One day, Saul of Tarsus was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, and another day, he preached the Christ in the synagogues [public gathering places], “that He [Christ] is the Son of God.” [1]
What happened?
Saul had an encounter with the Savior. After that meeting, he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. The Lord sent a man named Ananias to restore his sight to him. [2]
Ananias said to him, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. [3]
“Saul increased all the more in strength... proving that this Jesus is the Christ [Messiah].” [4]
“Oh Lord, please raise up for us servants like Your servant Saul. Your Church needs a booster shot.”
[1] Acts 9:1, 20
[2] Acts 9: 4-6, 9-10
[3] Acts 9:17-18
[4] Acts 4:22
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
The Vital Role of Women in Ministry
"And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance." (Luke 8:2-3)
Women who serve the Lord are a tremendous blessing to the world. Recently, as I prepared a book about our years in China as missionaries, I noticed a reoccurring theme. God employed godly women to forward the Gospel ministry. First, I noticed my wife, Sherry, and then, her mother, her sisters and many Chinese, Filipina, and western sisters in Christ. They loved the Lord and helped to bridge the gaps between me and lost souls so that I could lead many lost souls to Jesus. Praise the Lord!
I composed the attached picture from a post by Pastor Kerry Ridings...
Women who serve the Lord are a tremendous blessing to the world. Recently, as I prepared a book about our years in China as missionaries, I noticed a reoccurring theme. God employed godly women to forward the Gospel ministry. First, I noticed my wife, Sherry, and then, her mother, her sisters and many Chinese, Filipina, and western sisters in Christ. They loved the Lord and helped to bridge the gaps between me and lost souls so that I could lead many lost souls to Jesus. Praise the Lord!
I composed the attached picture from a post by Pastor Kerry Ridings...
Monday, December 27, 2021
Exiles as a Royal Priesthood
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles... according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” [1]
Why does Peter address his audience as elect exiles? Many of them were new believers living in their home country, speaking their own language, functioning in their native culture. They were like exiles because they were clinging to God in a land that had abandoned God.
Their citizenship was in heaven. They were waiting for their Savior Jesus Christ to appear from heaven. “One of the essential lessons of 1 Peter is that this suffering and social exclusion is the most normal thing in the world. It is common for our brothers and sisters around the world today.” [2]
Christians in exile may be hope-filled yet fearful; be humble and respectful yet speak the Gospel with authority; and, live holy lives, separate from the world, yet be incredibly welcoming and loving in it. We can live and share good news as exiles because we have the hope of glory. Our hope is not based in this life. Our “faith and hope are in God.” [3]
Our eternal “hope motivates evangelism. We tend not to speak of Jesus because we fear what we now call the ‘cancel’ culture, that we will be ignored, disrespected, even derided for our outdated and dangerous faith. But when we have hope that goes beyond this life, we can be bold. People are drawn to a hope that survives what the world and our enemy throw at it.”
Peter frames our lives by Christ’s example. He is the living stone. We are living stones. He is chosen by God and precious, but, rejected by men. Just as Christ was much more than what the people who rejected Him could imagine, so the church is much more than the people around us, or we ourselves, can imagine. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. [5]
[1] 1 Peter 1:1-2
[2] Clark, Elliott, Evangelism as Exiles
[3] 1 Peter 1:21
[4] Clark, Elliott, Evangelism as Exiles
[5] 1 Peter 2:4-10
Why does Peter address his audience as elect exiles? Many of them were new believers living in their home country, speaking their own language, functioning in their native culture. They were like exiles because they were clinging to God in a land that had abandoned God.
Their citizenship was in heaven. They were waiting for their Savior Jesus Christ to appear from heaven. “One of the essential lessons of 1 Peter is that this suffering and social exclusion is the most normal thing in the world. It is common for our brothers and sisters around the world today.” [2]
Christians in exile may be hope-filled yet fearful; be humble and respectful yet speak the Gospel with authority; and, live holy lives, separate from the world, yet be incredibly welcoming and loving in it. We can live and share good news as exiles because we have the hope of glory. Our hope is not based in this life. Our “faith and hope are in God.” [3]
Our eternal “hope motivates evangelism. We tend not to speak of Jesus because we fear what we now call the ‘cancel’ culture, that we will be ignored, disrespected, even derided for our outdated and dangerous faith. But when we have hope that goes beyond this life, we can be bold. People are drawn to a hope that survives what the world and our enemy throw at it.”
Peter frames our lives by Christ’s example. He is the living stone. We are living stones. He is chosen by God and precious, but, rejected by men. Just as Christ was much more than what the people who rejected Him could imagine, so the church is much more than the people around us, or we ourselves, can imagine. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. [5]
[1] 1 Peter 1:1-2
[2] Clark, Elliott, Evangelism as Exiles
[3] 1 Peter 1:21
[4] Clark, Elliott, Evangelism as Exiles
[5] 1 Peter 2:4-10
Sunday, December 26, 2021
Iniquity Removed In One Day
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan!’” [1]
Satan accuses God’s servants. [2] He especially attacks those who stand as priests before God to intercede for others! Those who help others to discern between the holy and unholy! Thankfully, the Lord rebukes Satan from opposing His chosen servants.
“And He said to him, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” [3]
God removes the iniquity of His priests and gives us rich robes, even the robe of righteousness. He does this through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
“For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.” [4]
The etymology of Nazareth (the name of the town Jesus grew up in) has been said to derive from the Hebrew word נצר netser, meaning a “sprout” or “branch.” The “ee” ending added to a word in Hebrew means “my.” So, when people called Jesus the Nazarene, it sounded as if they were calling Him, “Jesus My Branch.” Indeed, Jesus is the Branch spoke of by the prophets. Isaiah referred to Jesus as the Branch that would grow out of Jesse’s roots. [5]
“And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.” [6]
Jesus Christ is the One who removed the iniquity of the land in one day. He did it by His bitter suffering and death on the cross when He became a sacrifice for our sins.
The Lord gave His prophet a vision of two olive trees and explained to him, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” [7]
These anointed Ones! These are the two hands of God. Jesus, His Son, (God’s Word made flesh) and the Holy Spirit, the very breath of His mouth. God is our victory over sin and Satan. In God, sin and the works of darkness are overcome. In God, righteousness, and holiness spring forth.
The Apostle Peter put it this way, “Him [Jesus] God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [8]
[1] Zachariah 3:1-2
[2] Revelation 12:10
[3] Zachariah 3:4
[4] Zachariah 3:8
[5] Isaiah 11:1
[6] Zachariah 3:9
[7] Zachariah 4:10, 14
[8] Acts 5:31-32
Satan accuses God’s servants. [2] He especially attacks those who stand as priests before God to intercede for others! Those who help others to discern between the holy and unholy! Thankfully, the Lord rebukes Satan from opposing His chosen servants.
“And He said to him, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” [3]
God removes the iniquity of His priests and gives us rich robes, even the robe of righteousness. He does this through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
“For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.” [4]
The etymology of Nazareth (the name of the town Jesus grew up in) has been said to derive from the Hebrew word נצר netser, meaning a “sprout” or “branch.” The “ee” ending added to a word in Hebrew means “my.” So, when people called Jesus the Nazarene, it sounded as if they were calling Him, “Jesus My Branch.” Indeed, Jesus is the Branch spoke of by the prophets. Isaiah referred to Jesus as the Branch that would grow out of Jesse’s roots. [5]
“And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.” [6]
Jesus Christ is the One who removed the iniquity of the land in one day. He did it by His bitter suffering and death on the cross when He became a sacrifice for our sins.
The Lord gave His prophet a vision of two olive trees and explained to him, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” [7]
These anointed Ones! These are the two hands of God. Jesus, His Son, (God’s Word made flesh) and the Holy Spirit, the very breath of His mouth. God is our victory over sin and Satan. In God, sin and the works of darkness are overcome. In God, righteousness, and holiness spring forth.
The Apostle Peter put it this way, “Him [Jesus] God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [8]
[1] Zachariah 3:1-2
[2] Revelation 12:10
[3] Zachariah 3:4
[4] Zachariah 3:8
[5] Isaiah 11:1
[6] Zachariah 3:9
[7] Zachariah 4:10, 14
[8] Acts 5:31-32
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Forsaking Sin
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” [1]
“The Bible teaches that there are times when God doesn’t hear or answer our prayers. These unanswered prayers may be the result of unconfessed sin in our hearts. We cannot live the Christian life with unconfessed sin, unresolved anger and bitterness, and impure hearts, and still expect God to hear and answer our prayers.” [2]
“He that covers his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” [3]
May the Holy Spirit mercifully convict us of any sin that we might be regarding in our hearts, and help us to confess it to God, and to ask God in the Name of Jesus to move us to forsake it, so the Lord may happily forgive our sin and prosper our service of bringing glory unto Him.
[1] Psalm 66:18
[2] Morris Hull at hlm.org
[3] Proverbs 28:13
“The Bible teaches that there are times when God doesn’t hear or answer our prayers. These unanswered prayers may be the result of unconfessed sin in our hearts. We cannot live the Christian life with unconfessed sin, unresolved anger and bitterness, and impure hearts, and still expect God to hear and answer our prayers.” [2]
“He that covers his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” [3]
May the Holy Spirit mercifully convict us of any sin that we might be regarding in our hearts, and help us to confess it to God, and to ask God in the Name of Jesus to move us to forsake it, so the Lord may happily forgive our sin and prosper our service of bringing glory unto Him.
[1] Psalm 66:18
[2] Morris Hull at hlm.org
[3] Proverbs 28:13
Saturday, December 18, 2021
God Chose Mary
God chose Mary to be the earthly mother of the Messiah, His Son, Jesus Christ. She conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit. She was a virgin. She had not known a man, but this was hard to explain to the average person who did not believe in God or in miracles.
Joseph, her betrothed thought to end the betrothal, but the Lord sent an angel to assure him that the child in Mary's womb was from God, and that Mary had committed no sin in this regard.
When Christ comes into our life... when we believe in Him and profess Him, we too, like Mary, may have people who don't understand us. Some might even want to hurt us due to being fed misinformation about us. However, in the end, if we stick with God's plan for our lives, namely to carry Jesus the full term of our lives, we will be exceedingly glad that we did.
Jesus Christ is the only One who opens heaven's door. Without Him no one gets in. Is your name in the Lamb's Book of Life? If not, I urge you to fully commit your life to Him today. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
Images from Franco Zeffirelli’s TV-miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth” 1977, ITC Entertainment, Scripture quotes from NIV Bible
Joseph, her betrothed thought to end the betrothal, but the Lord sent an angel to assure him that the child in Mary's womb was from God, and that Mary had committed no sin in this regard.
When Christ comes into our life... when we believe in Him and profess Him, we too, like Mary, may have people who don't understand us. Some might even want to hurt us due to being fed misinformation about us. However, in the end, if we stick with God's plan for our lives, namely to carry Jesus the full term of our lives, we will be exceedingly glad that we did.
Jesus Christ is the only One who opens heaven's door. Without Him no one gets in. Is your name in the Lamb's Book of Life? If not, I urge you to fully commit your life to Him today. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
Images from Franco Zeffirelli’s TV-miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth” 1977, ITC Entertainment, Scripture quotes from NIV Bible
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Befriending Lonely People
“All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?” [1]
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote the lyrics for the song, “Eleanor Rigby.” The song seems to mock at one point a Father McKenzie because he does nothing for all the lonely people. In fact, he seems lonely too. The song offers no hope or call for change. It just exposes a problem that exists in the world. There are lonely people in the world whose loneliness is not being addressed or cured at this moment.
When Jesus walked on earth, He was mocked by some religious leaders as a friend of sinners. [2] When asked by messengers of an imprisoned man if He was the Messiah, Jesus responded with a report of meeting the needs of people. He said, “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.” [3] Jesus cares about lonely and needy people. His servants are still ministering to such people today all over this world.
The followers of Jesus share with lonely people that God loves them and sent His Son to pay for their sins on the cross! They tell lonely people of the Holy Spirit who fills believers in Christ with love, joy, and peace. Yes, there are faithful servants of the Lord in the world. They befriend lonely people and invite them into fellowship with God and His people.
The Apostle John wrote of God bringing him and the apostles into fellowship with Him through Jesus His Son. He then extends that invitation to others because he wants their joy to be full.
“That which was from the beginning [namely Jesus Messiah], which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” [4]
There is immense joy in knowing God in a personal way. There is extraordinary joy when people who know God befriend you and demonstrate His love for you by word and deed. May the Lord help us to be that kind of follower of Jesus for all the lonely people.
[1] John Lennon / Paul McCartney, Eleanor Rigby lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
[2] Matthew 11:19
[3] Matthew 11:5
[4] 1 John 1:1-4
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?” [1]
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote the lyrics for the song, “Eleanor Rigby.” The song seems to mock at one point a Father McKenzie because he does nothing for all the lonely people. In fact, he seems lonely too. The song offers no hope or call for change. It just exposes a problem that exists in the world. There are lonely people in the world whose loneliness is not being addressed or cured at this moment.
When Jesus walked on earth, He was mocked by some religious leaders as a friend of sinners. [2] When asked by messengers of an imprisoned man if He was the Messiah, Jesus responded with a report of meeting the needs of people. He said, “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.” [3] Jesus cares about lonely and needy people. His servants are still ministering to such people today all over this world.
The followers of Jesus share with lonely people that God loves them and sent His Son to pay for their sins on the cross! They tell lonely people of the Holy Spirit who fills believers in Christ with love, joy, and peace. Yes, there are faithful servants of the Lord in the world. They befriend lonely people and invite them into fellowship with God and His people.
The Apostle John wrote of God bringing him and the apostles into fellowship with Him through Jesus His Son. He then extends that invitation to others because he wants their joy to be full.
“That which was from the beginning [namely Jesus Messiah], which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” [4]
There is immense joy in knowing God in a personal way. There is extraordinary joy when people who know God befriend you and demonstrate His love for you by word and deed. May the Lord help us to be that kind of follower of Jesus for all the lonely people.
[1] John Lennon / Paul McCartney, Eleanor Rigby lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
[2] Matthew 11:19
[3] Matthew 11:5
[4] 1 John 1:1-4
The Real Meaning of Christmas is Christ
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” [1]
Knowing the Lord and making Him known is the real meaning of Christmas. It is about God dispelling the dark lies of the evil one and turning on the light of truth for us.
Jesus said if we love Him, He will ask the Father to give us another Helper. This Helper is the Spirit of truth. He dwells with us and in us. With the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at work in our lives, we are no longer orphans. We are no longer parentless.
The Christ of Christmas helps us to overcome the misinformation of our enemy the devil.
From the beginning the devil tempted humankind to choose his deceptive narrative rather than God’s true Word, the Holy Bible.
The revelation that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ) of God is a tremendous gift of love.
Jesus said in, “No one knows the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” [2] Knowing the Heavenly Father is a gift of revelation from Jesus His Son.
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’” [3]
To love Jesus... To be devoted to His Word is a divine gift of grace. To be loved by the Heavenly Father is a heavenly blessing. To have the Holy Trinity set up residence in one’s life is the greatest gift that the first Christmas brought to us.
Christmas is not about Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, or Jack Frost. Christmas is about Christ coming into our world in human flesh and dwelling among us. He came to redeem us from our sins. He came to reconnect the disconnect between us and God. Christ is the real meaning of Christmas.
[1] John 14:15-18
[2] Matthew 11:27
[3] John 14:23
Knowing the Lord and making Him known is the real meaning of Christmas. It is about God dispelling the dark lies of the evil one and turning on the light of truth for us.
Jesus said if we love Him, He will ask the Father to give us another Helper. This Helper is the Spirit of truth. He dwells with us and in us. With the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at work in our lives, we are no longer orphans. We are no longer parentless.
The Christ of Christmas helps us to overcome the misinformation of our enemy the devil.
From the beginning the devil tempted humankind to choose his deceptive narrative rather than God’s true Word, the Holy Bible.
The revelation that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ) of God is a tremendous gift of love.
Jesus said in, “No one knows the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” [2] Knowing the Heavenly Father is a gift of revelation from Jesus His Son.
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’” [3]
To love Jesus... To be devoted to His Word is a divine gift of grace. To be loved by the Heavenly Father is a heavenly blessing. To have the Holy Trinity set up residence in one’s life is the greatest gift that the first Christmas brought to us.
Christmas is not about Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, or Jack Frost. Christmas is about Christ coming into our world in human flesh and dwelling among us. He came to redeem us from our sins. He came to reconnect the disconnect between us and God. Christ is the real meaning of Christmas.
[1] John 14:15-18
[2] Matthew 11:27
[3] John 14:23
Monday, December 13, 2021
Love One Another
Before Jesus uttered His new commandment to His disciples – the one to love one another – He washed their feet. He also experienced a troubling in His spirit.
What troubled Jesus that evening?
Jesus told His disciples, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” [1] One of His disciples was about to betray Him.
The disciples looked at one another. They were perplexed. A disciple close to Jesus asked Him, “Who is it?” Jesus answered him, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot.
“The giving of the dipped bread designated special honor, like a toast.” [2]
Jesus blessed him who cursed Him. He treated him who deserved no love with special kindness.
Was it for Judas that Jesus was troubled? God wants all people to be saved.
The devil had cultivated Judas to make the wrong decision – to betray Jesus. Judas listened to the devil. The devil entered the heart of Judas. [3]
The destiny of Judas was a horrible one. First suicide, and then, an eternity without God. Jesus said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” [4]
Thus, it is with all who decide to reject Jesus. It is an extremely ill choice.
After Judas left, Jesus said to His remaining disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [5]
“The command to love was not new; but the extent of love just displayed by Jesus was new, as would be the display of the cross. Love was newly defined from His example.” [6]
“Dear Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have been unfaithful to love You and our fellow disciples as we should. Help to love as You love. Deeply! Humbly! Sacrificially! Faithfully! Please keep us in the fold of those who love You, and of those who love one another. For it is Your Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] John 13:21
[2] Quotes from the Blue Letter Bible Commentary
What troubled Jesus that evening?
Jesus told His disciples, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” [1] One of His disciples was about to betray Him.
The disciples looked at one another. They were perplexed. A disciple close to Jesus asked Him, “Who is it?” Jesus answered him, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot.
“The giving of the dipped bread designated special honor, like a toast.” [2]
Jesus blessed him who cursed Him. He treated him who deserved no love with special kindness.
Was it for Judas that Jesus was troubled? God wants all people to be saved.
The devil had cultivated Judas to make the wrong decision – to betray Jesus. Judas listened to the devil. The devil entered the heart of Judas. [3]
The destiny of Judas was a horrible one. First suicide, and then, an eternity without God. Jesus said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” [4]
Thus, it is with all who decide to reject Jesus. It is an extremely ill choice.
After Judas left, Jesus said to His remaining disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [5]
“The command to love was not new; but the extent of love just displayed by Jesus was new, as would be the display of the cross. Love was newly defined from His example.” [6]
“Dear Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have been unfaithful to love You and our fellow disciples as we should. Help to love as You love. Deeply! Humbly! Sacrificially! Faithfully! Please keep us in the fold of those who love You, and of those who love one another. For it is Your Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] John 13:21
[2] Quotes from the Blue Letter Bible Commentary
[3] John 13:2, 27
[4] John 13:34-35
[5] Matthew 26:24
[6] Quote from the Blue Letter Bible Commentary
[5] Matthew 26:24
[6] Quote from the Blue Letter Bible Commentary
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Preachers of the Gospel Needed
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” [1]
I have attached a couple of photos to illustrate what has been helpful to me in the past for inspiring me and equipping me to share the Gospels with others. If every Christian would lead one soul to Christ per year, the number of Christians would double in size annually.
The Lord used a tract by Keith Green to take me over the line in regards to taking the Gospel to people overseas. (photo)
However, before I went overseas, the Lord directed me to evangelize in the US. I took part in an Evangelism Explosion training and went out afterwards to visit people. (photo)
My partner and I used a survey method to start conversations. If that worked, we asked the two diagnostic questions (photo).
We also handed tracts and invited people to church. (photo)
While doing evangelism, it is vital to make a proper distinction between the Law and the Gospel (photo)
The Law convicts of sin. It demands. The Gospel gives. It tells us what Jesus taught about salvation and tells us what Jesus did for our salvation.
Lost souls need preachers of the Gospels.
“Dear Lord of Harvest, please raise up and equip more laborers, and may these laborers focus on preaching the Gospel. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Romans 10:14
I have attached a couple of photos to illustrate what has been helpful to me in the past for inspiring me and equipping me to share the Gospels with others. If every Christian would lead one soul to Christ per year, the number of Christians would double in size annually.
The Lord used a tract by Keith Green to take me over the line in regards to taking the Gospel to people overseas. (photo)
However, before I went overseas, the Lord directed me to evangelize in the US. I took part in an Evangelism Explosion training and went out afterwards to visit people. (photo)
My partner and I used a survey method to start conversations. If that worked, we asked the two diagnostic questions (photo).
We also handed tracts and invited people to church. (photo)
While doing evangelism, it is vital to make a proper distinction between the Law and the Gospel (photo)
The Law convicts of sin. It demands. The Gospel gives. It tells us what Jesus taught about salvation and tells us what Jesus did for our salvation.
Lost souls need preachers of the Gospels.
“Dear Lord of Harvest, please raise up and equip more laborers, and may these laborers focus on preaching the Gospel. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Romans 10:14
Monday, December 6, 2021
Peter not Judas
“Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?’ He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.” [1]
One of you is the devil. His name was Judas or in Hebrew Judah. Judah was once a popular name among the Jews, but that changed with Judah from Kerioth or Judas Iscariot. Judah means praise in Hebrew. In English, Judas has come to mean someone who betrays another’s trust for the sake of silver. Its sad how some of have tied all Jews to Judas and have forgotten that eleven Jewish followers of Jesus laid down their lives for Him. God chose Jewish disciples to write the New Testament and to establish the Christian faith.
Why did Jesus choose Judas to be one of His twelve disciples? He knew Judas would betray Him. There was no possibility of converting this man. The verses that came to me this morning as I meditated on this passage were Isaiah 14:12-17, Ezekiel 28:12-15 and Revelation 12:7-9. Passages where God explains that Lucifer once brought praise to Him, but then, wanted to be God, and raised a rebellion against God, and was thus, expelled from heaven by God’s angel Michael. Was Jesus in choosing Judas teaching us something about the Kingdom of God?
Earlier in John 6, Jesus told a crowd, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” [2] In other words, do not be so enamored with God’s created things that you miss the Creator when He is standing right in front of you.
God the Father has set His seal on Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah. He is the gate to enter the sheepfold. He is the One who gives everlasting life. Worship Jesus! He is the One all heaven adores. Stick with the eleven loyal followers of Jesus and serve Him. Proclaim His Name! Be His disciple!
Follow Jesus, because as Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [3]
One of you is the devil. His name was Judas or in Hebrew Judah. Judah was once a popular name among the Jews, but that changed with Judah from Kerioth or Judas Iscariot. Judah means praise in Hebrew. In English, Judas has come to mean someone who betrays another’s trust for the sake of silver. Its sad how some of have tied all Jews to Judas and have forgotten that eleven Jewish followers of Jesus laid down their lives for Him. God chose Jewish disciples to write the New Testament and to establish the Christian faith.
Why did Jesus choose Judas to be one of His twelve disciples? He knew Judas would betray Him. There was no possibility of converting this man. The verses that came to me this morning as I meditated on this passage were Isaiah 14:12-17, Ezekiel 28:12-15 and Revelation 12:7-9. Passages where God explains that Lucifer once brought praise to Him, but then, wanted to be God, and raised a rebellion against God, and was thus, expelled from heaven by God’s angel Michael. Was Jesus in choosing Judas teaching us something about the Kingdom of God?
Earlier in John 6, Jesus told a crowd, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” [2] In other words, do not be so enamored with God’s created things that you miss the Creator when He is standing right in front of you.
God the Father has set His seal on Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah. He is the gate to enter the sheepfold. He is the One who gives everlasting life. Worship Jesus! He is the One all heaven adores. Stick with the eleven loyal followers of Jesus and serve Him. Proclaim His Name! Be His disciple!
Follow Jesus, because as Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [3]
[1] John 6:70-71
[2] John 6:27
[3] John 6:68-69
Sunday, December 5, 2021
From Death to Life
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” [1]
It is a done deal. Hear the words of Jesus! Believe in Him who sent Jesus! You have eternal life. God will not judge you, in such a case, you pass from death to life based on what God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit has done for you.
The reason salvation is free is because God the Father poured His heart in giving us His Son. God the Son poured out His heart by dying a cruel death on a cross to pay our sin debt before God in full. God the Holy Spirit poured out His life by deigning to come and to convict us that we need GOD to save us. What is more the Holy Spirit fills believers in Jesus and helps us to be strong in faith.
Passed from death to life based on God’s saving work!
[1] John 5:24
It is a done deal. Hear the words of Jesus! Believe in Him who sent Jesus! You have eternal life. God will not judge you, in such a case, you pass from death to life based on what God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit has done for you.
The reason salvation is free is because God the Father poured His heart in giving us His Son. God the Son poured out His heart by dying a cruel death on a cross to pay our sin debt before God in full. God the Holy Spirit poured out His life by deigning to come and to convict us that we need GOD to save us. What is more the Holy Spirit fills believers in Jesus and helps us to be strong in faith.
Passed from death to life based on God’s saving work!
[1] John 5:24
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Jesus Christ Savior of the World
Jesus said to the woman, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you...” [1]
She did not know who Jesus was at the moment, but she brought up the right topic during her conversation with Jesus...
“The woman said to Him, “’I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” [2]
The Messiah introduced Himself to her that day. What did she do?
“The woman then left her water pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, ‘Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’ Then they went out of the city and came to Him.” [3]
She went forth and told others about Jesus.
“And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.’” [4]
Praise God! It only takes a spark to get a fire going. May the Lord spark salvation fires in our communities today.
[1] John 4:10
[2] John 4:25-26
[3] John 4:28-30
[4] John 4:41-42
She did not know who Jesus was at the moment, but she brought up the right topic during her conversation with Jesus...
“The woman said to Him, “’I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” [2]
The Messiah introduced Himself to her that day. What did she do?
“The woman then left her water pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, ‘Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’ Then they went out of the city and came to Him.” [3]
She went forth and told others about Jesus.
“And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.’” [4]
Praise God! It only takes a spark to get a fire going. May the Lord spark salvation fires in our communities today.
[1] John 4:10
[2] John 4:25-26
[3] John 4:28-30
[4] John 4:41-42
Thursday, December 2, 2021
House of Prayer Not Merchandise
The Son of God came to earth and lived among us. On the one hand, He came to make atonement for our sins and to defeat the power of sin, satan and death over us. On the other hand, He came to embody the Word of God so that we would have God’s interpretation of Scripture perfectly practiced by Himself in human flesh.
I like what the Lord did through Billy Graham. He turned for-personal-profit business locations into venues to preach the Gospel to lost souls. For example, He preached the Gospel to lost souls at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay before the Buccaneers played their first football game in it. Thousands of souls streamed to their knees in repentance and professed faith in Christ during the days of that crusade. Praise the Lord!
“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” [2]
The Lord says that those who are wise will shine. He said that the true stars of this life turn people to righteousness. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every church venue in the world would be a venue for the Gospel to be preached to lost souls? And that thousands of souls would stream to their knees in repentance and profess faith in Christ during the services?
Let us pray for revival!
[1] John 2:14-16
[2] Daniel 12:3
Every story in the Gospels tells us something about our Creator and Sustainer. For example, when Jesus found people in the temple doing profitable
business dealings for themselves, He had made a whip of cords, and drove them
out. He told them, “Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” [1]
God denounced the exploitation of His temple for selfish gain by the managers
of it.
I like what the Lord did through Billy Graham. He turned for-personal-profit business locations into venues to preach the Gospel to lost souls. For example, He preached the Gospel to lost souls at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay before the Buccaneers played their first football game in it. Thousands of souls streamed to their knees in repentance and professed faith in Christ during the days of that crusade. Praise the Lord!
“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” [2]
The Lord says that those who are wise will shine. He said that the true stars of this life turn people to righteousness. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every church venue in the world would be a venue for the Gospel to be preached to lost souls? And that thousands of souls would stream to their knees in repentance and profess faith in Christ during the services?
Let us pray for revival!
[1] John 2:14-16
[2] Daniel 12:3
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
A Kingdom For Saints
“The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” [1]
From whom do the saints receive the kingdom? From God Himself!
“The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” [2]
Who shall inherit the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heavens? The Messiah gives it to those who have brought their sins to Him to be washed away by His redeeming blood. “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” [3]
Luke says to us who follow Him, “You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me.” [4]
Let us keep anticipating the Lord’s return! As the rays of the sun dispel the darkness of night, His arrival shall vanquish evil, and release glorious goodness. “The greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High!”
Praise the Lord!
[1] Daniel 7:18
[2] Daniel 7:27
[3] Revelation 1:5-6
[4] Luke 22:28-29
From whom do the saints receive the kingdom? From God Himself!
“The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” [2]
Who shall inherit the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heavens? The Messiah gives it to those who have brought their sins to Him to be washed away by His redeeming blood. “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” [3]
Luke says to us who follow Him, “You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me.” [4]
Let us keep anticipating the Lord’s return! As the rays of the sun dispel the darkness of night, His arrival shall vanquish evil, and release glorious goodness. “The greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High!”
Praise the Lord!
[1] Daniel 7:18
[2] Daniel 7:27
[3] Revelation 1:5-6
[4] Luke 22:28-29
Monday, November 29, 2021
The Difference Making Holy Spirit
The king said to Daniel, “I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.” [1]
And when a new king took power from that one, it was written about Daniel, “Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” [2]
What set Daniel apart from others? The answer is God's Spirit!
Of course! As a person loves God, keeps His commandments, and God’s Spirit helps him, excellent fruit comes forth.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” [3]
If we love JESUS, if we keep His commandments, He prays the Father to send us the Helper, that is, the Spirit of truth. He dwells with us and in us. With the Spirit of God in us we are no longer orphans. We are living with the help of God our Father, the advocacy of Jesus the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
[1] Daniel 5:14
[2] Daniel 6:3
[3] John 14:15-18
And when a new king took power from that one, it was written about Daniel, “Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” [2]
What set Daniel apart from others? The answer is God's Spirit!
Of course! As a person loves God, keeps His commandments, and God’s Spirit helps him, excellent fruit comes forth.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” [3]
If we love JESUS, if we keep His commandments, He prays the Father to send us the Helper, that is, the Spirit of truth. He dwells with us and in us. With the Spirit of God in us we are no longer orphans. We are living with the help of God our Father, the advocacy of Jesus the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
[1] Daniel 5:14
[2] Daniel 6:3
[3] John 14:15-18
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Loyal To The Lord
“...You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me...” [1]
Throughout history, loyalists to the Lord have encountered trials, but the Lord is loyal to His loyal followers. He shall reward us in like manner to the rewards He received from His Father.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego are fine examples of loyal followers of the Lord. In their day, a king made an idol of gold. It was ninety feet tall and ten feet wide. He ordered his officials to join the dedication of this image. He commanded them to worship the image. He warned them, “Whoever does not fall down, and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” [2]
“How twisted!” This man threatened people with fire if they did not worship him. This is the final destiny of followers of false gods. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” [3]
Most fell down and worshiped the gold image. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were the exceptions. It was reported to the king, “They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.” [4]
The king warned them, “If you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” [5]
They replied, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” [6]
They were thrown into the fiery furnace. To his surprise, the king saw a fourth man in the fire with them. He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” [7]
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego exited the fire, the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
The king praised God, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him.” He added, “There is no other God who can deliver like this.” Then, he promoted them. [8]
Loyal followers of the Lord may experience trials for a season, but in the end, we experience God’s deliverance and promotions from Him. Praying for God’s grace to help us all be loyal to the Lord!
[1] Luke 22:28-29
[2] Daniel 3:6
[3] Revelation 20:15
[4] Daniel 3:12
[5] Daniel 3:15
[6] Daniel 3:17-18
[7] Daniel 3:25
[8] Daniel 3:28-30
Throughout history, loyalists to the Lord have encountered trials, but the Lord is loyal to His loyal followers. He shall reward us in like manner to the rewards He received from His Father.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego are fine examples of loyal followers of the Lord. In their day, a king made an idol of gold. It was ninety feet tall and ten feet wide. He ordered his officials to join the dedication of this image. He commanded them to worship the image. He warned them, “Whoever does not fall down, and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” [2]
“How twisted!” This man threatened people with fire if they did not worship him. This is the final destiny of followers of false gods. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” [3]
Most fell down and worshiped the gold image. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were the exceptions. It was reported to the king, “They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.” [4]
The king warned them, “If you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” [5]
They replied, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” [6]
They were thrown into the fiery furnace. To his surprise, the king saw a fourth man in the fire with them. He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” [7]
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego exited the fire, the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
The king praised God, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him.” He added, “There is no other God who can deliver like this.” Then, he promoted them. [8]
Loyal followers of the Lord may experience trials for a season, but in the end, we experience God’s deliverance and promotions from Him. Praying for God’s grace to help us all be loyal to the Lord!
[1] Luke 22:28-29
[2] Daniel 3:6
[3] Revelation 20:15
[4] Daniel 3:12
[5] Daniel 3:15
[6] Daniel 3:17-18
[7] Daniel 3:25
[8] Daniel 3:28-30
Friday, November 19, 2021
Enter via the Narrow Gate
Jesus was teaching in cities and villages as He journeyed toward Jerusalem. Someone asked Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” [1]
Jesus responded, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” [2]
The narrow gate according to Jesus is, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” [3]
During the days that Jesus walked through the cities and villages of Israel, many attended synagogue services. Many had the Scriptures and could quote passages, but what they lacked was a personal relationship with the God of the Scriptures. He was standing before them in the person of Jesus Christ and they rejected Him. He told them that many from all over the world would accept Him and believe in Him. Those who did, would be blessed to eat with Him, with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets in the kingdom of God.
What really matters is what we do with Jesus. Those who embrace Him with love, worship and service will be the “first” in the kingdom of God. They will enter the kingdom of God thanks to the narrow gate. That's because Jesus Christ (the narrow gate) is the only Savior from sin. A person must believe in Him to be saved.
[1] Luke 13: 22-23
[2] Luke 13:24-30
[3] John 10:9
Jesus responded, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” [2]
The narrow gate according to Jesus is, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” [3]
During the days that Jesus walked through the cities and villages of Israel, many attended synagogue services. Many had the Scriptures and could quote passages, but what they lacked was a personal relationship with the God of the Scriptures. He was standing before them in the person of Jesus Christ and they rejected Him. He told them that many from all over the world would accept Him and believe in Him. Those who did, would be blessed to eat with Him, with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets in the kingdom of God.
What really matters is what we do with Jesus. Those who embrace Him with love, worship and service will be the “first” in the kingdom of God. They will enter the kingdom of God thanks to the narrow gate. That's because Jesus Christ (the narrow gate) is the only Savior from sin. A person must believe in Him to be saved.
[1] Luke 13: 22-23
[2] Luke 13:24-30
[3] John 10:9
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Rich Toward God
“The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So, is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” [1]
“THINGS the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need... THINGS. But SEEK the KINGDOM of GOD, and... things shall be added to you.” [2]
“If you choose money over love, you will always be poor.” – Unknown
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to pursue love. To be rich in love, especially towards You, but also to the people around us.”
[1] Luke 12:16-21
[2] Luke 12:30-31
“THINGS the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need... THINGS. But SEEK the KINGDOM of GOD, and... things shall be added to you.” [2]
“If you choose money over love, you will always be poor.” – Unknown
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to pursue love. To be rich in love, especially towards You, but also to the people around us.”
[1] Luke 12:16-21
[2] Luke 12:30-31
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
The Vital Importance of Professing Christ
“...Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” [1]
Is your name written in heaven?
“There shall by no means enter it [the heavenly Jerusalem] anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” [2]
How does one’s name get written into the Lamb’s Book of Life? The answer is by believing in the Lamb of God and following Him while here on earth. And who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin that keeps people from entering New Jerusalem. The Lamb is none other than the King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ.
“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man [Jesus Christ] whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him [Jesus] from the dead.” [3]
Don’t wait another moment. Ask God to forgive your sins based on what His Son Jesus did for you on the cross... He sacrificed Himself to wash away your sins. Receive His forgiveness! And place your trust in Christ alone to save you both in this life and in the next. Those who confess Christ before people, He confesses before His Father in heaven. This is how one's name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” [4]
[1] Luke 10:20
[2] Revelation 21:27
[3] Acts 17:30-31
[4] Matthew 10:32-33
Is your name written in heaven?
“There shall by no means enter it [the heavenly Jerusalem] anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” [2]
How does one’s name get written into the Lamb’s Book of Life? The answer is by believing in the Lamb of God and following Him while here on earth. And who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin that keeps people from entering New Jerusalem. The Lamb is none other than the King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ.
“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man [Jesus Christ] whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him [Jesus] from the dead.” [3]
Don’t wait another moment. Ask God to forgive your sins based on what His Son Jesus did for you on the cross... He sacrificed Himself to wash away your sins. Receive His forgiveness! And place your trust in Christ alone to save you both in this life and in the next. Those who confess Christ before people, He confesses before His Father in heaven. This is how one's name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” [4]
[1] Luke 10:20
[2] Revelation 21:27
[3] Acts 17:30-31
[4] Matthew 10:32-33
Monday, November 15, 2021
The Gift Of Loving
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” [1]
“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” [2]
“Let all that you do be done with love.” [3]
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much! Help us to love others as You love them. Thank You for giving up Your Son unto death to pay in full our sin debt against You. Help us to love those who sin against us. Keep us from harming those around us. May Your great love for people be the starting point from which we do all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 John 4:8-11
[2] Romans 13:10
[3] 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” [2]
“Let all that you do be done with love.” [3]
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much! Help us to love others as You love them. Thank You for giving up Your Son unto death to pay in full our sin debt against You. Help us to love those who sin against us. Keep us from harming those around us. May Your great love for people be the starting point from which we do all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 John 4:8-11
[2] Romans 13:10
[3] 1 Corinthians 16:14
Sunday, November 14, 2021
What A Miracle!
I remember the day when I first truly believed that Jesus Christ IS Lord and Savior. It happened on a day of August of 1979. The Lord graciously brought me to the place where I spoke to Him and asked Him to take my life, save it from sin and hell and use me for His glory! Immediately, a peace came over me. A peace like I never experienced before. I KNEW He was REAL. I knew the creation I had seen everyday was HIS handiwork. Praise the Lord!
But that day was only the beginning! He is still transforming me. Helping me to see and understand better ways to love Him and to love those around me. Praise GOD for sending His Son into the world to reveal Himself and His ways to us.
I am very grateful to God for my wife Sherry. She has been a dear soul to me. I count her as one of the Lord’s greatest blessings to me. God has placed so much love in my heart for her. I pray that the Lord will bless her.
I praise the Lord for giving me a new heart and spirit.
Here is what the Lord says to us, “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord God. Therefore turn and live!” [1]
“YES LORD, I turn to YOU and I LIVE!”
[1] Ezekiel 18:30-32
But that day was only the beginning! He is still transforming me. Helping me to see and understand better ways to love Him and to love those around me. Praise GOD for sending His Son into the world to reveal Himself and His ways to us.
I am very grateful to God for my wife Sherry. She has been a dear soul to me. I count her as one of the Lord’s greatest blessings to me. God has placed so much love in my heart for her. I pray that the Lord will bless her.
I praise the Lord for giving me a new heart and spirit.
Here is what the Lord says to us, “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord God. Therefore turn and live!” [1]
“YES LORD, I turn to YOU and I LIVE!”
[1] Ezekiel 18:30-32
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Authority & Power to Heal Sickness
“Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, ‘Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.’
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, ‘I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’ And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.” [1]
Jesus authorized the Centurion’s servant to be healed and it was done. He also commended the centurion's faith in the hearing of those around Him. Jesus marveled at the man because He was not a Jew. He was a Gentile! Yet, He had greater faith in the Jewish Messiah than many of His own people.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God! He has authority and power over all created things. In fact, He created and sustains all creation...
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” [2]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for creating us, sustaining us, and caring for us. Thank You for all the miraculous healings of human bodies that You have done throughout the ages and for the healing You will be doing today around the world. All praise, glory and blessing be unto You. We marvel at Your great love for us!”
[1] Luke 7:6-10
[2] Colossians 1:15-17
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, ‘I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’ And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.” [1]
Jesus authorized the Centurion’s servant to be healed and it was done. He also commended the centurion's faith in the hearing of those around Him. Jesus marveled at the man because He was not a Jew. He was a Gentile! Yet, He had greater faith in the Jewish Messiah than many of His own people.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God! He has authority and power over all created things. In fact, He created and sustains all creation...
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” [2]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for creating us, sustaining us, and caring for us. Thank You for all the miraculous healings of human bodies that You have done throughout the ages and for the healing You will be doing today around the world. All praise, glory and blessing be unto You. We marvel at Your great love for us!”
[1] Luke 7:6-10
[2] Colossians 1:15-17
Friday, November 12, 2021
Blessings & Woes
Jesus calls those who follow Him to see suffering from a different perspective. Jesus declares the poor, hungry and weeping blessed.
“Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” [1]
“The poor are not promised wealth – but something more valuable: God’s kingdom. The hungry and weeping will have their present situations reversed, becoming filled and laughing. Their current situation does not reflect their actual blessed state. Jesus promises blessings to those who face persecution.
The woes are a warning to those who place their trust in their comfortable situation. It is this independence from God that places them in a woeful situation, possibly without them even realizing it.” [2]
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” [3]
The blessings and woes of Jesus are comparable to the blessings and curses of Moses. [4] Both messages encourage us to make obedience to God the main issue. Jesus encourages obedience to God even when obedience doesn’t seem to yield blessings.
Jesus clarified the kind of obedience that God is looking for when He went on to say, “Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” [5]
Selfless love in a world full of hatred and greed is bound to incur some blow back, but in the end, such a person will be greatly rewarded by God for all eternity.
[1] Luke 6:20-23
[2] Julia Van Den Brink: “Luke’s beatitudes and woes: are they covenant blessings and curses?”
[3] Luke 6:24-25
[4] See Deuteronomy 28
[5] Luke 6:35-36
“Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” [1]
“The poor are not promised wealth – but something more valuable: God’s kingdom. The hungry and weeping will have their present situations reversed, becoming filled and laughing. Their current situation does not reflect their actual blessed state. Jesus promises blessings to those who face persecution.
The woes are a warning to those who place their trust in their comfortable situation. It is this independence from God that places them in a woeful situation, possibly without them even realizing it.” [2]
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” [3]
The blessings and woes of Jesus are comparable to the blessings and curses of Moses. [4] Both messages encourage us to make obedience to God the main issue. Jesus encourages obedience to God even when obedience doesn’t seem to yield blessings.
Jesus clarified the kind of obedience that God is looking for when He went on to say, “Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” [5]
Selfless love in a world full of hatred and greed is bound to incur some blow back, but in the end, such a person will be greatly rewarded by God for all eternity.
[1] Luke 6:20-23
[2] Julia Van Den Brink: “Luke’s beatitudes and woes: are they covenant blessings and curses?”
[3] Luke 6:24-25
[4] See Deuteronomy 28
[5] Luke 6:35-36
Thursday, November 11, 2021
The Greatest Crisis To Resolve
Social media companies and political fundraisers spend billions of dollars to bring us into line with their way of thinking. They want our thoughts, emotions and energies to flow in a particular direction. They seem to always being creating a crisis that only they can solve.
Ungodly leaders were not the main concern of Jesus when He came to earth. He multiplied food for the hungry, but that was not His main concern. He healed many sick, but healthcare was not His number one concern. So, what was our Lord’s primary concern when He walked among us?
Jesus said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” [1]
The main concern of Jesus was that those heading for an eternity without God would be saved.
“He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” [2]
Jesus urged His disciples to pray for laborers to do the work of saving souls.
“Dear Lord Jesus, You said that those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. You did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repent. [3] You sent your apostles to open eyes. To turn people from darkness to light! To turn people from the power of Satan to the power of God! You want people to receive forgiveness for their sins! An inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in You! [4] Please connect us with lost souls and may Your Holy Spirit speak through us to them. Please open blind eyes! Please set captive souls free from bondages to sin! May Satan’s power gives way to Your power! May sinners repent and receive Your forgiveness. May they experience the joy of salvation! This I pray in Your Name Lord Jesus. Amen.”
[1] Luke 19:10
[2] Matthew 9:37-38
[3] Luke 5:30-32
[4] Acts 26:17-18
Ungodly leaders were not the main concern of Jesus when He came to earth. He multiplied food for the hungry, but that was not His main concern. He healed many sick, but healthcare was not His number one concern. So, what was our Lord’s primary concern when He walked among us?
Jesus said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” [1]
The main concern of Jesus was that those heading for an eternity without God would be saved.
“He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” [2]
Jesus urged His disciples to pray for laborers to do the work of saving souls.
“Dear Lord Jesus, You said that those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. You did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repent. [3] You sent your apostles to open eyes. To turn people from darkness to light! To turn people from the power of Satan to the power of God! You want people to receive forgiveness for their sins! An inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in You! [4] Please connect us with lost souls and may Your Holy Spirit speak through us to them. Please open blind eyes! Please set captive souls free from bondages to sin! May Satan’s power gives way to Your power! May sinners repent and receive Your forgiveness. May they experience the joy of salvation! This I pray in Your Name Lord Jesus. Amen.”
[1] Luke 19:10
[2] Matthew 9:37-38
[3] Luke 5:30-32
[4] Acts 26:17-18
Saturday, November 6, 2021
Warning, Warning, Warning
The Lord gave Ezekiel a vision of four living creatures. He saw the glory of the Lord. Then, the Lord gave him a commission. He was to speak to His people in Babylon. The challenge was that they were in no mood to listen to what he had to say.
The Lord told Ezekiel, “Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.” [1]
The Lord gave Ezekiel a scroll to eat. He was to absorb and internalize it. Let it energize him to speak for God. The topics in the prophetic message were lamentations, mourning and woe. [2]
“Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat and remained there astonished among them seven days. Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me.’” [3]
Seven days! He did not want to speak. But after seven days, the Lord reminded him that this was his mission.
As Ezekiel sat among the people, he realized that the Lord was not kidding when He said, “The house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me.” [4] The Babylonian conquest and decimation of their nation had not softened their hearts towards God. Becoming captives of others yielded no humility in them. They continued to ignore Ezekiel’s warnings from God. He continued to faithfully warn them to repent.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your sentinels by the power of Your Holy Spirit to keep on warning those who do not want to be warned. To keep on loving them as You love them! To You be all the glory, honor, and praise! In Jesus’ Name, we pray.”
[1] Ezekiel 2:6-7
[2] Ezekiel 2:9-10; 3:3
[3] Ezekiel 3:15-17
[4] Ezekiel 3:7
The Lord told Ezekiel, “Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.” [1]
The Lord gave Ezekiel a scroll to eat. He was to absorb and internalize it. Let it energize him to speak for God. The topics in the prophetic message were lamentations, mourning and woe. [2]
“Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat and remained there astonished among them seven days. Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me.’” [3]
Seven days! He did not want to speak. But after seven days, the Lord reminded him that this was his mission.
As Ezekiel sat among the people, he realized that the Lord was not kidding when He said, “The house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me.” [4] The Babylonian conquest and decimation of their nation had not softened their hearts towards God. Becoming captives of others yielded no humility in them. They continued to ignore Ezekiel’s warnings from God. He continued to faithfully warn them to repent.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your sentinels by the power of Your Holy Spirit to keep on warning those who do not want to be warned. To keep on loving them as You love them! To You be all the glory, honor, and praise! In Jesus’ Name, we pray.”
[1] Ezekiel 2:6-7
[2] Ezekiel 2:9-10; 3:3
[3] Ezekiel 3:15-17
[4] Ezekiel 3:7
Friday, November 5, 2021
Reflecting God’s Glory
God created us people in His image to reflect His glory on the earth. When we bring glory to God, we fulfill our primary purpose.
Jesus taught, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” [1]
When we ask God to intervene in our lives and do miracles to help us, we are in a sense asking Him to be glorified in our lives.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” [2]
Those who are victorious over the beast, over his image, over his mark and over his number (666), stand on a sea of glass with harps of God, and sing:
“Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.” [3]
So, let our purpose be to glorify the Lord...
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth.” [4]
[1] Matthew 5:16
[2] Psalm 50:15
[3] Revelation 15:2, 4
[4] Psalm 57:5
Jesus taught, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” [1]
When we ask God to intervene in our lives and do miracles to help us, we are in a sense asking Him to be glorified in our lives.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” [2]
Those who are victorious over the beast, over his image, over his mark and over his number (666), stand on a sea of glass with harps of God, and sing:
“Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.” [3]
So, let our purpose be to glorify the Lord...
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth.” [4]
[1] Matthew 5:16
[2] Psalm 50:15
[3] Revelation 15:2, 4
[4] Psalm 57:5
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
21st Century Jeremiah Book Now Available
My book is now available to order via:
https://www.lulu.com/shop
At the website above, type “21st Century Jeremiah” in the search window and it will bring it up.
I pray that this book will inspire love for God.
Forgiveness of Sin and the Holy Spirit
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” [1]
The Bible teaches that we are born with a sin nature. It is natural, but not advantageous, for sinners to sin.
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” [2]
Rather than wait for purgatory to be purged of sin as some teach, King David asked the Lord to purge his sin in the here and now.
Hyssop was used to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to the door posts of one’s home. When the angel of the Lord saw the blood of the lamb on the entry posts of people’s homes, he did not strike anyone dead. [3] So vital it is that our sin be purged by the blood of a lamb that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be THE LAMB of GOD who takes away the sin of the world.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” [4]
King Saul took God’s grace in vain. He was not faithful to the Lord. God did take His Holy Spirit from Saul. An evil spirit came upon him so that he began to persecute his son-in-law, David. He made every effort to kill David but failed. He ended up taking his own life. After all this, David sinned by taking the life of one of his faithful soldiers, and by committing adultery with the soldier’s wife. He repented. David experienced severe consequences for these sins, but the Lord did not take His Spirit from David. God forgave his sin.
“Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” [5]
Grateful for God’s grace, David proceeded to tell sinners about the Lord. In a sense, he is still doing so as people read the Psalms which God inspired him to write.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” [6]
David was broken and contrite in regards to his sin. God saw that! God accepted his repentance.
Later on, David’s son, Solomon wrote, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be healthy for your flesh and strengthen your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” [7]
Rather than think highly of self, think highly of the Lord. Give unto the Lord the glory that He so richly deserves!
“Surely He scorns the scornful but gives grace to the humble.” [8]
“Yes Lord, help us to be humble. To accept that what You say is true, and to act upon it. Please forgive our sins and fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit to lead others to You. For it is in the Name of Jesus, that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Psalm 51:5
[2] Psalm 51:7
[3] Exodus 12:22
[4] Psalm 51:10-11
[5] Psalm 51:13
[6] Psalm 51:17
[7] Proverbs 3:7-10
[8] Proverbs 3:34
The Bible teaches that we are born with a sin nature. It is natural, but not advantageous, for sinners to sin.
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” [2]
Rather than wait for purgatory to be purged of sin as some teach, King David asked the Lord to purge his sin in the here and now.
Hyssop was used to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to the door posts of one’s home. When the angel of the Lord saw the blood of the lamb on the entry posts of people’s homes, he did not strike anyone dead. [3] So vital it is that our sin be purged by the blood of a lamb that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be THE LAMB of GOD who takes away the sin of the world.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” [4]
King Saul took God’s grace in vain. He was not faithful to the Lord. God did take His Holy Spirit from Saul. An evil spirit came upon him so that he began to persecute his son-in-law, David. He made every effort to kill David but failed. He ended up taking his own life. After all this, David sinned by taking the life of one of his faithful soldiers, and by committing adultery with the soldier’s wife. He repented. David experienced severe consequences for these sins, but the Lord did not take His Spirit from David. God forgave his sin.
“Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” [5]
Grateful for God’s grace, David proceeded to tell sinners about the Lord. In a sense, he is still doing so as people read the Psalms which God inspired him to write.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” [6]
David was broken and contrite in regards to his sin. God saw that! God accepted his repentance.
Later on, David’s son, Solomon wrote, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be healthy for your flesh and strengthen your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” [7]
Rather than think highly of self, think highly of the Lord. Give unto the Lord the glory that He so richly deserves!
“Surely He scorns the scornful but gives grace to the humble.” [8]
“Yes Lord, help us to be humble. To accept that what You say is true, and to act upon it. Please forgive our sins and fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit to lead others to You. For it is in the Name of Jesus, that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Psalm 51:5
[2] Psalm 51:7
[3] Exodus 12:22
[4] Psalm 51:10-11
[5] Psalm 51:13
[6] Psalm 51:17
[7] Proverbs 3:7-10
[8] Proverbs 3:34
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
The Lord Defends His Servant
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. [1]
Joshua was doing priestly service. Satan stood at his right hand to oppose him. He hates it when God’s people stand with the Lord.
“The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebukes you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” [2]
“The name Satan literally means adversary or opponent. He stands against us in spiritual battle. Satan wanted to destroy Simon Peter, sifting him like wheat but Jesus prayed for Peter and stood beside him and did not allow Satan to carry out every evil intention. The Lord rebukes Satan. When Satan accuses, Christ pleads. The Lord is a very present help in time of trouble.
“Michael the archangel said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ The example here shows us a model for spiritual warfare. We should battle Satan with the Lord’s authority. In His authority we fight from a place of victory, more than fighting for victory.” [3]
“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.’” [4]
Satan was pointing to Joshua’s filthy clothes and declaring him unfit to serve the Lord. No problem, “Joshua’s ministry was not based on his own goodness or merit. He had been rescued as a brand plucked from the fire. Indeed, Satan had a lot to accuse Joshua of, but Joshua had an even greater advocate, namely the Lord.
Joshua not only enjoyed having his iniquity removed, he also was given a positive righteousness – clothed with rich robes. The thought of being clothed by God in righteousness runs from Genesis to Revelation.” [5]
“I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.” [6]
“The turban was part of the High Priest’s garments and on the front, it had a gold plate inscribed with the phrase HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” [7] In God’s eyes Joshua was holy. He had been declared useful by the Lord for His service.
How should we respond to the Lord’s help? By praising Him: “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” [8]
[1] Zachariah 3:1
[2] Zachariah 3:2
[3] Enduring Word Commentary with references to Ephesians 6:10-18; Luke 22:31-32; Jude 1:9
[4] Zachariah 3:3-4
[5] Enduring Word Commentary with references to Genesis 3:7, 21; Revelation 7:13-14
[6] Zachariah 3:5
[7] Enduring Word Commentary with reference to Exodus 28:36-38
[8] Psalm 47:6-8
Joshua was doing priestly service. Satan stood at his right hand to oppose him. He hates it when God’s people stand with the Lord.
“The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebukes you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” [2]
“The name Satan literally means adversary or opponent. He stands against us in spiritual battle. Satan wanted to destroy Simon Peter, sifting him like wheat but Jesus prayed for Peter and stood beside him and did not allow Satan to carry out every evil intention. The Lord rebukes Satan. When Satan accuses, Christ pleads. The Lord is a very present help in time of trouble.
“Michael the archangel said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ The example here shows us a model for spiritual warfare. We should battle Satan with the Lord’s authority. In His authority we fight from a place of victory, more than fighting for victory.” [3]
“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.’” [4]
Satan was pointing to Joshua’s filthy clothes and declaring him unfit to serve the Lord. No problem, “Joshua’s ministry was not based on his own goodness or merit. He had been rescued as a brand plucked from the fire. Indeed, Satan had a lot to accuse Joshua of, but Joshua had an even greater advocate, namely the Lord.
Joshua not only enjoyed having his iniquity removed, he also was given a positive righteousness – clothed with rich robes. The thought of being clothed by God in righteousness runs from Genesis to Revelation.” [5]
“I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.” [6]
“The turban was part of the High Priest’s garments and on the front, it had a gold plate inscribed with the phrase HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” [7] In God’s eyes Joshua was holy. He had been declared useful by the Lord for His service.
How should we respond to the Lord’s help? By praising Him: “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” [8]
[1] Zachariah 3:1
[2] Zachariah 3:2
[3] Enduring Word Commentary with references to Ephesians 6:10-18; Luke 22:31-32; Jude 1:9
[4] Zachariah 3:3-4
[5] Enduring Word Commentary with references to Genesis 3:7, 21; Revelation 7:13-14
[6] Zachariah 3:5
[7] Enduring Word Commentary with reference to Exodus 28:36-38
[8] Psalm 47:6-8
Monday, November 1, 2021
Caring As The Lord Cares
The Prophet Jeremiah’s care for people was great. He wrote, “For the hurt of the daughter of My people, I am hurt. I mourn. Dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then isn’t the health of the daughter of My people recovered?” [1]
When he reached out to those on the verge of perishing, they replied, “We will walk after our own plans… we will each follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.” [2]
Was the care that God gave him for people an exercise of futility? Should he have concluded, “Love is not a worthy cause?
The Lord’s promise to those who care deeply for others is this: “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.” [3]
The ministry of divine love, though painful, yields great joy. While the Prophet Jeremiah may have not seen the fruit of his labors during his lifetime, his tears have turned to joy. He is with the Lord now and his earthly efforts are still bearing good fruit today.
Caring as the Lord cares is a worthy cause!
[1] Jeremiah 8:21-22
[2] Jeremiah 18:12
[3] Psalm 126:5-6
When he reached out to those on the verge of perishing, they replied, “We will walk after our own plans… we will each follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.” [2]
Was the care that God gave him for people an exercise of futility? Should he have concluded, “Love is not a worthy cause?
The Lord’s promise to those who care deeply for others is this: “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.” [3]
The ministry of divine love, though painful, yields great joy. While the Prophet Jeremiah may have not seen the fruit of his labors during his lifetime, his tears have turned to joy. He is with the Lord now and his earthly efforts are still bearing good fruit today.
Caring as the Lord cares is a worthy cause!
[1] Jeremiah 8:21-22
[2] Jeremiah 18:12
[3] Psalm 126:5-6
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Glorifying God!
God designed us to bring Him glory! If we fail to give Him glory, we fail in our primary purpose!
What was Gehenna? It was the place where items that no longer served their purpose were thrown and burned.
Are you? Am I? Glorifying God?
The temptation of these last days is to “blaspheme the name of God” and to refuse to “repent and give Him glory.” [1] To doubt God! To defy and denounce Him!
Let us defy defiance of God and glory in giving Him glory! As the Psalmist said, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” [2]
As Paul said, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [3] Let us boast about what Jesus for us on the cross!
Jesus advised us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” [4]
Let us glorify the Lord in such a way that others want to join us in bringing God glory!
[1] Revelation 16:9
[2] Psalm 34:3
[3] Galatians 3:14
[4] Matthew 5:16
What was Gehenna? It was the place where items that no longer served their purpose were thrown and burned.
Are you? Am I? Glorifying God?
The temptation of these last days is to “blaspheme the name of God” and to refuse to “repent and give Him glory.” [1] To doubt God! To defy and denounce Him!
Let us defy defiance of God and glory in giving Him glory! As the Psalmist said, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” [2]
As Paul said, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [3] Let us boast about what Jesus for us on the cross!
Jesus advised us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” [4]
Let us glorify the Lord in such a way that others want to join us in bringing God glory!
[1] Revelation 16:9
[2] Psalm 34:3
[3] Galatians 3:14
[4] Matthew 5:16
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Overcoming the Forces of Darkness
“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” [1]
These evil principalities, powers, dark rulers, and spiritual hosts of wickedness want to keep people from believing in Christ.
“If our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” [2]
“Heavenly Father, please open the eyes of the spiritually blind. Please shine Your light upon those sitting in darkness. I as this in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ.”
I have found it helpful when witnessing to lost souls to use my authority from the Lord to bind the devil in the Name of Jesus. To plead the blood of Jesus shed for them. We overcome the forces of darkness by the blood of the Lamb. We want the Lord to pierce the darkness in their soul and reveal Himself to them. I pray the Holy Spirit to blow upon them like a mighty wind and reveal to them through my witness that Jesus Christ is indeed their Lord and Savior.
[1] Ephesians 6:12
[2] 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Jesus Christ Yesterday, Today, and Forever
The woman had a seemingly incurable illness for 12-years. The remedies given to her by many physicians had only added to her suffering. Her money was gone. Her health was growing worse day by day. Finally, news came to her of a Rabbi named Jesus. He had divine power to heal sicknesses. When she spotted Him in a crowded public area, she snuck up behind Him and touched His garment. She believed, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
She touched His garment. Immediately, she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. Praise the Lord!
Immediately, Jesus knew that power had gone out of Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched My clothes?” His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You ask, “Who touched Me?”
Jesus spotted her. The woman was afraid. She was trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told Him the whole truth. Would He condemn her? No, He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” [1]
While Jesus was still speaking with the woman, people inform a man who had previously asked Jesus to heal his daughter that the daughter is now dead. A woman was just healed from her prolonged and incurable disease, but now a father is grieving because his daughter is dead. The bearers of bad news suggest to the father, “Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
Jesus said to the father, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
When Jesus arrived at the dead girl’s home, people were in turmoil. They were crying and wailing loudly. Jesus entered the home. He diagnosed the girl as sleeping not dead. The mourners stopped their weeping long enough to ridicule Jesus. He put them outside the house. He brought the father, mother, Peter, James, and John to the child. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” The girl immediately arose and walked. She was 12 years old. The people were greatly amazed! [2]
The woman with the incurable disease and the dead girl were healed on the same day thanks to Jesus. The girl was born in the same year that the woman contracted her illness. Two ladies with unresolvable situations experienced resolve thanks to Jesus. One lady sought out Jesus and drew near and touched Him when she had the opportunity to do so. The other young lady was beyond the point of being able to ask Jesus for help. Thankfully, her father sought out Jesus, found Him and brought Jesus to her.
What unresolvable situation are you or your loved one dealing with today? Why not look to Jesus for help? Ask Him to help! Believe in His power and in His compassion. Nothing is impossible with Jesus.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” [3]
[1] Mark 5:25-34
[2] Mark 5:35-43
[3] Hebrews 13:8
She touched His garment. Immediately, she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. Praise the Lord!
Immediately, Jesus knew that power had gone out of Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched My clothes?” His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You ask, “Who touched Me?”
Jesus spotted her. The woman was afraid. She was trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told Him the whole truth. Would He condemn her? No, He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” [1]
While Jesus was still speaking with the woman, people inform a man who had previously asked Jesus to heal his daughter that the daughter is now dead. A woman was just healed from her prolonged and incurable disease, but now a father is grieving because his daughter is dead. The bearers of bad news suggest to the father, “Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
Jesus said to the father, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
When Jesus arrived at the dead girl’s home, people were in turmoil. They were crying and wailing loudly. Jesus entered the home. He diagnosed the girl as sleeping not dead. The mourners stopped their weeping long enough to ridicule Jesus. He put them outside the house. He brought the father, mother, Peter, James, and John to the child. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” The girl immediately arose and walked. She was 12 years old. The people were greatly amazed! [2]
The woman with the incurable disease and the dead girl were healed on the same day thanks to Jesus. The girl was born in the same year that the woman contracted her illness. Two ladies with unresolvable situations experienced resolve thanks to Jesus. One lady sought out Jesus and drew near and touched Him when she had the opportunity to do so. The other young lady was beyond the point of being able to ask Jesus for help. Thankfully, her father sought out Jesus, found Him and brought Jesus to her.
What unresolvable situation are you or your loved one dealing with today? Why not look to Jesus for help? Ask Him to help! Believe in His power and in His compassion. Nothing is impossible with Jesus.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” [3]
[1] Mark 5:25-34
[2] Mark 5:35-43
[3] Hebrews 13:8
Sunday, October 24, 2021
United With God
“Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness...” [1]
The people were afraid. Their earthly economy and security seemed to be ending. A conquering nation was about to overcome their capital. The prophet of the Lord was in prison. The Lord gave Jeremiah a message of grace in this ominous moment. Though life as they knew it was ending, the Lord promised to be gracious to them in the new life that was coming.
“The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.’” [2]
They would survive the calamities and even enjoy a time of music and rejoicing. The Lord’s everlasting love and lovingkindness towards them would be the key to their longevity.
“Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together; for I will turn their mourning to joy, will comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow. I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord.” [3]
In the Lord’s presence, there is rejoicing and dancing. He turns mourning into joy. He greatly comforts us. He takes our sorrow and gives us His joy. He gives His goodness to us.
“I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” [4]
This is what the Lord does. He gives us a download of spiritual replenishment.
“This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” [5]
Knowing the Lord comes on the heels of His forgiveness. When we ask the Lord to forgive our sins, He does forgive them. In fact, He forgets them. And once our sin is purged, He gives us the greatest blessing... the blessing of knowing and loving Him. God and us united!
[1] Jeremiah 31:2
[2] Jeremiah 31:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 31:13-14
[4] Jeremiah 31:25
[5] Jeremiah 31:33-34
The people were afraid. Their earthly economy and security seemed to be ending. A conquering nation was about to overcome their capital. The prophet of the Lord was in prison. The Lord gave Jeremiah a message of grace in this ominous moment. Though life as they knew it was ending, the Lord promised to be gracious to them in the new life that was coming.
“The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.’” [2]
They would survive the calamities and even enjoy a time of music and rejoicing. The Lord’s everlasting love and lovingkindness towards them would be the key to their longevity.
“Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together; for I will turn their mourning to joy, will comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow. I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord.” [3]
In the Lord’s presence, there is rejoicing and dancing. He turns mourning into joy. He greatly comforts us. He takes our sorrow and gives us His joy. He gives His goodness to us.
“I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” [4]
This is what the Lord does. He gives us a download of spiritual replenishment.
“This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” [5]
Knowing the Lord comes on the heels of His forgiveness. When we ask the Lord to forgive our sins, He does forgive them. In fact, He forgets them. And once our sin is purged, He gives us the greatest blessing... the blessing of knowing and loving Him. God and us united!
[1] Jeremiah 31:2
[2] Jeremiah 31:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 31:13-14
[4] Jeremiah 31:25
[5] Jeremiah 31:33-34
Saturday, October 23, 2021
An Amazing Savior!
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’” [1]
The four friends of the paralytic brought him to Jesus for healing. The first thing Jesus did was forgive the man’s sins. Was his sin the sin of unbelief? The Scripture says, “When He saw THEIR faith,” Jesus forgave the man’s sins.
“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?’” [2]
The scribes were in-charge of interpreting Scripture. They questioned why Jesus pronounced the man’s sin forgiven. Without the shedding of blood there was no forgiveness according to Moses. How could Jesus declare God’s forgiveness without a priest sacrificing an animal on his behalf?
“But 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]
Jesus was and is God. He is the Son of God! He has the power to forgive sins. He has the power to heal dysfunctional body parts. Not only this, but He was also and is the atoning sacrifice that the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
People of faith are still bringing themselves and others to Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and for the healing of their dysfunctional body parts. Our Lord Jesus is still forgiving sins and healing broken bodies today as we come to Him, present ourselves to Him, seek His forgiveness, and believe in His authority and ability to do miracles.
“All were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” [4]
Jesus is Messiah! He is the Son of God. Let us be amazed and glorify God because He does miracles like we have never seen before. He forgives our sins and heals our bodies.
[1] Mark 2:5
[2] Mark 2:6-7
[3] Mark 2:8-12
[4] Mark 2:12
The four friends of the paralytic brought him to Jesus for healing. The first thing Jesus did was forgive the man’s sins. Was his sin the sin of unbelief? The Scripture says, “When He saw THEIR faith,” Jesus forgave the man’s sins.
“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?’” [2]
The scribes were in-charge of interpreting Scripture. They questioned why Jesus pronounced the man’s sin forgiven. Without the shedding of blood there was no forgiveness according to Moses. How could Jesus declare God’s forgiveness without a priest sacrificing an animal on his behalf?
“But 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]
Jesus was and is God. He is the Son of God! He has the power to forgive sins. He has the power to heal dysfunctional body parts. Not only this, but He was also and is the atoning sacrifice that the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
People of faith are still bringing themselves and others to Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and for the healing of their dysfunctional body parts. Our Lord Jesus is still forgiving sins and healing broken bodies today as we come to Him, present ourselves to Him, seek His forgiveness, and believe in His authority and ability to do miracles.
“All were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” [4]
Jesus is Messiah! He is the Son of God. Let us be amazed and glorify God because He does miracles like we have never seen before. He forgives our sins and heals our bodies.
[1] Mark 2:5
[2] Mark 2:6-7
[3] Mark 2:8-12
[4] Mark 2:12
Friday, October 22, 2021
Intervention Preceding From Intercession
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there... HE PRAYED.” [1]
After Jesus prayed before daylight in a solitary placed, what transpired?
“And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and casting out demons.” [2]
Preaching happened! Demons were cast out of religious places of worship. Captives were set free. People could live and produce fruit for God once again! Praise the Lord!
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” [3]
What does Jesus do now that He is heaven at the right hand of the Father? He intercedes for us. If the Son of God intercedes for us, should we not do the same for others? We should! Let’s join Him in His intercessory ministry, especially to pray for the Gospel to be shared with the lost and for captives of evil to be set free.
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” [4]
The Holy Spirit is also an intercessor. One day I was prayer walking here in Kirksville and the Lord said to me, “I created the world through words, but I do My ministry work among people through prayer.” So, let us pray for one another.
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” [5]
Why pray for the Lord’s people? Because we are the primary targets of the evil one. He wants to take us out so that we are no longer able to proclaim the Gospel that sets captives free from sin.
Let us boldly pray for one another, especially for our witnessing ministry. That the Lord will connect us with the right people whose hearts He has prepared to hear the Gospel. That we will have the boldness and right words to say when such opportunities open up to us. That the Lord will fill our churches with worshippers. That the Lord will produce more disciples and more laborers for the spreading of His Gospel. Let us intercede so that numerous divine interventions occur.
[1] Mark 1:35
[2] Mark 1:39
[3] Romans 8:34
[4] Romans 8:26-27
[5] Ephesians 6:18
After Jesus prayed before daylight in a solitary placed, what transpired?
“And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and casting out demons.” [2]
Preaching happened! Demons were cast out of religious places of worship. Captives were set free. People could live and produce fruit for God once again! Praise the Lord!
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” [3]
What does Jesus do now that He is heaven at the right hand of the Father? He intercedes for us. If the Son of God intercedes for us, should we not do the same for others? We should! Let’s join Him in His intercessory ministry, especially to pray for the Gospel to be shared with the lost and for captives of evil to be set free.
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” [4]
The Holy Spirit is also an intercessor. One day I was prayer walking here in Kirksville and the Lord said to me, “I created the world through words, but I do My ministry work among people through prayer.” So, let us pray for one another.
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” [5]
Why pray for the Lord’s people? Because we are the primary targets of the evil one. He wants to take us out so that we are no longer able to proclaim the Gospel that sets captives free from sin.
Let us boldly pray for one another, especially for our witnessing ministry. That the Lord will connect us with the right people whose hearts He has prepared to hear the Gospel. That we will have the boldness and right words to say when such opportunities open up to us. That the Lord will fill our churches with worshippers. That the Lord will produce more disciples and more laborers for the spreading of His Gospel. Let us intercede so that numerous divine interventions occur.
[1] Mark 1:35
[2] Mark 1:39
[3] Romans 8:34
[4] Romans 8:26-27
[5] Ephesians 6:18
Thursday, October 21, 2021
The Lord Weighs the Hearts
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.” [1]
Assuming themselves right without checking their facts with the Lord, was the crisis during the last days of Jeremiah’s Jerusalem. The prophet had been calling them to return to loving God and to loving God’s ways, but to no avail. They did not count loving God as a factor for determining if they were on an upward or downward trajectory.
Jeremiah said: “...This is the 23rd year in which the word of the Lord has come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising early, and speaking, but you have not listened. And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ Yet you have not listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.” [2]
The prosperity indicator that they ignored was God. They disregarded His importance. God spoke to their nation for 23 years through His prophet Jeremiah. In fact, He spoke to them via many of His servants, but they refused to regard His words as important.
“Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Because you have not heard My words, behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ says the Lord, ‘and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations. Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” [3]
Babylon was going to overcome them. Babylon was an actual nation in those days, but its name is also used as a metaphor in the Bible for people who exalt themselves against God and who try to be gods unto themselves. Characteristics of Babylon include the loss of mirth and gladness, the loss of weddings, the loss of production (millstone moving) and the loss of light (a metaphor for wisdom and understanding).
The Lord told the people of Jerusalem that they were about to enter a 70-year season of life in a foreign land that would induce in them a return to loving Him, loving His ways, and loving one another. God did His best with trying to coach them away from choosing the hard way back to Him, and back to one another, but in the absence of their cooperation, He allowed cruel Babylon to break through in their spiritual lives in ways that His caring prophets could not.
[1] Proverbs 21:2
[2] Jeremiah 25:2-7
[3] Jeremiah 25:8-11
Assuming themselves right without checking their facts with the Lord, was the crisis during the last days of Jeremiah’s Jerusalem. The prophet had been calling them to return to loving God and to loving God’s ways, but to no avail. They did not count loving God as a factor for determining if they were on an upward or downward trajectory.
Jeremiah said: “...This is the 23rd year in which the word of the Lord has come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising early, and speaking, but you have not listened. And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ Yet you have not listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.” [2]
The prosperity indicator that they ignored was God. They disregarded His importance. God spoke to their nation for 23 years through His prophet Jeremiah. In fact, He spoke to them via many of His servants, but they refused to regard His words as important.
“Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Because you have not heard My words, behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ says the Lord, ‘and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations. Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” [3]
Babylon was going to overcome them. Babylon was an actual nation in those days, but its name is also used as a metaphor in the Bible for people who exalt themselves against God and who try to be gods unto themselves. Characteristics of Babylon include the loss of mirth and gladness, the loss of weddings, the loss of production (millstone moving) and the loss of light (a metaphor for wisdom and understanding).
The Lord told the people of Jerusalem that they were about to enter a 70-year season of life in a foreign land that would induce in them a return to loving Him, loving His ways, and loving one another. God did His best with trying to coach them away from choosing the hard way back to Him, and back to one another, but in the absence of their cooperation, He allowed cruel Babylon to break through in their spiritual lives in ways that His caring prophets could not.
[1] Proverbs 21:2
[2] Jeremiah 25:2-7
[3] Jeremiah 25:8-11
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
LOVE
“It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.” [1]
“Heavenly Father, please grant that we would love rather than strive.”
“Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?” [2]
“Heavenly Father, please grant that we would be faithful to You... to proclaim Your goodness.”
“...Make every effort to add to your faith... mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [3]
“Heavenly Father, please restore to us and to our nation mutual affection and love. That we would be thoughtful towards one another and care for one another in neighborly ways. And may we become a people who enjoy gathering together in Your Name to worship You once again. Please breakthrough into our lives with Your amazing grace and lovingkindness. All these things, I ask in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] Proverbs 20:3
[2] Proverbs 20:6
[3] 2 Peter 1:5, 7-8
“Heavenly Father, please grant that we would love rather than strive.”
“Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?” [2]
“Heavenly Father, please grant that we would be faithful to You... to proclaim Your goodness.”
“...Make every effort to add to your faith... mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [3]
“Heavenly Father, please restore to us and to our nation mutual affection and love. That we would be thoughtful towards one another and care for one another in neighborly ways. And may we become a people who enjoy gathering together in Your Name to worship You once again. Please breakthrough into our lives with Your amazing grace and lovingkindness. All these things, I ask in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] Proverbs 20:3
[2] Proverbs 20:6
[3] 2 Peter 1:5, 7-8
Sunday, October 17, 2021
In God Alone is our Life and Hope
Rejoicing in God’s Word… being happy to be identified with Him:
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
The enemy of humanity’s soul opposes those who delight in God’s Word and speak it faithfully for people to hear it. Thankfully, the Lord is aware of the schemes of the wicked even more than we are.
“I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.” Jeremiah 15:21
I Know that My Redeemer Lives (hymn by Samuel Medley, verses 3-6, 8):
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above,
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears,
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
The Lord assures us that people (despite the evil one’s schemes) will come to know His hand and His might, and KNOW that HIS NAME is LORD.
“Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know My hand and My might; and they shall know that My name is the Lord.” Jeremiah 16:21
“Dear Heavenly Father, please manifest to those who don’t know You, Your truth, and the power of Your hand, the power of Your might, and that Your Name alone reigns over all creation. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.”
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
The enemy of humanity’s soul opposes those who delight in God’s Word and speak it faithfully for people to hear it. Thankfully, the Lord is aware of the schemes of the wicked even more than we are.
“I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.” Jeremiah 15:21
I Know that My Redeemer Lives (hymn by Samuel Medley, verses 3-6, 8):
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above,
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears,
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
The Lord assures us that people (despite the evil one’s schemes) will come to know His hand and His might, and KNOW that HIS NAME is LORD.
“Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know My hand and My might; and they shall know that My name is the Lord.” Jeremiah 16:21
“Dear Heavenly Father, please manifest to those who don’t know You, Your truth, and the power of Your hand, the power of Your might, and that Your Name alone reigns over all creation. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.”
Monday, October 11, 2021
Preposterous Outrageous Yet Wonderful
God’s love moves Him to pursue even when we try to evade Him. He offers to us an uncommon opportunity for a renewed relationship with Him...
“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]
“Though you have been unfaithful, return to Me.” The Lord does not want us to perish in our sin. He does not want a heaven without us, but we have to turn to Him if we want to be saved.
“...You have polluted the land with your harlotries and your wickedness. 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]
Just as Adam and Eve’s sin defiled paradise, so our sins defile the places where we live. Rain being withheld can serve as a metaphor for anything that we depend on for our well-being. The Lord can withhold such blessings to make it easier for us to reconsider our need for Him. He wants us to rely on Him for help. He WANTS to be our FATHER.
“...I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God, 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]
The Lord assures us that if we return to Him that He will not treat us as our sins deserve. He will bring us to a better place. He will give us good shepherds who feed us excellent spiritual food.
“Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns.” [4] For seed to produce, it needs to fall on ground that has been broken up and on ground that has been cleared of weeds. These are metaphors for a heart that is tender towards the Lord and a heart that has been cleansed of the love of the world’s sinful pleasures.
“O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.” [5]
The Lord experienced much heartache for the people of Jerusalem. War was coming, but it could easily have been averted if they repented of sin and returned to the Lord.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your outrage against betrayal. You should not be content to be treated this way. Thank You also for Your great love, mercy, and compassion towards us. That You are ready to forgive us, embrace us, identify with us, and guide us! Thank You! Praise You! Help us to love, honor and serve You as we should. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:12-15
[4] Jeremiah 4:3
[5] Jeremiah 4:19
“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]
“Though you have been unfaithful, return to Me.” The Lord does not want us to perish in our sin. He does not want a heaven without us, but we have to turn to Him if we want to be saved.
“...You have polluted the land with your harlotries and your wickedness. 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]
Just as Adam and Eve’s sin defiled paradise, so our sins defile the places where we live. Rain being withheld can serve as a metaphor for anything that we depend on for our well-being. The Lord can withhold such blessings to make it easier for us to reconsider our need for Him. He wants us to rely on Him for help. He WANTS to be our FATHER.
“...I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God, 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]
The Lord assures us that if we return to Him that He will not treat us as our sins deserve. He will bring us to a better place. He will give us good shepherds who feed us excellent spiritual food.
“Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns.” [4] For seed to produce, it needs to fall on ground that has been broken up and on ground that has been cleared of weeds. These are metaphors for a heart that is tender towards the Lord and a heart that has been cleansed of the love of the world’s sinful pleasures.
“O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.” [5]
The Lord experienced much heartache for the people of Jerusalem. War was coming, but it could easily have been averted if they repented of sin and returned to the Lord.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your outrage against betrayal. You should not be content to be treated this way. Thank You also for Your great love, mercy, and compassion towards us. That You are ready to forgive us, embrace us, identify with us, and guide us! Thank You! Praise You! Help us to love, honor and serve You as we should. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:12-15
[4] Jeremiah 4:3
[5] Jeremiah 4:19
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Where Is The Love?
God called Jeremiah to be a mouthpiece for Him. He reluctantly obeyed the Lord due to a sense of his youthful inexperience, but the Lord promised to be with Him.
God gave Jeremiah a lament. God’s lament was that He was a lover who loved His people well, but they were an unfaithful and kept their distance from Him.
“What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me...?” [1]
“I brought you into a bountiful country, to eat its fruit and its goodness. but when you entered, you defiled My land and made My heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ and those who handle the law did not know Me; the rulers also transgressed against Me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit.” [2]
“Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit.” [3]
“My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” [4]
“Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the Lord your God, and the fear of Me is not in you, says the Lord God of hosts.” [5]
“I had planted you a noble vine, a seed of highest quality. How then have you turned before Me into the degenerate plant of an alien vine?” [6]
“But you said, ‘There is no hope. No! For I have loved aliens, and after them I will go.’” [7]
“They have turned their back to Me, and not their face. but in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; for according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah.” [8]
“In vain I have chastened your children; they received no correction.” [9]
“My people have forgotten Me days without number.” “Yet you say, ‘Because I am innocent, surely His anger shall turn from me.’ Behold, I will plead My case against you because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’” [10]
“The Lord has rejected your trusted allies, and you will not prosper by them.” [11]
“Dear Heavenly Father, You with Your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are the source of pure love. Please forgive us for not loving as we should. Please help us to honor You by loving You and by inspiring others to do the same. We do love You want, but to love You more. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 2:4
[2] Jeremiah 2:7-8
[3] Jeremiah 2:11
[4] Jeremiah 2:14
[5] Jeremiah 2:19
[6] Jeremiah 2:21
[7] Jeremiah 2:25
[8] Jeremiah 2:27-28
[9] Jeremiah 2:30
[10] Jeremiah 2:32, 35
[11] Jeremiah 2:37
God gave Jeremiah a lament. God’s lament was that He was a lover who loved His people well, but they were an unfaithful and kept their distance from Him.
“What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me...?” [1]
“I brought you into a bountiful country, to eat its fruit and its goodness. but when you entered, you defiled My land and made My heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ and those who handle the law did not know Me; the rulers also transgressed against Me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit.” [2]
“Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit.” [3]
“My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” [4]
“Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the Lord your God, and the fear of Me is not in you, says the Lord God of hosts.” [5]
“I had planted you a noble vine, a seed of highest quality. How then have you turned before Me into the degenerate plant of an alien vine?” [6]
“But you said, ‘There is no hope. No! For I have loved aliens, and after them I will go.’” [7]
“They have turned their back to Me, and not their face. but in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; for according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah.” [8]
“In vain I have chastened your children; they received no correction.” [9]
“My people have forgotten Me days without number.” “Yet you say, ‘Because I am innocent, surely His anger shall turn from me.’ Behold, I will plead My case against you because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’” [10]
“The Lord has rejected your trusted allies, and you will not prosper by them.” [11]
“Dear Heavenly Father, You with Your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are the source of pure love. Please forgive us for not loving as we should. Please help us to honor You by loving You and by inspiring others to do the same. We do love You want, but to love You more. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 2:4
[2] Jeremiah 2:7-8
[3] Jeremiah 2:11
[4] Jeremiah 2:14
[5] Jeremiah 2:19
[6] Jeremiah 2:21
[7] Jeremiah 2:25
[8] Jeremiah 2:27-28
[9] Jeremiah 2:30
[10] Jeremiah 2:32, 35
[11] Jeremiah 2:37
Friday, October 8, 2021
REPENT & BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS
“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the Good News of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and BELIEVE in THE GOOD NEWS.’” [1]
Many turned to the Lord through the ministry of John the Baptist. He was blessed with a large following. His imprisonment could have spoiled the momentum that was building, IF the people who heeded his preaching began to doubt the value of the movement of God’s Spirit. Jesus did not allow the movement to wane. He continued preaching, “The kingdom of God is hand. Repent and believe the Good News.” Don’t listen to the naysayers. Repent of pessimism! BELIEVE the GOOD NEWS!
The instruction of wisdom is to hold God in high regard. Don’t give into evil. Don’t succumb to humanity’s attempt to dethrone God! Don’t yield your tongue to perversities! Listen to what the Lord is saying! BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS of HIS REIGN...
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.” [2]
JESUS told His disciples that those who surrender that which is most precious to them for God and God’s work will prosper. They will receive a hundredfold blessing on earth and eternal life with God when this life is over...
“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” [3]
Speaking as someone who went to preach the GOOD NEWS in Hong Kong in June of 1985 with just $200 in my pocket, and a lot of faith in the goodness of God, I can say most assuredly that I have never been able to out give God. We went to Hong Kong with one baby and returned to the USA 12 years later with four children, and more than a $1,000 in our pocket. In the meantime, many lost souls heard the GOOD NEWS in Hong Kong and Guangzhou City. Many believed in JESUS. The key point here is that the Lord prospered us not for our own ego’s or vanity’s sake. He prospered us as we BELIEVED in HIS GRACE and SHARED HIS GOOD NEWS!
Let us TRUST GOD and share THE GOOD NEWS of what JESUS did for us and for the SALVATION of the WORLD!
[1] Mark 1:14-15
[2] Proverbs 8:13-21
[3] Matthew 19:29
Many turned to the Lord through the ministry of John the Baptist. He was blessed with a large following. His imprisonment could have spoiled the momentum that was building, IF the people who heeded his preaching began to doubt the value of the movement of God’s Spirit. Jesus did not allow the movement to wane. He continued preaching, “The kingdom of God is hand. Repent and believe the Good News.” Don’t listen to the naysayers. Repent of pessimism! BELIEVE the GOOD NEWS!
The instruction of wisdom is to hold God in high regard. Don’t give into evil. Don’t succumb to humanity’s attempt to dethrone God! Don’t yield your tongue to perversities! Listen to what the Lord is saying! BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS of HIS REIGN...
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.” [2]
JESUS told His disciples that those who surrender that which is most precious to them for God and God’s work will prosper. They will receive a hundredfold blessing on earth and eternal life with God when this life is over...
“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” [3]
Speaking as someone who went to preach the GOOD NEWS in Hong Kong in June of 1985 with just $200 in my pocket, and a lot of faith in the goodness of God, I can say most assuredly that I have never been able to out give God. We went to Hong Kong with one baby and returned to the USA 12 years later with four children, and more than a $1,000 in our pocket. In the meantime, many lost souls heard the GOOD NEWS in Hong Kong and Guangzhou City. Many believed in JESUS. The key point here is that the Lord prospered us not for our own ego’s or vanity’s sake. He prospered us as we BELIEVED in HIS GRACE and SHARED HIS GOOD NEWS!
Let us TRUST GOD and share THE GOOD NEWS of what JESUS did for us and for the SALVATION of the WORLD!
[1] Mark 1:14-15
[2] Proverbs 8:13-21
[3] Matthew 19:29
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Worshipping God Is Better Than Vanity
The definition of vanity is having a lot of pride or conceit in your appearance or achievements. It also means worthless, emptiness, or something without value just like life apart from God is nothing.
Competing with others and living for self-praise is vanity. We must be on guard from vanity.
Remember God is Your Creator. Praise and adore Him! We are made in His image. The devil got caught up in himself and began to compete with God which led to his rebellion against God and his war against God. Self-worship is vain and dangerous. If you have been vain, repent and ask God to forgive you.
“The human heart has so many crannies where vanity hides, so many holes where falsehood lurks, is so decked out with deceiving hypocrisy, that it often dupes itself.” [1]
What does the Bible say?
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” [2]
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” [3]
Don’t make yourself an idol: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” [4]
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” [5]
“Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless–like chasing the wind.” [6]
“Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.” [7]
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways.” [8]
“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.” [9]
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” [10]
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” [11]
“What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” [12]
“Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [13]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive us for vain glory seeking. Help us to seek to only bring You glory all our days. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] John Calvin - biblereasons.com/vanity
[2] Proverbs 31:30
[3] Proverbs 16:18
[4] 1 John 5:21
[5] 1 John 2:16
[6] Ecclesiastes 4:4
[7] Job 15:31
[8] Psalm 119:37
[9] Psalm 127:2
[10] Galatians 5:26
[11] Philippians 2:3-4
[12] 1 Corinthians 4:7
[13] Galatians 6:14
Competing with others and living for self-praise is vanity. We must be on guard from vanity.
Remember God is Your Creator. Praise and adore Him! We are made in His image. The devil got caught up in himself and began to compete with God which led to his rebellion against God and his war against God. Self-worship is vain and dangerous. If you have been vain, repent and ask God to forgive you.
“The human heart has so many crannies where vanity hides, so many holes where falsehood lurks, is so decked out with deceiving hypocrisy, that it often dupes itself.” [1]
What does the Bible say?
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” [2]
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” [3]
Don’t make yourself an idol: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” [4]
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” [5]
“Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless–like chasing the wind.” [6]
“Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.” [7]
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways.” [8]
“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.” [9]
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” [10]
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” [11]
“What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” [12]
“Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [13]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive us for vain glory seeking. Help us to seek to only bring You glory all our days. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] John Calvin - biblereasons.com/vanity
[2] Proverbs 31:30
[3] Proverbs 16:18
[4] 1 John 5:21
[5] 1 John 2:16
[6] Ecclesiastes 4:4
[7] Job 15:31
[8] Psalm 119:37
[9] Psalm 127:2
[10] Galatians 5:26
[11] Philippians 2:3-4
[12] 1 Corinthians 4:7
[13] Galatians 6:14
Monday, October 4, 2021
Forsake Wicked Ways
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [1]
Great things happen when wicked people forsake wicked ways and turn to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness.
God’s thoughts and ways are far above ours...
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” [2]
But God wants to share His thoughts and ways with us to prosper us:
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” [3]
Joy and peace, singing and clapping come from the Lord to those who follow His leading:
“For you shall go out with joy and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” [4]
[1] Isaiah 55:6-7
[2] Isaiah 55:8-9
[3] Isaiah 55:10-11
[4] Isaiah 55:12-13
Great things happen when wicked people forsake wicked ways and turn to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness.
God’s thoughts and ways are far above ours...
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” [2]
But God wants to share His thoughts and ways with us to prosper us:
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” [3]
Joy and peace, singing and clapping come from the Lord to those who follow His leading:
“For you shall go out with joy and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” [4]
[1] Isaiah 55:6-7
[2] Isaiah 55:8-9
[3] Isaiah 55:10-11
[4] Isaiah 55:12-13
Thursday, September 30, 2021
The Importance of Repentance
“Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.” [1]
Jesus called sinners to repentance. Sin is an evil fruit. It destroys those who partake of it.
Throughout the Old Testament, God called His people to bring animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. Atonement for sin was a key function of the tabernacle and the priesthood.
Sin must be atoned for with blood: “Without shedding of blood there is no remission.” [2]
When Jesus instituted communion, He told His disciples, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” [3]
Jesus reached out to the last, the least and the lost, but His message to everyone was the same. Sin must be repented of. It must be atoned for. The Old Testament animals sacrifices were a type of His sacrifice, but they were imperfect. They had to be done over and over again. The sacrifice of Christ for our sins was a ONCE-FOR-ALL sacrifice.
Jesus “does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did ONCE FOR ALL when He offered up Himself.” [4]
“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place ONCE FOR ALL, having obtained eternal redemption.” [5]
“...But now, ONCE at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” [6]
“So Christ was offered ONCE to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” [7]
“...We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.” [8]
So, Jesus rebuked and pronounced woes over the cities that did not repent. [9] Sin separates people from God. Jesus brings people close to God through the forgiveness of their sins, but proud people rejected this theology of Jesus, which, by the way, is the theology of the Bible.
But to those who come to God on God’s terms, Jesus says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [10] Once, sin is atoned for, there is wonderful fellowship with God and with His people.
John Wesley, at the height of the great awakening, preached that people are depraved due to sin and need to be converted by Christ to become new creations. Many sinners found forgiveness and renewal thanks to John’s Holy-Spirit-led and Biblically based preaching. May the Lord bring such preaching to the USA ONCE AGAIN.
[1] Matthew 11:20
[2] Hebrews 9:22
[3] Matthew 26:28
[4] Hebrews 7:27
[5] Hebrews 9:12
[6] Hebrews 9:26
[7] Hebrews 9:28
[8] Hebrews 10:10
[9] Matthew 11:21-24
[10] Matthew 11:30
Jesus called sinners to repentance. Sin is an evil fruit. It destroys those who partake of it.
Throughout the Old Testament, God called His people to bring animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. Atonement for sin was a key function of the tabernacle and the priesthood.
Sin must be atoned for with blood: “Without shedding of blood there is no remission.” [2]
When Jesus instituted communion, He told His disciples, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” [3]
Jesus reached out to the last, the least and the lost, but His message to everyone was the same. Sin must be repented of. It must be atoned for. The Old Testament animals sacrifices were a type of His sacrifice, but they were imperfect. They had to be done over and over again. The sacrifice of Christ for our sins was a ONCE-FOR-ALL sacrifice.
Jesus “does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did ONCE FOR ALL when He offered up Himself.” [4]
“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place ONCE FOR ALL, having obtained eternal redemption.” [5]
“...But now, ONCE at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” [6]
“So Christ was offered ONCE to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” [7]
“...We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.” [8]
So, Jesus rebuked and pronounced woes over the cities that did not repent. [9] Sin separates people from God. Jesus brings people close to God through the forgiveness of their sins, but proud people rejected this theology of Jesus, which, by the way, is the theology of the Bible.
But to those who come to God on God’s terms, Jesus says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [10] Once, sin is atoned for, there is wonderful fellowship with God and with His people.
John Wesley, at the height of the great awakening, preached that people are depraved due to sin and need to be converted by Christ to become new creations. Many sinners found forgiveness and renewal thanks to John’s Holy-Spirit-led and Biblically based preaching. May the Lord bring such preaching to the USA ONCE AGAIN.
[1] Matthew 11:20
[2] Hebrews 9:22
[3] Matthew 26:28
[4] Hebrews 7:27
[5] Hebrews 9:12
[6] Hebrews 9:26
[7] Hebrews 9:28
[8] Hebrews 10:10
[9] Matthew 11:21-24
[10] Matthew 11:30
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