in faith amidst doubt
Rejoice in repentance
Delight in forgiveness
Magnify God’s grace
Proclaim Messiah
Celebrate a risen Savior
Preach the Lordship of Jesus Christ 
Reconcile people to God
Assure of divine rewards

Build and inhabit vacated cities
See humanity’s future in the Bible
Remind people of their Redeemer
Rejoice evil ends and good endures
Shout victory for God’s people
Praise the Lord! [1]

“In this you greatly rejoice,
Though now for a little while, if need be,
You have been grieved by various trials,
That the genuineness of your faith,
Being much more precious than gold that perishes,
Though it is tested by fire,
May be found to praise, honor, and glory…
At the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Whom having not seen you love.
Though now you do not see Him,
Yet believing, you rejoice with…
Joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Receiving the end of your faith—
The salvation of your souls.

Of this salvation the prophets have…
Inquired and searched carefully,
Who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
Searching what, or what manner of time,
The Spirit of Christ… 

Who was in them was indicating when—
He testified beforehand…
The sufferings of Christ
And the glories that would follow.” [2]

[1] Abbreviated list based on the Bible
[2] 1 Peter 1:6-11

On Time & On Track

Countless people crowding, trampling on one another, it is time to teach…

Jesus said to His disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” [1]

Religious hypocrisy is using others to please oneself while pretending to serve God and people.

Jesus promised, “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed.” [2] The Holy Spirit exhorts us, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” [3]

The religious hypocrites behaved like ruthless beasts towards Jesus. They are the ones who brought false charges against Him and instigated His crucifixion. In lieu of their murderous intentions, Jesus advised His disciples, “My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear. Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” [4]

Worried about provisions for the ministry and for your survival? Jesus assured us, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” [5]

Do you want your name to be mentioned by Jesus before the angels of God? Then, confess Jesus before people. Jesus said, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.” [6]

What if your listener has you hauled to court for speaking the Name of Jesus? Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” [7]

Remember, the mission is not about you. It’s about God and others. Do what’s best for them. “Do all that you do for the glory of God!” [8]

What about material wealth? Jesus advised, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” [9] Do you really need a mansion or luxury vehicle to be happy? No, just a life that is making a positive difference for Jesus and others.

When tempted to worry about provisions, remember what Jesus said, “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Your Father knows that you need these things. Seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” [10]

The main concern to be concerned about is the Lord’s return. “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [11]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us on time and on track. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”

[1] Luke 12:1
[2] Luke 12:2
[3] Ephesians 5:11
[4] Luke 12:4-5
[5] Luke 12:7
[6] Luke 12:8
[7] Luke 12:12
[8] 1 Corinthians 10:31
[9] Luke 12:15
[10] Luke 12:24-32
[11] Luke 12:40

70

That’s how many messengers Jesus appointed to prepare cities in advance of His arrival. He sent them out in pairs. This way, they could reach 35 cities simultaneously. Jesus wants people saved. [1]

He said to His messengers… “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” [2]

This was their mission. To bring in harvest and increase harvesters.

“Go your way. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.” [3] Wait! What was that! Don’t wolves eat lambs? Why are You sending us into harm’s way? Don’t You love us?

Yes, Jesus loves us, but He loves all people. He wants all people saved.

“Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” [4]

When we bring the message of Jesus to people, we bring to them the kingdom of God. We give them the opportunity to receive eternal life. We bring divine healing to the sick. We pray for them in the Name of Jesus.

“Then the 70 returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name!’ And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’” [5]

70! That’s how many returned from a dangerous mission. Not one was lost! All were joyful! All amazed! The powerful Name of Jesus, unlocked hearts… healed sick bodies… and opened heaven’s door to sinners who needed a Savior.

The power of Satan is no match for Jesus. Jesus delegates His authority and power to us His messengers so that we have authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us.

Our Lord’s kingdom spreads by HIS authority and HIS power. These are the tools we need to do the work.

“Dear 70,

Yes, you've got God's backing to defeat Satan, but rejoice in this…Your names are written in Heaven.”

Hallelujah!

[1] Luke 10:1
[2] Matthew 9:37
[3] Luke 10:3
[4] Luke 10:8-9
[5] Luke 10:17-20

Our Hope & Prayer for the USA

They are on a mountain. Jesus is praying. Suddenly, Peter, John and James see the face of Jesus change. His clothing glistens. Two men are talking with Jesus. It is Moses and Elijah. They look glorious. They are talking with Jesus about the death He will die in Jerusalem. Moses and Elijah depart. Peter says to Jesus…

“Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.”

While Peter is talking, a cloud comes. They are afraid. Then, they hear a voice saying…
“This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” [1]

Moses was an imperfect embodiment of the God’s Law. Elijah was an imperfect embodiment of God’s Spirit. They have departed. Jesus remains. The Heavenly Father bears witness to Jesus. One greater than Moses and Elijah! He is the fulfillment of their incomplete embodiment. Their lives point to Him. He is the Perfect One. He is the express image of God’s person. [2] God, our Creator and Sustainer, says, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

They are on their way to Jerusalem. They want to pass through a village of Samaria. James and John note that this group of Samaritans are unreceptive of Jesus. They ask Jesus…

“Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”

Jesus turns and rebukes them, saying…

“You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.” [3]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to save us from our sins. Our nation needs saving, our unborn babies need saving, Your faithful people who love, serve and proclaim Your Son, Jesus… we need saving. We need You to intervene. We ask You to intervene. If You don’t intervene, evil will crush us and destroy our nation.

Thank You Heavenly Father that You have sent to us a greater One than Moses and Elijah! You have sent Your beloved Son, Jesus. He is with us. He intercedes for us. He atoned for our offenses so that You can now freely bless, prosper, save and love us. Our nation needs You to love us. Our unborn babies need You to love us. We need You to love us. Please, for the sake of Your Son’s bitter sufferings and death on the cross, bring forth floods of blessings to Your people in the United States today. For I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

[1] Luke 9:28-35
[2] Hebrews 1:3
[3] Luke 9:51-56

Love Remains

It was an early day in the month of April. Temperatures in Jerusalem ranged from 65°F to 73°F. The religious leaders were gathered at the palace of the high priest. Note the word, “palace.” They were not planning a charitable event, praying or planning improvements to the pastoral services in their nation. The Bible says…

“[They] plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.” [1] 

Not far away, in the home of a man with leprosy, Jesus is with His disciples. A woman feels compelled to pour her very expensive anointing oil on Jesus. His disciples become angry, but Jesus defends the woman. He says to them…

“Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” [2]

She did a good work for Jesus.

She believed that Jesus would die for the sins of the world.

She believed He was the Anointed One: “Messiah” (Hebrew) and “Christ” (Greek).

Wow! Jesus was being betrayed by religious leaders and by Judas (whose name means “Praise the Lord”). His disciples were about to forsake Him. The Romans were about to crucify Him… yet, this one woman… lavishes expensive anointing oil on Him. Jesus said…

“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

I had the privilege of telling university students in Guangzhou, China, the story of this woman. They warmly embraced Jesus and the love that this woman showed Him. Praise the Lord!

Soon after this woman lovingly lavished her expensive oil on Jesus, Judas Iscariot held out his empty hand to receive thirty pieces of silver from the high priest and his supporters. [3]

Now in a garden, Jesus is speaking with His disciples. Suddenly, Judas arrives with a large group of men armed with swords and clubs. They are on the payroll of the chief priests. Judas kisses Jesus on the cheek to indicate to the swordsmen and to the club bearers that this one is Jesus.

But wait, suddenly, Peter strikes a servant of the high priest with his sword. Peter severs the man’s ear clean off. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword…

“For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

Jesus asks Peter…

“Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels (36,000-72,000 or perhaps “countless”)? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” Then, Jesus healed the injured man’s ear. [4]

“Thank You Lord Jesus for demonstrating love in the darkest hour of Your life. Please grant us the grace to demonstrate love to those around us during the darkest days on earth.”

“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [5]

[1] Matthew 26:3
[2] Matthew 26:10-13
[3] Matthew 26:14-15
[4] Matthew 26:47-54

[5] 1 Corinthians 13:13

Healthy Do’s & Don’ts

Do not…

Fret
Envy
Be angry
Be full of wrath

Do…

Trust in the Lord
Good (Do good)
Delight in the Lord
Commit your way to the Lord
Rest in the Lord
Wait on the Lord

Fruits from the don’t do list:

Wasted time
Personal harm
Sudden disappearance

Fruits from the to do list:

Land and faithfulness from the Lord
My delight in the Lord being full
The Lord making a way
The Lord bringing forth righteousness and justice
Earthly inheritances
Abundant peace
No need to beg
God’s mercy
Ability to lend to others
Blessed
Strength in time of trouble.
Divine help
Divine deliverance
Salvation

The Biblical basis for the above claims:

“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.

For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.

I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed, I sought him, but he could not be found.

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them,
Because they trust in Him.” [1]

[1] Psalm 37:1-11, 25-26, 35-36, 39-40

Praying for and Speaking to Leaders

“All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.” [1]

People in the Emperor’s household had become saints.

Wait! Wasn’t Caesar the one who persecuted Christians?

Adam Clarke wrote about this verse in his commentary:

“Nero was at this time emperor of Rome: a more worthless, cruel, and diabolic wretch never disgraced the name or form of man; yet in his family there were Christians: but whether this relates to the members of the imperial family, or to guards, or courtiers, or to servants, we cannot tell.”

Paul wrote that his witness for Christ was impacting people in the palace: “it has become evident to the whole PALACE guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.” [2]

There are instances recorded throughout the Bible of such happenings. For example, the servant girl who directed the great General Naaman of the Syrian Army! [3] God’s prophets Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel and Nehemiah gave direction from God to powerful kings.

During the time of my Gospel ministry in China, the Lord blessed me with opportunities to speak to government leaders in Guangzhou, Dong Guan and Beijing. I say this not to boast, but to confirm God’s Word, namely, He makes ways for His servants to influence authorities.

A Psalmist wrote, “He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places.” [4]

A king wrote, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” [5]

Paul encouraged his protégé Timothy, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” [6]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for embedding Your servants in high places so that the leaders of nations might hear Your voice. Please direct our leaders to flow with Your will. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.”

[1] Philippians 4:22
[2] Philippians 1:13
[3] 2 Kings 5:1-4
[4] Psalm 18:33
[5] Proverbs 21:1
[6] 1 Timothy 2:1-2

By God’s Grace

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” [1]

The Bible directs us to grace and to the gift of God for salvation. Who embodies this great grace and gift of God more than any other?

“Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” [2]

Our Lord Jesus embodies the great grace and gift of God. He loved us so much that He became a sinless sacrifice on our behalf. Why? To bring us to God!

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” [3]

Our Lord Jesus Christ is Peacemaker, Wall-Remover, Separation-Stopper, Enmity-Ender, Harmonizer and Reconciler.

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” [4]

Thanks to the grace and gift of Christ, we are fellow citizens in God’s city of saints and are members of His household.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for granting us citizenship in Your kingdom and membership in Your family. You’re a peacemaker and bridgebuilder. You removed the enmity… the volatile tension… the war between us. Thank You for giving Your precious Son for us… to die unjustly for our sin. Please grant, that we, by Your grace, would be peacemakers, bridgebuilders, reconcilers and lovers in our communities. For it is in Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”

[1] Ephesians 2:8
[2] Ephesians 2:13
[3] Ephesians 2:14-16
[4] Ephesians 2:19

 

Paying Taxes

Jesus urged His listeners to pay taxes. The government to which Jesus paid taxes was Rome. A government that condemned and executed Him! Paul echoed the words of Jesus about paying taxes to civil authorities in his letter to the Romans. Some historical records state that Paul was put to death by the Roman Emperor Nero. As Christians we should pay taxes to our worldly government despite their treatment of Christ and us His followers.

Jesus said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” His listeners were amazed at His teaching.” [1]

Jesus was noted as one who ate with tax collectors, “Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.” [2]

Jesus told Peter, “Go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them [the tax collectors] for Me and you.” [3]

Paul wrote, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” [4]

Paying our taxes does not mean we agree with what our civil authorities do. They may be horrible people like those who condemned Jesus and Paul. Governments run by people will always commit sins because people sin. Despite their failures, we are to pay what is legally due to them. Jesus demonstrated to Peter that He was willing to do divine miracles so that Peter would always have enough funds to make his tax payments.

[1] Mark 12:17
[2] Matthew 9:10
[3] Matthew 17:27
[4] Romans 13:1, 6-7

Navigating

“She did not consider her destiny; therefore, her collapse was awesome; she had no comforter.” [1]

“She” in the above verse refers to the people of Jerusalem. The Lord raised up prophets. He called them early in the morning to awake, to hear His voice, to pray and afterwards to speak to His people. They were sentinels… God’s watchmen. They gave free navigational advice from God’s mouth. God wanted to spare Ship Jerusalem from calamity. Jeremiah is lamenting in the Bible passage above that the people of Jerusalem were too busy having “fun” in the moment to listen to God. Ship Jerusalem sunk.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” [2]

Wisdom is the principal or most important thing according to God. He urges us to get wisdom. Don’t bypass it. Don’t procrastinate! Get it now! Get understanding with all your getting. God’s wisdom and understanding helps us to process information correctly and to make the correct navigational decision. Divine understanding promotes those who treat her well. She honors those who embrace her. She clothes lovers with jewels of grace and crowns of glory.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank that You who spoke the sun, moon and stars into place speak to us. You give us words of wisdom and understanding that guide us well. Please grant us ears that hear and minds that wisely apply what You are saying to us. We need Your navigational advice. In Jesus’ Name, we ask and pray. Amen.”

[1] Lamentations1:9
[2] Proverbs 4:7-9

The Death Sentence that Resulted in Life for Many

“The chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, ‘Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!’ But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.” [1]

Pilate marveled at Jesus. Jesus was in a Roman court. He could have defended Himself. The prosecution was assassinating His character. He was about to be condemned.

Hundreds of years earlier, the Prophet Isaiah described the Messiah in the following manner:

“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.” [2]

His prosecutors were playing into His hand… Helping Him to accomplish His mission…

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” [3]

Everything was going according to God’s plan.

Years later, Jesus revealed Himself to John the Apostle. He said…

“Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” [4]

Jesus holds the keys to eternity. He is the One that the Prophet Daniel spoke of…

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.

Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed.” [5]

Is it any wonder that Jesus felt no obligation to explain Himself to Pilate or the Chief Priests?

“Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to stay focused on You. You are Lord! You hold the keys to eternal life. No one can take them away from You. Thank You for showing us what love is by laying down Your life for our redemption. Thank You for opening the door for us to enter Your eternal kingdom.”

[1] Mark 15:3-5
[2] Isaiah 53:7
[3] 1 John 3:16
[4] Revelation 1:17-18
[5] Daniel 7:13-14

Knowing Jesus

Yesterday, the Lord blessed Sherry and I with the opportunity to ask three different people if they knew Jesus. Thankfully, they said that they did. How refreshing it is to talk about Jesus with strangers and find an immediate common bond of friendship in Him.

The Bible speaks of an election won by grace. Whose grace? The Lord’s grace. His grace comes to us in the Gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation. [1]

No matter who wins the American presidential election on Tuesday, our mission remains the same… the proclamation of Jesus.

In the attached picture, three of my children stopped to tell a man sitting under bridge about Jesus (Mercy was in a stroller - Sherry took the picture). I monitored and prayed. They gave the witness. The point of the illustration is that the message of the Gospel is not complicated. It’s not a campaign that costs hundreds of millions of dollars, but it yields an eternal kingdom. An unshakable kingdom. A kingdom of joy unspeakable and full of glory.

“We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.” [2]

“…Some said, ‘What does this babbler want to say?’ Others said, ‘He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,’ because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.” [3]

“…Showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.” [4]

“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” [5]

[1] Romans 1:16; 11:5
[2] Acts 15:11
[3] Acts 17:18
[4] Acts 18:28
[5] Acts 28:30-31