The Blessing of God

In Leviticus 26:1-13, the Lord speaks of sins to avoid and blessings to receive. He is the Lord. This is His world. It is His creation. The blessings are His to grant or to withhold.

The devil is one who told our first parents Adam and Eve that they could go against God’s rule and still prosper. The devil lied. Nothing has changed. He still propagates lies against God.

In this context, those who propagate a disregard for God and God’s rule are not leading us to blessings, but to curses. Leviticus 26:14-39 lists the curses that come to those who disregard God, His rule and live in opposition to Him.

So, let us pray for our country and for all peoples of the world. We are one human race created in the image of God. Many have embraced the Lord and His Word. Many worship Him and pray to Him daily. Let us ask the Lord to add people to His body the Church. And may we, His Church, be diligent to KNOW Him, WORSHIP Him, and SERVE Him. GOD is GOOD, and all blessings flow from HIM.

“Blessed is the person You choose,
And cause to approach You,
That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Of Your holy temple.

By awesome deeds in righteousness, You answer us,
O God of our salvation,
You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth,
And of the far-off seas;
Who established the mountains by His strength,
Being clothed with power;
You who still the noise of the seas,
The noise of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples.
They who dwell faraway are afraid of Your signs;
You make the morning and evening rejoice.

You visit the earth and water it,
You greatly enrich it;
The river of God is full of water;
You provide their grain,
For so You have prepared it.
You water its ridges abundantly,
You settle its furrows;
You make it soft with showers,
You bless its growth.

You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every side.
The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing.” [1]

[1] Psalm 65:4-13

What if the Lord Returned Today?

Would you KNOW for sure, nothing doubting, that you would go to heaven?

Is it possible to KNOW for certain that you have eternal life? That is a very great reward, right? Who deserves it?

The truth of the matter is no human deserves or earns eternal life. Eternal life is the gift of God according to Ephesians 2:8 in the Bible.

When we believe in Jesus, we KNOW that we have eternal life both by the promises in God’s Word in the Bible, and by the witness of His Holy Spirit, whom He gives to those who believe in His Name...

“The testimony that God has given us is eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” [1]

“He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself.” [2]

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” [3]

In Christ, even though we die, we live again.

What is our part in this great salvation?

First, we must repent of sin. Sin separates us from God. Isaiah 59:2 says, “Your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

The Gospel tells us that Jesus took away our sins on the cross. The Gospel is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, was resurrected on the third day, was seen by witnesses for 40 days, and afterwards, He ascended to heaven from where He will return to judge the living and the dead.

Second, we are to believe in and confess that Jesus is our Lord. Then, we have eternal life.

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [4]

Jesus is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless before God. [5]

[1] 1 John 5:11-12
[2] 1 John 5:10
[3] Romans 8:16
[4] Romans 10:9-10
[5] Jude 1:24

My Hong Kong Youth for Christ (HKYFC) Experience (1985-1987)

The Lord has been so incredibly gracious to me throughout my life.

My opportunity to work alongside Hong Kong Youth for Christ Director David Chu as his assistant is one such example.

I would love to see similar developments happen for our young people in Kirksville.

For example...

Graphic art seminar to give young people tools to promote with posters and other materials the Gospel sharing ministry.

Public speaking seminar to give young people tools to speak before hundreds.

Acting seminar to give young people tools to do skits for evangelistic meetings.

Music and singing seminar to give young people tools for music ministry.

Writing and publishing seminars to give young people tools to promote the Gospel.

Evangelism and Discipleship seminars to give young people tools to win souls to Christ and disciple them.

HKYFC was blessed with three departments of staff: Evangelism, Follow-up and Training.

HKYFC had access to do programs in 450 schools in Hong Kong as well as at detentions centers, shopping malls, and public venues with high volumes of people traffic.

We need to develop ministry skills and identify venues where we can minister to young people.

HKYFC reached many souls for Christ on a weekly basis.

I am looking to the Lord for our young people. “Lord, please help us to help them. Help us to give them tools that will help them serve You and to be blessings to this world for many years to come. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy...

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Lord, Send a Revival!

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” [1]

Paul warned of tough times in the last days. People will love themselves and their money. They will scoff at God, act religiously, and reject the power that could make them godly. [2]

People will be inward looking instead of outward looking!

What can change such a culture? Such an ingrained way of life?

One day, our Lord gave Ezekiel a vision. He saw a valley filled with dry bones. The Lord told Ezekiel to tell the dry bones that they would live again. When he did as the Lord commanded, the bones came together as skeletons. Muscles and skin formed over the bones, and the breath of life came into them. [3]

The Lord breathes spiritual live into dead souls as they hear the Gospel. This Gospel comes to them through Spirit-filled and Spirit-led people who love God and neighbor.

Revival comes by the power of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of Bible-believing and Bible-speaking Christians. The Holy Spirit moves as people devote themselves to Bible reading, prayer and to being witnesses for Christ.

Concerning prayer, E.M. Bounds said, “The prayers of God’s saints are the capital stock in Heaven by which Christ carries on His great work upon [the] earth.”

Revival comes as God’s people believe for it, pray for it and work for it.

“Lord, please send a revival!”

[1] Hosea 10:12
[2] 2 Timothy 3:1–5
[3] Ezekiel 37:1–14

Winning Spiritual Battles

Every human being has a common adversary. He is the devil. The Bible does not portray him as a grotesque and chill-raising creature...

“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” [1]

Hunters do not scare prey from a trap. They lure prey to a trap. Satan tempted Jesus with food when He was hungry. He tempted Jesus to misuse spiritual power. He tempted Jesus with the kingdoms of the world. Each shiny temptation was a lure to a trap, namely, the great loss that comes when one betrays God’s leadership for Satan’s. Jesus rebuked the devil. [2]

So, the Lord urges us to prepare for battle...

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” [3]

The armor we wear is spiritual because we are not contending with people, but with evil itself. Our goal is to defeat the devil from winning the minds of people away from God to his way of thinking. This battle began when Satan convinced our first parents, Adam, and Eve, to exchange God’s narrative for his lie. Scripture states that this battle is ongoing...

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” [4]

So, what are our weapons?

“Stand therefore, having the belt of truth, having the breastplate of righteousness, and having on your feet the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...” [5]

We need God’s truth, His righteousness, His Gospel, faith, salvation (be saved by God), God’s Word – the Bible, and prayer. We need to pray to God. Prayer can be challenging work. It can be wearisome, but we need to pray. Our prayers rise to God like incense. He turns our prayers into firepower that yield results. [6]

We hear a lot about resistance movements these days. We need to resist the devil...

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [7]

How do we win? By steadfastly (never letting up) believing in Christ...

“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” [7]

[1] 2 Corinthians 11:14
[2] Matthew 4:1-10
[3] Ephesians 6:11-12
[4] 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
[5] Ephesians 6:14-18
[6] Revelation 8:3-5
[7] James 4:7
[8] 1 John 5:5

Jesus Transforms Cross-bearers

Once, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” [1]

It is we, not Jesus, who are judged by our answer. In fact, we answer this question daily by what we believe and do.

Peter knew that Jesus is the Christ of God. The Messiah from the heart of God, not the Messiah from the desire of man!

“He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed.’” [2]

Jesus didn’t want His identity popularly known before the proper time. How could the crowds embrace a suffering Messiah? Many expected or hoped that He would be a political messiah.

But His Messiahship was planned before the world began.

“[You were redeemed] with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you.” [3]

“And be raised the third day.” [4]

His suffering and death was not an end. It was a beginning.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” [5]

Before a man died on a cross, he had to carry his cross (or at least the horizontal beam of the cross) to the place of execution. No one took up a cross voluntarily. It was impressed on him.

Jesus calls us to voluntarily take up our cross. The cross symbolizes self-denial. It is not about self-promotion or self-affirmation. The cross means to live as an others-centered person. “Daily!” No one could be crucified daily. Jesus was speaking metaphorically.

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” [6]

You don’t lose a seed when you plant it, you set it free to be transformed into what it was always intended to be.

Giving our lives to Jesus and living as others-centered people does not take our lives from us, it transforms our lives into something new and better. [7]

[1] Luke 9:20
[2] Luke 9:21-22
[3] 1 Peter 1:19-20
[4] Luke 9:22
[5] Luke 9:23
[6] Luke 9:24
[7] Much of the commentary derived from the Enduring Word Commentary

Jesus Transformed His Life

There was a man without clothes living among tombs. A demon often seized him. He was bound with chains and shackles. Sometimes, he broke these chains. The demon would drive him like a person drives a car into the wilderness. He suffered for a long time.

On the day that Jesus met this man, He commanded the unclean spirit out of him.

At first, the man fell before Jesus and cried out, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!”

When Jesus asked him his name, he replied, “Legion.” A Roman legion was 6,000 highly organized soldiers. Ready for battle! Scripture says that many demons had entered the man. The demons begged Jesus not to command them into the abyss. An abyss is mentioned in Revelation 9:11 as a place where many demons are locked up.

There was a herd of pigs nearby. So, they [the demons] begged Jesus to permit them to enter the pigs. He permitted them. Then, the demons went out of the man and entered the pigs. The herd of pigs bolted down a steep place into a lake and drowned.

Now, the man from whom the demons had departed, sat at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. He wanted to be with Jesus, but Jesus gave him a mission. He told him, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” The man proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. [1]

Jesus transformed this man’s life. His life was once full of pain and loneliness, but after he met Jesus, he could enjoy being among people. His life was productive. He helped others to know Jesus.

What would you like Jesus to do for you or for someone you love?

[1] Luke 8:26-39

Jesus Transforms Tears into Joy

“Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ’Do not weep.’” [1]

Many disciples and a large crowd! More than the twelve were disciples of Jesus in some sense.

Pall bearers were transporting a dead man out the city gate presumably to a cemetery. The deceased was the only son of his mother. She was a widow. Her grief was great.

Jesus said to her, “Do not weep.”

The Lord once said to a dying king, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you.” [2]

The Psalmist wrote, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” [3]

Jesus transforms tears that fall to the ground like seeds to produce crops of joy.

Jesus has compassion on this widow. The English word for compassion means to “suffer with.” The Greek word in the original text “σπλαγχνίζομαι” means to have the bowels yearn, i.e., feel sympathy, to pity: —hence to be moved with compassion. [4]

Jesus instantly understood the situation and had sympathy upon the widow.

Luke emphasizes Jesus’ deity by referring to Him as Lord.

“Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ So, he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen up among us;’ and ‘God has visited His people.’ And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding regions.” [5]

Jesus looked at the boy and spoke to a dead person as if he were alive. “God gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” [6] “He who was dead sat up and began to speak.”

Jesus transformed funeral processions into celebrations. This was also true for Jarius’ daughter and Lazarus. D.L. Moody was asked to conduct a funeral service, so he decided to study the gospels to find a funeral sermon delivered by Jesus. However, Moody searched in vain, because every funeral Jesus attended, He broke up by raising the dead!” [7]

May our Lord Jesus transform your tears into joy!

[1] Luke 7:11-13
[2] 2 Kings 20:5
[3] Psalm 126:5
[4] Strong’s Concordance
[5] Luke 7: 14-17
[6] Romans 4:17
[7] Luke 8:41-56, John 11:1-45, and Enduring Word Commentary

The Lord Transforms Pits into Praises

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.

He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” [1]

The Psalmist was in a horrible pit. His feet were stuck in miry clay. The imagery is of being in a disgusting dark hole. He is not able to free himself. He needs someone to rescue him. To whom does he turn? For whom does he wait? The Lord! And the result is...

A new song to sing!

The Lord transformed his pit into praise!

Other examples of tragedies transformed into anthems of tribute include...

“I can only Imagine” – a triple platinum winning song

By Bart Millard after his father died of cancer

“What a Friend we have in Jesus”

By Joseph Scriven after his beautiful fiancée drowned the day before their wedding. [2]

“It is well with my Soul”

By Attorney Horatio Spafford after his business burned down in the Chicago fire and his four daughters drowned at sea. [3]

Bart, Joseph, and Horatio composed praise songs to God. “Many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord!” People witnessed the power of God resurrecting these men from their tombs of despair and many placed their faith in God as well. Their witness for Christ came from hearts able to sing with new glory.

What horrible pit and what miry clay do you need the Lord to transform into a new song? Wait patiently! Our Lord is a master composer. He turns sighs into songs!

[1] Psalm 40:1-3
[2-3] lifewayresearch.com - unknown back stories to three well-loved hymns

Do You Need a Miracle?

Jesus does miracles!

After speaking to a crowd from a boat parked near a shoreline, Jesus said to Peter, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter responded, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.” “When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.” [1]

Jesus transformed a pro-longed night of fruitless effort into a morning of great yield.

“A man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately the leprosy left him.” [2]

Jesus transformed a moment that would stump any normal human, namely being asked to heal leprosy on the spot, to an immediate healing for the man.

“Men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.” [3]

Jesus is speaking to people in a house and people drop a paralyzed man down on a bed in front of Him. What a strange situation! But, no, Jesus healed the man. Weirdness becomes wonderful!

“After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So, he left all, rose, and followed Him. Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” [4]

Jesus could have ranted about the government when He saw the tax collector, as most people did in those days, but instead He converted Levi, and some of Levi’s cohorts into believers and servants of God.

What dire situation do you need Jesus to resolve today? Ask! Ask Jesus for your miracle! Trust in Him to hear and act upon your request!

[1] Luke 5:4-6
[2] Luke 5:12-13
[3] Luke 5:18-19
[4] Luke 5:28-32

Faith in Action – The Great Commission

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” [1]

The Great Commission is about faith in action. Jesus Christ has “All authority in heaven and on earth.” This means when we rely on Him, God’s will get done.

Jesus transforms spectators into speakers. Dry bones become alive bones... a mighty army by His Spirit...

“So, I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.” [2]

We move forward in power of Christ’s words and His Spirit.

Many Christians have made incredible sacrifices. Mission fields are everywhere. In the 21st century, the even internet has become a mission field where people can share Christ's love.

In verse 19, Jesus speaks of the Trinity. He calls us to baptize people in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Priests in the Old Testament washed in a basin before proceeding to do their priestly services for God and others. Christ “has made us kings and priests to His God and Father.” We are “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, proclaiming the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” [3]

In verse 20, Jesus commissions us to teach His teachings. As we do, our Lord supports us: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This fact has proven trustworthy throughout the centuries as millions of believers have heard, accepted, and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ. Though Christ has ascended to heaven, He is present with us by His Spirit.

This is faith in action!

Our Lord has given us a gift to share. He is with us. The first two letters of the word GOD from left to right are G-O and the last two letters of GOD from right to left are D-O. Every follower of Christ has been commissioned and anointed. Now, Let’s GO and DO!

[1] Matthew 28:18-20
[2] Ezekiel 37:7-8, 10
[3] Revelation 1:8, 2 Peter 2:9

Resting in the Lord

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” [1]

“The word rendered in the margin ‘tender grass’ (דשׁא deshe) refers to the first shoots of vegetation from the earth - tender grass. The flock in young and luxuriant grass, surrounded by abundance, and having satisfied their wants, lying down with calm contentment.” [2]

“He leadeth me to the still waters (Hebrew, מי מנוכת - waters of rests, or refreshments). Quiet and gentle waters, running in small and shallow channels, which are opposed to great rivers, which both frighten the sheep with their great noise, and expose them to being carried away by their swift and violent streams. Such is the difference between the gentle waters... and noisy torrents and overflowing floods of worldly and carnal enjoyments.”

“The consolations of God, the joys of the Holy Spirit, are those still waters by which the saints are led, streams which flow from the fountain of living waters, and make glad the city of our God.” [3]

“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.” [4]

“The Lamb, who is amid the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” [5]

The goal of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is to bless us. Descending tears turn to leaping fountains when He is leading us, and we are following Him.

[1] Psalm 23:2
[2] Barnes Commentary
[3] Benson Commentary
[4] Psalm 46:4
[5] Revelation 7:17

Not Guilty – Victorious!

This morning, Mark 15, just happened to be one of my devotional chapters to read. I read of the chief priests stirring up a crowd (swaying public opinion – creating a false narrative) against Jesus. They accused Him in a court of law of being dangerous to people. Yet, they were the ones who requested a known murderer and leader of rebellion to be released in His stead. They won the battle of swaying public opinion for the moment. They got Jesus crucified even though all evidence and scrutinization by cross examination declared Him not guilty...

“Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested.

There was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.”

Pilate: “Do you want me to release to you [Jesus] the King of the Jews?”

He knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

The chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.

Pilate: “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

They: “Crucify Him!”

Pilate: “Why, what evil has He done?”

They (more emphatically): “Crucify Him!”

“Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.” [1]

There’s a saying, “You can’t keep a good man down.” Jesus was no exception! On the third day after His death, He arose from the dead. He was seen by over 500 witnesses alive. He ate, drank and conversed with people for 40 days, and then, ascended to heaven.

After His ascension. He sent His Holy Spirit upon those who believe in His Name. A little less than 2,000 years later, His movement is still spreading all over the world. Some people, a few, might remember the names of Caiaphas the high priest and Pilate the Roman governor... the authorities who sentenced Jesus to death for insurrection... but multitudes remember and know of the Name of Jesus, believe in Him, confess Him and worship Him every day!

Better yet, we learn from a divine vision given to the Apostle John by the risen Jesus, that the best is yet to come. Right up until the end of time multitudes of people are believing in Him...

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb [Jesus Christ]!’” [2]

Glory to God!

[1] Mark 15:6-15
[2] Revelation 7:9-10

The Matchless Worth of Christ

Throughout my life, I have been blessed to attend churches where songs of praise to the Lord for salvation and many other blessings are sung. The Lord has blessed me with people who love the Lord and enjoy His presence. Glory to God!

The following verses from my morning time in God’s Word speak of the glory of God’s presence...

“So, the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And He [the Lord] said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” [1]

“As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.”

“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” [2]

“...At the house of Simon the leper...
A woman with an alabaster flask of...
Very costly oil of spikenard.
She broke the flask and poured it on His head.

Some were angry.
Some said, ‘Why this waste?’

But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone.’
‘Why trouble her?
She has done a good work for Me.
The poor are with you always.
Whenever you wish you may do them good;
But Me you do not always have.

She has done what she could.
She has anointed My body for burial.
Assuredly, I say to you...
Wherever this Gospel is preached...
In the whole world...
What this woman has done...
Will also be told as a memorial to her.” [3]

“The high priest asked Him...
‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’
Jesus said, ‘I am.’
‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at...
The right hand of the Power,
And coming with the clouds of heaven.’” [4]

[1] Exodus 33:11, 14
[2] Psalms 16:3, 8, 11; 17:8, 15
[3] Mark 14:3-9
[4] Mark 14:61-62

Sabbath Keeping

Sabbath (Hebrew: שַׁבָּת‎ shabbat) means to rest.

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you.

Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people. Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Therefore, the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.

It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’

And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.” [1]

Eight points from the seven Bible verses above:

1) The Lord Himself set the precedent for the Rest Day. He rested on the seventh day of creation. (Exodus 31:17)

2) Rest Day keeping is a sign of our relationship with God. (Exodus 31:13)

3) It is a day to know the Lord. (Exodus 31:13)

4) It is the Lord who sanctifies us (makes us holy), so we need time in His presence – hearing from His Word the Bible, worshipping Him and praying to Him. (Exodus 31:13)

5) It is holy to you. Holy means to be set apart. We are to set apart one day per week for special fellowship with the Lord and His people. (Exodus 31:14)

6) God emphasized the importance of Rest Day by issuing the death penalty to Rest Day breakers (Exodus 31:14-15). The truth of the matter is that if we do not rest in the Lord for our salvation, we will be lost eternally. This is why the penalty was severe. Later, when the Pharisees treated people severely over breaking their view of Sabbath Day infractions. Jesus told them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” [2] Jesus is Lord of the Rest Day. Sabbath is about Him. HE is the blessing in it FOR us.

7) It is a covenant between God and His people. A mutual relational commitment of taking time to focus on one another (Exodus 31:16).

8) The importance of the Sabbath is emphasized by the fact that it was last dialogue the Lord had with Moses before giving him the Ten Commandments written on stones (Exodus 31:18).

[1] Exodus 31:12-18
[2] Mark 2:27-28

Condemnation and Commendation

Jesus used two scenarios to teach us behavior God condemns and behavior He commends.

Condemnation...

“Then He said to them in His teaching, ‘Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” [1]

“Beware” is a word used to evoke absolute attention. Watch out! Danger! Stop! Turn around! Don’t go this way! Imagine a poison label! The skull and crossbones image! God condemns their lifestyle... some explanations...

Long robes – enjoying leisure while others work
Love greetings in marketplace – center of attention
Seats of honor - perks of status and privilege
Devour widow’s houses – conning the poor out of money
Lengthy prayers – For people’s attention not God’s

The Apostle Paul also warned us of imposters...

“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” [2]

Deceivers end up being deceived. In fact, all the praise they receive on earth will turn into fiery condemnation when they stand before the God of Love.

Commendation...

“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites (Jewish $2), which make a quadrans (Roman $2). So, He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” [2]

This widow was most concerned about one in her audience, namely God. In fact, the rich people in this scene might have looked down on her because she only gave $2. But Jesus, being the Son of God, knew that she put in everything she had. She could have kept $1 for herself and gave $1 to God, but no she wanted God to have it all. God was taking care of her. She knew she could not outgive God. She was a woman of faith. She was a woman of worship. Like the woman who put the expensive anointing oil on Jesus, she recognized the matchless worth of God. She lived to glorify God. Jesus commended her.

Love, Bless, Do Good and Pray for...

"You have heard that it was said,
‘You shall love your neighbor
And hate your enemy.’
But I say to you...

Love your enemies.

Bless those who curse you.

Do good to those who hate you.

Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

That you may be sons of your Father in heaven;
For He makes His sun rise on the evil
And on the good.
He sends rain on the just
And on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you,
What reward have you?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
What do you do more than others?
Do not even the tax collectors do so?

Therefore you shall be perfect,
Just as your Father in heaven is perfect." [1]

The two great commandments on which our Lord said hangs all others is to love God and to love our neighbor. We must live to love God and people. We must pray that the wrongs others commit against us will not cause us to stop loving, blessing, doing good and praying for them.

Prior to His words about loving our enemies, Jesus described some scenarios that His listeners might experience...

"Whoever slaps you on your right cheek,
Turn the other to him also.
If anyone wants to sue you
And take away your tunic,
Let him have your cloak also.
And whoever compels you to go one mile,
Go with him two." [2]

Why? Because the value of love is great!

I saw this kind of love demonstrated in China by Christians.

One reported of how his father, a pianist and surgeon, had piano wire tied around his fingers and connected to a ceiling fan. The ceiling fan was turned on to the destruction of his skillful fingers.

A brother was stabbed in the buttocks with a pitchfork repeatedly while his torturers yelled at him to chant, "Long live Chairman Mao."

A young medical doctor in a cancer ward was warned not to share her faith in Jesus Christ with her dying patients. She was sent to re-education camp for two years. Love compelled her to share.

A sister was told she must terminate her unborn child. She was not given permission by the state to become pregnant. Except for the grace of God that baby would have been terminated. The Lord made a way for her baby to be born and for her to leave her country.

By the grace of God, the cruel treatment of these "enemies" did not steal faith, hope and love from the hearts of these Christians. They were able to forgive those who wanted to cancel them. They knew that the King of Love will someday cancel the culture of hatred and lies. In the meantime, their mission was to love and to win people to their Savior Jesus Christ. What an impact they made on my life and on the lives of those around them. Amidst so much hatred and pain, they promoted love, forgiveness, reconciliation and healing.

"Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to love, bless, do good and pray for people. Thank You Lord Jesus for demonstrating love and forgiveness for enemies while on the cross. By Your grace and Holy Spirit, we love, bless, do good and pray for our enemies."

[1] Matthew 5:43-48
[2] Matthew 5:39-41

Set Apart by and for God

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” [1]

The Lord brought the Israelites out from Egypt, out from slavery, out from cruel and harsh treatment, and brought them to Mount Sinai and made a covenant with them.

He began by saying…

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” [2]

“Obey My voice” – God was and will keep speaking to them through His Word.

“Covenant” – The Ten Commandments [3] and the sacrifice of animals for forgiveness of sin. [4] When the Ten Commandments are eventually written on tablets of stone, they are placed in the ark [5], which is subsequently known as “the ark of the covenant” [6]. Atop the Ark of the Covenant is a mercy seat where the blood of sacrificed animals is placed.

These covenant people are God’s treasure – a prized possession

They are a kingdom of priests to God – He’s King of the kingdom

They are priests to God – ministering to Him & representing Him

They are a holy nation - set apart to represent God to others

Those who are holy have been set apart from the common or ordinary to be sacred, devoted to, belonging exclusively to the holy God. Because they are holy, they are not to contaminate themselves with worship of other gods or practices that are forbidden by God.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter applies this covenant relationship of people with God to believers and followers of Jesus Christ. He says…

“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. You were once not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” [7]

Then, Peter advises us…

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [8]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making us Your special treasure. Your priests! Your holy nation! Delivered from darkness to light! Shown mercy! Help us by good works to impact those around us so that they are glorifying You when You visit them. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”

[1] Exodus 19:4
[2] Exodus 19:5-6
[3] Exodus 20:3-17
[4] Exodus 20:24
[5] Deuteronomy 10:5
[6] Numbers 10:33; 14:44; Deuteronomy 10:8; 31:9, 25-26
[7] 1 Peter 2:9-10
[8] 1 Peter 2:11-12

Effective Witnessing for Jesus Christ

The Holy Spirit helps us to be effective witnesses for Christ. He leads us to people and gives us the words to speak to them. He prompts where to go, what to do and what to say.

The Holy Spirit may use problems in people’s lives to give you opportunities to help them and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, in as much as you have shown love to the least of my brothers and sisters, you have shown it to me (Matthew 25:40).

The Spirit used the “good works and alms deeds” of “a certain disciple named Tabitha” in a way that “many believed in the Lord” (Acts 9:36-42).

The Holy Spirit leads us to help people so they that become more receptive to the Lord. He may prompt you to visit someone who is a shut-in. You can listen to and pray in your heart for someone with a problem. The Spirit may lead you to read him/her Psalms; talk about the love and miracles of the Lord; and tell him/her of the sacrifices of Jesus to save his/her soul.

As we pray and stay in close fellowship with the Lord, the Holy Spirit helps us.

In all that we do, “whether in word or deed,” the Holy Spirit leads us to bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17).

Prepare to give everyone who wants to know, your reason for believing in Jesus Christ; but do it with love and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Two Wraths, Two Storms, Two Wins for God

Pharaoh’s once proud nation - ruined.
His slaves, his cheap labor - gone.
He defied God and lost.
Frogs, locusts, and gnats…
God’s servants defeated him.

But wait!
What’s this?
People are saying to Pharaoh…
“Why have we done this?
Why have we let Israel go from serving us?”

They mobilize…
The mightiest military on earth.
Going after those slaves in the wilderness.

The freed slaves see Pharaoh.
His mighty army is approaching.

They say to Moses…

“Why have you so dealt with us?
Didn’t we say, ‘Let us alone…
That we may serve the Egyptians?’
It was better for us to serve the Egyptians than…
To die in the wilderness.”

Moses tells the people…

“Fear not!
Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…
Which He will accomplish for you today.
The Egyptians whom you see today,
You shall see again no more forever.
The Lord will fight for you,
And you shall hold your peace.”

The Lord caused the sea to go back…
By a strong east wind all that night.
The waters were divided.
The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea…
On dry ground!
The waters were walls to their right and to their left.

But…

The Egyptians pursued them…
Into the midst of the sea,
All Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

The Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians…
He troubled them…
He took off their chariot wheels…

The Egyptians said… 

“Let us flee from the face of Israel.
The Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

The Lord said to Moses…

“Stretch out your hand over the sea.”

The sea returned to its full depth.
The Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the sea.
Not so much as one of them remained. [1]

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,
For His mercy endures forever;
And made Israel pass through the midst of it,
For His mercy endures forever;
But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
For His mercy endures forever.” [2]

“And a great windstorm arose,
The waves beat into the boat,
The boat was filling.
Jesus was asleep.
They awoke Him and said to Him…
“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Jesus arose and rebuked the wind,
And said to the sea,
“Peace, be still!”
The wind ceased.
There was a great calm.
He said to them, “Why are you so fearful?
How is it that you have no faith?” 

They feared exceedingly.
They said to one another,
“Who can this be,
Even the wind and the sea obey Him!” [3]

The Lord calmed the wrath of Pharaoh and of the sea
Two mighty storms
Two mighty wins for the Lord.
What wrath? What storm? Are you facing?

The Lord has a great track record of winning.
Look to Him!
Ask Him to help!
Enjoy the victory!

[1] Exodus 13 with quotes from verses 6, 11-14, 21-28
[2] Psalm 136:13-15
[3] Mark 4:37-41