Revive Me, O Lord

“Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.” [1]

David prayed for revival for the sake of the Lord’s name and reputation. Not for his name’s sake or advancement! He wanted the Lord to bring his soul out of trouble for the cause of the Lord’s righteousness.

May the Lord help us all to be so moved! That our lives and interests revolve around the honor of the Lord’s Name! That we would want deliverance from trouble because our mission is to ensure that God’s definition of righteousness is heard!

“Heavenly Father, please revive our souls today for Your Name’s sake. Let Your glory be that which concerns us. Bring our souls out of known and unknown trouble for the sake of Your righteousness. So that Your righteousness may be revealed on earth today. Please fill Your houses of worship with worshipers of You once again. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

[1] Psalm 143:11

Consuming Good News

King David prayed that what came out of his mouth and what dwelt in his heart would be acceptable to the Lord.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” [1]

News from those who meditate on evil is bad news. News from those who meditate on goodness is good news. The fact that God is our strength and Redeemer is good news.

King David wrote...

“Blessed (happy) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night.” [2]

Do you want to be happy? Don’t walk, stand, or sit with ungodly sinners who are scornful. Scorners draw their brew from the wells of animosity and antagonism. Delight in God’s Word. Meditate on what God is saying day and night. He has higher and better thoughts! Get the good tree, namely God, and you will have good fruit.

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” [3] “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [4]

Evil thought and speech are common in some conversation circles, but that does not make them right. The Lord says they defile. Like a poison or a virus they defile! The Lord urges us to choose grace. Look to Jesus! Rather than rant and rave, Jesus edifies and comforts.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” [5]

Bad news from evil sources tends to rob and destroy a person. Good news from Jesus produces life and life more abundantly. I want to meditate on Christ, because as I do, He produces good thoughts which in turn produces good works.

[1] Psalm 19:14
[2] Psalm 1-2
[3] Ephesians 4:31
[4] Hebrews 12:15
[5] John 10:10

It’s Your Blood that Cleanses Me

“Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the City of David. Then Jehoram his son reigned in his place.” [1]

King Jehoram had six brothers. His father gave to his brothers great gifts of silver and gold and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but his father gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn. Sadly, after King Jehoram was established, he killed his brothers and the princes as well. [2]

“Yet the Lord would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that He had made with David, and since He had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.” [3]

The lamp that God gave to David is Jesus Christ. He came from David’s royal line. Jesus of Nazareth is the one who atoned for the sins of David’s and his son’s sins. He also atoned for the sins of the whole world.

“He Himself [Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” [4]

So, there is hope for the descendants of David and for the people of David because of what Jesus Christ did for him and them on the cross. There is also hope for this cruel and evil world in the blood of Christ. Jesus propitiated for our sins by allowing His sinless blood to be shed on our behalf. It is through the blood of Jesus that all our sins are washed, and through the blood of Jesus that all Satan’s claims on us and our descendants is cancelled.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” [5]

“Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” [6]

I like how Michael Christ expressed in his song published by Mercy Vineyard Publishing…

“It’s Your blood that cleanses me

It’s Your blood that gives me life

It’s Your blood that took my place

In redeeming sacrifice and washes me

Whiter than the snow than the snow

My Jesus God’s precious sacrifice

My Jesus God’s precious sacrifice”

[1] 2 Chronicles 21:1
[2] 2 Chronicles 21:2-4
[3] 2 Chronicles 21:7
[4] 1 John 2:2
[5] Ephesians 1:7
[6] Ephesians 2:13

Coming with the Clouds of Heaven

“You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” [1]

It is easy to forget this truth. Jesus told him who plotted His temporary death that there would be a great reversal. Jesus stood before the high priest as an arrested man, but the day was coming when the high priest would see Jesus at the right hand of the Power, sent to earth to bring about the end of the devil’s evil kingdom, and to bring about the demise of all who believed the devil's lies rather than God’s truth.

“Then He came the third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.’” [2]

Before He was arrested, Jesus brought His disciples to an olive grove to pray. He went off by Himself to pray. Three times He checked on them to see if they were praying and found them sleeping.

Today, Heaven’s High Priest Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for people. Are we His current day disciples praying or sleeping? The enemy is doing all He can to arrest the message of the Gospel. The devil is slinging mud on those who care for souls and speak for Christ. Are we praying or sleeping?

“The high priest asked Him, saying to 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.’” [3]

“Are You the Christ? That is the Messiah? Are You the Son of the Blessed? The high priest would not say the name of God out of feigned reverence. Are You the Son of God? The answer, “I AM.” “I AM” is the Name God revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai before He sent Moses to deliver the Hebrew slaves from their Egyptian taskmasters. “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.”

Jesus Christ is the Son of God! He is coming again! He will arrive in a flash.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us ever mindful of this truth. Please help us to be a people of prayer. Please help us to be faithful to share the Gospel. In the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray, amen!”

[1] Mark 15:62
[2] Mark 15:41
[3] Mark 15:61-62

Good Judgment

Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” [1] Jesus was speaking to His disciples.

Is all judgment equal? St. Paul says, “the spiritual man judges all things.” [2]

If I notice it is raining, I make a judgment: “I should bring my umbrella.” God gave me a mind. He wants me to use it to discern between good and bad choices. If I am about to be hit by a car and someone shouts, “Watch out!” They are not saying that I am a horrible person. They are not condemning me. The person is acting on a perceived danger to my life. Imagine if I am about to touch a hot stove and someone says, “I would not do that. But I do not want to be judgmental. Whatever makes you happy.” If they do not tell me the possible consequence of my action, I will get burned. Would that be a loving thing to do? Absolutely not.

Can someone judge my moral actions? Can someone say to me: “That is not good for you? You were made for something better.” Of course. A loving person wants what is best for me. They do not want to be apathetic or indifferent towards me. Cain protested when God asked him about his brother’s whereabouts. He asked God “Am I my brother's keeper?” [3] That is not love.

A range of factors in our lives may impair our choices. We do not need someone condemning us, but we do need coaches to advise us in helpful and loving ways. Professionals are usually professionals because they receive good coaching from others.

Good judgment is a gift from God.

When we love someone, love moves us to speak and act to save them from harm’s path and to steer them towards God’s blessings. Certainly, we should do so prudently, at the right time and in the right way, and with great gentleness, humility, and compassion. Our judgments should stem from love for people. That is how we want the Lord to judge us, right?

[1] Matthew 7:1-2
[2] 1 Corinthians 2:15
[3] Genesis 4:9

Graying but Going Forward with Jesus

“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” 

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.”

“You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.”

“I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered.” [1]

“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, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” [2]

[1]Psalm 71:9, 18, 21-23
[2] Philippians 1:3-6

Jesus Gives

“He [Christ] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” [1]

Jesus Christ gives. That is what He does. In the case above, He gave to us workers to equip us saints for the work of ministry. These workers seek to edify the body, which means to build it up. The body is us who believe in Jesus. The building up of the body is characterized by 1) unity of faith, 2) knowledge of the Son of God, 3) perfection [or completeness] in Christ, and 4) fullness in Christ. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers of Christ work at making Christ-like disciples.

“That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” [2]

Windy doctrines, trickery, and cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting! These are the influences from which true servants of Christ seek to defend the people of God. How can the body of Christ get the Gospel out to the ends of the earth when the home base is constantly being blown apart by every wind of doctrine, meaning divisive teaching. Trickery and deceitful plotting are initiated by deceptive people who tear apart the body of Christ. They enthrone self and dethrone Christ.

Let us pray for Body of Christ. That we will remain knit together in Christ! That our leaders will remain focused on making Christ-like disciples! Pray for the Body of Christ to keep the main thing the main thing – namely being like Christ in this world so desperately needs to see Him working through our lives.

Jesus Christ has given so much to us, including His own life on the cross. Let us pray that we will likewise come to the place of maturity in Him where we are willing to lay down our life for the glory of God, and for the salvation of others.

[1] Ephesians 4:11-13
[2] Ephesians 4:14-16

The Lord’s Prayer

Jesus gave us the words to the Lord’s Prayer in response to a request from one of His disciples.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven.”

Our core belief as Christians is that God is our Heavenly Father. We pray to “our” Father and not individually to “my” Father. We are members of God’s family that includes people from all generations and all nations.

“Hallowed Be Thy Name.”

Hallowed means holy or sanctified. “There is no one holy like the Lord.” [2] May the entire world recognize the holy name of God as the one true God of all, the Creator and Ruler of the universe.

“Thy Kingdom Come.”

May the Kingdom of God come in the here and now so that we can live in a world characterized by faith, hope, and love. [3] May the “new heaven and a new earth” come where we live eternally with no more death, crying, or pain. [4]

“Thy Will Be Done on Earth as it Is in Heaven.”

His will is that we praise Him and love one another. [5]

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.”

True nourishment comes from communion with Christ. He is the “bread of life” that comes down from Heaven so that “whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” “Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” [6]

“And Forgive Us Our Trespasses, as We Forgive Those Who Trespass against Us.”

The Bible teaches that a good time to extend forgiveness is during prayer when our minds and hearts are united with God. We should forgive even as Christ forgave us. [7]

“And Lead Us Not into Temptation.”

God is faithful to provide a way out of temptations that we may face. [8] We need divine discernment and help to steer clear of temptation and sin.

“But Deliver Us from Evil.”

If we seek the Lord, He will deliver us from our fears. [9] God is well able to protect us.

“For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”

Praising God helps to focus on Him and realize just how Awesome He is and how small our problems are. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [10]

[1] Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4
[2] 1 Samuel 2:2
[3] 1 Corinthians 13:13
[4] Revelation 21:1-4
[5] Matthew 22:37-40
[6] John 6:48-58; Deuteronomy 8:3
[7] Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32
[8] 1 Corinthians 10:13
[9] Psalm 34:4
[10] Matthew 19:26

Faith in God

This morning as I read the Bible, I praised God for including me and many others I know to have faith in God. Our Lord blesses those who rely on Him. The following are some verses from my time with the Lord...

“There are many who say, ‘Who will show us any good?’ Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.” [1]

“Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.” [2]

“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” [3]

“... ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” [4]

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [5]

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” [6]

[1] Psalm 4:6-7
[2] Psalm 5:11-12
[3] Mark 10:15
[4] Mark 10:26-27
[5] Mark 10:45
[6] Mark 10:51-52

Grateful for God’s Presence

“Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house,
And the place where Your glory dwells.” [1]

“One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.” [2]

“I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.

I love Thy Church, O God,
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye
And graven on Thy hand.

Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.” [3]

[1] Psalm 26:8
[2] Psalm 27:4
[3] “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord” stanzas 1-2, 5, by Timothy Dwight

God’s Word is Powerful

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” [1]

The entire universe was created as God spoke His Word and He sustains all the planets, stars, sun and moon by His Word. All things are upheld by the power of His Word [2]

The entrance of God’s Word gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple. [3]

The Word of God prospers those who receive it. [4]

A man from Alexandria [Egypt] came to Ephesus [Turkey]. His name was Apollos. He was eloquent in speech. He was mighty in the Scriptures. He had received instruction in the ways of the Lord. He was fervent in spirit. He was diligent in teaching the things he knew about the Lord.

Apollos received a blessing as he served the Lord’s Word. This happened while he was speaking boldly in a synagogue. A couple named Aquila and Priscilla heard him speak and recognized that he only knew Scripture up until the time of John the Baptist. So, they took him in, and explained to him the way of God more perfectly... they taught him about Jesus. [5]

Scripture is powerful to transform a person’s life but even more so when one receives the revelation of its trajectory. The trajectory of Scripture is to point people to God’s Messiah, His Son, Jesus Christ.

This man from Alexandria, Egypt [a city noted for its huge library] went ahead to mightily convince people publicly via the Scriptures that Jesus is the promised Christ [Messiah] of God. [6]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people to fully understand the power of Your Word and how it points people to Your Son Jesus Christ. And then, help us, like Apollos, to use that knowledge effectively to convince many people to believe in Christ. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”

[1] Hebrews 11:3
[2] Hebrews 1:3
[3] Psalm 119:130
[4] Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 55:11
[5] Acts 18:24-26
[6] Acts 18:28

Ministries of Grace

“I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” [1]

This statement from the Holy Bible is true of genuine ministers of Christ. We receive our ministry for God by a gift of His grace. His power brought about our transformation. His Spirit anoints us to love God, to love His Word, to love His bride the Church, and to love to see lost souls converted unto Christ so that they receive eternal life and join in fellowship with the people of God.

“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” [2]

We did not deserve or earn this calling. This calling was given to us by God’s grace. So, if people look at our lives and wonder who gave us authority to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, we must answer that God did by His grace.

Hudson Taylor, the great missionary who carried the Gospel to the interior of China, was approached by a man with one leg. This man said, “I want to go to China as a missionary.” Hudson asked, “Why do you think you can be a missionary when you have only one leg?” The man replied, “Because I don't see any men with two good legs going.”

“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” [3]

What is our mission?

“To make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” [4]

Our goal is to make people see what is the fellowship that we enjoy in God through Christ His Son. Thanks to the faith bestowed upon us through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus, we have boldness and confidence with God. We want others to enjoy this blessing.

“Therefore, I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” [5]

So, yes, we ministers experience trials, setbacks, and delays, but we hope that no one that we serve will lose heart because of these hardships that we experience. Did not the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ Himself suffer in this world to bring fellowship with God to others? Is it not better to suffer for righteousness’ sake, than to live a life of ease and pleasure for ourselves that does not bring glory to God, nor does such a life bring the Good News of salvation to lost souls? We rely on God's grace in Christ Jesus to help us initiate fellowship between Him and people. His grace is sufficient.  

[1] Ephesians 3:7
[2] Ephesians 3:8
[3] 1 Corinthians 1:27
[4] Ephesians 3:9-12
[5] Ephesians 3:13

Miracles

“Now He [Jesus] arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made a request of Him concerning her. So, He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.” [1]

What can we learn from this passage? Question (Q) and Answer (A)

Q: Where was Jesus on the Sabbath?
A: At the synagogue and later at Simon Peter’s house

Synagogue (συναγωγῆς) translated from Greek means “Assembly” in Hebrew בית כנסת (beit knesset), 'house of assembly.’ Synagogues are consecrated spaces used for the purpose of prayer, reading of the Tanakh (the entire Hebrew Bible, including the Torah), study and assembly. It is likely that the synagogue system developed while the Jews were in exile from their homeland.

Q: Was Simon Peter married?
A: Yes, he had a wife and mother-in-law.

Q: Who made a request of Jesus?
A: “They” most likely Simon Peter and his family members.

Q: What was the request?
A: Peter’s wife’s mother had a high fever – she needed healing.

High is from the Greek word “μεγάλῳ (megalō)” a mega or great fever. This was a common expression in the day. We say “high” fever they said “great” fever.

Q: How did Jesus respond to their request?
A: He rebuked the fever.

To rebuke is from the Greek word “ἐπετίμησεν” “to censure or admonish; by implication, forbid.” Using His divine authority, He told the high fever to depart from her.

Q: What was the result of Jesus’ intervention?
A: The fever left Simon Peter’s mother and immediately she arose and served them.

There was immediate health and strength.

Q: In what way do you need divine intervention today?
A: You know.

Like Simon Peter, you can ask Jesus to intervene in your situation. He does miracles.

[1] Luke 4:38-39

True Worship

“True worshipers worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [1]

“With these words Jesus described the basis for true worship... in spirit and in truth.

To worship in spirit means you are concerned with spiritual realities.

To worship in truth means you worship according to the whole counsel of God’s word, especially in light of the New Testament revelation. It also means that you come to God in truth, not in pretense or a mere display of spirituality.” [2]

Consider this!

As we worship God, we are not talking about God, we are singing TO God.

As we worship God, we declare to Him our faith and appreciation of Him.

As we worship, those around us hear us loving Him and praising Him for how wonderful He is. We proclaim the truth of Christ in the power of spiritual songs that were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Worship is beautiful to hear. It is a beautiful sound.

God inhabits the praises of His people.

May the Lord bless you to enter true spiritual praise and worship of Him today!

[1] John 4:23-24
[2] Enduring Word Commentary

Evil Tyrants Dethroned

Relief and satisfaction! That is how those who care about the Kingdom of God feel when those who oppose God are disposed from places of profound influence.

In 2 Kings 9:1-3, God led Elisha the prophet to anoint Jehu king over Israel. Anointed by God, Jehu took out two evil kings in one day: Joram the king of Israel (2 Kings 9:24), and Ahaziah the king of Judah (2 Kings 9:27).

Joram’s death fulfilled a prophecy that Elijah had spoken. Joram’s mother, Queen Jezebel, wrote a letter in the name of her husband King Ahab, to have witnesses falsely accuse Naboth of a crime so that he would be put to death and her husband could confiscate his land. Jehu remembered the prophecy…

“Pick him [Joram] up, and throw him into the tract of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember, when you and I were riding together behind Ahab his father, that the Lord laid this burden upon him: ‘Surely I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will repay you in this plot,’ says the Lord. Now therefore, take and throw him on the plot of ground, according to the word of the Lord.” (2 Kings 9:25-26)

Jehu also ordered the death of Queen Jezebel…

“And he looked up at the window, and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” So, two or three eunuchs looked out at him. Then he said, “Throw her down.” So, they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot.” (2 Kings 9:32-33)

After Jezebel died, Jehu remembered another prophecy…

“This is the word of the Lord, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel; and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as refuse on the surface of the field, in the plot at Jezreel, so that they shall not say, here lies Jezebel.’” (2 Kings 9:36-37)

Three evil tyrants downed in one day!

But after King Ahaziah died, his mother Athaliah slew all but one of her sons and took over the reigns of rulership in Judah. She reigned six years, but finally was put to death, and replaced by the son, Johash, that she failed to kill, ruled in her stead. The result???

“All the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet, for they had slain Athaliah with the sword in the king’s house.” (See 2 Kings 11:1-3, 20)

Sadly, although King Jehu was an improvement over King Joram of Israel, and King Johash was an improvement over Queen Athaliah of Judah, they also failed to be good rulers of their people.

When bad rulers rule it is good to keep in mind that the Lord is able to remove them. God removed King Herod from oppressing the people.

“So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!’ Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.” (Acts 12:21-23)

David wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” (Psalm 75:6-7)

Interpreting Scripture

St. Augustine famously said, “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.”

The most important principle of interpretation that Martin Luther used was “Scripture interprets Scripture.” The tools for properly interpreting the Bible are contained in the Bible itself.

Luther wrote, “The Bible is the manger in which Christ is laid.”

Accurate interpretation depends on a relationship with the Triune God. Jesus Christ is called the Word of God. Jesus claimed that all Scripture is a testimony to Himself in Luke 24:44. He helps me when I ask His help to understand difficult verses. He unlocks Scripture. He reveals God the Father’s intended meaning of the Scripture via His Spirit of Truth – the Holy Spirit. I use Enduring Word Commentary by David Guzik. I listen to Christ-centered and Biblically based preachers such as Adrian Rodgers (Love Worth Finding) and David Jeremiah (Turning Point).

Prayer and Bible study go hand in hand. Our receptors of information need to be guided by the Spirit of Truth. The Sadducees were steeped in knowledge of the Old Testament, yet Jesus told them in Matthew 22:29, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” They had God standing in front of them in the person of Jesus Christ, yet they would not accept His interpretation of the Bible.

We need the Author’s help. We need His interpretation.

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person.” [1]

The prophets mentioned above, and Jesus Christ spoke God’s Word at His direction. The Holy Spirit inspired the prophets and anointed Jesus. So, we need the Holy Spirit to help us interpret the Word of God. We cannot solely lean on academic reasoning or what other reputable people have said about it.

“We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” [2]

We know the Holy Spirit spoke via the prophets because they accurately described many details about the coming Messiah. Example of this are found in: Psalm 22:16-18, Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 11:1; 53:1-12, Daniel 7:13-14; Hosea 11:1, Micah 5:2, and Zechariah 9:9; 11:12-13. These ten passages are ten examples of 351 prophecies that describe the first coming of Christ.

God is still speaking today through His Word by His Holy Spirit. The question is, are we listening? Are we praying about what He has said? Are we asking Him to help us interpret His Word? Are we sharing what we learn with others?

[1] Hebrews 1:1-3
[2] 2 Peter 1:19-21

The Glory of God’s Presence

Jacob and his large family were on their way to Bethel. Bethel means “House of El” or “House of God,” Hebrew: בֵּית אֵל‎. He told his family:

“Put away the idols that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” [1]

Jacob wanted to come into God’s presence in a holy fashion, namely, stripped of all that competed for God’s glory in their lives. Let us get rid of our idols. Let us purify ourselves. Let us put on clean clothes. Let us give God reverence. This God, our God, delivered me in the day of my distress and His presence has been with me.

His family followed his instruction and received a blessing from God:

“As they journeyed, the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.” [2]

Jacob and his family arrived at Bethel. “He built an altar there and called the place El Bethel (God of God’s House), because there, God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.” [3]

Then, God appeared to Jacob again and blessed him. God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. God gave Jacob a commission to be fruitful and multiply, to produce nations and kings, and to inherit the land that He promised to Abraham and Isaac. [4]

“Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.” [5]

What a splendid example for us! Cast away your idols! Enter God’s House! Reverence the Creator of the universe who has done great things for you! How amazing it is that He loves you and knows Your name. He identifies with you! He chooses to BE with you. How marvelous! How wonderful! He who created, owns, and sustains the universe loves you.

“Thank You Heavenly Father for delivering us from distresses. You have preserved our lives. You have blessed us in so many ways. We give You reverence. Thank You for Your presence.”

[1] Genesis 35:3-4
[2] Genesis 35:5
[3] Genesis 35:7
[4] Genesis 35:8-12
[5] Genesis 35:15

Proverbs 28 Politics

Proverbs twenty-eight has good advice for politicians.

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” [1]

The Lord’s love makes us bold. Without His love, we will shun opportunities to do what is right.

“Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged.” [2]

“We the people” need God and His Word to avoid excessive bureaucracy. God gives “we the people” understanding and knowledge of what is right in the Bible.

“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.” [3]

“We the people” are either praising the lawless or contending with them. May the Lord galvanize “we the people” into a movement of people guided by the light from above.

“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.” [4]

The Lord helps those who walk with Him to understand what is truly just.

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.” [5]

This speaks of quality not quantity. The Holy Spirit gives inner joy to integrous people. A perverse person indulges in sinful pleasures which do not provide blessings of the Holy Spirit such as genuine love, joy, and peace.

“Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.” [6]

Sometimes those who indulge in gluttonous behavior scoff at those who refuse to compromise with sin. The Lord says that keepers of the law are the ones with good discernment. The self-indulgent lifestyle yields shame for the glutton, as well as for those connected to him or her.

“Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good.” [7]

If anyone wants to go astray from upright ways, there is no lack of willing assistants, but the result is to fall into a horrible pit. The pit of hell is a horrific place. It is inescapable. The Bible urges us to aim for a blameless life. The blameless not only avoid the pit, but they also inherit goodness from the Lord.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” [8]

Herein is the key to good polity. Do not cover up or deny sin. Confess it to God and ask Him to transform you through faith in the mercy and grace of His Son, Jesus Christ

[1] Proverbs 28:1
[2] Proverbs 28:2
[3] Proverbs 28:4
[4] Proverbs 28:5
[5] Proverbs 28:6
[6] Proverbs 28:7
[7] Proverbs 28:10
[8] Proverbs 28:13

Proverbs 29 Prayers for Politicians

Good leaders yield good outcomes. God reveals methods for good outcome in Proverbs 29.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” [1]

The righteous govern for the benefit of the entire community, not only their own interests. When the wicked rule, lawlessness increases and freedoms diminish.

“The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it.” [2]

A nation can expect progress when it is ruled with justice. Bribes destroy the foundations of fairness and equality before the law. It means that the rich and devious prosper.

“Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.” [3]

Scoffers make dangerous situations worse, whereas the wise calm things down.

“If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked.” [4]

Some use lies to influence, frighten, manipulate, or simply deceive a ruler. The wise ruler pays no attention to lies. When servants see that a ruler can be influenced by lies, it encourages them to lie. Deception is rewarded. Truth telling is discouraged. The government becomes poisonous and incompetent.

“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.” [5]

When God’s word is unavailable or rejected, people no longer have a standard greater than their own feelings or current opinions. The Bible is a guide given to us by our Creator. It tells us how to live a wise and blessed life.

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” [6]

The person who trusts in the Lord avoids making bad decisions that lead to entrapment by an enemy.

“Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord.” [7]

“Verse 26 does not forbid seeking relief from injustice through the legal system, but it does state that one should place more faith in the Lord than in human institutions.”

Let us pray for righteousness and justice to prevail within our leaders. Let us pray that they will oppose bribery. Let us ask God to give them wisdom. Let us pray that they will listen to truth not lies. Let us ask God to reveal Himself to them and give them visions so that they will keep God’s commandments not break them. Let us pray for them to have faith in God.

[1] Proverbs 29:2
[2] Proverbs 29:4
[3] Proverbs 29:8
[4] Proverbs 29:12
[5] Proverbs 29:18
[6] Proverbs 29:25
[7] Proverbs 29:26
[Comments derived from Enduring Word Commentary]

A Prayer for Guidance

“Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.” [1]

“Yes, please Lord show us Your ways... we have seen earthly ways, but as to Your ways You have said...”

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” [2]

“Please to continue to reveal Your higher ways and higher thoughts to us.”

“Please continue to lead us beside the still waters. Please continue to restore our souls.” [3]

“Lord Jesus, You are our Savior. The jump from earth to heaven is in You. The jump from common to miraculous is in You. Rather than run without You... we wait on You. We wait for You to speak. Thank You for showing us, teaching us, and leading us by Your Word and Holy Spirit! In our lives Lord, be glorified! For it is in Your Name Jesus that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Psalm 25:4-5
[2] Isaiah 55:8-9
[3] Psalm 23:2-3

Paul’s Message to King Agrippa

His message...

“...Having obtained help from God to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” [1]

His message was in line with the Hebrew Bible. He rightly discerned the focus of Scripture, namely the Messiah Jesus, who died and rose again. Paul also had a personal relationship with Christ. Paul told King Agrippa with great passion what Jesus Christ meant to him.

The words of a song recorded by Avalon well describe Paul’s love for the Lord...

“Everything to me
He's more than a story
More than words on a page of history
He's the air that I breathe
The water I thirst for
And the ground beneath my feet
He's everything, everything to me.” [2]

His Challenge...

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” [3]

“Do you believe?”

Paul wanted everyone that he met to enjoy the blessing of knowing God and to enjoy knowing that when they died, they too could live with God forever... when they believed and confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The words of another song recorded by Bill & Glory Gaither capture the essence of Paul’s Holy Spirit empowered passion for Jesus...

“Everybody ought to know
Everybody ought to know
Everybody ought to know
Who Jesus is.” [4]

Do you know Jesus? If not, why wait another moment? Believe and Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior today!

[1] Acts 26:22-23
[2] “Everything to Me,” Recorded by Avalon. Songwriters: Cates Chad Robert / Smith Sue C. Lyrics © New Spring Publishing, Inc.
[3] Acts 26:27
[4] Everybody Ought To Know,” Recorded by Bill & Gloria Gaither. Songwriter: Harry Loes. Lyrics © New Spring Publishing, Inc.

Paul’s Revelation From Jesus Christ

“Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead).” [1]

Notice that Paul sets Jesus Christ apart from being counted as a mere man. He’s saying, “I am an apostle not from nor through man.” Jesus is more than a man! Paul places Jesus’ Name parallel to God the Father because He is the Son of God. He took on human flesh, but unlike us did not inherit the sin nature. He did not have an earthly father. That which was conceived in Mary His mother was by the Holy Spirit.

“I make known to you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [2]

Again, Paul notes that when he received the Gospel, it was not from a mere man. Jesus Christ the Son of God appeared to him on the road to Damascus, and revealed the Gospel to Paul. Everyone needs a revelation from Jesus Christ that the Gospel is true to truly believe it and live for it. Unless we are convicted by the Holy Spirit that Jesus is truly the Son of God, we will treat Christianity as we would any other religion. To have the divine revelation that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior is to be set apart for God for Gospel’s sake.

“Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they were hearing only, ‘He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.’” [3]

Once, Paul had the revelation of Jesus Christ… once he knew Jesus personally and walked and talked with Him, he began to talk to others about Jesus Christ… urging them to believe in Jesus as well.

These are the tell-tale signs of someone who has had a true conversion experience with the Triune God of Christianity. I pray that more people will come to know and believe in Jesus Christ.

[1] Galatians 1:1
[2] Galatians 1:11-12
[3] Galatians 1:21-23

Bible-Based Prayers for Leaders of Nations and Organizations

Our Lord exhorts us to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. [1]

As we pray and thank God for people, He reminds us that they are made in His image and that Jesus died for them on the cross so that they would not perish.

There are many examples in the Bible of God’s people praying for leaders to do what is right before God. Corrupt leaders corrupt people. Godly leaders bring a nation back to God.

Below are Bible verses that I pray to the Lord for leaders with faith in God that He can correct that which is wrong and strengthen that which is right.

Let us pray with confidence, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” [2]

“Do not lie in wait wickedly, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place; for a righteous man _________ may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked ___________ shall fall by calamity.” [3]

“Because you _______ have made… the inhabitants… to play the harlot… behold, the Lord will strike your people with serious affliction—your children, wives, and all your possessions; and you will become very sick with a disease...” [4]

“The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” [5]

“Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You? They gather together against the life of the righteous and condemn innocent blood. But the Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge. He has brought on them their own iniquity and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; the Lord our God shall cut them off.” [6]

“A wicked messenger ________ falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador _______ brings health.” [7]

“The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” [8]

“Whoever _______ says to the guilty, ‘you are innocent,’ will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those judges ________ who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.” [9]

[1] 1 Timothy 2:1-2
[2] Proverbs 21:1
[3] Proverbs 24:15-16
[4] 2 Chronicles 21:12-15
[5] Proverbs 16:4-5
[6] Psalm 94:20-23
[7] Proverbs 13:17
[8] Ezra 8:22
[9] Proverbs 24:23-25

Stewardship for God’s Glory

The Church reflects God’s city. The preaching of Christ and the work of charity are signs of God’s presence. Much love comes to us from God and goes out from us into the world.

Poor stewardship of God’s gathering place of worship does not reflect God’s glory!

“I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” [1]

In other words, poor stewardship of property leads to poor results. It’s a tell-tale sign of demise. There is a relationship between disrepair and despair.

Once, a king saw his cupbearer wearing a sad face. King Artaxerxes asked Cupbearer Nehemiah, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” Nehemiah was very much afraid, but said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” [2]

Nehemiah despaired of disrepair. His city was in ruins. It did not reflect God’s glory!

King Artaxerxes told Nehemiah to rebuild God’s city. Wow, what a breakthrough! But was it all downhill after that? You would think so. But no! Two officials who got news of Nehemiah’s plan were upset. They didn’t want anyone to promote the well-being of God’s people. [3]

The devil opposes the beautification of God’s property? His agents, like pigs, want to defile the place where God’s glory dwells. He wants to desecrate the image and glory of God.

In spite of the outrage of enemies, Nehemiah and God’s people sorted through the ruins. God’s people said to Nehemiah, “Let us start rebuilding.” [4] So they began this good work. The Bible calls out the names of the opposition. They were Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem. [5] These enemies mocked and ridiculed God’s people. They asked, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” They were like, “How dare you beautify and organize what the devil wants ugly and chaotic.” Nehemiah answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.” [6]

It is a battle to maintain anything for the glory of God!

When the enemy heard that God’s people were rebuilding Jerusalem, he was infuriated. He ridiculed them by saying, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble —burned as they are?” Tobiah, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” [7]

What did Nehemiah do? He prayed. “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.” [8] He gave the opposition to God. He let God take care of them. This is what we need to do. Give the opposition over to Jesus, be patient, pray and watch what Jesus does.

Prayer worked! God’s people worked with all their hearts. [9] They were not disheartened. They were triumphant!

Edmund Burke once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” When Winston Churchill gave a speech during one of Germany’s bombardments, he said, “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large, or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.

Enemies don’t give up easily. “They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.” [10] What kind of shield did God’s people use? They used the shield of faith. “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” [11] They prayed, and they stayed alert. They kept on the full armor of God. They stood their ground.

God’s people did become weary at times. “Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, ‘The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.’” [12] We need to know when to rest. The Lord urges us to take a Sabbath rest.

They had to overcome their fear! Nehemiah told the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your people, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” [13]

Teamwork was vital. “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” [14] If one team member was faltering, other team members rallied around them and supported them. TEAM stands for Together Everyone Achieves More!

They enemies sent messages to Nehemiah: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” [15] Ono! Have you ever had people tell you “Oh no”? They want to scare you. God revealed their scheme to Nehemiah. He stated, “But they were scheming to harm me; so I sent messengers to them with this reply: ‘I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?’ Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed to the Lord, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’” [16] The enemies actually hired people to intimidate Nehemiah. [17]

Nehemiah had troubles within and without. His men began marrying unbelievers. The rich made loans to the poor and charged them exorbitant interest rates until they enslaved them. People started doing business on the Sabbath. He had to correct his co-workers. [18]

Nehemiah had Ezra, a Bible teacher, teach the people the Word of God from daybreak until noon, and they listened. The truth helped them to overcome the lies of the enemy.

God gave Nehemiah wisdom for building. “By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” [19] God’s wisdom and guidance helped Nehemiah and his people to build and prosper.

“Heavenly Father, please grant to all who care for the building and maintenance of your places of worship to be filled with wisdom and understanding. Please guide us and help us to be victorious in this vital ministry. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Proverbs 24:30-34
[2] Nehemiah 2:1-3
[3] Nehemiah 2:10
[4] Nehemiah 2:18
[5] Nehemiah 2:19
[6] Nehemiah 2:20
[7] Nehemiah 4:1-3
[8] Nehemiah 4:4-5
[9] Nehemiah 4:6
[10] Nehemiah 4:8
[11] Nehemiah 4:9
[12] Nehemiah 4:10
[13] Nehemiah 4:14
[14] Nehemiah 4:19-20
[15] Nehemiah 6:2
[16] Nehemiah 6:2-4, 9
[17] Nehemiah 6:13
[18] Nehemiah 8:1-3
[19] Proverbs 24:3-4, 6

Christ Sympathizes With Our Weaknesses

“We have a High Priest [Jesus Christ] who sympathizes with our weaknesses. He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [1]

“He [Jesus Christ] is...
despised and rejected by men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

We hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised,
And we did not esteem Him.

Surely, He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God and afflicted.

He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.

He poured out His soul unto death,
He was numbered with the transgressors,
He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.” [2]

“I am thankful that You, Jesus Christ, are my high priest. I don’t deserve You. I cannot earn You. But I worship and love You. Thank You for suffering for me. I am unworthy sinner. You are my hope. You are the hope of all people. Please help me to be a faithful witness for You.”

[1] Hebrews 4:15
[2] Isaiah 53:3-7, 12

God Delivers From Evil

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” [1]

“We sometimes object to the idea of the wrath of God because we equate it with human anger, which is motivated by selfish personal reasons or by a desire for revenge. We must not forget that the wrath of God is completely righteous in character.” [2] God’s essence is to love righteousness and to hate evil.

Ungodliness refers to a defiance to being like God. Not made in His image but in another image! Unrighteousness refers to a defiance to being right with God.

Suppressing the truth in unrighteousness is to fight against, oppress and to punish any revelation of the truth of God. In essence to join with the devil in his disinformation and defamation war against the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

What are the indicators of being under God’s wrath:

Professing to be wise but being a fool…
Exchanging God’s glorious image for corrupted images…
Having an unclean lust-filled heart that dishonors the human body…
Exchanging God’s truth for the lies…
Worshiping and serving the creatures rather than the Creator…
Exchanging the natural use of the body for unnatural purposes…
Having a debased mind…
Being sexually immoral…
Being wicked, covetous, malicious, envious, murderous...

Being full of strife, deceitful, evil-minded...

Being a whisperer, a backbiter, a hater of God…
Being violent, proud, boastful, an inventor of evil things…
Being disobedient to parents…
Being undiscerning, untrustworthy...

Being unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful…
Being an approver of those who practice such sin. [3]

How can anyone who is under the wrath of God be saved? The answer is to repent of enmity against God and to embrace Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior.

Believe that Jesus is able to begin the transformation process of replacing an appetite for evil with an appetite for God!

The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” [4]

God says to you, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” [5]

[1] Romans 1:18
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Romans 1:22-32
[4] 2 Corinthians 5:17
[5] Ezekiel 36:26

Are You Ready?

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” [1]

That little stone spoken of by the Prophet Daniel is about to become a great mountain that will displace all the “great” kingdoms that proceeded it. The little stone represents Christ whom the world doubts and despises.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” [2]

Are you ready?

[1]  Luke 21:28

[2] 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Victory in Christ!

"They cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him." [1]

To fight the good fight of faith and to win, we must cry out to God for help knowing that He heeds our prayer. There may be no visible solution in sight, but as we trust in Him, He graciously and wonderfully gives us the victory.

 
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." [2]

The key to victory in this sin-riddled world is to be in Christ. Let Christ have your life. Surrender your life to Him! Christ makes new creations out of those who give Him their shattered lives.

 
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." [3]

Christ Jesus our Lord took our sins upon Himself on the cross. He did not die for His sin. He died for my sin and yours. When we ask Him to take away our sin, He does. And He bestows on us His righteous merits, which God the Father acknowledges and blesses.

Faith in Christ is the way of victory no matter which kind of battle this world wages against us to test us. We praise Him. We wait on Him. We tell Him plainly what we need, and He responds to our cry for help. In due season, we see an answer greater than we asked for or imagined. Praise the Lord!

[1] 1 Chronicles 5::20
[2] 2 Corinthians 5:17
[3] 2 Corinthians 5:21

Praise be to God for Lighting Up Our Lives!

“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” [1]

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2]

“Thank You Heavenly Father for commanding Your light of knowledge – the knowledge of Your glory in Christ Jesus – to shine into our hearts! It is like the miracle of creation…”

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” [3]

“That’s where our lives are without You Heavenly Father… without form, void and dark. Thank You for speaking Your Word and for shining Your light into our unresponsible souls.”

“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; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” [4]

“Thank You for choosing us to be of Your generation – the eternal generation – and making us a royal priesthood, and a citizen of Your holy nation, Your own special people. Thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Thank You for being merciful to us!”

“For with You [Lord] is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” [5]

[1] Isaiah 60:1
[2] 2 Corinthians 4:6
[3] Genesis 1:1-3
[4] 1 Peter 2:9-10
[5] Psalm 36:9; Psalm 119:105

Visions Beyond the Veil

“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” [1]

The veil or curtain between the holy place and the holiest of holy places was torn completely apart the day that Christ died for our sins on the cross. He made a perfect unblemished-by-sin sacrifice for the sins of the world. Now, it is possible for all of humanity to stand in the presence of God and have Him reveal Himself to us, that is, if we will come to God through faith in Christ.

“We have boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.” [2]

It’s His blood that cleanses us. It’s His blood that paid the price of redeeming sacrifice. Washes us white as snow! It cost Jesus Christ everything, but He gives us this relationship with the Heavenly Father freely as we believe in Him.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.” [3]

Thanks be to God for a soul that is anchored to the sure and to the steadfast Savior Jesus Christ as opposed to being anchored to our successes or failures. In Christ we receive the very essence of God’s presence with us. He never leaves or forsakes us.

“The veil is taken away in Christ.” [4]

“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” [5]

“We… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” [6]

Now, we are no longer trying to justify ourselves. We are no longer trying to do the will of the Father with human strength. No, Jesus Christ has given us His Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is doing the transforming work in our lives.

“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.” [7]

Let us pray for those who are blind to the Gospel! The devil has deceived them to doubt the goodness and grace of God.

“Lord Jesus, please take the veil from their eyes. Please reveal Yourself to them! Help us Lord to help them to see You because You alone are Savior. You are the only way to the Father! They need You Lord! This I pray in Your Name Jesus. Amen.”

[1] Matthew 27:51
[2] Hebrews 10:19-20
[3] Hebrews 6:19
[4] 2 Corinthians 3:14
[5] 2 Corinthians 3:16
[6] 2 Corinthians 3:18
[7] 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Abundant Comfort in Christ

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” [1]

Yes, blessed be our Father and blessed be His Son Jesus Christ for the mercy and comfort He gives to us. How else would we overcome the tribulations and sadness that happens due to sin in the world? I have experienced abounding comfort from the Lord amidst sufferings.

At one point in my life, I lived in Hong Kong and ministered two days per week in China. In Hong Kong, I enjoyed many of the comforts I enjoyed while growing up in America, while in China I did not. But the spiritual blessings that I enjoyed amidst the Christians in China transcended any experience that I previously had in the USA by far.

“Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” [2]

The Lord redeems the sufferings of us His servants by helping us pass tests and by giving us testimonies of victories to share with others of His amazing grace. Job, for example, endured great losses, but fought the good fight of faith, and in the end, enjoyed a great relationship with the Lord and more blessings from the Lord than he previously lost.

“Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.” [3]

There have been times in my life that I felt numb or dead inside due to such severe trials. I had no power to revive myself, except to trust in the Lord to do it for me. The old adage, “The Lord helps those who help themselves” is not in the the Bible. There are, however, many verses about how our Lord has raised people from the dead.

Jesus raises all who trust in Him from spiritual death. That happens when a sinner, who cannot save him or her self, cries out to Jesus, and says, “Lord Jesus, please help me! Please save me from my sin. Please make of me a new creation by the power of Your Holy Spirit!”

“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” [4]

A clean conscience is a blessing! Simplicity and godly sincerity only come to us by the grace of God.

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” [5]

God is the source of our stability in Christ. He is the One who anoints us His servants. The presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives is the seal or evidence of the guarantee that He is with us. “Praise God! Thank You for Your Holy Spirit!”

[1] 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
[2] 2 Corinthians 1:6-7
[3] 2 Corinthians 1:9
[4] 2 Corinthians 1:12
[5] 2 Corinthians 1:21-22