Are We Better than They – Not at All

David had recently finished building a house for himself. “The Lord had given him rest from his enemies all around.” He told Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.” Nathan encouraged him. [1]

However, that night the Word of the Lord came to Nathan. Think about that! How many of us have desired that somebody higher up the leadership chain than us would come to us? When God’s Word comes to you or me that is JESUS, King of kings and Lord of lords coming to us. Jesus is the Word of God. “For You have magnified Your Word above all Your Name.” [2] So, as you read Scripture, as a verse comes to your mind, or as you hear someone quote it, you just had the highest of all highest come to you. That’s pretty awesome!

“It happened that night that the Word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, ‘Go and tell My servant David, thus says the Lord...’” [3] God spoke to Nathan. God gave Nathan a word to share with someone else. What a wonderful gift! What a blessing!

Part of God’s Word to David was a reminder of who is providing for who. “I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel.” God conquered his enemies. God made David’s name great. God made him king. Was David going to house God? [4]

Not to minimize those who build and sustain houses of worship for God. I thank God for people who give to local churches to ensure that their community has a lighthouse from God. But let us always give the glory to GOD.

God’s servant Nathan had a prophetic word for David. A descendant of his would have an everlasting kingdom. The Lord said, “I will be His Father, and He shall be My Son.” [5] In the Gospels, Jesus continuously speaks of Himself as God’s Son and of God as His Father. In doing so, Jesus was declaring Himself to be the fulfillment of Nathan’s prophetic word.

David said to the Lord, “For Your Word’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them.” “You are great, O Lord God. There is none like You. There no God besides You.” “Let Your Name be magnified forever!” “You are God, and Your Words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant.” [6]

David believed God’s Word. Therefore, he had joy to praise and serve Him. He knew that God was the source of blessing so he prayed to God often. He wrote, “As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” [7]

David loved the Word of the Lord because it fed his soul peace. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His Word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” [8]

David’s son, Solomon also gloried in God’s Word. He wrote, “Every Word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” [9]

The Lord helped Sherry and me set good priorities for our marriage early on via His Word. “Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches — feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the Name of my God.” [10] Through His Word, He has kept us chasing after Him rather than after the wind.

God made David great through His Word. Paul asks us a question. “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.” [11]

The Jews got God’s Word! What a blessing! They did not earn or deserve it, just as we don’t. It is a gift that God speaks to us through His Word. God speaks to and through broken people so that the listeners will know that the power is of God and not of the person.

Paul asks his readers, “ What then? Are we [Christians] better than they [the Jews]? Not at all. ...all are under sin.” “There is none righteous, no, not one.” “All are unprofitable.” [12]

There is one source of righteousness for all humanity: GOD. The righteousness of God is imputed and imparted to us through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the propitiator of our sin by His blood. God is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Where is boasting then? Only in God via faith in Jesus Christ! Wisdom is of God, righteousness is of God, profitableness is of God, salvation is of God, and eternal life is of God. Not of us! To God be all glory! [13]

[1] 2 Samuel 7:1-3
[2] Psalm 138:2
[3] 2 Samuel 7:4-5
[4] 2 Samuel 7:6-11
[5] 2 Samuel 7:12-14
[6] 2 Samuel 7:21-23, 26, 28
[7] Psalm 55:16-17, 22
[8] Psalm 56:3-4
[9] Proverbs 30:5
[10] Proverbs 30:7-9
[11] Romans 3:1-2
[12] Romans 3:9-10, 12
[13] Romans 3:22-26

What Happens When We Repent

From the potter’s house to the potter’s field and then, to the court of the Lord. The Lord led Jeremiah to take the elders and priests of Jerusalem on a guided tour. He took them to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, also known as Tophet. [1]

There, he said to them among other things, “You have filled this place with the blood of innocents.” By “the blood of innocents” he was referring to the sacrifices of infants that they made to false gods. He said to them, “Therefore behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that this place shall no more be called Tophet or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.” [2] By the way, Tophet is a reference to the drums that they would play to drown out the cries of the babies as they burned to death in the fires.

The Valley of Slaughter is where their enemies, the Babylonians, set up camp before attacking and destroying the city.

Jeremiah took a flask and shattered it on the ground before the elders and priests as a sign to them of how their lives were about to be shattered and destroyed. “Thus, I will do to this place, says the Lord, and to its inhabitants, and make this city like Tophet.” [3]

As they had burned their infants to idols their bodies would be burned by fire. This burning is echoed in the ovens of the concentration camps of Germany during the 1940’s. But before we wave a finger at the Jews or the Germans, let us consider that another race is being slaughtered under our noses during the 21st Century. About 3,700 per day or 1.37 million per year in the USA! About 115,000 per day or 42 million per year globally. The race consists of babies from the human race.

So, Lord’s Word to those elders and priests in Tophet is relevant for us today.

After speaking to the elders and priests, the Lord led Jeremiah to stand in the court of the Lord’s house and proclaim to all the people doom because they had stiffened their necks so as not to listen to what He had to say. [4]

During New Testament times, the Apostle Peter warned people that God spared not angels who sinned. He sent them to hell. God spared not the ancient world. He sent the flood. God spared not Sodom and Gomorrah. He sent the fire. He wrote, “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.” “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” [5]

People, we need wisdom. We need God’s grace to help us repent. The Lord says, “Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.” The Lord says, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the Law.” [6] “Lord, please restore righteousness among us!”

“It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.” [7] “Lord, please be kind to us in this regard. Bring us to repentance! Bring us to our knees! We don’t want our nation to suffer the same consequences of sin as Jeremiah’s people did.”

What does the Lord do, when we repent? He forgives us. He renews in us a clean heart and a right spirit. He helps us to pray for people. He moves the mountains that we place in His hands. He brings us together. We enjoy togetherness again. Love, joy and peace flow! Innovation happens! Blessings flow! Praise the Lord!

God’s intentions for us our good. “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” [8] God has enough for everyone. We just need to trust Him. He will build us and help us to grow.

[1] Jeremiah 19:1-3
[2] Jeremiah 19:4, 6
[3] Jeremiah 19:10-12
[4] Jeremiah 19:15
[5] 2 Peter 2:4-6, 9-10; 3:9
[6] Proverbs 29:8, 18
[7] Romans 2:4
[8] 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Answering a Question

Years ago, as a young missionary, I was asked to explain why King David did not treat General Joab better. At one point, Joab accused David of loving his enemies (like Absalom his son) while hating his loyal servants (like Joab himself). [1]

I understood why David was angry at Joab for killing his son Absalom. Absalom had stirred up national rebellion and a military coup against his father. David wanted the coup stopped, but he gave specific orders for Absalom not to be harmed. Joab defied David’s orders. Despite protests from his soldiers, Joab killed Absalom. Joab’s lust for revenge on Absalom (Absalom set Joab’s crops on fire) exceeded his loyalty to his king. [2]

Absalom was the second important person to King David that Joab murdered. Joab also murdered Abner for killing his brother Asahel. Abner was the general of King Saul, and he became Saul’s son’s general after Saul died in battle. The northern tribes of Israel followed King Saul’s son Ishbosheth. So, a civil was ensuing, but then Abner, wisely, made peace with David. He agreed to unite all Israel under David. But then, short-sighted Joab, betrayed and murdered Abner. Once again, General Joab placed lust for revenge above what was best for the nation. [3]

The Lord recorded these stories in the Bible to help us understand that the world does not revolve one human being. God created and He sustains the universe. The hero of the Adam’s race is God. Only God can help us to see the big picture. Only God can help anyone do what is best for all involved: Jesus Christ.

The Lord gave David a word about those who serve selfish interests, saying, “Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever, their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.” [4]

The deceiver, the devil, has mastered the art of the bad deal. He gets people to exchange the eternal treasures of God for the fleeting glories and pleasures of the world.

God helped David to see beyond this life and to declare, “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.” [5]

The Lord advises us not to be like angry chickens who kill the chicken who got the worm.

“Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased; for when he dies, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lives, he blesses himself (for men will praise you when you do well for yourself), He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, is like the beasts that perish.” [6]

Joab’s life did not end well.

I feel for victims and perpetrators of killings. If only the perpetrators had known that someone already made a sacrifice for the injustices in this world. Jesus atoned for the wrong-doings of others and He fills those who believe in Him with His Spirit of love and forgiveness.

The Lord says, “A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; let no one help him.” [7] So true! So many mass killers kill themselves and go to the pit.

Did anyone ever reach out to them with the love of Christ? They needed to be corrected. Their trajectory was straying from a good path. The Lord says, “He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.” [8]

At the Nuremburg trials, some doctors and lawyers were tried for following the laws of their government even though they hated to do so. Their advocate pointed out to the judges that the US incinerated an estimated 214,000 civilians within minutes with the H-bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Many have died since then from the after effects. Those deaths helped to speed the surrender of Japan and to end the war but were still a very sad loss of lives.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” [9] How many wars are started and kept going as a backdoor method to pad the pockets of people who already have more than they need?

King David’s son, Solomon, wrote, “The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out.” [10]

I have been with poor people in China who really knew how to socialize and to care for one another. While others were talking about material things and self-glory, they living together as good neighbors. They thanked God for their blessings.

Some rulers are focused like a laser on accumulating wealth and adulation. The Lord says, “A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.” [11]

The Apostle Paul had the following message for his listeners, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.” [12]

Jesus Christ had the same message for His listeners, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” [13]

God is merciful to those who repent. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” [14]

God is able to cleanse and make anew the foulest heart of sinners, if they ask Him to do so as David did, with heartfelt repentance: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.” [15] David had an innocent man killed in a failed attempt to cover up his adulterous affairs with that man’s wife. He was guilty of bloodshed. He repented and the Lord forgave him.

David extolled the value of repentance when he wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” [16]

Salvation and redemption is available to everyone in Christ Jesus. Jesus can save us from ending up like Joab. Let us ask the Lord to examine our hearts, to identify for us any wicked ways within us, and to graciously grant us the gift of repentance and renewal by His Spirit. The Lord will continue to enlarge heart of love toward Him and our neighbor.

The good news is: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” [17] The Lord wants you just as much as the other to be saved and to enjoy being with Him forever.

[1] 2 Samuel 19:4
[2] 2 Samuel 14:29 – 18:14
[3] 2 Samuel 3:6-39
[4] Psalm 49:11-12
[5] Psalm 49:15
[6] Psalm 49:16-20
[7] Proverbs 28:17
[8] Proverbs 28:23
[9] James 4:1
[10] Proverbs 28:11
[11] Proverbs 28:16
[12] Acts 26:20
[13] Luke 13:3
[14] Proverbs 28:13
[15] Psalm 51:10-14
[16] Psalm 51:17
[17] 1 Timoty 2:3-5

Overflowing with a Good Theme (and prayer request for Christians in Nigeria)

God is able to transform the ungodly into the godly. The main ingredient for this transformation to take place is discipleship. By discipleship I mean Jesus Christ training them, and filling them with His Holy Spirit, and sending them as laborers into the harvest fields.

“We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, the deeds You did in their days, in days of old: You drove out the nations with Your hand, but them You planted; You afflicted the peoples, and cast them out.” [1]

The replacement in Canaan of religions that sacrificed children to idols with people who knew the Lord and loved their children was a miracle of divine intervention.

“For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them. You are my King, O God, command victories for Jacob. Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your Name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long and praise Your Name forever. Selah” [2]

“It was Your right hand” – God’s right hand is Jesus. He sits at the right hand of the Father. “The light of Your countenance – Jesus is called the Word of God. The Word is a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path. Jesus is the light of the world. “You favored them” – Jesus is God’s grace or favor towards us. “You are my King” – Jesus is the King of kings and our King. “Through Your Name” – the Name by which we overcome all the works of evil is the Name of Jesus. It was in the Name of Jesus that the disciples cast out evil spirits. Evil spirits cause people to do foolish and harmful things to themselves and others. “You have saved us from our enemies” – Jesus is the Savior. “In God we boast,” “praise Your Name forever” – we testify for Jesus. [3]

The Lord’s disciples often experience trials due to evil. Job suffered unjustly. The prophets and apostles were imprisoned and in some cases martyred for speaking God’s Word. Jesus Christ was crucified. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” [4]

The Apostle Paul quoted Psalm 44:22 in Romans 8:36, “Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Then, he followed up that unhappy truth with a happy truth, writing, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [5]

Neither Job, nor the prophets, nor the apostles, nor Jesus Christ were conquered by evil. No, they were more than conquerors through Him, GOD, who loved them. This is our hope too as we labor to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

“My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips; therefore, God has blessed You forever.” [6]

It has been said that the pen is mightier than the sword. I have been writing and speaking for the Lord for many years now. I praise God that though I may be bound by particular limitations, God’s Word is not bound. Paul wrote to Timothy saying, “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound.” [7] I praise God that people from around the world are reading what the Lord is giving me. I hope to travel to them in the future. Glory to God!

Jesus Christ is the greatest writer. He is the Word of God. No one can top what He says. His words are altogether sweet and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. His words are like silver tried in the furnace of the earth seven times purified. [8] When Jesus Christ controls our tongue and our pen, good themes, readiness to write, good compositions, and God’s grace comes forth.

“I will make Your Name to be remembered in all generations; therefore, the people shall praise You forever and ever.” [9] The Name to be remembered, and the Name to praise is Jesus Christ. He is Lord!

In regards to suffering for God’s Word and for the testimony of Jesus Christ, I want to draw your attention to the plight of people in northern Nigeria. “In any given year, the number of Christians killed by extremist groups is rarely less than 4,000 – often more than in the rest of the world combined.” [10]

According to an April 2023 report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, at least 52,250 persecuted Christians have been killed in the past 14 years. During the past 5 years, radicalized Fulani herdsmen have been killing Christians in order to steal their land.

Boko Haram has now been joined by another extremist group operative in the area, called the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The violence has yielded over 4,000,000 refugees, mostly Christian farmers. Please pray for the Lord’s disciples in Nigeria.

[1] Psalm 44:1-2
[2] Psalm 44:3-8
[3] Hebrews 1:3, 1 Peter 3:22, Acts 2:33, 19:13; John 1:1, 3:16, 8:12; Revelation 17:14, 19:13, 16; Luke 10:17, Matthew 1:21, 12:27; Psalm 119:105, Galatians 6:14
[4] John 15:18
[5] Romans 8:37-39
[6] Psalm 45:1-2
[7] 2 Timothy 2:9
[8] Psalm 12:6, 19:10, 119:103
[9] Psalm 45:17
[10] https://globalchristianrelief.org/christian-persecution/countries/nigeria/

From Spectator To Participant

JESUS!

What a difference You made in my life!

The Apostle Paul’s testimony

From Pharisee to fair-you-see

From punisher to forgiver

From persecutor to proclaimer

From darkness to light

From power of Satan to power of God

From exclusive to inclusive

From “a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion” to a fair-you-see, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the Words of truth and reason.” [1]

From “I punished them often” to “that they may receive forgiveness of sins.” [2]

From “I persecuted them” to “a minister and a witness.” [3]

“To turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.” [4]

From exclusive, “a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion” to inclusive, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” [5]

Obedience to the Heavenly Vision

“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision but declared.. that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” [6]

Paul experienced the blessing of JESUS lining up his actions with the message of the Gospel and of the holy prophets. Moments when God embodies His Word with my life yields great joy for me.

“ ...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.” [7]

Paul knew the resurrection of Jesus from the dead really happened. Jesus appeared to him. Jesus transformed him from being a doubter to being an assurer. Jesus opened doors for Paul to proclaim the Gospel in many countries. I believe that the Lord Jesus has a rich storehouse that is backed-up with supplies just waiting for that man or that woman of God to say, “Here I am Lord, send me.”

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’ And Paul said, ‘I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.’” [8]

The mission of the missionary is converts. Mouths fed, seats filled and activities accomplished mean nothing if the spectators do not experience the conversion from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to the power of God. They need Jesus! From spectator to participant!

[1] Acts 26:5, 25
[2] Acts 26:11, 18
[3] Acts 26:11, 15-17
[4] Acts 26:18
[5] Acts 26:5, 29
[6] Acts 26:19-20
[7] Acts 26:22-23
[8] Acts 26:27-29

Honoring the Anointed One

David refused to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed leader though his leader behaved in evil ways toward him and others. David believed that vengeance belongs to the Lord.

The Hebrew word for “Anointed One” is מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach), which also means “Messiah” in English. The Greek Septuagint translates “mashiach” as “Christos” (Χριστός), which is the Greek word for “Anointed One.”

At one point, the anointed leader of Israel, King Saul, brought 3,000 elite solders against David to kill him. King Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. David and his men were in the cave. David secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe, but afterward his heart troubled him. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” [1]

Afterwards, David let Saul know what happened. “Look, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it. Let the Lord judge between you and me, and let the Lord avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you.” [2]

King Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore, may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.” [3]

King Saul’s repentance did not last long. He reverted back to pursuing David.

One night, David and one of his soldiers snuck into King Saul’s camp while they were sleeping. He took a spear and a jug of water without being detected. David’s body guard wanted to kill Saul, but David said to him, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” [4]

David professed, “As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” [5]

King Saul did eventually perish in a horrible way, but not by the hand of David. David became the king instead of Saul as the Lord promised he would. David had waited on the Lord, and the Lord brought him to throne without him having to resort to violence to overthrow the government.

I have heard egocentric teachers talk about not touching the Lord’s anointed but apply the word “anointed” to themselves. This is a misapplication. We do need to discern between true and false teachers, as the Berean Christians did and as Paul instructed the Corinthian believers to do.

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.” [6]

Does the teacher’s words come from and line up with Scripture? Is his words in line with the words of God’s prophets? The Bible says, “The Spirit of prophecy bears testimony to Jesus.” [7]

Jesus of Nazareth is the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. It is His Name that we should honor. Personality cults and hero worship is idolatry.

When the Corinthians were arguing over who had the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all time) Christian leader, Paul asked them, “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” [8]

All glory belongs to God and God alone!

Paul explained the growth process, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” [9]

The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” [10]

The time for following prophets like Moses, Samuel and Elijah, has given way to the time for all God’s people to follow Jesus. He is the One to whom all the prophets give witness. [11] We are to each have a spiritual relationship with Christ.

We should also obey the civil government. “Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.” [12]

We should honor our parents. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders in Jerusalem for not honoring their parents. “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban’’ (that is, a gift to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the Word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” [13]

Wisdom is to “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” “Let your father and your mother be glad and let her who bore you rejoice.” [14]

We were birthed by particular parents into a particular country. Whether the circumstances are good or not, we need to look to Messiah, Jesus the Christ, and follow His leading. In some cases, rebellious children and rebellious nations have been given good parents and good governments. In other cases, good children and good nations have been given bad parents and bad governments. In each location and in every circumstance, we should serve and honor Christ. Keep testifying for Jesus, and you will avoid being deceived by false teaching.

Stick with honoring God’s Anointed One, Jesus of Nazareth. The Apostle John wrote, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” [15] Honor Christ alone!

[1] 1 Samuel 24:4-7
[2] 1 Samuel 24:8-12
[3] 1 Samuel 24:16-20
[4] 1 Samuel 26:7-9
[5] 1 Samuel 26:10-11
[6] Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 14:32
[7] Revelation 19:10
[8] 1 Corinthians 3:5
[9] 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
[10] 1 Corinthians 3:11
[11] Acts 10:43; Luke 24:25-27
[12] Romans 13:1-2
[13] Mark 7:9-13
[14] Proverbs 23:22, 25
[15] 2 John 9-11

Blessed is the One who Trusts in the Lord

Blessed is the One who trusts in the Lord! This is true. Though tribulations and unjust treatment may say otherwise, stick with faith in the Lord.

Statisticians say that more mountain climbers die on their way down than on their way up to the mountaintop. For me, being a missionary to the people of Guangzhou and Hong Kong was a mountaintop experience. Returning to America proved to be a more dangerous direction to overcome, but the Lord has helped me.

The Lord Jesus blessed my Bible reading life, my prayer life, my praise life and my love life for Him and others while serving the Lord on the foreign mission field. These were mountaintop experiences. I did not want to return to America, but the Lord brought my family and me back.

I greatly feared that I would lose my close relationship with the Lord. I made a prayer list that I prayed through daily to maintain my prayer life. For eleven weeks, I looked at employment options and concluded that working for The Salvation Army was the best option for me to support my family of six and still maintain my witness for Jesus. That change of direction lasted 23 years. Then, covid struck. At that point, the Lord gave me faith to devote myself solely to ministry of prayer and the Word. Sherry, my wife, was of a similar mindset.

The Lord has graciously and wonderfully sustained us.

I hope that you can identify with my story in some way or form. My goal is to speak from hindsight now about the importance of trusting in the Lord.

If I had believed, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,” I probably would not have opted to work with The Salvation Army due to doctrinal differences about communion and baptism. Also, I see now, when one’s income depends on donations from a wide spectrum of donors, the ministry tends to become a non-profit ministry in more ways than one, as in becoming a non-prophet ministry – one that dampens people who display too much passion for and talk about JESUS CHRIST, and His Word. I must believe “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.”

The religious leaders of Jerusalem believed, “If we let Him [Jesus] alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” [1]

They considered Jesus a liability instead of an asset. Actually, the opposite is true. The Romans came and took both their place and nation away in 70 AD after they did not believe in Jesus their Messiah. Many years earlier, the Lord had told the people of Jerusalem through His prophet Jeremiah that if they trusted in Him, kings would bring their wealth into the city, but if they turned from Him unto other gods, kings would take their wealth away.

David trusted in the Lord, and the Lord delivered him from an evil government. King Saul sent as many 3,000 elite soldiers against David, but they failed because the Lord was with David.

Richard Würmbrand testified that when the communists came into Romania, many pastors joined with them for fear of being arrested and tortured due to their faith in God. Well, once the communists solidified their control over Romania, they imprisoned, tortured, exiled and killed those pastors anyway. The difference was that pastors who remained faithful to the Lord, like Würmbrand, had the Lord with them to help them lead many others to Christ even in the communist labor camps. Richard survived the camp, and founded, “The Voice of the Martyrs” ministry in 1967.

King David, a man with a price on his head, wrote, “They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them. O, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! O, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” [2]

Of course, the Lord can provide for His servants. The key is keep one’s face toward the Lord. The Lord has a rich storehouse. He just needs servants who are willing to trust and obey Him. Then, He will resource them. Think! How did the prophets survive? How did the twelve disciples of Jesus and their families survive? How did the early church believers spread the Gospel so far and so deeply? They were blessed because they trusted in the Lord.

“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.’” [3]

Yes, let us shout for joy and be glad! We can serve the Lord’s righteous causes! We can magnify the Lord! The Lord has pleasure in prospering us as we serve and honor Him.

The Lord has been leading me to pray for my fellow servants of God’s Word. Trust Him! Let us shatter the narratives that oppose and deny faith in God.

The Lord says, “He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father.” [4]

Let use the Lord’s rod of iron, His Gospel, to shatter the unbelief that shrouds the nations in darkness and confusion, and then, pick up the pieces via discipleship and remold the new creations into His likeness.

[1] John 11:48
[2] Psalm 34:5-10
[3] Psalm 34:27
[4] Revelation 2:26-27

Inquire of the Lord rather than Limit Him

“Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know what God will do for me.” [1]

David was in a fluid situation. His king made him out to be a traitor. His king wanted him dead. So, David asked the king of Moab to allow his parents to remain in Moab. David’s father Jesse was the grandson of Ruth the Moabite. “Till I know what God will do for me.” He was relying on God for minute by minute guidance during his ever changing circumstances.

“He brought them before the king of Moab, and they dwelt with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.” [2]

While on the cross, Jesus said to John, “’Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” [3] This act of Jesus is another reflection of His connection to David, and to the prophecies that Messiah would come from the line of David. As David provided a safe place for his parents so did Jesus for his mother.

“Now the prophet Gad said to David, ‘Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go to the land of Judah.’ So, David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.’” [4]

David relied on prayer and prophesy to navigate escapes from those who sought to arrest and destroy him. While some may frown upon the gift of prophesy, which, by the way, is mentioned in the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation, when needing a miracle from God, they just might appreciate the gift. I know I did when I was a missionary in China.

“Then they told David, saying, ‘Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are robbing the threshing floors.’ Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord said to David, ‘Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.’” [5]

Though on the run from his king, David asked the Lord about attacking the Philistines. They were about to loot his nation’s food supply. The Lord gave David the greenlight.

“But David’s men said to him, ‘Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more than if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?’ Then David inquired of the Lord once again. And the Lord answered him and said, ‘Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.’” [6]

Due to the expressions of fear from his men, David doubled back to the Lord and asked the Lord once again for direction. The Lord assured David that he would prevail, and he did.

There are similar stories to David’s in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul was arrested and held in prison. Would he get to preach to crowds again? “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’” [7] Yes, he would. I am sure that this word from the Lord did cheer him up.

I’m sure David also prayed about the people who wanted to join themselves to him while he was living in a cave. He had nothing to offer them except the overflow of his vibrant relationship with the Lord.

“David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So, when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So, he became captain over them. And there were about 400 men with him.” [8]

God added people to David at a low point in his life. God’s Word reminds us not to limit God. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” [9]

May the Lord bless you as you serve Him!

[1] 1 Samuel 22:3
[2] 1 Samuel 22:4
[3] John 19:27
[4] 1 Samuel 22:5
[5] 1 Samuel 23:1-2
[6] 1 Samuel 23:3-4
[7] Acts 23:11
[8] 1 Samuel 22:1-2

The Everlasting Father

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” [1]

How many of us have brought shame to our father? Our Heavenly Father? We were created to bring Him glory but instead, like the son in the parable above, we spent our inheritance from the Father on worthless trinkets and pleasures that neither satisfied us nor those we love.

“This son devoured your livelihood with harlots.” [2]

The word “harlotry” is used by God throughout the Bible as a metaphor for affairs with false gods which can neither save nor satisfy.

Israel for the most part either wanted to be god or otherwise have nothing to do with Him.

Jesus Christ was a perfect son to the Father. He prayed, “Father, glorify Your Name.” [3]

Jesus lived in perfect harmony with the Father. He declared, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” [4]

Such a beautiful life! I want to be one with the Father as Jesus is. I want to speak and do as the Father speaks and does. But I must confess, I usually fall far short.

Jesus is the way to the Father. He declared, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” [5]

When Philip responded, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus responded, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The Words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” [6]

It is one thing to know the Father. To hear His voice! To know His will! But it is another thing, and a greater thing, to live in oneness with the Father as Jesus did.

Jesus told Philip, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” [7]

Jesus prays to the Father for those who love Him and keep His commandments. He knows such a person will experience many trials in this world. He prays for the Holy Spirit for us. He gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. “We are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [8]

Without the Spirit of God, we are orphans. “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” [9] His Spirit is for those who want to be with Him and serve Him.

Obedience is God’s love language. Obedience is a submission of ourselves to our Heavenly Father even as Jesus submitted to the Father.

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” [10]

A relationship with the Father and the Son is characterized by trust in His faithfulness and in His know-how to make our lives abundantly fruitful.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples.” [11]

Jesus spoke of the world hating Him, and hating us because we are of Him, “They hated Me without a cause.” But He assured us that His Spirit would support our witness for Him. “When the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” [12]

Why does the world persecute children of God? Jesus said, “These things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.” [13]

Jesus prays for us to the Father, “I have given them Your Word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” [14]

The Lord is with us. That is what the Lord told Moses, David, Jeremiah and the disciples. I will be with you. He helps us His children to navigate through storms by keeping us in the truth.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their Word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” [15]

He wants us to enjoy a close a relationship with the Father. He’s not jealous against us. He’s jealous for us.

“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. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [16]

God’s love for us outweighs the world’s hatred. His love fills us to overflowing.

“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.” [17] Our God is the everlasting Father. He never leaves nor forsakes His own.

[1] Luke 15:21
[2] Luke 15:30
[3] John 12:28
[4] John 12:44-45, 49-50
[5] John 13:20; 14:6-7
[6] John 14:8-11
[7] John 14:12-18
[8] Acts 5:32
[9] Romans 8:9, 14-15
[10] John 14:21, 23
[11] John 15:1-2, 8
[12] John 15:25-26
[13] John 16:3
[14] John 17:14-18
[15] john 17:20-23
[16] John 17:24-26
[17] Isaiah 9:6

We Profess Jesus

Jonathan advocated for David, saying to his father, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you. He took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great deliverance for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?” [1]

Thus, King Saul, stopped persecuting his son-in-law, David. That is, until the Lord gave David another victory over his foes. Then, Saul reverted to trying to kill David once again due to his jealousy of David. [2]

David fled from his father-in-law, but his father-in-law sent messengers to arrest him. The Spirit of the Lord did an amazing intervention for David. What was it? The Spirit of the Lord came upon the messengers of King Saul and they began prophesying. Not, just once, but three times. He also came upon Saul so that Saul prophesied as well.

“Then Saul sent messengers to take David. And when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as leader over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. And when Saul was told, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. Then Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. Then he also went to Ramah and came to the great well that is at Sechu. So, he asked, and said, “Where are Samuel and David?” And someone said, “Indeed they are at Naioth in Ramah.” So he went there to Naioth in Ramah. Then the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore, they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” [3]

Wow! Such grace! God let Saul and his messengers experience the Spirit of Truth. They had been believing lies against God’s anointed servant David. But when they went to destroy God’s anointed, God anointed them with His Spirit. God put truth in their mouths! Were Saul and his messengers forever changed by this experience? No, because they reverted back to a perverse spirit. The spirit of the antichrist! The antichrist spirit seeks to replace Christ with self. It is an hellish egoism from Lucifer himself.

The Satanic nature of Saul is illustrated by his leadership style. One day, he said to his servants, “Hear now, you Benjamites! Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of 1,000’s and captains of 100’s? All of you have conspired against me, and there is no one who reveals to me that my son [Jonathan] has made a covenant with the son of Jesse; and there is not one of you who is sorry for me or reveals to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as it is this day.” [4]

Ah, but there was one among Saul’s servants who was willing to betray God’s Anointed One for the sake of the wealth that Satan would give him via Saul his servant. His name was Doeg. דָּאַג is Hebrew for “anxious” or “fearful.” The word is pronounced like our English word dog. Doeg was fearful and anxious about not having enough means to gratify his doggish flesh so he betrayed David and even went as far as putting to death an entire village of godly priests and their wives and children to earn Satan’s rations for him.

“Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who was set over the servants of Saul, and said, ‘I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.’” [5]

“Then the king said to the guards who stood about him, ‘Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell it to me.’ But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to strike the priests of the Lord. And the king said to Doeg, ‘You turn and kill the priests!’ So, Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests, and killed on that day 85 men who wore a linen ephod. Also Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and nursing infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep—with the edge of the sword.” [6]

David wrote, “Because they [the wicked] do not regard the works of the Lord, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them and not build them up. He [God] is the saving refuge of His Anointed.” [7]

The tide will turn against those who seek to be their own Messiah. Messiah means Anointed One. God is the saving refuge of His true Messiah. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that only Jesus Christ is Lord. [8]

Thus, we should glorify Christ alone: “Give unto the Lord, O you mighty one’s, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” [9]

Only Jesus of Nazareth resurrected from the dead on the third day. “O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.” [10]

To scoff at Christ is to act foolishly arrogant: “When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise... A proud and haughty man —'Scoffer’ is his name; he acts with arrogant pride.” [11]

Because deliverance is from the Lord, not from human intervention: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord.” [12]

Another man named Saul acted with foolish arrogance against Christ until he met Him face to face. Jesus told Saul of Tarsus, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” [13]

The Lord’s servant, Ananias, told Saul, “The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the Name of the Lord.” [14]

Saul did witness for Jesus Christ from that day forward.

Jesus declared, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” [15] The meek do not serve or fight for their egos. They acknowledge that God alone is God and they are not. And since God says that whosoever believes in His Son shall be saved, we believe in and we profess faith in Jesus God’s Son as our only Savior and our Redeemer.

[1] 1 Samuel 19:4-5
[2] 1 Samuel 19:6-17
[3] 1 Samuel 19:20-24
[4] 1 Samuel 22:7-8
[5] 1 Samuel 22:9
[6] 1 Samuel 22:17-19
[7] Psalm 28:3, 5, 8
[8] Philippians 2:7-11
[9] Psalm 29:1-2
[10] Psalm 30:3
[11] Proverbs 21:11, 24
[12] Proverbs 21:31
[13] Acts 22:6-8
[14] Acts 22:14-16
[15] Matthew 5:5

Loving the Lord of the Sabbath

As leaders in Jerusalem thought in the days of Jeremiah the Prophet, so did leaders think in the days of Jesus. The leaders considered the Word of God a liability rather than an asset. Jesus Christ is called the Word of God and He is called the Word made flesh. [1] So, the leaders considered Jesus a liability to their city and not an asset.

“If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” [2]

The leaders were so convinced that the Word made flesh was a danger to their well-being that given the choice between saving a murderer named Barabbas or a Savior named Jesus, they chose Barabbas.

“The chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ They said, ‘Barabbas!’” [3]

The Lord told the people in the days of Jeremiah that if they honored the Sabbath, kings would bring their wealth into the city. If they disregarded the Sabbath, kings would takes its wealth away. They disregarded the Word of the Lord and hastened their country’s demise. The Lord gave the people in the days of Jesus a similar warning, and in 70 AD, Jerusalem was destroyed again.

The Sabbath was designed by God to be a sign between Him and His people. If His people loved Him, they would want to hear His Word. They would want to worship Him. They would want to know God’s will and do it to please Him. The Sabbath is about enjoying the Lord’s presence and guidance in one’s life. The Sabbath is about worship and love for the Lord.

“I gave them My sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.” [4]

The Lord sanctifies us as we redeem time with Him in His Word, and as we rejoice and sing praises to Him with His people.

Thus, there is principle to be observed here. Heed and honor God’s Word: kings bring wealth and honor into the city. Disobey and dishonor God’s Word: kings will remove the wealth and the honor of the city. Jesus said that the Father will honor those who honor Him. [5] It is not that we want material wealth and worldly fame, but that we want the nations to render unto the Lord all the glory, blessings and power that we should render to Him. To God be the glory!

Worse than losing our country’s sovereignty to a foreign conqueror is losing our soul to hell. Therefore, we should honor the Lord by honoring His Words everyday of our lives.

[1] John 1:14; Revelation 19:13
[2] John 11:48
[3] Matthew 27:20-21
[4] Ezekiel 20:12
[5] John 12:26

The Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross

Today is Good Friday. I recorded a short video that recounts the words that Jesus spoke from the cross. Such love! Such a great salvation! Fulfilling prophecies! Making a way for sinners to be forgiven and to enjoy eternity with God forever! Blessed be His Holy Name!

The link below is to the video.

https://youtu.be/Mo4LITGWujY

China Mission Blessings

As a missionary in China, a thought that often came to my mind was, “Death to self is true north on the compass that points to Jesus.” Jesus said it this way, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” [1]

Overseas missionary service often involves death to self by way of speaking in a foreign language instead one’s own native tongue, eating unfamiliar foods that taste strange to you, pouring out your life for people who are unlike you while the people who are like you, family and friends back home, move on without you. On top of that, the needs are so great, that you often find yourself working long hours with little sleep, little time to eat and no budget for entertainment.

Besides all this, there is no changing the message. The goal is to preach the Gospel to the lost day after day, and then, to teach the converts to serve the Gospel ministry as well. Paul, Silas, Timothy and Apollos exemplify this lifestyle for us in the Book of Acts. “When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.” “He [Apollos] vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.” [2]

Sexual impurity is sin. Gluttony is sin. Pride is sin. Greed is sin. But so is lack of love for God. And a lack of love for neighbor is sin. The two great commandments are to love God and love one’s neighbor. Loving God and neighbor is our primary mission in the world. To escape the captivity of a self-pleasing lifestyle, we must turn to the Lord and ask Him to forgive us and change us from within. “Please, replace self-gratify with self-denial for Your glory Lord! Please fill me with Your Spirit of love for God and love for neighbor. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

C.S. Lewis said once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.”

Our God is the source of guidance and source of love to complete the mission. “Reliance on His guidance” is a good motto to remember. The Holy Spirit leads us with love. The Apostle Paul wrote that the love of God is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. And that righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit is the kingdom of God. Love that endures all things and lasts forever is God’s love. [3]

[1] John 12:24
[2] Acts 18:5, 28
[3] Romans 5:5; 14:17; Psalm 118:1; 1 Corinthians 13:7

Fear the Lord Depart from Evil

“By the fear of the Lord, one departs from evil.” [1]

Who wants evil in their life? What good can evil do for anyone? Evil takes. It does not give. The Lord says that the fear of Him will help us depart from evil.

Jesus advised us, “Fear not those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” [2]

The One who has the final word on where we spend eternity is God. Heaven is God’s place, not the devil’s. The devil and all those who follow him to trash God end up in the everlasting incinerator. This is why it is vital for each us to turn to God, to listen to Him and obey Him. To do otherwise, is foolish.

Question: “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?”

Answers:

“He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.”

“He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend.”

“He in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord.”

“He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.”

“He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.” [3]

Now, which one of has not failed the above standard in some form or another? That’s what makes the death of Jesus, God’s Son, on the cross so vital for us. We needed someone who never sinned to take our place and become the perfect sacrifice for us. Unless we realize how bankrupt we are of righteousness, we will never appropriately appreciate what God did for us in sending His Son Jesus into the world to be our Savior.

Jesus Christ is the only Savior that the Apostle Paul preached.

“Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.’” [4]

Paul paid a great price personally to convey this truth to people.

When evil people saw a great multitude turning to Jesus, they formed themselves into a mob and stirred up the entire city into an uproar. They attacked the house of the man who hosted Paul to speak. They troubled both the rulers and people of the city. They even pursued Paul to the next city where he was preaching and stirred up the people there too. [5]

This did not stop Paul from preaching Jesus. Paul preached of the resurrection of Jesus to the idol worshippers in Athens Greece. And He told them, “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands... since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.” “...In Him we live and move and have our being.” “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” [6]

Some of the Athenians mocked the teaching of the resurrection, but others believed the Gospel and joined themselves to Paul and his band of harvesters. [7]

Samuel the prophet preached a similar message as Paul to the people in his day. He just did not have the advantage of being able to tell them about Jesus, God’s Son, who fills believers in Him with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us to shun evil and do good.

Samuel told the people of Israel, “Do not turn aside from following the Lord but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.” [8]

Every worship and boasting that is not to God our Creator and Redeemer amounts to nothing in this life and ends in great devastation in the afterlife.

The solution to securing an eternal home with God after this life is simple: “Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about His Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” [9]

[1] Proverbs 16:6
[2] Matthew 10:28
[3] Psalm 15:1-5
[4] Acts 17:2-3
[5] Acts 17:5-15
[6] Acts 17:16-24, 28, 30-31
[7] Acts 17:32-34
[8] 1 Samuel 12:20-21
[9] 1 John 5:10-12

Reliance on the Holy Spirit’s Guidance

A quote from, “The Art of War” provides for us good incentive to get the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus out to the people of the world. The quote is: “All warfare is based on deception.” If war is based on deception than it stands to reason that peace is based on truth.

The works of the devil are well-described in the prayers of the Psalmist:

“The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.”

“The wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord.”

“The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.”

“His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.”

“...His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.”

“...He catches the poor when he draws him into his net.” [2]

“The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.” [3]

The Lord says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” [4]

Evil has a destructive nature to it. Good has a healing nature to it.

It is one thing to discern by the Word of the Lord what the difference is between good and evil, it is another thing to join oneself to the work of Christ in helping truth to prevail in a world full of lies. In the Bible, Jesus Christ, His prophets and His apostles teach truth-tellers how to navigate by relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

For example, when people wanted a king to lead their country. God initially tried to dissuade them from choosing a person to be their king, but when they insisted, God gave His servant Samuel divine guidance on how to go about it by His Spirit.

“Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, ‘Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.’” [5]

The next day, Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people.” [6]

By the Spirit of the Lord, Samuel told Saul what was in his heart. Only the Lord could reveal these things to Samuel. Then, Samuel proceeded to tell Saul what would happen to him over the next few days. He also told Saul that preparations had been made prior to his arrival. [7]

After anointing Saul as king over Israel, he told Saul by a revelation from the Lord what would occur for him over the next few days. The details that Samuel provided for Saul are amazing. Only God could reveal them and make them happen! One event was that Saul would meet a group of musical prophets, and when he did, the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, and he would prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” This happened just as Samuel foretold by the Spirit of the Lord. [8]

After all this, enemies attacked Israel. King Saul was able by the Spirit of the Lord to rally God’s people to fight and win the battle. [9]

Speaking truth, namely the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus, is one element of our service unto God and people. The other element of our service to God and people is relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance for logistical victories.

Paul and his company traveled about preaching the Word of God, and testifying for Jesus, but they only went where the Holy Spirit led them to go.

“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Gospel to them.” [10]

The Holy Spirit made it clear to Paul and his company when they were to refrain from a battle, and when they were to fight. The Holy Spirit guided Paul to people who were ready to receive truth from the Lord.

The Bible tells us, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Once a mighty angel was hindered for twenty days from getting to Daniel due to the Prince of Persia. The Apostle Paul told the Thessalonians, “We wanted to come to you — I, Paul, again and again — but Satan hindered us.” [11]

May the Holy Spirit guide us. The ministry of truth-telling in a world full of lies requires reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance.

[1] Psalm 10:2-4
[2] Psalm 10:7-9
[3] Psalm 12:8
[4] Proverbs 15:4
[5] 1 Smauel 9:15-16
[6] 1 Samuel 9:17
[7] 1 Samuel 9:18-24
[8] 1 Samuel 10:1-12
[9] 1 Samuel 11:6, 11
[10] Acts 16:6-10
[11] Ephesians 6:12; Daniel 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:18

A New Kingdom in which Righteousness Dwells

Our Lord Jesus is a gracious and righteous king. The King of kings! Human kings, not so much!

Jesus urged us to follow His leadership style rather than that of the Gentile kings.

“The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and 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]

Yesterday, we celebrated Palm Sunday, the Sunday on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey. In doing so, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 about Messiah: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The people cut palm branches off trees and placed them on the ground before Him. They shouted, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!” Thus, Jesus fulfilled Psalm 118:26.

The Roman empire ruled over the people of Jerusalem. Their tax collectors exploited people. Their justice system often tortured criminals cruelly by scourging and crucifying them.

Jesus was not so. He walked among people. He served, healed, and loved people. Those familiar with the Psalms and Proverbs would have recognized His alignment with the Word of God.

“He [the Lord] does not forget the cry of the humble.” [2]

“The needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.” [3]

“He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.” [4]

“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” [5]

God told His prophet Samuel beforehand how a man that becomes a king treats his fellow countrymen. He recruits their sons to serve in his army, to work his farms, to manufacture weapons of war, and to serve in his kitchen. He takes the best of their food production and gives that produce to those who serve him. He takes their livestock and their servants. A human king tends to create a two tier system of justice. One system for those to whom he gives, and another for those from whom He takes. [6]

The Lord told Samuel that after the people had a king for a while, they would cry out to Him, but He would not hear them. Why would the Lord not listen to them? He would not listen to them, because they rejected Him as their king. [7]

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He did not at once conquer the corrupt Roman and religious leaders. He first dealt with the spiritual forces of wickedness in high places. He needed to make atonement for the sins of people. This gave God legal grounds to rescue us. The devil can no longer lay claim to those whose sins have been granted a divine pardon by God. God forgives us who believe in Jesus.

Peter testified before a council of apostles and elders how the Gentiles heard the Word of the Gospel and believed. Then, “God acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit. God “purified their hearts by faith.” Peter declared, “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” [8]

God purifies our hearts by forgiving our sins and giving us His Holy Spirit. He makes us better citizens by changing us from the inside. He gives us an appetite for righteousness. He gives us the power to live right by His indwelling Holy Spirit.

King David got it right when he said, “I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the Name of the Lord Most High.” [9]

The righteousness of Christ is the type of, “Righteousness that exalts a nation.” It does not do any good to patriotically parrot some lower standard of righteousness that a fellow citizen has set for us just because he now bears the title of king or president. Moving the goal posts keeps people from scoring a true touchdown. The Lord says, “Sin is a reproach to any people.” [10]

At this present time, we live in the era of grace. We are saved and transformed by God’s grace. God is giving evil kings and evil empires space to acknowledge their foolishness, repent and turn to Him. Sadly, they are still persecuting and punishing those who will not bow before their egos. But the day is coming when the King of kings and Lord of lords will conquer evil empires.

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” The Lord will also cast the instigator of evil, that is the devil, into the lake of fire. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” [11]

The kingdom of Jesus is an everlasting kingdom. He will create a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. [12]

[1] Luke 20:25-27
[2] Psalm 9:12
[3] Psalm 9:18
[4] Proverbs 14:21
[5] Proverbs 14:31
[6] 1 Samuel 8:10-17
[7] 1 Samuel 8:7-9, 18
[8] Acts 15:6-9, 11
[9] Psalm 7:17
[10] Proverbs 14:34
[11] Revelation 17:14; 20:10
[12] Daniel 7:14; Acts 3:21; 2 Peter 2:13

A Revelation Rich Environment of the Lord

“The boy Samuel ministered to the Lord.” Yes, even boys can minister to the Lord.

What? Those energetic, never sit still, adventurers? Yes!

“The Word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” [1]

That is, until the Lord spoke to the boy Samuel and he listened. One little boy listened to the Lord and it started a major change in the environment around him.

Samuel was living with high priest Eli and his two sons Hophni and Phinehas. You would think that these three men would have been the source of Samuel’s revelation, but they were not.

High priest Eli’s eyes were dim. He could not see. People needed a seer. The Lord had tried to work through Eli and his sons but to no avail. So, the Lord turned to the boy Samuel. He gave Samuel a prophetic word for Eli: “Because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” [2] Now, that’s bad.

Eli and his sons were supposed to sanctify God’s people but they defiled them.

As for Samuel, the Bible says of him, “So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. All Israel... knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. ...The Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the Word of the Lord.” [3]

God speaks by His Spirit to and through His prophets via His Word. We know we have heard from God when it lines up with Scripture and when what He gives us comes to pass. The Word of the Lord that He gave to Samuel came to pass. Both Eli and his two sons died. The Lord replaced them with Samuel. [4]

The revelation of the Lord, the Word of the Lord, is vital to our soul’s eternal happiness. Apart from faith in God’s Word, we cannot be saved. Sadly, many people, like Eli and his two sons, are disregarding God’s Word, preferring to pursue temporary pleasures for a season rather than eternal joys with the Lord forevermore.

The Lord asks us, “How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.” [5]

Like David, we should be so captivated by love for God and for God’s ways that we disdain contrariness to Him with prayers of lament: “Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.” [6]

The Word of the Lord is precious so we should prefer it over other kinds of speech:

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” [7]

“He who despises the Word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” [8]

“A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health.” [9]

Much of the speech coming out of major television networks and movie production firms amounts to wicked messages that yield trouble. Our Lord Jesus Christ is a faithful ambassador. He gives us good news. He brings health to body, soul and mind.

The Lord speaks of unbelievers as poisoners of the mind. They want to abuse and cast stones at God’s messengers. We need to, “Turn from these useless things to the living God.” [10]

While some reject God’s servants, many believe them. God opens doors of faith among them as they, like us, become disciples of Jesus Christ. [11]

God is speaking to His servants. He is revealing Himself to responders to His voice. God has not changed. Boys, girls, men and women, the gender or age does not matter! The response matters!

Let us say to the Lord as Samuel did, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” Let us be in prayer to the Lord as David was. Let us be wise like Solomon was. Let us be disciples of Jesus as the people were in Acts 14. Let us labor to make a revelation rich environment of the Lord.

[1] 1 Samuel 3:1
[2] 1 Samuel 3:2-18
[3] 1 Samuel 3:19-21
[4] 1 Samuel 4
[5] Psalm 4:2-3
[6] Psalm 6:8-9
[7] Proverbs 13:3
[8] Proverbs 13:13
[9] Proverbs 13:17
[10] Acts 14:1, 5-6, 15
[11] Acts 14:27-28
[12] 1 Samuel 3:9