Judging Rightly Pursuing Truth

“You will Know the Truth and the Truth will Set you Free” [1]

One day, God asked Jeremiah to walk the streets of Jerusalem. God wanted him to find one person who judged rightly and sought the truth. If he could find just one, God promised to forgive his city. This story reminds me of the time God promised to Abraham that if there were just ten righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah, He would spare the city. [2]

The people of Jerusalem needed a righteous person. Jeremiah did not find him. But alas, the day would come when a sinless man would walk the streets of Jerusalem. He would faithfully bear witness to the truth. His Name is Jesus Christ.

Last night, I watched a YouTube video about the liberation of the people of the former USSR from a very oppressive government. Below are some quotes from the video:

“If the leaders need to answer to the will of the people every few years, then the leaders are held accountable for their actions.”

“People were aware of being lied to, but they did not know just how much they were being lied to. They saw that the propaganda they were shown conflicted with the reality they saw with their own eyes.”

“As the people became more and more aware of their conditions, they began to consolidate and express their desire for a government that would reflect the will of the people. [Kind of like the early American colonist who said they did not want taxation without representation.]

They wanted a less centralized government. They wanted federalization where each region had equal rights. A referendum was held. The result was that the people voted overwhelmingly for equal rights among the various republics and peoples of the USSR. The old vanguard staged a coup to stop the progress of this freedom movement but failed. The people were no longer interested in preserving the USSR in any form. [3]

In light of this video, I thought of the prophet Jeremiah. He spoke truth from God that his country’s leadership did not want people to hear. They tried to silence him. They tried to convince the people he was a traitor, but in the end, Jeremiah was right. He was right because he received his words from God. God was directing his thoughts, actions, and speech. In fact, though no one seemed to listen to him or regard him worthy of respect, Jeremiah never let up sounding the alarm that his country was in trouble. If only they had listened to him and acted upon the truth that he spoke, they would have been spared from much harm.

May the Lord help the people of the nations to judge rightly and pursue truth. Listen to what His Spirit is saying through His servants! Grant us grace to believe and act on His truth that is found in the Bible.

[1] John 8:32
[2] Jeremiah 5; Genesis 18:32
[3] The Breakup of the Soviet Union Explained (YouTube)

A Reason To Hope

“Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: ‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter...’

The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” [1]

How many would believe in Jesus if someone explained the Bible to them correctly? Once the eunuch understood the Bible correctly, he believed in Jesus and was baptized. [3]

Jesus is about GOOD NEWS! He came from heaven. He lived among us. He showed us what God clothed in human flesh looks like. He willingly died for our sins on the cross to atone for our sins. He resurrected from the dead. He gives eternal life to all who believe in Him and confess Him as their Lord and Savior. This is GOOD NEWS!

“In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” [3]

We who believe in Jesus have reason to hope. This is what all the people around us need. They need a reason to hope.

[1] Acts 8:30-35
[2] Acts 8:36-38
[3] 1 Peter 3:15

Knowing And Revealing Jesus

“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” [1]

Jesus wants us to win: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [2]

Jesus reveals the Father to us: “No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” [3]

Knowing Jesus is a miracle: “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” [4]

Hearing from Jesus is good: “Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” Jesus said, “One thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” [5]

Jesus wants more people to hear this good news. He urged us to pray: “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” [6]

“Yes, Lord of the harvest, thank You for sending out laborers into Your harvest. Please send out more. In Your Name Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Psalm 90:17
[2] Luke 10:19
[3] Luke 10:22
[4] Luke 10:23-24
[5] Luke 10:39, 42
[6] Luke 10:2

Victory in Times of War

People warring one against another is a recurrent theme throughout history. Nations that went to battle without the favor of God rarely claimed victory. Conversely, favor was given to those who trusted in God and yielded themselves to His guidance.

The psalmist prayed, “...Scatter the nations who delight in war.” [1]

The prophet prophesied, “He [God] will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.” [2]

The epistle writer wrote, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” [3]

The Lord urges us to pray to Him instead of resorting to fighting and quarreling,.

The psalmist sang, “I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David. From the deadly sword.” [4]

The psalmist testified of victories for those who trust in the Lord. He wrote, “Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets.” [5]

The psalmist concluded, “Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose GOD is the LORD.” [6]

[1] Psalm 68:30
[2] Isaiah 2:4
[3] James 4:1-2
[4] Psalm 144:9-10
[5] Psalm 144:12-14
[6] Psalm 144:15

Grateful for Supporters of Gospel Missions

“He [Jesus] went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him.” [1]

“Bringing glad tidings broadly describes the theme of Jesus’ preaching. He brought good news to the people, news that God’s Messiah and King was present with them, announcing His kingdom.” [2]

“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.” [3]

“Jesus had a different attitude towards women than the religious leaders and teachers of that day. ‘The rabbis refused to teach women and generally assigned them a very inferior place.’

Mary called Magdalene had been demon possessed until Jesus freed her. Many assume that she was given over to immorality, but this isn’t said by the Biblical text. ‘There is nothing whatever in the sources to indicate this.’ [4]

Joanna, the wife of Chuza, was Herod’s steward. ‘She was the official that looked after the king’s financial interests…There could be no more trusted and important official.’ [5]

Mary and Joanna were among the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. [6]

Susanna and many others provided for Him from their substance. We see the true humble nature of Jesus. He willingly made Himself dependent upon others. He didn’t have to; He could have just created all the money or food He needed. Jesus was humble enough and godly enough to receive from others.

Many of us are too proud to receive help from others. Sometimes the ability to humbly receive is a better measure of Jesus in our life than the ability to give. Giving sometimes puts us in a higher place but receiving may put us in a lower place.” [7]

“Heavenly Father, thank You for raising up supporters of the Gospel proclamation. Please help us, who preach the Gospel, to receive their support humbly and gratefully for the benefit of all involved and for Your glory! In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Luke 8:1
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Luke 8:2-3
[4] Enduring Word Commentary (Morris)
[5] Enduring Word Commentary (Barclay)
[6] Luke 24:10
[7] Enduring Word Commentary

The Resurrector of the Dead

No one and nothing must remain dead with Jesus Christ. He is the resurrector of the dead. He conquered the grave and made His victory ours as we simply believe in Him.

“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.’ 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.” [1]

“Any funeral is a tragedy, but this was a special loss. The deceased was the only son of his mother and the mother herself was a widow. The loss of her only son meant a miserable future for the widow.

‘When the Lord saw her.’ Luke uses the absolute form of Lord emphasizing the deity of Jesus.

‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ Jesus looked at the boy and spoke to a dead person as if he were alive.” [2]

“God gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” [3]

“On more than one occasion Jesus broke up funeral processions by raising the dead. This was also true for Jarius’ daughter and Lazarus. Jesus did not like death, and He regarded it as an enemy that had to be defeated.” [4]

Jesus declared, “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [5]

Jesus is the Giver of everlasting life. Life does not end for those who believe in Him. It only gets better!

[1] Luke 7:12-15
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Romans 4:17
[4] Enduring Word Commentary with references from Luke 8:41-56; John 11:1-45
[5] John 6:39-40

Embracing the Heavenly Vision

Sitting in self-made shelter,
Jonah waited and watched.
What will happen to Nineveh?

A leafy plant for shade;
God provided for Jonah.
To ease his discomfort.

A worm to kill the plant;
God provided for Jonah.
To cause him discomfort. [1]

The Lord asked Jonah,
“Concerned about the plant,
You did not grow, are you?”
“Concerned about the 120,000 people,
Should I not be?” [2]

“Jonah is an example of a point of view often prevalent among God’s people. Behind Jonah’s story is the idea that permeates the entire Bible – that Yahweh is a missionary God who desires His people share His missionary heart.” [3]

Jonah sat on his shaded seat and waited for God to come around to his way of thinking instead of yielding himself to God’s mission.

God sent one greater than Jonah and Solomon, that is, Jesus. At the beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus told Nicodemus that God so loved the world that He sent His Son to save us. At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Jesus said, “This Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” [4]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please uproot from our lives the tendency to place our personal pleasure in the highest place, and please plant in our lives Your heart to seek and to save the lost. For their salvation and for Your glory! In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Based on Jonah 4:5-8
[2] Based on Jonah 4:10-11
[3] Gailey and Culbertson, Discovering Missions, Beacon Hill Press, (c) 2007, pp. 29-30
[4] John 3:16; Mark 16:15; Matthew 24:14

He will Save the Children of the Needy

“He will save the children of the needy.” [1]

The Lord blessed me to find movies on YouTube this week that told the stories of ladies who successfully helped needy children.

Surprisingly, the first movie “Who Will Love My Children,” starred Ann Margaret playing the part of Lucile Fray. Lucile was a mother of 10 children. She lived in Ottumwa, Iowa. She had terminal cancer. Her husband was an alcoholic. Lucile ensures each of her children are placed with good parents. It is a true story. This movie was released on February 14, 1983. Ann Margaret won a Golden Globe Award for best performance in a movie made for television.

“You are my hope, O Lord God;
You are my trust from my youth.
By You I have been upheld from birth;
You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise shall be continually of You.” [2]

The second movie, “My 100 Children,” is the story of a holocaust survivor, young teacher and psychologist, Lena Kuchler. She established a home for surviving children from eastern Poland. Due to violent anti-Semitic attacks on the house, Lena had to flee with her 100 children out of Poland. Eventually, she resettled the children in Israel. In 1959, Lena Kuchler published “My Hundred Children”, the first of her best-selling books, which was translated into 14 languages.

These two movies reminded me of the times the Lord provided for me RICH experiences to serve orphans in China, Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong and Kurdish, Burmese, and Latin American refugees in Nashville. They praised the Lord for His help!

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the Gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted...” [3]

“Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus!”

[1] Psalm 72:4
[2] Psalm 71:5-6
[3] Luke 4:18

The Glory of the Lord

“Thus, Moses did; according to all that the Lord had commanded him, so he did.” “...So, Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” [1]

While many went about life unaware of the Lord and what the Lord was doing, Moses focused on following the Lord's instructions to create a meeting place (a tabernacle) along with its elements and servants. After Moses finished it, the Lord filled the meeting place with His glory.

“...I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” “I have manifested Your Name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world.” [2]

Jesus our Messiah also completed the work God gave Him to do. He revealed who God is to the men God gave Him. He gave them God’s Word. He taught them by way of example to stand with God even if the world hated them for it...

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” [3]

Praise God for protection from the evil one. The hatred that the world has for Christ and His followers originates with the evil one.

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” [4]

The tabernacle of Moses was filled with God’s glory after he followed God’s instruction on how to sanctify it. Our Lord Jesus speaks of His followers receiving His truth and being sanctified by it. Next, He speaks of showing us His glory...

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” [5]

Our victory comes through Him whom God ordained from the foundation of the world to be our Savior. Our Lord Jesus gives us the truth, prays for our protection from the evil one, and afterwards brings us to see His glory in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father. Hallelujah!

[1] Exodus 40:16, 33-35
[2] John 17:4, 6
[3] John 17:14-15
[4] John 17:17-19
[5] John 17:24

Serving the Lord with Gladness

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” [1]

Instead of considering words that cause anxiety leading to depression, why not be inspired by good words from God’s Holy Word, the Bible, that lead to gladness?

Jesus said, “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” [2]

The Heavenly Father knows what we need. He keeps the oxygen in the air at the right levels for us. He causes the sun to shine for light and warmth. He maintains the universe with all its stars and planets. He is more than able to meet our physical needs.

Our enemy, the devil, would like to preoccupy our lives with worldly worries instead of Kingdom of God triumphs.

The Lord shows us a better way. He says, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” [3]

Enjoy the Lord! Serve the Lord! Worship the Lord! Enjoy gladness in His presence. Start sincerely singing His praises! Rest in His love! Let go! Let God! All things are possible with God!

[1] Proverbs 12:25
[2] Matthew 6:31-33
[3] Psalm 100:1

The First Commandment

A scribe once asked Jesus, “Which is the first commandment of all?”

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” [1]

Yes, the God who is love wants to be loved. Our Creator does not want us placing other gods that are no gods at all before Him. In fact, the term “anti” as in “anti-Christ” can be translated “instead of Christ.” Is there anything or anyone that we have placed higher than Christ?

God is a jealous God. After He brought the people out of Egypt, He tells us that they made another god out of gold and began to worship. God was in the midst of giving Moses His commandments for the people to follow when this happened. He was ready to destroy them and make of Moses “a great nation” but “Moses pleaded with the Lord his God” to spare them for the sake of His (God’s) reputation before the nations. Moses reminded God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. “So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.” [2]

The Exodus from Egypt was indeed a great deliverance, but even greater is the deliverance that Jesus Christ wrought for us. He died on the cross and rose from the dead. He lives to intercede for us. He frees us from bondage to sin and from the devil’s power. He gives us eternal life. Praise His holy Name!

“Dear Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have failed to keep You in the highest place. Please fill us with zeal by the power of Your Holy Spirit to be jealous for You and for Your glory. May You be highly exalted in our lives, and please use our lives to lead others to put You in the highest place as well. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Mark 12:28-30
[2] Exodus 32:1-14

Victory Over Unjust Treatment

How should we pray when dealing with ungodliness, deceitfulness, and unjust treatment? The Bible offers us examples of such prayers in the Book of Psalms.

“Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!” [1]

“For You are the God of my strength; why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” [2]

“Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.” [3]

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” [4]

“Yes, Heavenly Father, when we experience ill-treatment from others, lead us into Your presence where there is exceedingly great joy. Even music and songs of praise! Please fill us with hope. Praise You for helping to shine in a world that desperately needs Your light. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

[1] Psalm 43:1
[2] Psalm 43:2
[3] Psalm 43:3-4
[4] Psalm 43:5

Delighting in the Delightful One

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” [1]

Yesterday morning, Sherry and I were blessed to hear the voices of many expressing love and praise for Jesus. We praised our Lord with our friends Pastors Robert and Deborah Johnson, and with their fellowship of worshippers.

They are blessed with a beautiful gift to express their delight in the Lord. And they are experiencing His delightful presence.

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” [2]

It is better to live with delight in the Lord than living with anger, and fretting. The former receives the empowering presence of the Lord while the latter leads to evil!

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” [3]

Though we delight in the Lord we still may stumble, but the Lord promises to uphold us, and to do so with His very own hand.

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” [4]

The good news here is that we can love God, and He will take everything that the enemy does to hurt us, and transform it into something good for us. In this sense, we cannot lose as we love the Lord, which, by way is the first and great commandment.

“Called according to purpose!” The Lord initiated our call and purpose. It is in Him that our lives are made complete.

“Thank You Heavenly Father for giving us Your Son Jesus, and for giving us Your Holy Spirit. We delight in You!”

[1] Psalm 37:4
[2] Psalm 37:8
[3] Psalm 37:23-24
[4] Romans 8:28

I Love You Lord

Is it surprising that the God who loves us so deeply wants to be loved in return?

He sacrificed His Son for our salvation.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” [1]

King David responded... “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.” [2]

The Apostle Peter responded.... “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” [3]

It is written in God's Word, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” [4]

Now, may... “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” [5]

[1] Deuteronomy 6:5
[2] Psalm 18:1
[3] John 21:15
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:9
[5] 2 Corinthians 13:14

There is No One Like the Lord

Jesus gave various revelations of Himself to John. He showed John His glory. “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters... His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” [1] This description of Jesus parallels the description of the Ancient of Days (God) in Daniel 7:9-10.

Jesus declared to John His authority over Hades and Death. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” [2] Jesus holds the keys to everyone’s eternity. No one by-passes Jesus to overcome Hades and Death. He is the only way.

Jesus also revealed His passion to John. “I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne... stood a Lamb as though it had been slain...” [3] Heaven’s worshippers say of Jesus, “You... have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” [4] “Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” worship Jesus with a loud voice saying He is “worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” [5]

Jesus also appeared to John as a conquering rider on a white horse with many crowns. “The armies in heaven... follow Him on white horses.” “On His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” [6]

These depictions of Jesus are true. He is the Lamb of God who was slain for humanity’s sin to redeem people unto God. He is King of kings and Lord of lords who shines like the sun in all its brilliance.

Towards the end of this prophecy, Jesus said to John, “These words are faithful and true. Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” [7]

There is no one like the Lord. He is above all others. Let us prepare for His return.

[1] Revelation 1:14-15
[2] Revelation 1:18
[3] Revelation 5:6
[4] Revelation 5:9
[5] Revelation 5:11-13
[6] Revelation 19:11-16
[7] Revelation 22:6-7

Partnerships In Gospel Proclamation!

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” [1]

A source of joy for me is partnerships in Gospel proclamation. I pray for my fellow proclaimers. I thank God for them during my morning prayer times. We are people from different countries, languages and walks of life, but we serve the Gospel of our Lord in one way or another. Praying for partners in Gospel proclamation does yield joy for me.

“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” [2]

Prayers for partners may include petitions for a deepening of our mutual understanding of every good things that we share in Christ. May the Lord graciously grant us grace to be grateful to Him for His blessings! Magnify Him! Minimize complaints!

My fellowship with Christians on social media, and at church gatherings are means that the Lord provides for me to enjoy partnerships in the Gospel. I am asking the Lord to bless these partnerships so that our joy in proclaiming His Gospel may abound and yield more salvations. Lost souls for whom He died on the cross! Lost souls for whom He lives and intercedes for on high!

May the Lord bless you my partners in Gospel proclamation!

[1] Philippians 1:3-5
[2] Philemon 1:6