My Redeemer Lives

A lone survivor of disaster number one told Job that robbers stole his oxen and donkeys and killed his servants. While he was still speaking, another arrived with news of another disaster. One disaster was followed by another until after four waves of destruction, Job tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground and worshipped God. He declared: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.” [1]

In Leviticus 26:18-28, God speaks of four waves of disasters coming upon those who choose to defy obedience to His laws. In Matthew 24:20-22, Jesus speaks of the tribulations of the last days being shortened lest even in His elect would give up the faith. In Revelation 6-16, God speaks of three waves of judgments being executed against sin, namely, the seven seal, seven trumpet and seven bowl judgments. This is one wave of disasters short of the four waves of judgment that defiance against God deserves.

Job is a type of Christ in the Old Testament. God said of Job, “There is none like My servant on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil.” Job was not suffering four waves of judgment because of a particular evil in his life, but because there is evil in the world, and sometimes God allows evil to test the faithfulness of His servants knowing that it will impact the lives of many people for His glory. Our Lord Jesus Christ was treated horribly in this world. He was beaten, spit on, scourged, verbally abused, and crucified between two criminals, yet He had done no wrong. His only crime per-se was to love God and people. Such love draws the ire of Satan.

Thus, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” [3]

The Apostle Peter wrote, “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.” [4]

Sherry and I work with small children at a school. Certain ones more than others struggle with not getting what they want when they want it to the point of falling on floor, curling up in a ball, and crying like a baby. Then, in our society there are adults who protest and commit acts of violence when forbidden do whatever evil they want to do against others. Where is love in all of this?

How did Job face his test? What bit of truth amidst lies and confusion helped him to keep going forward in his relationship with God? It was this truth, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” [5]

Knowing that God will make all things right when we see Him face to face, helps us to keep on loving Him and people. This world is passing away, but God’s kingdom is forever. Thanks be to Christ, our wonderful Redeemer, we also shall live with God forever.

[1] Job 1:13-21
[2] Job 1:8
[3] Matthew 16:24
[4] 1 Peter 2:19-23
[5] Job 19:25-27

It Is Better

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” [1]

Let us pray that more and more people will invest in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent and ultimate ruler over all. He does not fail those who trust in Him. He is bringing us to the glorious Promised Land where there is an abundance of love, peace, safety, joy, gladness, singing and harmony among people from every tribe, nation, and language.

“Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” [2]

[1] Psalm 118:9
[2] Luke 21:28

The Day of the Lord

Imagine a vast army of soldiers marching in battle formation. They are fierce. Ready to conquer at any cost. This is the imagery that God gave us of an army that is prepared to carry out His judgment on a nation.

“They do not push one another; every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, they are not cut down. They run to and fro in the city, they run on the wall; they climb into the houses, they enter at the windows like a thief. The earth quakes before them, the heavens tremble; the sun and moon grow dark, and the stars diminish their brightness. The Lord gives voice before His army, for His camp is very great; for strong is the One who executes His Word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it? [1]

How should the recipient of this warning respond?

“’Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him—a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?”

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children and nursing babes; let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, and the bride from her dressing room. Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar; let them say, ‘Spare Your people, O Lord, and do not give Your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, where is their God?’” [2]

The Lord advises such a people to turn to Him with all their hearts with fasting, weeping and mourning. Sound the alarm! Pray! Ask the Lord to intervene and rescue!

“Then the Lord will be zealous for His land and pity His people. The Lord will answer and say to His people, ‘Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, and you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations. But I will remove far from you the northern army and will drive him away into a barren and desolate land, with his face toward the eastern sea and his back toward the western sea; his stench will come up, and his foul odor will rise, because he has done monstrous things.’” [3]

The Lord will bless the resources of those who seek Him and rebuke the devouring nation from their land. What’s more, He will send His Spirit on that nation and bless them with ability to speak for Him, and to dream and envision the possibilities in Him that they previously lacked.

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” [4]

“It shall come to pass that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” [5]

[1] Joel 2:8-11
[2] Joel 2:12-17
[3] Joel 2:18-20
[4] Joel 2:28-29
[5] Joel 2:32

Love God

The first commandment is to love God.

How often in the context of examining our wins and losses in life are we asking ourselves, “Have I loved God?” “Do I love God?”

Yes, I do, but I want to be more focused on this character trait than I have been in the past.

I am asking the Lord to help me be a better lover of people as well since Jesus said that this is the second commandment, and is like unto the first.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

In Messiah Preserved from Assassination Attempts

“In all things He [Jesus] had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” [1]

The Devil has tried to sabotage God’s wonderful plans for people from the beginning. He sought to destroy God’s Messiah when he led misinformed people to crucify Jesus, but Jesus resurrected from the dead on the third day. Jesus Christ now lives and reigns on high and intercedes for us.

When God created humanity, He made us according to His image. Yet Satan led Adam and Eve to sin. Even so, God promised Eve that her Seed [Christ] would crush the serpent’s head. [2]

Satan attempted to corrupt the human race to the point where God would destroy us, but God gave grace to Noah and saved him and his family. Thus, the human race was preserved and so was the human linage of Christ. [3]

God promised to Abraham that through his Seed all nations would be blessed.

“Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.” [4] Thus, the devil tried to destroy the linage of Abraham ever since then.

When Pharaoh thought to destroy the Israelites whose backs were to the Red Sea, he didn’t realize that God would open up the sea to preserve the race through whom Messiah would come. [5]

When King Saul employed his army to destroy his son-in-law David, he did not realize that God was going to preserve David because Messiah would come through the family line of David. [6]

When Haman sought to destroy all descendants of Abraham during the days of Esther, he did not realize that God would flip his plan on his own head because they were destined to give birth to Messiah. [7]

When King Herod sought to kill Messiah by destroying the babies of Bethlehem, he didn’t realize that God had sent an angel to warn the earthly father of Messiah to get out of town before it could happen. [8]

God preserves people who embrace Messiah Jesus as Savior. Jesus said He would build His church and nothing would stop it…

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” [9]

God has used an imperfect man named Donald Trump to fight for Christians in America. At 6:11 pm on July 13, an assassin tried to kill him. Last night, a preacher at the RNC proclaimed that God divinely protected former President Trump. His church had prayed for him. He quoted Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

The kingdom of Christ is forever. It shall not end. [10] However, until we reach those eternal shores to be with our Savior and Lord, we must be on our guard against all the wiles of the devil to sabotage our witness for Christ. It is in Christ that we are preserved.

[1] Hebrews 2:17-18
[2] Genesis 3:16
[3] Genesis 6:1-6
[4] Galatians 3:16
[5] Exodus 14
[6] 1 Samuel 23:9-14
[7] Esther 3:6 – 7:10
[8] Matthew 2:13-18
[9] Matthew 16:18
[10] Revelation 11:15

Be With God

“Know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” [1]

Lovers of everything except God and God’s ways! The Bible says to turn from such. Remove yourself their movement! They are building on dangerous ground. Soon, their towers will collapse into dust and they will be lost eternally. “Their folly will be manifest to all.” [2]

“Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” [3]

What imposters and deceivers fail to realize is that the same spirit that works through them to deceive and defraud others is deceiving and defrauding them. Their gains are temporary. Their losses are eternal.

“The Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” [4]

Moor your ship to the Word of God so you don’t drift from God. Be with God! Love Him! Dump overboard worthless wastes of your time, treasure, and talent! Jesus is Messiah. He is loving, peaceful and full of joy! Hang with Him! Hang with His disciples! Make disciples! Let His light shine! Let your life-song be that you glorified the only sinless One who died on the cross to save your soul.

[1] 2 Timothy 3:1-5
[2] 2 Timothy 3: 9
[3] 2 Timothy 3:13
[4] 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Glory to You God!

Glory to You God!

Other high places? No.

Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit…

You provide, guide, deliver, and love me.

Are there imposters in my life?

Anything or anyone diverting my praise from You?

I worship You: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I love You!

You have the highest place!

I live to worship and serve You alone!

The Passover and The Lord’s Supper

Amidst the nineteen kings of Judah mentioned in Chronicles, God affirms Hezekiah and Josiah for keeping the Passover and for making the Passover celebration glorious. [1]

The Passover Feast celebrates God’s miraculous rescue of the people Israel from slavery in Egypt. It celebrates the angel of death passing over the homes of the people who placed lamb’s blood on their external door posts. Those who recognized their need for a blood sacrifice due to the sin that they had committed against God were spared from the loss of their firstborn son as the angel of death passed over Egypt. [2]

Jesus Messiah introduced a new covenant just before He died on the cross for our sins. The new covenant involved a new meal.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” [3]

Luke’s Gospel also records Jesus as saying, “Do this in remembrance of Me,’ and, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.’” [4]

Disciples of Jesus Messiah have a new and better meal to remember and celebrate God’s great love and deliverance for us, than did the Israelites. The Israelites celebrated a deliverance event that had relevance for them in this temporary life, namely freedom from subjugation by a foreign nation on earth. We, as believers and professors of Christ, celebrate deliverance from an eternal subjugation to hell with the devil and his demons. Christ, by His sinless blood sacrifice for us on the cross, delivered us from the power of sin, death, and the devil.

“You, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” [5]

Satan has no more claims against the person whose sin has been washed away by the blood of Christ. Jesus our wonderful Redeemer has redeemed us. Our Savior has saved us. God does not condemn us. He saves us! Praise the Lord!

Thus, we should regularly and happily remember and observe the Lord’s Supper.

[1] 2 Chronicles 29-30 – Hezekiah’s Passover observance; 2 Chronicles 35 – Josiah’s Passover observance
[2] Exodus 12
[3] Matthew 26:26-28
[4] Luke 22:19-20
[5] Colossians 2:13-15

The Prophetic Voice

I’m A major portion of the Bible is prophetic in nature. Before the New Testament came into being, the people of God called the Bible the Tanakh. The word Tanakh is derived from the three major divisions of the book, namely:

T - Torah - The Law
N - Nevi’im - The Prophets
K - Ketuvim - The Writings

To ignore the prophetic writings recorded in the Bible is to do like the failed kings and leaders did in the last days of Judah before they were conquered by a foreign nation.

“And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.” [1]

The Lord warns us against deception and corrects our missteps because He has compassion on us and would rather deal with the pain of confrontation with us than see us experience the pain that comes to people who incur the consequences of bad choices.

I’m asking the Lord to help me and all His people to learn from the prophets.

When Jesus walked the earth in the flesh, the consensus of those who heard Him speak was that He was a prophet.

“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’” [2]

And, indeed, Jesus did speak a lot about sin and judgment as the prophets did before Him.

His disciples knew Jesus was the Son of God, and so do all who receive Him and believe in Him. Praise the Lord!

In fact, those who reject the Gospel of Christ face a worse judgment than did the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” [3]

As the writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” [4]

[1] 2 Chronicles 36:15-16
[2] Matthew 16:13-14
[3] Mark 6:11
[4] Hebrews 2:1, 3

Being in a Relationship with God

Since the beginning, the devil has sought to sabotage our relationship with God.

In the Garden of Eden, the devil questioned Eve regarding God’s law about not eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When Eve told the devil the Word of the Lord, he suggested that God lied to her, but in fact, it was he who was lying to her not God. She listened to the devil and acted upon his lie. So, did her husband Adam. That faith brought about a loss that was way farther than they could ever have imagined. Their children, including you and me, have been subject to suffering and death ever since.

Don’t let anything come between you and your relationship with God.

“Pekah the son of Remaliah killed 120,000 in Judah in one day, all valiant men, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers.” [2]

The people of Judah failed to see the importance of a relationship with God. Perhaps, they thought that God only cared if they kept a few of His laws, and gave Him lip service by sayings things like, “May God bless our nation.” No, God wanted a relationship with them. The first commandment is to love God. God loved them and wanted to be loved by them.

Once, after a civil war battle, the victors were warned by the prophet Oded not to mistreat their fellow countrymen. The leaders listened to him and told the people, “You shall not bring the captives here, for we already have offended the Lord. You intend to add to our sins and to our guilt; for our guilt is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.” They offended the Lord by not observing the second great commandment which is to love their neighbor as themselves. The point here is that God is love and our love for Him and our love for people matters to Him. [3]

A nation falls when its love for God falls. “The Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had encouraged moral decline in Judah and had been continually unfaithful to the Lord.” [4]

Those who know God testify that He gives victories in times of distress: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” [5]

In regards to those who abandon the Lord and seek to destroy those who don’t, the Bible says, “It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe...” [6]

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by Word or our epistle.” [7]

[1] Genesis 3
[2] 2 Chronicles 28:6
[3] 2 Chronicles 28:9-16
[4] 2 Chronicles 28:19
[5] Psalm 124:2-8
[6] 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
[7] 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Judgment and Gospel

“He [God] sent prophets to them, to bring them back to the Lord; and they testified against them, but they would not listen.” [1]

Hananiah posed as a prophet in the last days of Jerusalem before its fall. His name means “the Lord is gracious.” He defied the Word of the Lord through God’s servant Jeremiah by saying that God would bring back the Jerusalemites that Babylon had taken captive within two years. [2]

How does a servant of the Lord respond to a people pleaser like Hananiah? Say nothing? Express anger? Jeremiah’s first response was, “Amen! May the Lord do so. May the Lord perform your words which you have prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the Lord’s house, and all those who are captives, from Babylon to this place” [3]

But wait! Hananiah lied. Jeremiah’s second response was…

“Nevertheless, listen now to this word that I speak in your ears, and in the ears of all the people: The prophets who have been before me and before you of old prophesied against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, of evil, and of pestilence. The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet happens, then the prophet will be known, that the Lord has truly sent him.” [4]

Jeremiah had worn a yoke to the service. The yoke symbolized submission to Babylon. Hananiah took the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it. Then, he prophesied falsely that the Lord would break the yoke of Babylon from off the neck of all the nations within two full years. [5]

Jeremiah did not respond to Hananiah’s theatrics. He walked away, but then, the Word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Go, and tell Hananiah, saying, the Lord says, you have broken the bars of wood, but you have made in their place bars of iron.” [6]

Jeremiah continued, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie. Therefore, the Lord says, ‘Behold, I will send you away from off the surface of the earth. This year you will die because you have spoken rebellion against the Lord.’” Hananiah died that same year. [7]

Hananiah did not want to wear that yoke that symbolizes the consequences of sin. There were many like Hananiah in the last days of Jerusalem. Sin was all around. Horrible things were happening! Kind of like today where babies are slain in the mother’s wombs. Empires are defending sexual perversity, and criminalizing purity.

The Lord declared, “From their least even to their greatest, everyone is given to covetousness. From the prophet even to the priest, everyone deals falsely. They have also healed the hurt of my people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace.” [8]

Jesus said, “When He [the Holy Spirit] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment… of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” The Apostle Paul wrote, “For when they are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman. Then they will in no way escape.” [9]

Jeremiah’s yoke symbolized God’s judgment on their apostasy. The price of their departure from God was losing control of their nation and being ruled by a foreign nation.

Sin always has consequences. We see this with our first parents. When they doubted God and believed the serpent, they lost paradise. When we doubt God and believe the devil’s lie, loss follows.

Conviction of sin is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, because they do not believe in Me.” [10]

Jesus told His disciples that rejection of the Gospel yields severe judgment: “And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” [11]

God has done everything necessary for our salvation and for our sanctification by sending His Son into the world to become a sacrifice for our sin, and by giving us His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and to help us live a new life. We have so much more light and truth available to us than the people of Sodom and Gomorrah had. We need to repent of taking such a great salvation so lightly and embrace it humbly and gratefully. What’s more, we need to present both Law and Gospel to our listeners so that they understand that they are sinners in desperate need of the Savior Jesus Christ.

[1] 2 Chronicles 24:19
[2] Jeremiah 28:2-4
[3] Jeremiah 28:6
[4] Jeremiah 28:7-9
[5] Jeremiah 28:11
[6] Jeremiah 28:13
[7] Jeremiah 28:15-17
[8] Jeremiah 6:13-14
[9] Matthew 11:29; Galatians 2:9
[10] John 16:8-9
[11] Mark 6:11

Praying for Hard Hearts to Soften

Jesus told His disciples, “And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” [1]

The men and women of Sodom had known and been physically rescued by Abraham. They had seen him worship God with Melchizedek and refuse to financially benefit from Sodom’s riches. And they also had Lot living among them, who though weak was described as a righteous man by the Apostle Peter. [2]

The people of Sodom dismissed a need for God in their community. “The men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.” [3]

God, the righteous judge, [4] condemned Sodom, and the other cities on the plain. Although their sins of pride, sexual immorality, inhospitality, and cruelty were committed against other people — ultimately, they were a direct offense against God. Sin is an offense to God and demonstrates rebellion against Him.

But there is hope for sinners because God has provided His Son Jeus Christ as the way of salvation and is patient with us “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” [5]

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him?” [6]

The Heavenly Father has made salvation free for us by having His Son pay the price to pardon our sin. Now, we in Him can enter a new life with God that is according to righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit… that’s what makes neglect of such a great salvation such a crime. [7]

[1] Mark 6:11
[2] Genesis 14:14-24; 2 Peter 2:7-8
[3] Genesis 13:13
[4] 2 Timothy 4:8
[5] 2 Peter 3:9
[6] Hebrews 2:3
[7] John 3:16; John 1:11-12; Romans 14:17

One Day The Empire Fell

“How the hammer of the whole earth has been cut apart and broken! How Babylon has become a desolation among the nations! I have laid a snare for you; you have indeed been trapped, oh Babylon, and you were not aware; you have been found and also caught, because you have contended against the Lord.” [1]

“The mighty men of Babylon have ceased fighting, they have remained in their strongholds; their might has failed, they became like women; they have burned her dwelling places, the bars of her gate are broken.” [2]

The once fierce world conquering Babylonians lost their will and ability to fight.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” [3]

“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath...” [4] A nation that believes it can get along just fine without God… a nation that believes it can defy God and still prosper is deceived.

The truth is that each of us needs a personal relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

[1] Jeremiah 50:23-24
[2] Jeremiah 51:30
[3] 1 Corinthians 10:12
[4] Zephaniah 1:18
[5] 1 John 2:17-18

Enjoying God Forever

“David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals.” [1]

The king and his army officers recognized their need for God-anointed musicians to compose God-inspired music for their nation. This spiritual weapon was greater than any atomic bomb because God inhabits the praises of His people, and if God be for us, no one has any hope of defeating us.

The musicians, “prophesied according to the order of the king. They “prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” [2]

Music that honors God and promotes His praise is prophetic in nature, because it is resourced by His Spirit moving in our hearts and it is a foretaste of the heaven that we shall one day enjoy.

“He [David] had the plans for all of the courts of the house of the Lord by the Spirit.” “All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.” [3]

David was careful to listen to the Lord’s voice and obey His leadings, even in regards to the architecture of the place where worship should take place.

“David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: ‘Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, oh Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, oh Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious Name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” [4]

Praise and thanksgiving unto God stems from a knowing that all we have is from Him. He is our Heavenly Father! All that we have is received from Him. Our Heavenly Father gives to us because He loves us.

Worshipping God connects us with our origins because we were created to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

[1] 1 Chronicles 25:1
[2] 1 Chronicles 25:2-3
[3] 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19
[4] 1 Chronicles 29:10-14

Being On Time

“The sons of Issachar had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” [1]

The Holy Spirit is prompting me to pray for our nation to discern the time that we are in and to know what to do. The first step for us to take is to be willing to receive correction and to act upon it…

“Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” [2]

We need to pray for deliverance from enslavement to works of the flesh, and for an appetite via the Holy Spirit to produce good fruit that glorifies God…

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” [3]

There are numerous avenues and opportunities to hear God’s Word, but are we choosing wisely or making bad choices? Are we hearers only, and not doers?

“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the Word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the Word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” [4]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please help our nation turn from evil works that lead to destruction and overwhelming sadness, and turn to Your Son, Jesus Messiah, for forgiveness and redemption, and for the infilling by Your Holy Spirit that we might live lives that bear good fruit and remain on the narrow path to eternal life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

[1] 1 Chronicles 12:32
[2] Proverbs 13:18
[3] Galatians 5:19-26
[4] Mark 4:18-20

Living as a Child of God

God our Abba Father has made a way for every person to be in His divine family. He accomplished this by sending His Son into the world to redeem us from our sins, and by providing His precious Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us.

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 1:3

The Lord has provided all we need to live in harmony with Him and to enjoy Him in our lives.

“Thank You Abba Father for Your great love for us. Help us now please to live in such a way as to reflect Your grace and love to others. And I pray for those who are not yet in Your family that You will open their eyes to behold Your goodness and to receive the forgiveness of their sins through faith in Your Son Jesus, and to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I ask this. Amen.”

Hear the Word of the Lord

“And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.” [1]

Daniel had been given a vision by God of a time of great peril for people. It made him sick to think of what some people would do to others. The phrase, “No one understood it” applies in more ways than one. Without God’s Spirit providing discernment, no one can understand the meaning and application of such prophetic utterances, and without God’s Spirit, people lack the will to want know about such things, but God gave us these warnings because He loves us, and cares about us.

The Lord Jesus is saying to His churches, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” [2]

As for me, I too am unsettled, as I consider that the Lord Jesus has provided so many words to prepare for us the eternity that is coming, but so few are heeding, being caught up in the pleasures of this temporary life. “Lord, please help us to hear, understand, and act on Your Word.”

[1] Daniel 8:27
[2] Revelation 2:7

The Fear of the Lord

What did the prophets and seers of the Lord do when their nation was transgressing against the Lord? The answer…

“The Lord testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, ‘Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets.’” [1]

How did the people respond to the Lord’s overtures of love to draw them back to Himself?

“They would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the Lord their God. They rejected His statutes and His covenant that He had made with their fathers, and His testimonies which He had testified against them; they followed idols, became idolaters, and went after the nations who were all around them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them that they should not do like them.” [2]

“They caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.” [3]

So, what did the Lord do? Did He endure this abusive relationship? No, He rejected it. He allowed the perpetrators to experience the consequence of their bad choices.

“The Lord rejected all the descendants of Israel, afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of plunderers, until He had cast them from His sight. The Lord removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So, Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.” [4]

A foreign nation forced them to receive peoples from other nations who did not respect their faith in God…

“Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they took possession of Samaria and dwelt in its cities. And it was so, at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they did not fear the Lord; therefore, the Lord sent lions among them, which killed some of them. Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, ‘Send there one of the priests whom you brought from there; let him go and dwell there, and let him teach them the rituals of the God of the land.’ Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel and taught them how they should fear the Lord.” [5]

They tried to serve two masters…

“They feared the Lord yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.” Jesus taught, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” [6]

The Lord advised them who to fear: “The Lord, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear, Him you shall worship, and to Him you shall offer sacrifice. And the statutes, the ordinances, the law, and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall be careful to observe forever; you shall not fear other gods. And the covenant that I have made with you, you shall not forget, nor shall you fear other gods. But the Lord your God you shall fear; and He will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.” [7]

What is the fear of the Lord? “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” [8]

The Holy Spirit worked in the Apostle Paul and in his fellow servant Titus such a fear that they would not take advantage of those to whom they preached and taught God’s Word…

“I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? …Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?” [9]

Paul urged his listeners: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” [10]

[1] 2 Kings 17:13
[2] 2 Kings 17:14-15
[3] 2 Kings 17:17
[4] 2 Kings 17:20, 23
[5] 2 Kings 17:24-25, 27-28
[6] 2 Kings 17:33; Matthew 6:24
[7] 2 Kings 17:36-38
[8] Proverbs 8:13
[9] 2 Corinthians 12:14, 17-18
[10] 2 Corinthians 13:5

By the Word of the Lord

“By the Word of the Lord [Jesus Christ is the Word of God – [1] the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.

He [Jesus Christ] gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord [Jesus Christ], the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” [2]

When the Bible says, “The Word of the Lord came to Abram” or anyone else in Scripture that is to say that God's Son Jesus Christ came to him by His Spirit. The glory of this miracle is to God that He would be so gracious as to come to him and speak the Scripture to him. [3]

Jesus Christ still comes to us by His Spirit. He reminds us of what the Scripture says…

“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. [4]

[1] Revelation 19:13
[2] Psalm 33:6-12
[3] Genesis 15:1
[4] John 14:26; John 16:12-14

The Word of the Lord

“He [Jesus Christ] was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His Name is called The Word of God.” [1]

It came to me yesterday morning while reading the Book of 1 Kings in the Bible, that wherever the Scripture says, “The Word of the Lord came to... [such and such a person]...” that this “Word of the Lord” is the pre-incarnate Son of God. The significance of this revelation to me was that it shifted my awe from the human receiver of the Word to divine the Giver of the Word… our Lord Jesus Christ! It lifted the weight of hearing from God off of me the hearer and placed the burden of it on Christ the speaker. My part as His ambassador is to meditate on His Holy Word as recorded in the Bible, and to anticipate Him to reveal Himself to me in it.

Our Redeemer Jesus Christ is referred to as the “Word of God” in other places in the Bible as well. For example, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” [2] Praise the Lord!

The glory of a person hearing God speak is God’s miracle. He is willing to speak to those who have ears to hear. [3] The Messiah, God’s Son, is the Word of the Lord. He speaks to us when we listen.

[1] Revelation 19:13
[2] John 1:1-3
[3] Matthew 11:15; 13:9; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8; 14:35

Who has Believed our Report

“Who has believed our report?” asks the Lord in Isaiah 53:1.

This morning, I was remembering a conversation with a man named Tyrone at Good Samaritan Ministries in Washington Park, Illinois. He said that he believed in a higher power but not in the God of the Bible.

The Lord brought Good News to Tyrone about loving him so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for him. To give him eternal salvation based on what Jesus did for Tyrone. He listened but did not receive the Good News. I’m praying for him and hope to see him again.

This morning, I looked up Isaiah 53:1, but then, was led to Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” And then, I found myself unable to stop reading until I reached Isaiah chapter 58. Such Good News!

I am praying for more encounters with people who need to hear Good News, and for vigor and vim from the Holy Spirit to share it.

Open My Eyes that I Might See

“Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” [1]

The Lord has been leading me to pray for a spiritual awakening in America.

The Bible says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” [2] The first commandment is to love God. When we love Him, He opens our eyes to see what we otherwise miss. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” [3]

The Apostle Paul prayed for people this way, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.” [4]

I’m praying like this for you my friends, for my wife, for my children, for my grandchildren, for my fellow church members, for my co-workers, for my fellow Americans, and for my fellow people on the earth today.

“Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes; illumine me,
Spirit divine!” [5]

[1] Ephesians 5:14
[2] 1 Corinthians 2:9
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:12
[4] Ephesians 1:17-19
[5] Author: Clara H. Scott. Hymn title: “Open my eyes that I may see”

Glory in the Lord!

It is in Jesus Messiah that David and his descendants are blessed.

David wanted to build a house for the Lord. The Lord commended him for his desire to build for Him, but God informed David that all blessings would flow to those who have a relationship with Him through faith in His Son – God’s Son. In Him, Jesus, would all people be blessed…

“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your Seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever. I will be His Father, and He shall be My Son.” [1] This Son is Jesus!

Thus, Paul urges us to avoid divisions based on human personalities, saying, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” [2]

The key point here is, “Was Paul crucified for you?” Was any human being or human organization without sin that it could give it’s life on the cross to atone for your sins? The answer is no. Only Jesus Messiah was without sin. Only He takes away our sin and unites us with God His Father.

God has ordained one Messiah for both Jew and Gentile. His Name is Jesus! It is to Him that all allegiance and glory is due. As Paul said, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” [3]

[1] 2 Samuel 7:12-14
[2] 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
[3] 1 Corinthians 1:31

Evil Has An Expiration Date

There is an expiration date for evil. The Lord indicates that it is darkest before the dawn. When evildoers rise to the top, it is so He can remove them.

The Lord keeps His promises. When we commit people into His hands, He shows us that His hands are working and making a difference, we just need to be patient.

“Oh Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this. When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. But You, Lord, are on high forevermore.” [1]

“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” [2]

[1] Psalm 92:5-8
[2] Psalm 92:12-15

Ask of Me

The Lord says, “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.” [1]

Will you join me in asking our Heavenly Father for the nations, that the nations will hear the Good News of His Son Jesus Christ through me.

Atonement (at-one-ment with God and one another) is a gift paid for by Jesus Christ. The atoning sacrifice of Christ for sins is applied to all who believe in Him and profess Him as our Lord and Savior, but how they will know unless someone tells them?

I am old and gray headed, so it is the appropriate time in my life to pray the following prayer that is recorded in the Bible...

“Now also when I am old and gray headed, oh God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” [2]

[1[ Psalm 2:8
[2] Psalm 71:18

Clothed in the Righteousness of Christ

We all fall short of the glory of God. We need a righteousness that is better than our own. The righteousness that we need is that of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the One who fulfills the prophecy written in the Book of Jeremiah.

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’” [1]

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” [2]

We receive the righteousness of Christ imputed to us when we believe in Him. Praise the Lord!

[1] Jeremiah 23:5-6
[2] 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Believe the Good News

The Good News is that God declares people righteous who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. God deems those who live by faith in His Son Jesus Christ as righteous.

“In it [the Gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17) Faith in what or whom? Faith in Jesus Christ.

The repentance is a repentance of unbelief regarding the goodness, grace and love of God towards you. Repent of humanistic religions that place the weight of salvation on your shoulders.

Believe the Good News that Christ has done all that is necessary for your salvation. Receive eternal life as a gift that was purchased for you by Christ when He died for your sins and mine on the cross.

Freedom to Live Right is in Jesus Messiah

Jesus Messiah is the true David, King of Israel. All God's blessings come to us through His grace. He has been appointed King of kings, and Lord of lords...

“God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously and govern the nations on earth. Selah Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.” [1]

King Jesus is the One who conquered our sin. He set us free from the shackles of sin so that we lose our appetite to sin and gain an appetite to be like Him: clean and holy, doing what is right.

“...As you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [2]

“Thank You Lord Jesus for binding us to Your righteous ways. Praise You for empowering us to bear holy fruit for Your glory. And thank You for the GIFT of eternal life.”

[1] Psalm 67
[2] Romans 6:19-23

Foolish or Virtuous? I Choose Virtuous!

As I read Proverbs 31 just now, the Lord revealed to me that the Book of Proverbs in the Bible reflects the metaphor that runs throughout the Bible. Namely, that those who forsake the Lord are compared to a woman who makes foolish choices that result in her destruction and in the destruction of those who join in her promiscuous ways; while those who love the Lord are compared to a faithful bride who is greatly loved, preserved, and provided for by God.

From Proverbs:

“A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city, to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way: “whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.” [1]

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so, he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” [2]

The virtuous wife is virtuous because she has accepted and committed to one husband: Jesus Christ. He has redeemed, cleansed, and empowered her by His love to live a new life.

Redeemed: “When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” [3]

The harlot: “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” [4]

The bride: “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’” [5]

Praise be to God! He is faithful to His people. He will keep His promise to bring us who believe in His Son Jesus Christ to His heavenly kingdom.

[1] Proverbs 9:13-18
[2] Proverbs 31:10-12
[3] Romans 5:6-11
[4] Revelation 17:1-2
[5] Revelation 21:2-4

Christ’s Love is Better than Worldly Fame or Fortune

Jesus compared our hearts to soil and His Word to seed. He compared cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches to thorns which choke God’s Word in one’s life so that it does not produce fruit. [1]

The Psalmist compared those who trust in worldly wealth to beasts that perish.

“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.” [2]

The Psalmist had no confidence in worldly wealth, but he did have confidence in God to redeem his soul from the grave, and to resurrect him to a better life…

“Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah” [3]

He describes an element of the worldly culture that hasn’t changed since he wrote the Psalm a few thousand years ago…

“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.” [4]

Sadly, riding on the crest of a wave of praise from people could be the very sign of one’s own destruction. Jesus warned us, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” [5]

Jesus emphasized serving and loving God and others during our earthly lives as opposed to seeking notoriety and fleshly pleasure. A life lived for Christ bears witness to our confidence in the words of Jesus about eternity.

It is not easy to go against the flow of the world. To sacrifice what we could have had in this world for the sake of God’s glory and to put others before ourselves! Therefore, the Psalmist noted: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” [6]

Loving God and others helps us to avoid false notions about ourselves, laziness and hateful ways…

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” [7]

“The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.” [8]

“He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” [9]

Jesus calls us to love God and others because He wants our joy to be full.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” [10]

[1] Matthew 13:22
[2] Psalm 49:11-12 
[3] Psalm 49:14-15 
[4] Psalm 49:18-20 
[5] Luke 6:24-26 
[6] Psalm 51:17 
[7] Proverbs 26:12 
[8] Proverbs 26:16 
[9] Proverbs 26:24-28 
[10] John 15:11-13

Christ Wins Evil Loses

The other day, I watched a movie entitled, “The Courageous Heart of Irene Sendler.” The Lord Jesus empowered her to save the lives of nearly 2,500 children from being exterminated. She was tortured by the governing authorities and would have been executed by them if the Lord had not intervened on her behalf.

It should be obvious to all that saving innocent children from extermination is not a crime, but hatred and lies (SIN) had darkened the hearts and minds of her leaders. Their narrative was not to be trusted. Irene, trusted in Christ despite the propaganda that waged against Him and His Word. In the end, those authorities fell. Irene survived, and so did those 2,500 children. Praise the Lord!

It is in this context that Psalm 37:34-40 becomes relative and meaningful...

“Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. I have seen the wicked in great power and spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; indeed, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the blameless man and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.”

In Christ - Humanity Restored

Being the people of God - in Christ - humanity/personability is restored.

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, ‘Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’” [1]

The Gentiles, Italians, received the gift of the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish apostles did according to the above the passage. We non-Jewish believers in Jesus had our first Pentecost-type experience that day. Peter used the fact that the Italians were speaking in tongues and magnifying God to say to his fellow Jews, the Gentiles should be allowed to be baptized with water.

What did Peter preach prior to the Holy Spirit’s outpouring? He preached:

God shows no partiality…
Those who fear Him are accepted by Him.
Those who work righteously are accepted by Him.
Peace is in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
This word was proclaimed throughout Judea.
God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit.
God anointed Jesus with power.
Jesus went about doing good.
He healed people of demonic oppression.
God was with Jesus.
Peter witnessed what Jesus did.
The Jerusalemites crucified Jesus.
God raised Jesus up on the third day.
Jesus was seen alive after being dead by witnesses of God.
Peter ate and drank with Jesus after His resurrection.
God commanded Peter to preach Jesus to people.
God commanded Peter to testify that Jesus will judge all people.
God’s prophets testify that sins of believers in Jesus are forgiven. [2]

The good news is that God is still pouring out His Holy Spirit on believers in Jesus, especially when we offer ourselves to Him to proclaim His Gospel to people. Praise the Lord!

[1] Acts 10:44-47
[2] Acts 10:34-43

Times of Refreshing from the Lord

“Do you show contempt for the riches of God's kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” [1]

Complaining and campaigning against deceiving, bribing, and defrauding may bring about a measure of positive change in our nations, but repentance is what we really need. We need God to graciously lead our nation to repent of how we treat His Son whom He sent to save us from our sin. Jesus Christ is the only One who can cleanse peoples’ hearts from sin and give them a new and steadfast heart to do what is right.

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit convicts of the sin of unbelief... not believing in Christ. [2]

The Apostle Peter preached, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” [3]

As each of us determine to dedicate ourselves to honoring Jesus and Jesus alone, God will turn the tide in our nation, so that corrupt people fall from leadership, and good-willed people arise.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please, in Your kindness, forbearance and patience, bring about a return to faith in Jesus Christ in this land. The kind of faith that knows and professes that only He takes away our sin and gives us appetites to do and uphold what is right. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

I was blessed years ago to have four Russian Christians share at a meeting with people in China about what happened before the demise of the cruel and atheistic government in the USSR. The Christians began repenting and serving the Lord. These four Russians were from a Bible school in Siberia that had more than 700 students. They were sending missionaries out to the world.

The Lord promised, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The thing to remember is that when a seed is planted, it takes time to grow and produce a harvest. Let us turn to the Lord now so that the harvest of blessings can come sooner rather than later.

The Apostle Peter wrote, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” [5]

[1] Romans 2:4
[2] John 16:8-9
[3] Acts 3:19-20
[4] 2 Chronicles 7:14
[5] 1 Peter 5:6

Joshua and Jesus

King Adoni-Zedek of Jerusalem heard how Joshua conquered two great kingdoms and was about to absorb Gibeon (a kingdom of mighty men without a fight). He was greatly afraid. He sent messages to four kings and asked them to help him conquer Gibeon before they surrendered to Joshua. [1]

“The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.” Joshua armies surprised the enemies. The Lord routed them. As they retreated, the Lord cast down large hailstones from heaven on them, and they died. “There were more who died from the hailstones than the children of Israel killed with the sword.” [2]

The Lord will use a similar approach to the nations who war against Him before He returns: “And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.” [3]

Joshua asked the Lord to cause the sun and moon to hold their positions until His enemies were defeated, and the Lord answered his prayer. “And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.” [4]

I remember being inspired to pray a type of Joshua’s prayer once when a co-laborer in Christ wanted to secure a teaching position in China. I prayed that the sun would not go down until he had a position even if we had to visit many universities. He got a position at the first stop. The Lord had directed our steps to the right place.

The Lord gave Joshua the victory. The five enemy kings fled to a cave. Joshua had a large stone rolled in front of the cave. What does this remind you of? Who else had a stone blocking an entrance? Jesus Christ! Joshua completed the mopping up operation of the defeated armies, then, he had his men roll the stone away. He had his captains place their feet on the necks of the kings, and then, said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” Afterward, Joshua struck them and killed them, and hanged them on five trees. Who else on a tree, but for our sin, not His own? Jesus Christ! Jesus defeated our greatest enemy: sin. [5]

Many more kings gathered against Joshua, but the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel.” The Lord did as He said. And the Lord said of Joshua, “He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.” [6] Like Jesus, he sought to fulfill all that God expected him to accomplish.

The Lord says that He hardened the hearts of His foes against His people so that He might destroy them. He even destroyed the giants in the land. None of them survived except the ones who were in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod. [7]

The apostles told those who opposed Christ, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [8]

It is only in Jesus that there is forgiveness of sin. It is only in Jesus that there is mercy and salvation from God. Those who know Jesus testify to this, and so does the Holy Spirit.

A leader named Gamaliel told those who arrested the apostles, “If this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” They agreed, and after beating the apostles, they released them. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus and continued to teach and preach Jesus as the Christ. [9]

The question is, “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? They want to defy the Lordship of Christ and humiliate those who profess Him, but God laughs. God has declared His Son to be the King whom all should worship. “Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” [11]

[1] Joshua 10:1-5
[2] Joshua 10:8-11
[3] Revelation 16:21
[4] Joshua 10:12-14
[5] Joshua 10:15-27
[6] Joshua 11:1-8, 15
[7] Joshua 11:20-22
[8] Acts 5:30-33
[9] Acts 5:34-42
[10] Psalm 2

Jesus is Alive and Well, and Returning Soon

“Do not envy the oppressor and choose none of his ways; for the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright.” [1]

Prefer the Lord not perversity! Don’t oppress, enjoy sweet fellowship with God.

“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely, He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.” [2]

Prefer just living over wickedness. Pride leads to scorn of the Lord, while humility leads to enjoying His grace. Glory or shame hang in the balance!

“Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about 5,000.” [3]

While a small group of corrupt and oppressive rulers used lawfare against those who proclaimed the resurrection of Christ from the dead, others, about 5,000 men, believed their message and embraced Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” [4]

Like the mustard seed that is as small as a grain of sand but yields a plant that grows rapidly and is hard to get rid of, so is the Kingdom of Christ. His kingdom conquers all kingdoms. Therefore, let us ask God to heal, and do signs and wonders in the Name of His Son Jesus to help people believe in Him. The greatest sin is not to believe in Jesus for without faith in Him there is no forgiveness of sin. Salvation is by faith in Christ alone.

“With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” [5]

Jesus is alive and well and returning soon.

[1] Proverbs 3:31-32
[2] Proverbs 3:33-35
[3] Acts 4:1-2, 4
[4] Acts 4:30-31
[5] Acts 4:33

A Cheerful Countenance

“To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” [1]

Jesus Christ is able and willing to turn us who turn to Him from sin. What's more, He replaces destructive, deceiving, and defrauding ways with constructive, commendable, and charitable ways.

“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” [2]

Jesus Christ fills our heart until overflowing with love, joy, and peace. No one can help us to cope with and overcome the miseries of this evil world like Jesus does.

“Yes, Lord Jesus, we give to You our sins and ask You to forgive us, and to give to us Your blessings that yield glory to You and love to those around us. It is Your Name, Jesus, that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Acts 3:26
[2] Proverbs 15:13

The Earthly and Heavenly Promised Land

Circumcision and Baptism

The Lord ordered Joshua to have the sons of Israel circumcised in preparation to inherit the Promised Land…

“At that time, the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel…” “So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’ Therefore, the name of the place is called Gilgal (Rolling) to this day.” [1]

Moses had given the people the spiritual significance of circumcision before this day when he wrote, “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” [2] It was a dethroning of the flesh’s desires to enthrone the spirit’s desire to love God.

Paul spoke of circumcision in a similar fashion, when he wrote, “A Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” [3] Circumcision was to be done for God’s praise as an expression of a man’s love for and dedication to God.

The apostle describes baptism as a circumcision of Christ; a burial of the sinful self and a resurrection by the power of God as a sanctified self; a person being set apart by God for His use instead one’s own selfish use: “In Him [Christ] also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him [Christ] in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [Christ] through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him [Christ] from the dead.” [4]

Passover and Christ

The Lord led His people to observe the Passover before they took possession of the Promised Land: “Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal and kept the Passover on the 14th day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day.” [5]

Passover is symbolic of Jesus delivering those who trust in Him from the slavery and penalty of sin. Egypt is not just a geographical location it is also a state of mind: “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” [6]

“Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.” [7] Manna is symbolic of the Bible that came down from God and fed our souls. Once, we enter the Promised Land of eternal paradise, we no longer need Bibles because we are with Him to whom the Bible bears witness. Our pilgrimage is over. We are in New Jerusalem.

After circumcision and Passover, the Commander of the Lord’s armies met Joshua. After baptism and recognizing Christ’s atoning sacrifice for our sins, Jesus, the Commander of God’s army appears to us in the Scripture more brilliantly than He ever did before. By His Word He leads us onto victory over every foe and brings us into the Heavenly Promised Land which is eternal. Praise the Lord!

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, ‘Are You for us or for our adversaries?’ So, He said, ‘No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’” [8]

This is what Peter was talking about during his Pentecost message: “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [9] Jesus is the Messiah, the One who completes the Old Testament stories.

The impact of Peter’s message was that his listeners were convicted of their need to do something, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’” [10]

Peter urged them to repent of sin, be baptized and to receive the Holy Spirit: “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’” [11]

The people who believed, responded with action: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” [12]

The apostles’ doctrine that they studied, the fellowship that they enjoyed, the bread that they broke and the prayers that they prayed were due to being born again into a new and lively hope via God’s Messiah, Jesus His Son. Praise the Lord!

[1] Joshua 5:2, 8-9
[2] Deuteronomy 30:6
[3] Romans 2:29
[4] Colossians 2:11-12
[5] Joshua 5:10-11
[6] 1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18–19
[8] Joshua 5:13-14
[9] Acts 8:36
[10] Acts 8:37
[11] Acts 2:38-39
[12] Acts 2:41-42