When Jesus the Lamb opens the seventh seal, John sees an angel with a golden censer standing in front of a golden altar. The Old Testament altar of prayer had four horns on it. Horns represent power. The high priest would put blood on the horns of the altar to atone for the sins of the people. Now, it is by the shed blood of Christ that we have forgiveness, and that our prayers are received and answered.
Sometimes we might wonder if God’s hearing our prayers. The Lord told Moses, “I have indeed seen the misery of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.” [1]
The angel told Daniel, “Do not be afraid Daniel, since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” [2]
The prayers of the saints are set before God like incense. The angel takes fire from the altar and places it in a censer. He throws the censer to earth. The result is thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. [3] God’s brings the thunder. He shakes things up.
The opening of the seventh seal opens the way for seven angels to receive seven trumpets. In the days of Joshua, seven priests blew seven trumpets for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell down and God’s people inherited the city. God led Joshua to cleanse the land of idolatry. In the last days, Jesus will cleanse the earth of idolatry.
Trumpets sound when God is ready to move. God led Gideon and his 300 to blow trumpets before a battle. [4] The blowing of trumpets by priests preceded a war victory for King Abijah of Judah. His army of 400,000 defeated an army of 800,000. His army slew a half million enemy soldiers in one day. “The children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers.” [5] Like Gideon, they trusted the Lord despite overwhelming odds.
The same God who did miracles in the past, can do them here and now.
[1] Exodus 3:7
[2] Daniel 10:12
[3] Revelation 8:1-5
[4] Judges 7:19-22
[5] 2 Chronicles 13:18
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
Monday, August 28, 2023
Sunday, August 27, 2023
The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ
“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” [1]
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, identified with us in our humanity when He became flesh and dwelt among us, His new identity included being a descendent of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. Many earthly kings descended from David, but his greatest descendent of all is Jesus of Nazareth.
“With righteousness He shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist.” [2]
The Lord Jesus is a righteous judge. He is not worried about losing His job or getting paid wages. He takes no bribes. He doesn’t flip flop His judgment to gain the approval of the press. He assesses each case accurately. The poor and the meek are in good hands with Him. Not so with the wicked! Judge Jesus measures their defiance of the law of love severely.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” [3]
The above prophecy is fulfilled during the millennium. [4] The millennium is when Christ and His saints rule the earth for 1,000 years. Carnivores will no longer kill and eat people. Young children shall lead them around. Children will not be abused or trafficked for money. The military complex will be shut down. The knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth.
“In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the nations shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” [5]
Jesus Christ is both the Root and Branch of Jesse. He preceded Jesse in His Divine nature. He followed Jesse when He became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesse’s descendent shall rule the world gloriously!
In that day people will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His Name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!” [6]
[1] Isaiah 11:1
[2] Isaiah 11:4-5
[3] Isaiah 11:6-9
[4] Revelation 20:1-6
[5] Isaiah 11:10
[6] Isaiah 12:4-6
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, identified with us in our humanity when He became flesh and dwelt among us, His new identity included being a descendent of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. Many earthly kings descended from David, but his greatest descendent of all is Jesus of Nazareth.
“With righteousness He shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist.” [2]
The Lord Jesus is a righteous judge. He is not worried about losing His job or getting paid wages. He takes no bribes. He doesn’t flip flop His judgment to gain the approval of the press. He assesses each case accurately. The poor and the meek are in good hands with Him. Not so with the wicked! Judge Jesus measures their defiance of the law of love severely.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” [3]
The above prophecy is fulfilled during the millennium. [4] The millennium is when Christ and His saints rule the earth for 1,000 years. Carnivores will no longer kill and eat people. Young children shall lead them around. Children will not be abused or trafficked for money. The military complex will be shut down. The knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth.
“In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the nations shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” [5]
Jesus Christ is both the Root and Branch of Jesse. He preceded Jesse in His Divine nature. He followed Jesse when He became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesse’s descendent shall rule the world gloriously!
In that day people will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His Name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!” [6]
[1] Isaiah 11:1
[2] Isaiah 11:4-5
[3] Isaiah 11:6-9
[4] Revelation 20:1-6
[5] Isaiah 11:10
[6] Isaiah 12:4-6
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Come, Lord Jesus, Come
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” [1]
What was darkness in the shadow of death like? Isaiah describes it…
“The people do not turn to Him who strikes them, nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, palm branch and bulrush in one day. The elder and honorable, he is the head; the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly.” [2]
The darkness included outright refusal to listen to God. To seek Him! To let Him correct them! So, picture an animal, say a horse! The head of the horse represents the elder or the political leader. He has them heading straight towards destruction. The lying prophets or propagandists are the tail. They are experts at convincing people to believe lies. Thus, the strength of the nation, that is the young men have no mercy on orphans or widows. They are bad actors. They speak foolishly.
But what about the great light? From where does it shine? The answer is from Messiah! Jesus Christ brought truth to light in our dark world. Those who receive Him, trust in Him, and do His will manifest truth and light in this dark world.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” [3]
Jesus Christ is the hope of this cruel world. He gives His people victories over imposter governments. He is wonderful! He gives good counsel. He is mighty. He is an everlasting Father who never dies. He never leaves His family when the going gets tough. He brings peace and justice. His zeal does not fizzle out.
The four evil horsemen of the apocalypse seem to be at work in our world causing wars of conquest, poverty, famine, and death. Amidst this backdrop, the faithful followers of Jesus, are crying out, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” The answer is not long. Soon, evil kings with their evil accomplices will cry out to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” [4]
Our Lord keeps His promises. Just when it seems all hope is lost, Jesus Christ returns. The darkness shall give way to the dawn of a new day.
I am glad that the new everlasting government rests on the shoulders of the King and of kings and Lord of lords, and not on shoulders of some imposter who deceives and ruins our lives as is happening now. I’m glad that the new day is about to dawn for those who have been praying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!”
[1] Isaiah 9:2
[2] Isaiah 9:13-17
[3] Isaiah 9:6-7
[4] Revelation 6
What was darkness in the shadow of death like? Isaiah describes it…
“The people do not turn to Him who strikes them, nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, palm branch and bulrush in one day. The elder and honorable, he is the head; the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly.” [2]
The darkness included outright refusal to listen to God. To seek Him! To let Him correct them! So, picture an animal, say a horse! The head of the horse represents the elder or the political leader. He has them heading straight towards destruction. The lying prophets or propagandists are the tail. They are experts at convincing people to believe lies. Thus, the strength of the nation, that is the young men have no mercy on orphans or widows. They are bad actors. They speak foolishly.
But what about the great light? From where does it shine? The answer is from Messiah! Jesus Christ brought truth to light in our dark world. Those who receive Him, trust in Him, and do His will manifest truth and light in this dark world.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” [3]
Jesus Christ is the hope of this cruel world. He gives His people victories over imposter governments. He is wonderful! He gives good counsel. He is mighty. He is an everlasting Father who never dies. He never leaves His family when the going gets tough. He brings peace and justice. His zeal does not fizzle out.
The four evil horsemen of the apocalypse seem to be at work in our world causing wars of conquest, poverty, famine, and death. Amidst this backdrop, the faithful followers of Jesus, are crying out, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” The answer is not long. Soon, evil kings with their evil accomplices will cry out to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” [4]
Our Lord keeps His promises. Just when it seems all hope is lost, Jesus Christ returns. The darkness shall give way to the dawn of a new day.
I am glad that the new everlasting government rests on the shoulders of the King and of kings and Lord of lords, and not on shoulders of some imposter who deceives and ruins our lives as is happening now. I’m glad that the new day is about to dawn for those who have been praying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!”
[1] Isaiah 9:2
[2] Isaiah 9:13-17
[3] Isaiah 9:6-7
[4] Revelation 6
Sunday, August 20, 2023
God’s Grace Abundantly Provides
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book, they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.” [1]
God is so amazing!
God knew our days before there was one of them. Glory to God! We are oblivious to His insights unless we come into His presence in the Name of Jesus His Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through whom He reveals His insights to us.
At age thirteen, the Lord gave me a sense that He would send me to China, Africa, or both. I did not want to go. However, later, after the Lord birthed me into His glorious kingdom by His Word and by His Spirit, He sent me to China. I loved it. I did not want to come back.
At age nineteen, as I read the Book of Jeremiah, God called me to serve His Word. He wanted me to speak truth for Him. He wanted me to speak to save my hearers from the destruction that comes to those who die without a relationship with God. [2]
The Lord opened the door for me to preach the Gospel in China, and to make disciples there. Now, I have a ministry in America. My calling, like Jeremiah’s, is to call people to replace distance from God with closeness to Him.
The Lord led me to compose a book entitled, “21st Century Jeremiah” with the goal of bringing Jeremiah’s ministry to 21st Century America in an applicable and relevant fashion. That is why I have set up a blog page entitled 21st Century Jeremiah. That is why I have written about him.
Coincidentally, when I was eighteen, God led me to write my pre-Bible-thoughts down in story form. I filled 121 notebook pages with words a of story entitled “Darkness will Fall on the City.” After I composed this story, the Lord led me to read the book of Jeremiah. Without collaborating my story with Jeremiah’s, I was surprised how closely the theme of my book mirrored his. Like Jeremiah, my crusader’s goal was to restore love for God in a city where the people loved the works of darkness rather than God.
My story related to the Bible in other ways as well. The hero of my story wore body armor. The Lord revealed to me later on about the armor of God in the Bible. [3] I was unfamiliar with the armor of God passage when I wrote the “Darkness Will Fall on the City” story.
The leader in my story had two Christians in his life, They studied the Bible and prayed with him. This was done in his home not in a church. Later on, I led a home group of Christians in China, and the Lord affirmed this style of Church meeting from the Holy Scriptures. [4]
Later, I was in China. By accident, I got off a bus too early and ended up walking to my destination. As I walked, I saw a boarded up church. I stopped and stared. My “Darkness Will Fall on the City” story was about a crusader whose goal was to reopen a boarded-up church. There were no more open churches in his city. That was what I did in China. I opened a place of worship for people to gather in the Name of Jesus in a city where once churches had been condemned and closed, but my goal in China was not to reopen a cathedral, but to win people to Jesus and meet with them wherever possible for discipleship purposes. This technique works in the USA as well. Instead of assembling brick and mortar, we can focus on assembling people who want to know the Lord and make Him known to others.
God wrote our lives in His book before we were born. He knew our days even when none existed. Is that not exciting?
God reveals His purposes and plans for us in the Bible. Expect God to speak to you when read the Bible. The Prophet Daniel wrote, “I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” [5] While reading the prophecy of Jeremiah, God revealed to Daniel what he could not have known otherwise. The Word of God provides the faith we need to fill the gap between we know and what we need to know.
Once, I read a church sign with this saying: “Faith is a journey not a destination.” This is what it means to tabernacle with God! Jesus moved about in the Gospels. He could have built a church building. He was a carpenter’s son. Surely, He knew how to put a building together. But He preferred to put a group of people together who would go anywhere, serve any people, and do the discipleship ministry in whatever venue God graciously supplied for them.
“The days were fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Think of that! God created your days before you existed. Have you ever asked God to reveal His purposes for your life? Have you ever written down the things God has done in your life to see the connections between one event and another? Have you ever asked God to help you sort out what is of Him in your life and what is not? I have learned from the prophets and apostles that God has ample resources and angels to help us fulfill our destinies. Our part is to take time to listen to Him, and then, trust and obey His leading. His grace abundantly provides for us.
[1] Psalm 139:16
[2] Jeremiah 1:4-10
[3] Ephesians 6:10-17
[4] Acts 2:2, 46; 5:42; 12:12; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2
[5] Daniel 9:2
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Victory & Rewards For God-Fearers
“The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” [1]
The powers of this present age say, “Be a lion! Strong. Skillful. At the top of the food chain. Then, you will never lack.” The Lord says that the elite hunters shall lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek Him SHALL LACK NO GOOD THING.
The Bible says, “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” [2]
Once, Sherry had a Christian leader stand up and contradict her in front of a congregation after she spoke passionately about the importance of fearing the Lord. The Lord continues to bless Sherry with good fruit as she respects God and His Word.
“Who is the man who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” [3] Good does come to do-gooders and peacemakers.
“Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions; my precious life from the lions. I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.” [4]
Lions hunt in a pride formation. Pride is an appropriate word for their demeanor. They plot sneak attacks on unsuspecting prey. Some even play with small prey in a motherly way, and then, eat them. Thanks and praise to God for rescuing us from the lions of this world.
“They devise deceitful matters against the quiet ones in the land.” They pick on people who resist joining them. “Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoice at my hurt; let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who exalt themselves against me.” [5]
Remember those past victories? Ask the Lord to continue to confuse, shame and dishonor the self-exalters. May the Lord scatter the coalition of con artists so that those who seek the prosperity of people succeed.
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’” [6]
“Yes, Lord, be magnified. You are pleased when we prosper.”
“They were filled with rage and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.” The manipulators of the masses were outraged with Jesus. He healed a man free of charge. Jesus taught, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” [7] Jesus promises heavenly rewards to those who suffer for the sake of trying to save others. Blessed be His Holy Name!
[1] Psalm 34:10
[2] Psalm 34:11
[3] Psalm 34:12-14
[4] Psalm 35:17-18
[5] Psalm 35:20, 26
[6] Psalm 35:27
[7] Luke 6:1, 22-23
The powers of this present age say, “Be a lion! Strong. Skillful. At the top of the food chain. Then, you will never lack.” The Lord says that the elite hunters shall lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek Him SHALL LACK NO GOOD THING.
The Bible says, “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” [2]
Once, Sherry had a Christian leader stand up and contradict her in front of a congregation after she spoke passionately about the importance of fearing the Lord. The Lord continues to bless Sherry with good fruit as she respects God and His Word.
“Who is the man who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” [3] Good does come to do-gooders and peacemakers.
“Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions; my precious life from the lions. I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.” [4]
Lions hunt in a pride formation. Pride is an appropriate word for their demeanor. They plot sneak attacks on unsuspecting prey. Some even play with small prey in a motherly way, and then, eat them. Thanks and praise to God for rescuing us from the lions of this world.
“They devise deceitful matters against the quiet ones in the land.” They pick on people who resist joining them. “Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoice at my hurt; let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who exalt themselves against me.” [5]
Remember those past victories? Ask the Lord to continue to confuse, shame and dishonor the self-exalters. May the Lord scatter the coalition of con artists so that those who seek the prosperity of people succeed.
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’” [6]
“Yes, Lord, be magnified. You are pleased when we prosper.”
“They were filled with rage and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.” The manipulators of the masses were outraged with Jesus. He healed a man free of charge. Jesus taught, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” [7] Jesus promises heavenly rewards to those who suffer for the sake of trying to save others. Blessed be His Holy Name!
[1] Psalm 34:10
[2] Psalm 34:11
[3] Psalm 34:12-14
[4] Psalm 35:17-18
[5] Psalm 35:20, 26
[6] Psalm 35:27
[7] Luke 6:1, 22-23
Joy In The Lord
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” [1]
“Thank You Father for safety!
Thank You for strength!
Thank You for help!
Thank You for peace!
Trouble may quake. Mountains may shake!
Water may roar! But You calm me.”
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts (armies) is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” [2]
“I rest in YOU GOD!
You outrank nations and earth.
Your armies are with me.
You are my personal God, and the God of Jacob.
You are my safe place.”
“Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.” [3]
“Thank You for songs to sing.
Musical expressions of praise for You!
You are the King of kings.
I sing praises to Your Name!”
“For this is God, our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide forever.” [4]
“YOU, Abba Father guide me.
I love and praise You O Lord!”
[1] Psalm 46:1-3
[2] Psalm 46:10-11
[3] Psalm 47:6-7
[4] Psalm 48:14
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” [1]
“Thank You Father for safety!
Thank You for strength!
Thank You for help!
Thank You for peace!
Trouble may quake. Mountains may shake!
Water may roar! But You calm me.”
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts (armies) is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” [2]
“I rest in YOU GOD!
You outrank nations and earth.
Your armies are with me.
You are my personal God, and the God of Jacob.
You are my safe place.”
“Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.” [3]
“Thank You for songs to sing.
Musical expressions of praise for You!
You are the King of kings.
I sing praises to Your Name!”
“For this is God, our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide forever.” [4]
“YOU, Abba Father guide me.
I love and praise You O Lord!”
[1] Psalm 46:1-3
[2] Psalm 46:10-11
[3] Psalm 47:6-7
[4] Psalm 48:14
Saved From Babylon
“He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” [1]
When does everything become beautiful? When does one consider eternity? When does a sinner want to learn of the work of God?
The answer is when a sinner comes under conviction of sin by hearing God’s Word spoken by the Spirit of God. God converts souls via His Word…
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” [2]
A sinner experiences conversion or rebirth as he or she realizes his or her need for God, and that God is giving him or her the opportunity to be saved by Him. God converts sinners…
“I [God] 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.” [3]
While doing mission work and living in China, the Lord led me to read the Book of Revelation, and to write out its words on paper. As I did, I was especially surprised by the revelations contained in chapters 13 and 18.
Revelation 13 speaks of a beast rising out of the sea. The beast is a conglomeration of governmental authorities [represented by various man-eating animals] who blaspheme [speak against] God’s Name. All the world marvels at this beast and follows it. They exclaim, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” He makes war with the saints [the people who do not compromise with sin]. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The Lord says to His people, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” The ministry during the days of the beast consists of being patient and keeping our faith in Christ no matter what happens. [4]
Revelation 18 speaks of the judgment of Babylon which is a code name for the beast that defiled the world and led the world astray from God. Babylon is eulogized as a harlot who made the merchants of the earth rich. God warned His people not to share in Babylon’s sins lest they also share in her plaques. She projected herself as invincible, but in one day, she was gone. God judged her.
The kings of earth weep and lament over her. The merchants weep and mourn over her. She made merchandise out of everything including the bodies and souls of people. Shipmasters and sailors cry out, “What is like this great city?” as they watch her burn with fire. “For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.” “All who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!”
Those who stood against Babylon, and suffered because of her, are told by the Lord to, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” By her sorcery all the nations had been deceived. They had united against God and served Satan. “In her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” [5]
When tempted to discount God’s Word and His Spirit’s prompting, turn to God, and remember the following words: “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.” [6] Satan’s reign of terror and of perversity has an expiration date. It will end, and end horribly. Only God’s Kingdom lasts forever, and it is a glorious kingdom full of light, truth, and love.
[1] Ecclesiastes 3:9
[2] Psalm 19:7-14
[3] Ezekiel 36:26
[4] Revelation 13:1-10
[5] Revelation 18:1-20
[6] Ecclesiastes 3:14
When does everything become beautiful? When does one consider eternity? When does a sinner want to learn of the work of God?
The answer is when a sinner comes under conviction of sin by hearing God’s Word spoken by the Spirit of God. God converts souls via His Word…
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” [2]
A sinner experiences conversion or rebirth as he or she realizes his or her need for God, and that God is giving him or her the opportunity to be saved by Him. God converts sinners…
“I [God] 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.” [3]
While doing mission work and living in China, the Lord led me to read the Book of Revelation, and to write out its words on paper. As I did, I was especially surprised by the revelations contained in chapters 13 and 18.
Revelation 13 speaks of a beast rising out of the sea. The beast is a conglomeration of governmental authorities [represented by various man-eating animals] who blaspheme [speak against] God’s Name. All the world marvels at this beast and follows it. They exclaim, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” He makes war with the saints [the people who do not compromise with sin]. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The Lord says to His people, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” The ministry during the days of the beast consists of being patient and keeping our faith in Christ no matter what happens. [4]
Revelation 18 speaks of the judgment of Babylon which is a code name for the beast that defiled the world and led the world astray from God. Babylon is eulogized as a harlot who made the merchants of the earth rich. God warned His people not to share in Babylon’s sins lest they also share in her plaques. She projected herself as invincible, but in one day, she was gone. God judged her.
The kings of earth weep and lament over her. The merchants weep and mourn over her. She made merchandise out of everything including the bodies and souls of people. Shipmasters and sailors cry out, “What is like this great city?” as they watch her burn with fire. “For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.” “All who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!”
Those who stood against Babylon, and suffered because of her, are told by the Lord to, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” By her sorcery all the nations had been deceived. They had united against God and served Satan. “In her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” [5]
When tempted to discount God’s Word and His Spirit’s prompting, turn to God, and remember the following words: “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.” [6] Satan’s reign of terror and of perversity has an expiration date. It will end, and end horribly. Only God’s Kingdom lasts forever, and it is a glorious kingdom full of light, truth, and love.
[1] Ecclesiastes 3:9
[2] Psalm 19:7-14
[3] Ezekiel 36:26
[4] Revelation 13:1-10
[5] Revelation 18:1-20
[6] Ecclesiastes 3:14
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Prayers For Help During Tribulation
“O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance… Their blood they have shed like water all around… and there was no one to bury them. The invaders slew men as if their blood was of no more value than so much water. We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those who are around us.” [1]
“Asaph was an excellent advocate, for he gave a telling description of calamities which were under his own eyes, and in which he sympathized, but we have a mightier Intercessor [Jesus Christ] above, who never ceases to urge our suit before the eternal throne.” [2]
“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your Name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake!” [3]
“Pardon of sin is sought as well as removal of chastisement. Both are asked not as matters of right, but as gifts of grace. This noble plea is the great gun of the battle, the mightiest weapon in the armory of prayer.” [4]
“According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die.” “So, we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father that You are aware of every evil act against Your people. Thank You Jesus, our Advocate and Intercessor, for praying for our victory. Thank You Holy Spirit for light to shine as stars amidst the darkness. Lord Jesus, thanks to Your presence with us, we shall overcome. We shall stand before You. We shall see Your glory.”
[1] Psalm 79:1, 3-4
[2] “The Treasury of David” by Charles H. Spurgeon
[3] Psalm 79:9
[4] “The Treasury of David” by Charles H. Spurgeon
[5] Psalm 79:11, 13
“Asaph was an excellent advocate, for he gave a telling description of calamities which were under his own eyes, and in which he sympathized, but we have a mightier Intercessor [Jesus Christ] above, who never ceases to urge our suit before the eternal throne.” [2]
“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your Name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake!” [3]
“Pardon of sin is sought as well as removal of chastisement. Both are asked not as matters of right, but as gifts of grace. This noble plea is the great gun of the battle, the mightiest weapon in the armory of prayer.” [4]
“According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die.” “So, we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father that You are aware of every evil act against Your people. Thank You Jesus, our Advocate and Intercessor, for praying for our victory. Thank You Holy Spirit for light to shine as stars amidst the darkness. Lord Jesus, thanks to Your presence with us, we shall overcome. We shall stand before You. We shall see Your glory.”
[1] Psalm 79:1, 3-4
[2] “The Treasury of David” by Charles H. Spurgeon
[3] Psalm 79:9
[4] “The Treasury of David” by Charles H. Spurgeon
[5] Psalm 79:11, 13
I Am So Glad
I am so glad that... “The Word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:25
I am so glad that the Lord’s “mercy endures forever.” The phrase, “His mercy endures forever” appears 42 times in various verses of the Old Testament. Glory to God!
(Please note the small sample of the 42 verses in the attached picture)
I am so glad that the Lord’s “mercy endures forever.” The phrase, “His mercy endures forever” appears 42 times in various verses of the Old Testament. Glory to God!
(Please note the small sample of the 42 verses in the attached picture)
Friday, August 11, 2023
Believe In Jesus Christ
“The leaders of nations exercise lordship over them, their authorities are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater? He who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.” [1]
Worldly authorities exercise power in self-exalting style. Jesus wasn’t like that.
In ancient China, the rich grew long, long fingernails, so long they could do nothing for themselves-and this was perceived as a sign of status.
The idea of being called benefactors is really the idea of getting credit. Many people only ‘serve’ if they can be assured of getting proper credit.
“You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [2]
Jesus promises wonderful rewards to those who continue with Him. He is laying up treasures for us in heaven that cannot be taken away either by decay or by thieves.
And what is our key mission for Jesus? It is the same mission as the Holy Spirit’s, namely, to convict the world of sin. Which sin? The sin of not believing in Jesus. When sinners asked Jesus or His apostles what they should do, the answer was to, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” [3]
Worldly authorities exercise power in self-exalting style. Jesus wasn’t like that.
In ancient China, the rich grew long, long fingernails, so long they could do nothing for themselves-and this was perceived as a sign of status.
The idea of being called benefactors is really the idea of getting credit. Many people only ‘serve’ if they can be assured of getting proper credit.
“You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [2]
Jesus promises wonderful rewards to those who continue with Him. He is laying up treasures for us in heaven that cannot be taken away either by decay or by thieves.
And what is our key mission for Jesus? It is the same mission as the Holy Spirit’s, namely, to convict the world of sin. Which sin? The sin of not believing in Jesus. When sinners asked Jesus or His apostles what they should do, the answer was to, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” [3]
When sinners asked apostles what they should do, the answer was to, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” [4]
[1] Luke 22:24-27
[2] Luke 22:28-30
[3] John 6:29
[4] Acts 16:31
[1] Luke 22:24-27
[2] Luke 22:28-30
[3] John 6:29
[4] Acts 16:31
How’s Your Prayer Life?
“Prayer is man’s ultimate indication of trust in his heavenly Father. Only in prayer do we surrender our problems completely to God and ask for divine intervention. Are you ready for God to intervene in your life?
Where there is an absence of prayer there is an absence of God’s power. Where there is a frequency of prayer there will be continuing display of God’s power. Dr. E. Stanley Jones explains, ‘In prayer you align yourselves to the purpose and power of God and He is able to do things through you that He could not do otherwise.’
Most tasks in life are accomplished systematically. In fact, without a systematic approach to life, many goals would remain un-reached. The same is true with prayer. The devotional time needs careful planning and preparation to function successfully. Prayer does not come naturally to men. It must be learned. Prayer must be nourished and cultivated if it is to grow.”
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” [1]
“If God would bless us with…
Answers
Forgiveness
Healing…
Before we…
Humble ourselves
Pray
Seek Him
Turn from wicked ways…
We would get…
The gift but not the Giver
The answer but not the Answerer
The forgiveness but not the Forgiver
The healing but not the Healer.
Prayer is primarily about the development of a relationship between man and God. The highest goal of prayer time is to strengthen our relationship with God.” [2]
[1] 2 Chronicles 7:14
[2] All other comments from “The Hour that Changes the World” by Dick Eastman
Where there is an absence of prayer there is an absence of God’s power. Where there is a frequency of prayer there will be continuing display of God’s power. Dr. E. Stanley Jones explains, ‘In prayer you align yourselves to the purpose and power of God and He is able to do things through you that He could not do otherwise.’
Most tasks in life are accomplished systematically. In fact, without a systematic approach to life, many goals would remain un-reached. The same is true with prayer. The devotional time needs careful planning and preparation to function successfully. Prayer does not come naturally to men. It must be learned. Prayer must be nourished and cultivated if it is to grow.”
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” [1]
“If God would bless us with…
Answers
Forgiveness
Healing…
Before we…
Humble ourselves
Pray
Seek Him
Turn from wicked ways…
We would get…
The gift but not the Giver
The answer but not the Answerer
The forgiveness but not the Forgiver
The healing but not the Healer.
Prayer is primarily about the development of a relationship between man and God. The highest goal of prayer time is to strengthen our relationship with God.” [2]
[1] 2 Chronicles 7:14
[2] All other comments from “The Hour that Changes the World” by Dick Eastman
The Marriage Feast of the Lamb
“Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the water pots with water.’
And they filled them up to the brim.
And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’
And they took it.
When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.
He said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!’
This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.” [1]
“Moses turned water into blood, showing that the Law results in death. [2] But Jesus’ first miracle turned water into wine, showing the gladness and joy of His new work.
This acts out what John said, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” [3]
We could say that the water is like a relationship with God under the Old Covenant, and the wine is like a relationship with God under the New Covenant. The wine was and better than the water; and the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant.” [4]
One day, we will be clothed in the wedding garment of righteous deeds. [5] From that day forward, we will experience unbroken fellowship with God. The joy we will experience on that day is beyond description as we will see Christ face-to-face. [6] We will experience this day because we believed that Christ is the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world! And He took away our sins. Praise the Lord!
[1] John 2:7-11
[2] Exodus 7:17-21
[3] John 1:17
[4] Enduringword.com/bible-commentary/John2
[5] Revelation 19:6-8
[6] Revelation 19:9
And they filled them up to the brim.
And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’
And they took it.
When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.
He said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!’
This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.” [1]
“Moses turned water into blood, showing that the Law results in death. [2] But Jesus’ first miracle turned water into wine, showing the gladness and joy of His new work.
This acts out what John said, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” [3]
We could say that the water is like a relationship with God under the Old Covenant, and the wine is like a relationship with God under the New Covenant. The wine was and better than the water; and the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant.” [4]
One day, we will be clothed in the wedding garment of righteous deeds. [5] From that day forward, we will experience unbroken fellowship with God. The joy we will experience on that day is beyond description as we will see Christ face-to-face. [6] We will experience this day because we believed that Christ is the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world! And He took away our sins. Praise the Lord!
[1] John 2:7-11
[2] Exodus 7:17-21
[3] John 1:17
[4] Enduringword.com/bible-commentary/John2
[5] Revelation 19:6-8
[6] Revelation 19:9
Glory Be To You God Forever
God gave King Belshazzar a vison of a mysterious hand that wrote words on a wall. God gave the interpretation of these words to Belshazzar through His servant Daniel. The bottom line was that Belshazzar had been weighed in the balances and was found wanting. God gave his kingdom to another ruler. [1]
Daniel told him, “The God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” [2]
God also holds our breath in His hands. We should glorify Him!
Daniel’s royal service continued under the new world ruler, but unlike King Belshazzar, he maintained a heart to serve God. For example, after a law against praying to anyone but the king was passed by Daniel-hating legislators, Daniel continued to pray to God!
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” [3]
The hateful legislators had Daniel thrown into a lion’s den. They assumed that he was history. Meanwhile, the king fasted and prayed all night for Daniel. Imagine! A world-ruling king prayed for a believer in God all night long. The next morning, the king went to the lion’s den and asked Daniel if he was okay.
God also holds our breath in His hands. We should glorify Him!
Daniel’s royal service continued under the new world ruler, but unlike King Belshazzar, he maintained a heart to serve God. For example, after a law against praying to anyone but the king was passed by Daniel-hating legislators, Daniel continued to pray to God!
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” [3]
The hateful legislators had Daniel thrown into a lion’s den. They assumed that he was history. Meanwhile, the king fasted and prayed all night for Daniel. Imagine! A world-ruling king prayed for a believer in God all night long. The next morning, the king went to the lion’s den and asked Daniel if he was okay.
Daniel replied, “O king! Live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.’” [4]
Darius wrote, “To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.
For He is the living God,
And steadfast forever;
His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,
And His dominion shall endure to the end.
He delivers and rescues,
And He works signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.’” [5]
“Yes, praise, honor, thanksgiving, and glory be to You God forever and ever. Amen.”
[1] Daniel 5:24-28
[2] Daniel 5:23
[3] Daniel 6:10
[4] Daniel 6:21-22
[5] Daniel 6:25-27
Darius wrote, “To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.
For He is the living God,
And steadfast forever;
His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,
And His dominion shall endure to the end.
He delivers and rescues,
And He works signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.’” [5]
“Yes, praise, honor, thanksgiving, and glory be to You God forever and ever. Amen.”
[1] Daniel 5:24-28
[2] Daniel 5:23
[3] Daniel 6:10
[4] Daniel 6:21-22
[5] Daniel 6:25-27
Dross
Question: “What is the meaning of dross in the Bible?”
Dross is waste materials that are separated when metals are purified by smelting. Smelting involves the heating and melting of ores. Intense heat causes the dross to separate from the ore and rise to the top where it forms a scum and can be extracted, leaving a pure metal base.
In the Bible, dross is often used as a metaphor for a spiritual contaminant in God’s people.
The Bible says God judges wicked people who corrupt the whole of society and removes them like dross is removed from molten metal:
“All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore, I love your statutes” [1]
“Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.” [2]
Dross describes what is base or worthless.
God purges worthless dross from His people by a spiritual refining process of discipline.
“I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.” [3]
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” [4]
“Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.” [5]
“Who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.” [6]
We all have spiritual dross in our lives—unhealthy and unwelcome practices and ideas that need to be removed. Believers undergo a refining process that proves the authenticity of our faith: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” [7]
When a metal refiner works with gold and silver, he repeats the smelting process over and over. Each time he raises the heat, he skims away more dross and increases the quality and purity of the refined metals. When God turns up the heat in our lives, and we experience a particularly fiery trial, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s refining fire is removing the dross in our lives for a good purpose. The Lord is refining us according to His holy will, and His goal is purity: “This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” [8]
“He [God] knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” [9]
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” [10]
“Because they do not regard the works of the Lord nor the deeds of His hands, He will tear them down and not build them up.” [11]
“How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!” [12]
“That when the wicked sprouted up like grass and all who did iniquity flourished, it was only that they might be destroyed forevermore.” [13]
[1] Psalm 119:119
[2] Proverbs 25:4-5
[3] Isaiah 1:25–26
[4] Isaiah 48:10
[5] Daniel 12:10
[6] Malachi 3:2–3
[7] 1 Peter 1:6–7
[8] Zechariah 13:9
[9] Job 23:10
[10] 1 Peter 5:10
[11] Psalm 28:5
[12] Psalm 73:19
[13] Psalm 92:7
Dross is waste materials that are separated when metals are purified by smelting. Smelting involves the heating and melting of ores. Intense heat causes the dross to separate from the ore and rise to the top where it forms a scum and can be extracted, leaving a pure metal base.
In the Bible, dross is often used as a metaphor for a spiritual contaminant in God’s people.
The Bible says God judges wicked people who corrupt the whole of society and removes them like dross is removed from molten metal:
“All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore, I love your statutes” [1]
“Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.” [2]
Dross describes what is base or worthless.
God purges worthless dross from His people by a spiritual refining process of discipline.
“I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.” [3]
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” [4]
“Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.” [5]
“Who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.” [6]
We all have spiritual dross in our lives—unhealthy and unwelcome practices and ideas that need to be removed. Believers undergo a refining process that proves the authenticity of our faith: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” [7]
When a metal refiner works with gold and silver, he repeats the smelting process over and over. Each time he raises the heat, he skims away more dross and increases the quality and purity of the refined metals. When God turns up the heat in our lives, and we experience a particularly fiery trial, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s refining fire is removing the dross in our lives for a good purpose. The Lord is refining us according to His holy will, and His goal is purity: “This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” [8]
“He [God] knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” [9]
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” [10]
“Because they do not regard the works of the Lord nor the deeds of His hands, He will tear them down and not build them up.” [11]
“How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!” [12]
“That when the wicked sprouted up like grass and all who did iniquity flourished, it was only that they might be destroyed forevermore.” [13]
[1] Psalm 119:119
[2] Proverbs 25:4-5
[3] Isaiah 1:25–26
[4] Isaiah 48:10
[5] Daniel 12:10
[6] Malachi 3:2–3
[7] 1 Peter 1:6–7
[8] Zechariah 13:9
[9] Job 23:10
[10] 1 Peter 5:10
[11] Psalm 28:5
[12] Psalm 73:19
[13] Psalm 92:7
Full of the Holy Spirit
“He [Stephen], being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, ‘Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’” [1]
“Full of the Holy Spirit!”
The difference between Stephen and his opposition was the Holy Spirit. Just before they stoned him, he had called them out, saying, “You always resist the Holy Spirit.” [2]
May the Lord keep our hearts receptive towards the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” [3]
God, the Holy Spirit, does great exploits through those who receive Him.
“Joshua the son of Nun was full of the Spirit of wisdom.” [4] The Lord helped him to conquer ten kings and their armies in one day.
And what about Elisha?
The king of Syria was greatly troubled because someone was divulging his war plans to the king of Israel. One of his servants said to him…
“None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” [5]
The king of Syria sent a great army to capture Elisha. By the Spirit of the Lord Elisha declared to his frightened servant, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The Lord blinded that army and Elisha ended up “capturing” them and feeding them and sending them on their way. [6]
Jesus urged His disciples, saying, ““Receive the Holy Spirit.” [7]
Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus declared, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses.” [8]
Being “Full of the Holy Spirit,” Stephen saw Jesus in His glory. As they stoned him, “he kneeled and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” [9]
“Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us today.”
[1] Acts 7:55-56
[2] Acts 7:51
[3] Matthew 12:32
[4] Deuteronomy 34:9
[5] 2 Kings 6:12
[6] 2 Kings 6:16-23
[7] John 20:22
[8] Acts 1:8
[9] Acts 7:59-60
“Full of the Holy Spirit!”
The difference between Stephen and his opposition was the Holy Spirit. Just before they stoned him, he had called them out, saying, “You always resist the Holy Spirit.” [2]
May the Lord keep our hearts receptive towards the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” [3]
God, the Holy Spirit, does great exploits through those who receive Him.
“Joshua the son of Nun was full of the Spirit of wisdom.” [4] The Lord helped him to conquer ten kings and their armies in one day.
And what about Elisha?
The king of Syria was greatly troubled because someone was divulging his war plans to the king of Israel. One of his servants said to him…
“None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” [5]
The king of Syria sent a great army to capture Elisha. By the Spirit of the Lord Elisha declared to his frightened servant, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The Lord blinded that army and Elisha ended up “capturing” them and feeding them and sending them on their way. [6]
Jesus urged His disciples, saying, ““Receive the Holy Spirit.” [7]
Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus declared, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses.” [8]
Being “Full of the Holy Spirit,” Stephen saw Jesus in His glory. As they stoned him, “he kneeled and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” [9]
“Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us today.”
[1] Acts 7:55-56
[2] Acts 7:51
[3] Matthew 12:32
[4] Deuteronomy 34:9
[5] 2 Kings 6:12
[6] 2 Kings 6:16-23
[7] John 20:22
[8] Acts 1:8
[9] Acts 7:59-60
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Seeing Your Children’s Children
“Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.” [1]
What have we based our life on?
Our own abilities or the Lord’s?
What gives us a sense of security?
When is life under our control?
Or when we know the Lord is in control?
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways.
When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the Lord.
Yes, may you see your children’s children.” [2]
Your wife a fruitful vine – your children olive plants – see your children’s children
In October of 1985, I was serving the Lord in Hong Kong. I prayed the above verses daily while Sherry and our baby Grace were in the USA due to health reasons. The Lord brought my fruitful vine and my olive plant back to me, and praise God, 38 years later, I am seeing my children’s children. “Thank You Jesus!”
[1] Psalm 127:1-2
[2] Psalm 128:1-4, 6
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.” [1]
What have we based our life on?
Our own abilities or the Lord’s?
What gives us a sense of security?
When is life under our control?
Or when we know the Lord is in control?
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways.
When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the Lord.
Yes, may you see your children’s children.” [2]
Your wife a fruitful vine – your children olive plants – see your children’s children
In October of 1985, I was serving the Lord in Hong Kong. I prayed the above verses daily while Sherry and our baby Grace were in the USA due to health reasons. The Lord brought my fruitful vine and my olive plant back to me, and praise God, 38 years later, I am seeing my children’s children. “Thank You Jesus!”
[1] Psalm 127:1-2
[2] Psalm 128:1-4, 6
With The Lord
“I have manifested Your Name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world...” [1]
If you know God…
The Son of God has revealed Him to You.
You are blessed.
“I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” [2]
If you received the words of Christ…
And surely know that He is God’s Son…
And if you believe in Him…
You are blessed.
“Holy Father, keep through Your Name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” [3]
If Jesus is interceding for you…
Because you who are His…
You are blessed.
If Jesus is interceding for you…
To be one with other believers…
As He and the Father are one…
You are blessed.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” [4]
“Thank You Lord Jesus…
For praying for us…
Keeping us from the evil one.
We are blessed.”
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” [5]
If you are in the Word…
Praying it, believing it, and walking in it…
Our Lord Jesus has prayed for you.
You are blessed.
“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.” [6]
“Thank You Lord Jesus…
For desiring us to be with You.
Thank You Lord Jesus…
For desiring us to see Your glory.
We do.
We do want to be with You.
We do want to see Your glory.”
[1] John 17:6
[2] John 17:8
[3] John 17:11
[4] John 17:15
[5] John 17:17
[6] John 17:24
If you know God…
The Son of God has revealed Him to You.
You are blessed.
“I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” [2]
If you received the words of Christ…
And surely know that He is God’s Son…
And if you believe in Him…
You are blessed.
“Holy Father, keep through Your Name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” [3]
If Jesus is interceding for you…
Because you who are His…
You are blessed.
If Jesus is interceding for you…
To be one with other believers…
As He and the Father are one…
You are blessed.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” [4]
“Thank You Lord Jesus…
For praying for us…
Keeping us from the evil one.
We are blessed.”
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” [5]
If you are in the Word…
Praying it, believing it, and walking in it…
Our Lord Jesus has prayed for you.
You are blessed.
“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.” [6]
“Thank You Lord Jesus…
For desiring us to be with You.
Thank You Lord Jesus…
For desiring us to see Your glory.
We do.
We do want to be with You.
We do want to see Your glory.”
[1] John 17:6
[2] John 17:8
[3] John 17:11
[4] John 17:15
[5] John 17:17
[6] John 17:24
Saved From The Pit
Imagine being thrown into a deep pit by your siblings! Their initial plan was to kill you. That’s what happened to a young man named Joseph. [1]
Imagine being thrown into a well by the princes of your people because you warned them of pending judgment from the Lord. This is what happened to a young man from among the priests of Anathoth. His name was Jeremiah. [2]
Before this happened, Jeremiah had prayed to the Lord, “Shall evil be repaid for good? For they have dug a pit for my life. Remember that I stood before You to speak good for them, to turn away Your wrath from them.” [3]
When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about healing a man on the Sabbath Day, Jesus responded to them by questioning their values. He asked them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then, is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” [4]
In a sense, Jesus was cast into a pit, when evil people plotted against Him, tortured Him, executed Him, and placed His body into a burial cave.
Due to the deeds of evildoers, the future looked bleak momentarily for young Joseph and young Jeremiah. The future looked bleak for the man who came to worship God with an illness… His religious leaders deemed him of less value than an animal.
What about our Messiah? A heavy stone was rolled across the entrance of His cave-like tomb to block His escape route from the grave.
At times in my life, I have said to the Lord, “Unless You come through for me, I have absolutely no options for survival. I will not survive. I need You Lord! Please rescue me.” And He did.
God has rescued many people from inescapable pits.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ helps us to escape from the most horrible pit of all pits. The pit where there is eternal gnashing of teeth and weeping. Jesus declares to us, “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] He assures us who believe in Him that He will raise us up on our last day to be with Him in paradise. Praise the Lord! What a Savior!
By the way, we see the Son in the Scriptures. We believe in Him when we believe what has been written about Him in the Scripture by His selected eyewitnesses. We experience Him in our lives personally, when we ask Him to forgive our sins, and to be the Lord and Savior of our lives. And He assures us that He will raise us up on our last day to be with Him in paradise. Praise the Lord! What a Savior!
[1] Genesis 37:18-23
[2] Jeremiah 38:1-6
[3] Jeremiah 18:20
[4] Matthew 12:11-12
[5] John 6:40
Imagine being thrown into a well by the princes of your people because you warned them of pending judgment from the Lord. This is what happened to a young man from among the priests of Anathoth. His name was Jeremiah. [2]
Before this happened, Jeremiah had prayed to the Lord, “Shall evil be repaid for good? For they have dug a pit for my life. Remember that I stood before You to speak good for them, to turn away Your wrath from them.” [3]
When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about healing a man on the Sabbath Day, Jesus responded to them by questioning their values. He asked them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then, is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” [4]
In a sense, Jesus was cast into a pit, when evil people plotted against Him, tortured Him, executed Him, and placed His body into a burial cave.
Due to the deeds of evildoers, the future looked bleak momentarily for young Joseph and young Jeremiah. The future looked bleak for the man who came to worship God with an illness… His religious leaders deemed him of less value than an animal.
What about our Messiah? A heavy stone was rolled across the entrance of His cave-like tomb to block His escape route from the grave.
At times in my life, I have said to the Lord, “Unless You come through for me, I have absolutely no options for survival. I will not survive. I need You Lord! Please rescue me.” And He did.
God has rescued many people from inescapable pits.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ helps us to escape from the most horrible pit of all pits. The pit where there is eternal gnashing of teeth and weeping. Jesus declares to us, “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] He assures us who believe in Him that He will raise us up on our last day to be with Him in paradise. Praise the Lord! What a Savior!
By the way, we see the Son in the Scriptures. We believe in Him when we believe what has been written about Him in the Scripture by His selected eyewitnesses. We experience Him in our lives personally, when we ask Him to forgive our sins, and to be the Lord and Savior of our lives. And He assures us that He will raise us up on our last day to be with Him in paradise. Praise the Lord! What a Savior!
[1] Genesis 37:18-23
[2] Jeremiah 38:1-6
[3] Jeremiah 18:20
[4] Matthew 12:11-12
[5] John 6:40
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Living By God’s Grace
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” [1]
Peace and holiness… lest anyone fall short of God’s grace. God gives grace to people so we can be His peacemakers and reflect His holiness to the world.
Esau enjoyed the same provisions of sonship as Jacob in his father Isaac’s home. But Esau spent his father’s favor on fornication and perverse activities. When the moment came for Esau to choose between his birthright and self-indulgence, he chose self-indulgence. His father gave the blessing of his firstborn to his brother Jacob. Esau became bitter afterwards and wanted to kill Jacob.
“You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” [2]
We have good reason to shun ill-willed feelings towards God and others. Thanks to Christ, our Mediator, thanks to His shed blood on the cross for the remission of all our sins, we have a free pass to enter the city of the living God. We get to assemble with angels in heaven. God is going to perfect us.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” [3]
Let us have grace towards ourselves and one another because thanks to Christ we have inherited a kingdom that will neither decline, nor its citizens suffer want. Thanks to Christ, we shall not be destroyed when God destroys the devil and his followers.
[1] Hebrews 12:14-17
[2] Hebrews 12:22-24
[3] Hebrews 12:28-29
Esau enjoyed the same provisions of sonship as Jacob in his father Isaac’s home. But Esau spent his father’s favor on fornication and perverse activities. When the moment came for Esau to choose between his birthright and self-indulgence, he chose self-indulgence. His father gave the blessing of his firstborn to his brother Jacob. Esau became bitter afterwards and wanted to kill Jacob.
“You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” [2]
We have good reason to shun ill-willed feelings towards God and others. Thanks to Christ, our Mediator, thanks to His shed blood on the cross for the remission of all our sins, we have a free pass to enter the city of the living God. We get to assemble with angels in heaven. God is going to perfect us.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” [3]
Let us have grace towards ourselves and one another because thanks to Christ we have inherited a kingdom that will neither decline, nor its citizens suffer want. Thanks to Christ, we shall not be destroyed when God destroys the devil and his followers.
[1] Hebrews 12:14-17
[2] Hebrews 12:22-24
[3] Hebrews 12:28-29
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
No Greater Love
“He [Jesus Christ] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” [1]
The greatest human disaster to be saved from is an eternity away from God. Our Lord Jesus described the destiny of lost souls as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. A place where the worm does not die! A place where the flame is not quenched! [2]
Our Lord committed no sin. He died on the cross to make atonement for our sin, so that, our salvation would rest on His merit and not our own. He resurrected from the dead and was seen by many witnesses. He demonstrated that He is able to resurrect the dead to new life. [3]
He is able to save all who come to God through Him. He pardons our sin and guilt when we ask His forgiveness, and He brings us into the family of God. Then, He continuously prays for us not to be deceived out of our eternal inheritance. He continuously prays that we will remain in fellowship with others who follow Him, so that our faith in Him will grow stronger. [4]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for giving Your life to save us from our sin. No greater love has anyone than to lay down their life for another. Thank You for giving Your life for us to save us from hell, and to bring us to be with You when we die. May our lives bring You glory today, for it is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Hebrews 7:25
[2] Matthew 10:28; 13:50; 25:41; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:14-15
[3] 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:6; Revelation 1:18
[4] Matthew 9:6; John 1:11-12; Galatians 4:4-5; Acts 2:42-47
The greatest human disaster to be saved from is an eternity away from God. Our Lord Jesus described the destiny of lost souls as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. A place where the worm does not die! A place where the flame is not quenched! [2]
Our Lord committed no sin. He died on the cross to make atonement for our sin, so that, our salvation would rest on His merit and not our own. He resurrected from the dead and was seen by many witnesses. He demonstrated that He is able to resurrect the dead to new life. [3]
He is able to save all who come to God through Him. He pardons our sin and guilt when we ask His forgiveness, and He brings us into the family of God. Then, He continuously prays for us not to be deceived out of our eternal inheritance. He continuously prays that we will remain in fellowship with others who follow Him, so that our faith in Him will grow stronger. [4]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for giving Your life to save us from our sin. No greater love has anyone than to lay down their life for another. Thank You for giving Your life for us to save us from hell, and to bring us to be with You when we die. May our lives bring You glory today, for it is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Hebrews 7:25
[2] Matthew 10:28; 13:50; 25:41; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:14-15
[3] 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:6; Revelation 1:18
[4] Matthew 9:6; John 1:11-12; Galatians 4:4-5; Acts 2:42-47
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