The Beloved Well-Pleasing Son

“The Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him [JESUS], and a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.’” [1]

“Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days, He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.” [2]

The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness. The wilderness was a place of discomfort including hunger, heat, loneliness and finally, the devil.

The devil wanted Jesus to prove himself. Prior to the wilderness, the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove and the Heavenly Father spoke from heaven and said. “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well-pleased.”

Jesus knew He was loved. He was already pleasing to God. He did not need to jump through the devil's hoops. Jesus didn't need to turn stones into bread. He didn't need to jump off the temple and be rescued by angels. He certainly didn't need to fall down and worship the devil in exchange for worldly wealth.

Jesus knew His status with God even in the place of discomfort.

JESUS left the devil in the dust that day.

He remained in fellowship with the Heavenly Father and was filled with the Holy Spirit. His ministry results were resourced by divine communion.

“Dear Heavenly Father, Jesus the Son, and precious Holy Spirit, please grant us Your presence and fellowship throughout our journey here on earth. For it is in the Name of Jesus that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Luke 3:22
[2] Luke 4:1-2

The Father Gives His Spirit to Askers

“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” [1]

“How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Are we asking for temporary or everlasting gifts from our Heavenly Father?

Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [2]

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for seeking the wrong things, saying, “You Pharisees... your... full of greed and wickedness. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.” [3]

Once, three preachers in China spoke with great joy to a large crowd. I was there. They were joyful because the Lord had counted them worthy to suffer for His Name’s sake. Their joy was heavenly. Amidst political persecution, Jesus blessed them to see many people pick up their cross and follow Him.

“Heavenly Father, please give us Your Holy Spirit for the sake of hallowing Your Name and for the sake of doing Your will here on earth. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Luke 11:11-13
[2] Luke 11:2
[3] Luke 11:39, 43

Jesus To The Rescue

Lately, I’ve been reading a book to Sherry as she drives us home from work. This book emphasizes the good works of those who rescued girls from sex traffickers in San Francisco, and the Christian education that they provided for them afterwards.

King David compared the person who robs a person of life to a lion that devours unsuspecting innocent prey. In Psalm 10:8-11, he wrote, “He sits in the lurking places of the villages. In the secret places he murders the innocent. His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless. He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den. He lies in wait to catch the poor. He catches the poor when he draws him into his net. So he crouches, he lies low, that the helpless may fall by his strength. He has said in his heart, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see.’”

Thankfully, the Lord and His servants do not forget the plight of the innocent who have been overpowered by beasts. In Psalm 12:5, the Lord responds, “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise, says the Lord. I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”

Jesus rescued Mary Magdalene both from the demons without her life and within in her life. And she became a part of His ministry team. In Luke 8:1-2, “The twelve were with Him [Jesus], and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons.”

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for You and for Your servants who rescue people from thieves who steal their lives. Please continue to raise up more laborers for this harvest, for the harvest is great and the laborers are few.”

The Author of Peace

“Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.’” [1] The Babylon of Revelation refers to is a spiritual whore. She is the mother of whores. She symbolizes those who live contrary to God and refuse to submit to His ways.

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” [2] That which is contrary to God, that which causes confusion, shall be succeeded by God’s kingdom which is symbolized in New Jerusalem. She is God’s bride. She is faithful to God. She comprises followers of Jesus Christ.

Babylon first appears in the Bible under the guise of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11. The Hebrew word for “confused” in Genesis 11:9 is babal, which sounds like Babylon. The great evil of the tower builders is their sinful pride against the rule of God. [3] The Bible says… “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” [4]

The world is full of envy and self-seeking, and thus, causes confusion. Idolatry also causes confusion: “…Their molded images are wind and confusion.” [5] “…They shall go in confusion together, who are makers of idols.” [6] God, on the other hand, is love. He is compassionate as we see in the example of His Son Jesus Christ in the Gospels. “God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” [7] There is peace in God!

[1] Revelation 18:21
[2] Revelation 21:2
[3] biblestudytools.com
[4] James 3:16
[5] Isaiah 41:29
[6] Isaiah 45:16
[7] 1 Corinthians 14:33

The Power of Christ’s Forgiveness

“’That you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the man who was paralyzed, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.” [1]

How can you know that God has forgiven your sins? Jesus healed a paralyzed man so that His listeners that day would KNOW that He has power to forgive sins.

Sin paralyzes a person’s prayer life with God. God’s Word says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.” “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” [2]

The good news is that the Son of Man [JESUS] has the power to forgive sin. He says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [3]

“Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins, so that like the man whom You healed of paralysis, I may rise up with new ability to bring You glory... for it is in Your Name Lord Jesus that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Luke 5:24-25
[2] Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2
[3] 1 John 1:9

Victory Over Unclean Spirits

“Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean.” [1]

God gave to the priests of Israel the ministry of discernment. They were to help His people to distinguish between the holy and unholy, between the unclean and clean. He warned these leaders not to partake of substances so that their gift of discernment would not be impaired.

One of the blessings of our Savior Jesus and His Holy Spirit is the ability to discern between clean and unclean spirits. Jesus did this ministry when He walked among us.

“Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him." [2]

The words unclean and holy appear in the passage above. Jesus freed a man from an unclean spirit. How did that unclean spirit get control of that man in the first place? Just as any invading force would that overtakes a city! Little by little! First, by grooming their target's mind! Second, by relentless attempts to enter! Third, by entering when the person is vulnerable! Fourth, by taking control!

Living in San Francisco and learning of the kinds of evils that have went on in this city, namely human trafficking, it has helped me to see more clearly how a lot of the movies coming out of Hollywood are products of similar unclean spirits. These spirits want to groom people for takeover with unclean thoughts, and ultimately enslave people to sin so they are subject to them.

Jesus sets people free from defiling spirits by the power of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is more powerful than unclean spirits. “And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.” [3]

Our Lord Jesus sets people free from unclean spirits that have defiled their thought-lives and brought them into captivity.

Jesus helps His disciples to discern when an unclean spirit is present. He also gives us authority to rebuke them and cast them out in His Name. He says to us, “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” [4]

[1] Leviticus 10:9-10
[2] Luke 4:33-35
[3] Luke 4:41
[4] Matthew 10:7-8

The High Priest is Praying for You

The Lord gave Moses the clothing and accessories designs for the apparel of the high priest. The design included a breastplate of linen that was threaded with gold, blue, purple and scarlet threads. The breastplate also had twelve settings on it for twelve precious stones. Each stone represented a tribe of Israel. The Lord explained the meaning of this breastplate to Moses.

The Lord said, “So, Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually.” [1]

The high priest carried the names of the people near to his heart and to the Lord in prayer.

Later, in the Bible, we learn that Israel’s high priest was a type of Messiah, but Jesus is Messiah. Jesus is the One in heaven who knows our names, carries us in His heart, and intercedes for us.

“He [Jesus], because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” [2]

Sherry and I are blessed to have a Cantonese speaking lady who often prays over us by reciting from memory the words of Psalm 121. I share this Psalm with you now. May the Lord comfort you through His word to know that He loves you, knows your name, prays for you and is always watching over you.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” [3]

[1] Exodus 28:15, 17, 21, 29
[2] Hebrews 7:24-25
[3] Psalm 121

The Angel of the Lord

“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.” [1]

The Angel (Angel is the Greek word for Messenger) is the Sent-one by God. He leads God’s people. He speaks God’s Word. God overcomes the enemies of those who obey His voice.

“So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.” [2]

The Lord blesses food and drink and takes away sickness from our midst. Jesus multiplied bread and often healed ALL who came to listen to Him teach.

“I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.” [3]

He fights our battles.

“And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.’” [4]

With the announcement of God’s Word and of God’s covenant to His people, there is the sprinkling of blood. Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world by the shedding of His blood on the cross. God’s Word comes to us by grace. Grace to forgive our sins when we do not deserve to be forgiven. Grace to include us in His plan of redemption.

“Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity.” [5]

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. After our sin is cleansed away by God, He reveals Himself to us. God enjoys communing with us.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.’” [6]

The Lord sets His Word in stone. He does not flip flop His position. His YES is YES. His NO is NO. He is altogether dependable.

“And He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.’ Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.” [7]

“Thank You Heavenly Father for sending Your Angel; Your Messenger; Your Son to us. Your Name is in Him… JESUS… meaning Savior. We experience Your kingdom in Him. Thank You for communing with us, and for showing us Your glory. Thank You for Your promise that as we trust in Your Messenger, Christ, and follow Him, we too, one day, will be transformed. We will see You face to face in all Your glory. Praise be to Your holy Name.”

[1] Exodus 23:20-22
[2] Exodus 23:25
[3] Exodus 23:27
[4] Exodus 24:8
[5] Exodus 24:9-10
[6] Exodus 24:12
[7] Mark 9:1-3

A Clean And Steadfast Heart

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image…
For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,
Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children…
To the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
But showing mercy to thousands,
To those who love Me and keep My commandments.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God…
In vain [as empty or nothing לַשָּׁ֑וְא],
For the Lord will not hold him guiltless…
Who takes His name in vain!

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” [1]

“Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.” [2]

“There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.” “…whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated… What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” [3]

Food does not defile us, unclean spirits do. Unclean spirits seek to plant evil thoughts in us as mentioned above. We should reject those unclean thoughts just as we reject gross tasting food.

“A woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet.” [4] Jesus healed her.

Jesus casts out unclean spirits.

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for creating in us a clean heart, and steadfastness to love and worship You. Thank You for Your great mercy on us. Please rebuke away and shield us from unclean spirits that seek to defile us. Keep us from temptation and deliver us from evil, so that we constantly abide in You and bear good fruit for Your glory. For it is in Your Name, and for Your glory, that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Exodus 20:4-8
[2] Proverbs 4:23, 26-27
[3] Mark 7:15, 18-23
[4] Mark 7:25, 29-30

A Believing Heart is Better than a Hardened Heart

“So, Moses went out from Pharaoh and entreated the Lord. And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. Not one remained. But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.” [1]

Pharaoh had ten opportunities to repent and believe in God but hardened his heart after each magnanimous miracle which God did.

“He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” [2]

Pharaoh and his army were suddenly destroyed in the waters of the Red Sea.

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.’” [3]

Jesus has given us opportunity via His Word, the Bible, to believe the Gospel, namely that He died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day, and that when we believe in Him, we receive eternal life. He says to us, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” Now, today, is your opportunity to receive His kingdom by receiving Christ as Your Lord and Savior.

Jesus says to us, “Repent!” Don’t harden your heart! “Believe in the Gospel.” May it be so us for us, our loved ones, and our neighbors.

[1] Exodus 8:30-32
[2] Proverbs 29:1
[3] Mark 1:14-15

Love in the Last Days

The disciples asked Jesus: “What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” [1] After describing some signs, He ended His sharing with the following parable:

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory,
And all the holy angels with Him,
Then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

All the nations will be gathered before Him,
And He will separate them one from another,
As a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
And He will set the sheep on His right hand,
But the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand,
‘Come, you blessed of My Father,
Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from…
The foundation of the world…” [2]

The blessed of the Father, GAVE to JESUS…
Food for hunger
Drink for thirst
Accommodation for estrangement
Clothes for nakedness
Visitation for sickness
Visitation for imprisonment
The cursed withheld from JESUS the above. [3]

The King said to the blessed: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” [4]

The Lord said to the cursed: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” [5]

The conclusion: “And these [the cursed] will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” [6]

Jesus said, “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” [7]

“Dear Lord Jesus, please keep the flames of Your love burning in our hearts. Please move us to love with action not just with words. For it is in Your Name that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Matthew 24:3
[2] Matthew 25:31-34
[3] Matthew 25:35-39, 41-44
[4] Matthew 25:40
[5] Matthew 25:45
[6] Matthew 25:46
[7] Matthew 24:12

The Glory of God’s Presence

Jacob and his large family of thirteen children, two wives and two nursemaids were on their way to Bethel. Bet-El is Hebrew for House of God. He told his family: “Put away the idols that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” [1]

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

His family followed his instruction and received a blessing from God: “As they journeyed, the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.” [2]

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

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

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

Truly, Bethel, the House of God, is entered whenever and wherever we put to death (bury) our idols. We come to God not to ask for more of this world, but to reverence God for who He is and that He chooses to BE in our lives. How Amazing!!! He created and sustains the universe! He loves us! 

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

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

Guaranteed Entrance into the Promised Land

God promised to Abraham and Sarah a son. They grew weary of waiting on God’s promise to be fulfilled, so Sarah gave her servant Hagar to Abraham that he might have a child by her.

The Apostle Paul uses this historic happening to illustrate the Law and the Gospel to the Christians of Galatia. He wrote:

“It is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman [Hagar], the other by a free woman [Sarah]. But he [Ishmael] who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he [Isaac] of the free woman through promise, which things are symbolic.” [1]

“The flesh” refers to unbelief and self-dependence whereas “promise” refers to faith and dependence on God’s promise.

Paul calls Hagar [the Egyptian] Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai is where God gave Moses the Law. Paul refers to Sarah as Jerusalem. The Israelites entered the Holy Land by faith in God’s Promise. Paul refers to human attempts to please God as bondage, and trust in God’s Promise as freedom. The Promise refers to Christ, which will be clarified later.

“Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar… Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” [2]

Galatians 3:27 is a Hallelujah for those who trust in the Lord’s Promise. Miracles! In Christ: the barren gives birth; those who do not labor receive results; the desolate woman has more children than the woman with husband…

“Rejoice, O barren,
You who do not bear!
Break forth and shout,
You who are not in labor!
For the desolate has many more children
Than she who has a husband.”

Paul emphasizes: “Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are children of promise.” “So then, brothers, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.” [3]

What did Abraham do to deserve such blessings? He believed that God would do for him what he could not accomplish via Sarah… albeit, his faith did falter… he did have a child by Hagar. Still God kept His promise to Abraham. And God credited righteousness to Abraham’s account for believing in Him. Galatians 3:6 says…

“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Then, Paul turns this story on us and says, “Know, therefore, that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham” and adds, “so then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” [4]

What faith? Faith in Christ!

Paul wrote, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles [us non-Jews] in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” [5]

The curses of the law are listed in Leviticus 26:14-39 and Deuteronomy 27:11-26. These curses are for those who do not obey the Lord perfectly.

Jesus Christ obeyed the Law perfectly. He is the only who ever lived in human flesh and did so.

Jesus Christ took the curses which our imperfect obedience deserves and gave us the blessing of Abraham, namely God. We receive the Holy Spirit (the presence of God with us) by believing in Christ. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to believers in Christ. The Holy Spirit helps to live for God.

Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “In Him [Christ] you also trusted… having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.” The Holy Spirit is God’s down-payment on our eternal salvation. He is a sign that God has purchased our salvation and WILL bring us to heaven.

Why is Abraham’s son Isaac so important?

Isaac represents salvation by grace. Christ is a descendant of Isaac. The Seed through whom all the nations are blessed refers to Christ.

“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.” [6]

Paul states that the Law which was given to Moses did not cancel out the Promise that was given to Abraham. He states that the inheritance was given to Abraham in the Promise of Christ. [7]

The conclusion of the matter is this: “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” [8]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious Promise. All good things have come to us in Christ Jesus Your Son. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is Christ in us, the hope of glory. Thanks to the death of Your Son on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, we have a sure promise of entering Heavenly Jerusalem, which is far greater than any Promised Land that ever preceded it. You are our confidence! You are our sure salvation. All glory to You. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”

[1] Galatians 3:22-23
[2] Galatians 3:24-26
[3] Galatians 3:28, 31
[4] Galatians 3:6, 9
[5] Galatians 3:13-14
[6] Galatians 3:16
[7] Galatians 3:17-18
[8] Galatians 3:29

Believing God Despite Difficulties

Isaiah and Jeremiah believed in God despite their experiences of difficulties.

God told Isaiah to write on a tablet...
Make a record…
The people were rebellious…
Refusing to hear the Lord’s law.
Saying to God’s seers, “Don’t see!”
Saying to God’s prophets, “Don’t prophesy!
Don’t declare right things!
Speak to us smooth things!
Prophesy deceit.
Leave God’s way.
Turn from His path,
Cause the Holy One…
To cease from before us.”

Isaiah warned them…

You despise God’s Word…
You trust in oppression and perversity,
Your high wall is about to fall…
It will fall suddenly…
God shall break your wall…
As a potter breaks a pot…
There shall not be a fragment left…
Large enough to carry fire or water.

Then, the Lord advised them…
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence…
Shall be your strength.”

Then, the Lord promised them…

“The Lord will wait…
That He may be gracious to you;
He will be exalted in having mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” [1]

The Lord told Jeremiah…
To break a flask before the leaders and say…
Even so the Lord will break this people and this city,
As one breaks a potter’s vessel,
Because of its idolatry. [2]

Later, Jeremiah wrote Lamentations…
He was greatly aggrieved.
Rather than softening to God’s Word…
His city hardened itself.
They were shattered by an invading force.

In the year 2020 the Lord is saying…

“The just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.” [3]

Our resolution is…

“We are not of those who draw back to perdition,
But of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” [4]

“Dear Heavenly Father,
Please keep our hearts tender to You.
Help us to live by faith…
As Your Son said to Satan…
‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word that…
Proceeds from the mouth of God.’
Please grant us grace…
Please fill us with Your Holy Spirit…
So that we live by faith…
And never turn back.
In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!”

[1] Isaiah 30:8-15, 18
[2] Jeremiah 19:10-13
[3] Hebrews 10:38
[4] Hebrews 10:39

Power in the Name of Jesus

Once, two Christians were going to a place of public prayer.
On the way, they met a beggar.
The beggar had never been able to walk.
He asked the Christians for money.
One of them said to the man, “Look at us.”
The beggar expected the Christian to give him money.
But the Christian said to the beggar...

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Immediately, the beggar’s bones received strength. The beggar entered the place of public prayer with the men. He was walking, leaping, and praising God. When the people saw him walking and praising God, they were amazed, because they knew that he was the beggar that was previously lame.

Since there were many people there who did not believe in Jesus, the Christian began telling all the people around him the story of Jesus. He told the crowd that the beggar’s healing was achieved through faith in name of Jesus. He said, “Faith in Jesus gave this man perfect wholeness.”

The Christian urged the people to repent and be converted so that their sins would be forgiven and so that they too could receive the refreshing presence of Jesus.

Before the Christians could finish speaking, authorities arrested them and placed them in detention for the night.

While on trial, the Christians proclaimed that the lame was healed by the power of the name of Jesus Christ.

They proclaimed that salvation is in the name of Jesus.

After threatening them, the authorities released them.

The authorities could not punish the Christians since the whole community was glorifying God due to the miracle.

The man that Jesus healed was over forty years old.

About 5,000 men believed in Jesus from that incident. [1]

“Thank You Jesus for the faith that You gave Peter and John that day, please help us Christians in 2020 to have the same assurance of faith in Your Name so that more people will see and hear the power of Your Name and believe in You. For it is in Your Name that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Acts 3:1 - 4:21

Let Us Remember

“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” [1]

This morning, a couple of news articles caught my attention:

“ISIS beheads 10 Christian captives… and shooting an 11th in Nigeria, as part of a grisly campaign to avenge the deaths of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the group's spokesman.” [2]

“Police throughout China target Christians and demolish churches. Iran and North Korea… both regimes exert the full strength of their security apparatuses to spy on, imprison, torture, and even execute people who do not belong to either state’s official religion.” [3]

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for blessing us with food, clothes, dwelling places, transportation and for freedom to worship You in public places. Today, we remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their love for You. Please rescue them from the hands of those who seek to do them harm. Please provide for their needs and for the needs of their families. Please send forth Your holy angels to help them. For it is in Your Name that we pray, Amen.”

[1] Hebrews 13:3
[2] By Barnini Chakraborty | Fox News
[3] By Rev. Joseph D'Souza | Fox News

Faithful Stewards

“No servant 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.” [1]

Jesus was speaking to His disciples. Pharisees were within hearing distance of him. The Pharisees were the managers of religious teaching. Prior to teaching that no man can serve God and mammon (worldly wealth), Jesus told the parable of a steward who misused his position to cheat his master.

The Pharisees did not appreciate what Jesus was teaching His disciples. Consider this! Jesus was in the process of training a new group of leaders to replace the Pharisees. What does the Bible say about the Pharisees? How did they react to what Jesus taught His disciples?

“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.” [2]

The Pharisees mismanaged the positions God gave them. They were unjust stewards. The first portion of Luke 16 is about a steward who embezzled his master’s money. The Pharisees were serving money and not God. They derided the Messiah that God sent to the world.

The last portion of Luke 16 is a parable about a rich man and a poor man. They both die. The rich man ends up in Hades and the poor man ends up in next to Abraham. The rich man is in the torment of flames while the poor man is comforted.

“Lord Jesus, please forgive us for all the times worldly concerns have become larger than You, and larger than the mission that You have given us, namely, the ministry of soul-salvation. Please help us Your people to be found faithful to You and to Your mission when You return.”

[1] Luke 16:13
[2] Luke 16:14

Prepare to Meet Your God

Five calamites, and yet, they did not return to the Lord.

Lack of bread in all your places – “Yet you have not returned to Me” [1]
Lack of rain and drinking water – “Yet you have not returned to Me” [2]
Disease/pests against their crops – “Yet you have not returned to Me” [3]
Death via plague and war – “Yet you have not returned to Me” [4]
Overthrow as Sodom overthrown – “Yet you have not returned to Me” [5]

So now, “Prepare to meet your God!” [6]

With so much evil happening in our country, you would think there would be a massive turning the Lord. So many “leaders” are defiantly legislating against the Lord. We have mass shootings. We have mass addiction to alcohol, harmful drugs, and pornography. Rather than “fear the Lord,” the message of the day is “fear to believe in God and obey Him.”

“Judah was carried away captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.” [7]

The people of Judah are a negative example for us. They would not worship the Lord. They were defiant. They delighted in a culture of no boundaries. What happened to them? Their land was invaded, destroyed and they were deported to serve the whims of a cruel tyrant.

One of their nation’s founders wrote, “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!” [8] But now they despise those who invested in their future.

A wise king instructed his people this way: “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you spank him, he will not die. You shall spank him and deliver his soul from hell.” [9] Offer a lesser pain in a loving way to save the child from a greater pain later on.

The wise king also wrote, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.” [10]

There is a hereafter. A face-to-face encounter with a holy God! God advises us to prepare to meet Him. It is going to happen.

The Apostle Paul advises us to... “Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” [11]

Christ is the answer! He transforms sinners into saints. Rather than defiance choose dependence! Rely on Christ. Daily place yourself in His hands. With the backing of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe you will be prepared to meet Him.

[1] Amos 4:6
[2] Amos 4:7-8
[3] Amos 4:9
[4] Amos 4:10
[5] Amos 4:11
[6] Amos 4:12
[7] 1 Chronicles 9:1
[8] Psalm 106:3
[9] Proverbs 23:13-14
[10] Proverbs 23:17-18
[11] Ephesians 4:22-24

Avoid Behavioral Bear Traps

“The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” [1]

Transgressors stumble over the Lord’s ways because He neither sins nor condones sin. “Why” say they, “would anyone not want to sin?” The righteous are blessed by the Lord to keep eternity in their view.

“Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” [2]

How did the devil lure our first parents into sin? He got them to doubt the Lord’s Word.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” [3]

Stay on the road of holy conduct and far from evil.

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” [4]

We need the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to avoid being lured from our steadfastness by the wily devil. He is a master-hunter. He cannot hurt the Lord, so he seeks to trap and destroy us who are made in God’s image. However, if we cling to Christ, Christ will save us from him.

Praise the Lord!

[1] Hosea 14:9
[2] 2 Peter 3:3-4
[3] 2 Peter 3:10-11
[4] 2 Peter 3:17-18

A Sign

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” [1]

“Observe mercy and justice and wait on your God continually.” [2]

“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous and self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.” [3]

Signs!

When we are driving, the information posted on road signs help us to know when to turn, when to slow down or speed up, as well as when to stop. The information affirms to us if we are on the right or wrong road.

The Bible is a sign that is full of helpful information. Proverbs 11:3 says that integrity and uprightness is the right road while perversity and unfaithfulness are the wrong road. Hosea 12:6 advises us to observe mercy and justice, and to wait on God rather than to proceed forward without Him. 2 Peter 2:9-10 says that the Lord is the Deliverer from temptation. The Lord says that lusting after the flesh and despising authorities is a wrong turn. He advises us not to be presumptuous, self-willed, and bold to speak evil of people in authority.

The angel told the shepherds on the first Christmas morning, "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” The angel told the shepherds that this child is the Messiah and Savior. [4]

“Lord God Heavenly Father, please help us see and follow the sign that You have provided for us: The Bible and Your Son Jesus Christ. Your Son became flesh and dwelt among us. He was born on earth and placed in a manger. He saves us from our sin. Please Holy Spirit help us to daily observe these signs so that we avoid an eternally bad accident on our way to heaven. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

[1] Proverbs 11:3
[2] Hosea 12:6
[3] 2 Peter 2:9-10
[4] Luke 2:11-12

Partakers of God’s Divine Nature

The Bible places God and Jesus our Lord on an equal plain. Both are referred to as “His divine power.” The Father and the Son, with the Holy Spirit are the Holy Trinity. The one and only Triune God.

Praise be to our Triune God for blessing us to partake of His divine nature. He helps us to escape the corruption that is in the world. Our diligence, faith, divine knowledge, self-control, perseverance, self-control, brotherly kindness, and love are from God. These blessings make us fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus our Lord.

The Lord grants us diligence to make our calling and election sure so that we do not stumble along the way, but the rather, enjoy an abundant entrance into His everlasting kingdom.

Others & Still Others

“Others...
Were tortured,
Not accepting deliverance,
That they might obtain a better resurrection.

Still others...
Experienced trials of mocking and scourging,
Yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
They were stoned,
They were sawn in two,
They were tempted,
They were slain with the sword.
They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins,
Being destitute, afflicted, tormented—
Of whom the world was not worthy.
They wandered in deserts and mountains,
In dens and caves of the earth.” [1]

“Others… still others” are the heroes of the faith whose names are not given in the Bible. These heroes of the faith wanted a better resurrection. They did not want their rewards on earth. They went through severe trials of the faith on behalf of the Word of the Lord. Their trials included physical pain, emotional pain, being misunderstood, maligned, and mistreated.

These “Others… still others” were a stumbling block to the world. The world wonders, “Why do you endure such treatment for a God that does not save you?” “Are you made in God's image? Look how marred and beaten you are!” “Yes,” the others… still others reply. “Our God became a man with an appearance that was marred more than any other man.” [2]

“Holy Spirit, please fill us with the love of God and neighbor so that we willingly endure trials of the faith for the sake of glory of Jesus Christ and for the sake of presenting the Gospel to lost souls.”

[1] Hebrews 11:35-38
[2] Isaiah 52:14

Come Lord Jesus!

The Lord gave Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the ruling empire of his time, a prophetic dream. The Lord gave Daniel the interpretation of the dream. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar the dream’s meaning.

“You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” [1]

The iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold represented the last of the last great worldly empires to rule over the world. These empires were impressive for people to behold. They seemed unbreakable, but after a little stone hit them, they were totally gone.

That little stone that becomes a great mountain and fills the earth is the Kingdom of God. His kingdom came to earth in the form of a baby born in a manger. This stone may seem harmless, even laughable to some, like a children’s story, but the little stone, Christ, shall bring down the mighty kingdoms of this world and replace them, and His kingdom shall not end. His kingdom shall never be overthrown. No more flip flopping between one political party and another. His Kingdom shall be firm like a rock, as well as great and glorious!

“Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” [2]

“Yes, come a second time Lord Jesus!”

[1]  Daniel 2:34-35
[2] Hebrews 9:28

Magnifying the Lord

“Mary said:

‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
Holy is His name.

He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.’” [1]

Mary said that she was of lowly state. She was the Lord’s maidservant. She was the servant of God not men. She waited on the Lord much like a waitress waits on customers at a meal table. She rejoices in God her Savior because He respected the lowly and the hungry more so than the mighty, proud, and rich. He chose her of all people to be the earthly mother of the Savior of the world. The Lord scattered the proud people who were full of imaginations about themselves. The proud had so much yet believed that they deserved and should have more. The Lord sent them a running. He chose the humble.

Yesterday, the Lord placed in Sherry’s heart a strong desire to take blankets, socks, and packets of tissues to the homeless street dwellers by the bay. They were so grateful for these blessings. It was 46 degrees at the time. She gave food to one woman who was so weak she tried to talk but no words came out of her mouth.

Sherry also has a homeless man named Adam that sits by her kettle stand at the Metreon. She has been sharing Jesus with him and praying for him daily. Adam told her about the homeless people living near Embarcadero.

When I consider all the time and money that is wasted on entertainment… sports, games, TV, movies, eating out, etc., all connected to the world of fantasy and imaginations… compared to watching Sherry distribute much needed supplies and love to the poor… REALITY, I choose to magnify the LORD.

“Thank You Jesus for choosing to do great things through Your handmaiden Mary. Thank You Jesus for Your servant Sherry...my precious grace gift from You! You who are mighty have done great things for me. Holy is Your Name!”

[1] Luke 1:46-49, 51-53

God’s Word Produces Faith in Him

Below are three Bible passages about the power of God’s Word and four Bible passages about the power of faith in God.  

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,

Yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” [1]

“How much better to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

He who heeds the word wisely will find good,

And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.”

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. [2]

“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.” [3]

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” [4]

“God gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” [5]

“So, then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [6]

Not only does God’s Word compel us away-from foolishness and ungodliness, He produces faith in us through it so we can believe that the unseen can become seen as we trust in Him. God speaks things into existence that formerly did not exist.

“…God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” [7]

God can even produce followers of Christ out of stones.

“Yay, Lord, we need stones to become children of Abraham because the work is great and the laborers (of Your Word) are few.”

[1] Psalm 19:7-10

[2] Proverbs 16:16, 20, 24

[3] 2 Timothy 3:16-17

[4] Hebrews 11:1-3

[5] Romans 10:17

[6] Romans 4:17

[7] Matthew 3:9

Wrath Or Salvation?

Psalm 7:11 says, “God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”

Psalm 9:16-20 says, “The Lord is known by the judgment He executes. The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation! Selah! The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten. The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail. Let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah!”

Romans 1:18, 28 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.”

Romans 3:26 says, “God is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

There’s only one way to escape the wrath of God against sin. His Name is Jesus. Jesus took the wrath of God for our sin when He died for us on the cross. We can enter eternity trusting in our own righteousness and drink the cup of God’s wrath against sin, because we all have sinned. Or we can enter eternity trusting in the merits of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and enjoy the cup of God’s forgiveness. God justifies and saves the person who believes in His Son Jesus Christ.

Worthless Gold ~ Precious Blood

“They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be like garbage; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord; they will not satisfy their souls, nor fill their stomachs, because it (money) became their stumbling block of iniquity.” [1]

The Bible is clear about God’s wrath. There are numerous stories and declarations of His wrath throughout the Bible. In God’s economy sin is unacceptable. No matter how much money a person has, no matter how many friends and no matter how the world praises one for his or her talent, if God’s forgiveness of sin is not appropriated by faith in His Son Jesus Christ, a sinner is still under His wrath.

“God our Savior... desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all...” [2]

Thankfully, God wants all people to be saved from His wrath against sin. This is why He sent His Son into the world. Jesus taught the truth. He died for the truth. He never sinned. He purchased God’s forgiveness of sin with His own blood. Jesus did not ransom us with silver or gold, but with His own precious blood. The Bible clearly states that Jesus Christ is the only Mediator (bridge) between God and humanity. Jesus Christ is the One who paid our ransom. We were slaves of sin and the devil, but Jesus paid our ransom and set us free.

Praise the Lord! Our Redeemer lives!

[1] Ezekiel 9:16
[2] 1 Timothy 2:3-6

God’s Word Runs Swiftly

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.” [1]

Yes, may God’s Word run swiftly like a river running down a mountainside to nourish the dry land of the farmers.

Yesterday, as I walked through streets of Chinatown, I saw so many busy people. Some were shopping! Others were restocking the food bins in front of their stores.

The Holy Spirit was pouring forth prayers for them into my heart. The Holy Spirit opened the way for me to pour forth God’s Word into two souls. The Holy Spirit poured forth the proclamation of Christ. “Thank You Holy Spirit for Your ministry in God's people, the Church.”

“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.” [2]

Proclaiming the good news of how Christ died on the cross for sinners so that sin is forgiven to all who believe... this is a wonderful ministry! Good news of eternal life! A happy life when the page is turned from earthly life to heavenly life!

We do need to pray for those who share the Good News of Christ. The enemy of humankind, Satan, seeks to harm and humiliate good news messengers. Paul asked the Thessalonian Christians to pray that he and his fellow messengers would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.

“Heavenly Father, please protect by the power of Jesus' Name, all Your servants who serving-up Your good news message to the world today. Please fill Your servants with joy unspeakable and full of glory. For Your JOY is our strength. May Your Word run very swiftly. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.”

[1] 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
[2] Psalm 144:15

Beware Of Scams

“Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head [Jesus Christ], from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” [1]

Paul warned the Colossians against counterfeit beliefs that would scam them out of eternal rewards.

Only faith in Jesus Christ nourishes and grows us towards eternal rewards. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Christian faith.

Are we steadfastly connected to a body of believers who recognize Christ as the Head of the Church?

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.” [2]

Why is it important to confess that Christ came in the flesh? Any group of believers who does not acknowledge and confess the necessity of the Son of God to become a human sacrifice for our sins is deceiving its followers. They are placing something else, anti and instead of Christ as the most important teaching of the Church.

“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.” [3]

“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Christian faith, please keep us Your people from being scammed out of the most important doctrine of the Bible, namely that YOU ALONE are the MESSIAH. In YOU ALONE is eternal salvation. Please help us to always acknowledge and confess YOU as our HEAD… the Only One to guide, nourish and grow us as a body. For it is in YOUR NAME JESUS, that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Colossians 2:18-19
[2] 2 John 1:7-8
[3] 2 John 1:9

Celebration Despite Contention

“Woe is me, my mother,
That you have borne me,
A man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth!
I have neither lent for interest,
Nor have men lent to me for interest.
Every one of them curses me.

Know that for Your sake I have suffered rebuke.

Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.” [1]

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

The Prophet Jeremiah lamented that he was in a place where his love for God and for God’s Word yielded for him strife, contention, curses and rebuke, but nevertheless, he could say to God, “Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” He was glad to be called by God’s Name.

The Apostle Paul marveled that he who was so small in his own eyes, was given grace by God to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ among non-Jews.

The grace of God that calls a man or woman to love Him and His Word is a marvelous gift. There are riches beyond compare in Christ our Savior. Our God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, abundantly fills our cup until overflowing with revelations of Himself that make up the difference when we encounter contention.

[1] Jeremiah 17:10, 15-16
[2] Ephesians 3:8

Saying No to the flesh and Yes to the Holy Spirit

“‘When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adultery and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses. They were like well-fed lusty stallions; everyone one neighed after his neighbor’s wife. Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord. ‘And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’” [1]

 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

“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.” [2]

The solution to breaking bondages of the flesh is to live by dependence on a higher power, namely the power of the Holy Spirit. Live for a higher purpose than gratifying the sinful nature! Live to love God and your neighbor by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” [3]

Good fruit, godly fruit, coming forth from your life is a blessing to God your Father, to your neighbor and to yourself as well.

[1] Jeremiah 5:7-9
[2] Galatians 5:16, 24-25
[3] Galatians 5:22-23

Lamentations

“They have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ My people have forgotten Me days without number.” [1]

Lament! God the Creator and Sustainer of the universe laments. He grieves. People that He poured out so much love for... people that He cared for deeply... they turned their back on Him. They forgot Him. They only remember Him when they need help.

Is loving people a worthy cause when they are so prone to grieve the heart of a loving God?

The people of whom God speaks of in Jeremiah’s prophecy did pay a price for going their own way..

“Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you.

Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the Lord your God, and the fear of Me is not in you, says the Lord God of hosts.” [2]

The bad oats they sowed produced a harvest of trouble for them.

Not only this, but they embittered by their misbehavior the most loving being in the universe, namely, God their Creator and Heavenly Father. “The fear of Me is not in you...” They gave God disrespect instead of glory, praise and grateful service.

How often have we done to God what Jeremiah’s people did to Him?

May the Lord grant us grace to repent so that when He corrects us, we do not harden our hearts, but instead, ask Him to forgive us and to teach us how to love Him as He loves us.

[1] Jeremiah 2:27, 31
[2] Jeremiah 2:19

The Gospel Conveys Good Gifts

“Foolish!” “Bewitched!” The Galatians forgot that Christ was portrayed among them as CRUCIFIED. We need portrayals of Christ crucified to remind us that the cross, not human achievement, is the basis of God's blessing. [1]

“You cannot say that you received the Holy Spirit by the Law. But as soon as the Gospel came your way, you received the Holy Spirit by the simple hearing of faith, before you ever had a chance to do a single good deed. It is the nature of the Gospel to convey good gifts.” [2] Luke verifies this statement in the Book of Acts: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the Word.” “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” [3]

Paul considered it foolish to seek Christian perfection by dependence on works of the flesh instead of by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. [4]

Abraham “BELIEVED God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” [5]

Only those who are of FAITH are sons of Abraham. [6]

“In you [Abraham] all the nations shall be BLESSED” means in Abraham’s faith. [7] Faith in God is always what saves people. Those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. [8]

To try to be righteous before God by our works is to be under the curse of the law. Self-righteousness is a curse because we must continue in all things which are written in the book of the Law (which is impossible) and in the end still be condemned by the Law. [9]

Christ REDEEMED us from the curse of the law by becoming accursed for us. [10] Why would anyone want to be self-righteous and be accursed? Christ took our sinful curse upon Himself and offers His righteous merits to us as we trust in Him.

God’s promise of blessing was to Abraham and to his Seed. This Seed refers to CHRIST. It is in Christ that we are blessed and not in becoming a Jew. [11]

Our divine inheritance comes to us by believing God’s PROMISE. [12]

The purpose of the Law is to help us be aware of our TRANSGRESSIONS. [13]

SCRIPTURE has confined all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. [14]

The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED by faith.

We are all sons of God through faith in CHRIST. [15]

In Jewish literature, “sons-of-God” was a title of highest honor, used only for "the members of righteous Israel, destined to inherit the eschatological blessings" (Byrne 1979:174). But now Gentiles—the rejected, the outsiders, the sinners, those who do not observe the law—are called sons of God. How could a Gentile ever be called a child of God? Paul's answer is clear—through faith in Christ Jesus. Since Christ Jesus is the “Son of God,” all who by faith are in Christ are also sons of God.” [16]

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” means that all people in Christ are considered equally as God’s children. [17] There is no sibling rivalry. No racism. No higher and lower caste of people.

When we are Christ’s, we are Abraham’s seed, and HEIRS according to the promise. [18]

[1] Galatians 3:1 & IVP Commentary
[2] Martin Luther’s Commentary
[3] Acts 10:44; 11:15
[4] Galatians 3:3
[5] Galatians 3:6
[6] Galatians 3:7
[7] Galatians 3:8
[8] Galatians 3:9
[9] Galatians 3:10
[10] Galatians 3:13
[11] Galatians 3:16
[12] Galatians 3:18
[13] Galatians 3:19
[14] Galatians 3:22
[15] Galatians 3:26
[16] Blue Letter Commentary
[17] Galatians 3:28
[18] Galatians 3:29

My Soul Delights in His Abundance

The Lord says to us if we are thirsty to come to Him. He will quench our thirst free of charge…

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy, and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” [1]

He delights my soul in His abundance. [2]

He gives me the sure mercies of David when I am with Him. [3]

He gives me mercy and abundant pardon, as I seek Him, call upon Him, forsake wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts and return to Him. [4]

The Lord’s thoughts are not my thoughts, and my ways are not His ways, because as the heavens are higher than the earth, God’s ways and thoughts are higher than mine. [5]

The Lord’s Word is like rain and snow that water the earth, and make the earth bring forth and bud, and to provide seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. God’s Word is like that. It does not return empty-handed. It brings forth results. God’s Word accomplishes what He pleases. It prospers in the thing for which He sent it. [6]

Thank You God for Your Word!

In the Lord I have joy and peace, singing and clapping.

“For you shall go out with joy and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” [7]

He removes that which tears and hurts, and gives that which delights…

“Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree...” [8]

“Thank You Heavenly Father that daily You minister to and bless whoever will come to You.”

[1] Isaiah 55:1
[2] Isaiah 55:2
[3] Isaiah 55:3
[4] Isaiah 55:6-7
[5] Isaiah 55:8-9
[6] Isaiah 55:10-11
[7] Isaiah 55:12
[8] Isaiah 55:13

The Heavenly Economy

Mr. Sylvester McMonkey McBean seemed on the surface to be one smart cookie. He got the Star-belly Sneetches and the Plain-belly Sneetches to compete with one another so that he could become rich from their investments to be “Numero Uno.” I wonder how many relatives of Mr. McBean live in our countries… politicians, those connected with sports leagues, beauty pageants, entrepreneurs, news media outlets.

God has a better economy. One not based on dollars and competition, but based on love, faithfulness, and everlasting values.

Inspired by God, King David wrote:

“Those who trust in their wealth
And boast in the multitude of their riches,
None of them can by any means redeem his brother,
Nor give to God a ransom for him—
For the redemption of their souls is costly,
And it shall cease forever—
That he should continue to live eternally,
And not see the Pit.” [1]

Money cannot ultimately thwart death for me or for anyone else.

“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.” [2]

This world is passing away.

What is considered success here, is not success in the life after death.

“Here is the man who did not make God his strength,
But trusted in the abundance of his riches,
And strengthened himself in his wickedness.” [3]

Will the statement above be a fitting epitaph on our gravestone? I hope not.

Jesus Christ demonstrated the economy of heaven by His choices…

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” [4]

He sacrificed Himself for our sins, so that our sins would be forgiven and forgotten by God His Father and that all who believe in Him could have a “happily-ever-after” in heaven with God forever when this life is over.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely, they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.” [5]

The Godhead was forever changed when Christ came to earth. Now, in heaven, there appears a Lamb of God, the Son of God [6]. He still bears the wounds He received on earth for our sake. He holds those hands out as He intercedes for us that each person on earth will choose life… that we will believe in Him and receive everlasting life. [7]

What is the proper response to such an opportunity to escape from the evil ways of this world and to gain an entrance into such a heavenly one?

“Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now, our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

We can cry out to God as King David did when he realized he had made the wrong choices due to the evil desires in his heart…

“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.” [9]

Why? Because…

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.” [10]

[1] Psalm 49:6-9
[2] Psalm 49:16-20
[3] Psalm 52:7
[4] 2 Corinthians 8:9
[5] Isaiah 49:15-16
[6] Revelation 5:6
[7] John 1:11-12
[8] Romans 13:11-14
[9] Psalm 51:10-13
[10] Psalm 51:17

Credit to Dr. Seuss for this publication. 

Publisher	Redbook (magazines) Random House (book)
Publication date	July 1953 (Redbook) (The Sneetches) March 1954 (Redbook) (The Zax) August 28, 1961 (renewed 1989)

A Disturbing Vision

The Spirit of the Lord brought Prophet Ezekiel to Jerusalem to show him an image of jealousy. The Lord said to him, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations.” [1]

The Lord showed Ezekiel images of idols on the walls. Elders of the people were worshipping idols. These leaders said, “The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.” [2]

Then, the Lord showed him women who were sitting in the Lord’s house weeping for Tammuz - a fertility god. [3] After this the Lord showed him 25 men worshiping the sun. [4]

The Lord was determined to respond in fury: “My eye will not spare, nor will I have pity; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.” [5]

The Lord called one of His angelic servants and said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.” [6] Then, the Lord said to five angelic servants, “Go after him through the city and kill… but do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.” [7]

Ezekiel fell on his face and cried out, and said, “Ah, Lord God! Will You destroy all the remnant of Israel in pouring out Your fury on Jerusalem?” The Lord replied, “The iniquity… is exceedingly great, and the land is full of bloodshed, and the city full of perversity…” [8]

“Lord, how many people are kindling Your anger today by the things they do in Your Name?”

The Apostle Paul, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” [9]

“Lord Jesus, please help us in the spiritual battle of turning people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in You. Please turn the carnally minded to the saving and sanctifying work of Your Holy Spirit. For it is in Your Name we pray. Amen.”

[1] Ezekiel 8:6
[2] Ezekiel 8:12
[3] Ezekiel 8:14
[4] Ezekiel 8:16
[5] Ezekiel 8:18
[6] Ezekiel 9:4
[7] Ezekiel 9:5-6
[8] Ezekiel 9:8-9
[9] Romans 8:5-6

The Gift of Repentance

“The goodness of God leads you to repentance.” [1]

“When He [the Holy Spirit] has come… He will convict the world of sin.” [2]

“Thank You Holy Spirit for convicting us of sin!”

Apart from divine revelation, we cannot see our sin or feel how bad it is before God and others. The revelation of God’s holiness moves sinners to repent. The revelation that the sin of sinners slew the Son of God moves sinners to repent. Repentance is when God empowers you to confess your sins, and to ask His forgiveness. Repentance is when God inspires you to place your life in His hands, because on your own, you only mess it up.

James, the servant of our Lord, wrote: “Adulterers and adulteresses! ...Friendship with the world is enmity with God. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” [3]

“Heavenly Abba Father, thank You for the gift of repentance. To confess our sins! Receive Your forgiveness! Be transformed by Your Holy Spirit working in us. You are so good to us! In the Name of Jesus Your Son I pray. Amen.”

[1] Romans 2:4
[2] John 16:8
[3] James 4:4, 6-8, 10

Choose Life Not Death

Once, when my parents, siblings, and I were on vacation, a car passed us when it was unsafe to do so. We were on a two-lane highway that was strewn with multiple hills and valleys. When he passed us, he could not see if an oncoming car was just behind the next hill.

The car had obviously stopped ahead of us somewhere after the first pass-by. The second pass-by was also done on a double yellow line. That driver had no way of knowing if an oncoming car was on the other side of the hill. I remember my Mom saying the first time, “That’s dangerous!!!”

As that car passed us a second time, my eyes connected with a boy my age. He peered at me through his window. He smiled and waved. He was enjoying passing so many others. We watched in horror as an on-coming car nearly hit him head-on.

The driver of that car ignored the speed limit signs, ignored the double yellow line, and ignored the obvious danger of overtaking cars on curves and hills.

A little while later, we came to the scene of a horrific multi-car crash. Two semi-trucks were overturned in the fields besides the road, two cars were severely damaged and that car with the boy my age in it was a mangled mess. No one in that mangled wreckage could have survived.

I was perhaps five years old, but never forgot that day. How I wish the father of that family had followed the rules of the road. His disdain for rules destroyed him, his family members, and other motorists.

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” [1] God gives us rules and promptings to save us from harm. He loves us and wants what is best for us. “I have set life and death before you, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” [2]

“Thank You Heavenly Father for prompting us to make good decisions via Your Holy Spirit and via Your Word. Please continue to help us choose life not death.”

[1] Proverbs 14:27
[2] Deuteronomy 30:19

The Lamb Overcomes the Beast

Headline:

Beauty and Beast at War with Christ

Who is the Beauty and who is the Beast?

The Beauty is a seducer. The Beast is a destroyer. They are one-two punches of the devil designed to knock-out the faithful servants of Christ. If the beauty of the world and its pleasures fail to seduce you to deny the Lord, the beast threatens to hurt and destroy you.

The Beauty and Beast compel young people to defy and disrespect those who are older and more honorable than them. “The people will be oppressed, everyone by another and everyone by his neighbor; the child will be insolent toward the elder, and the base toward the honorable.” [1]

What is at stake if you yield to beauty or beast? Eternal salvation! Heaven or hell! Life with God or eternal suffering with the devil. Big stakes. Yet, who is fighting the battles for the salvation of the world? The worst defeat is to lose one’s soul to hell for all eternity.

Who has put on their spiritual armor? Who has read the battle manual – the Bible? Who is taking orders from the Captain of our salvation? [2] Who is marching to war?

“The kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her [the Harlot’s – the Beauty’s] fornication.” She was sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy. She was drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. [3]

The beast will work with kings of the earth to make war with the Lamb [Jesus Christ] but 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.” [4]

We need to remain in Christ to WIN! “Those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful.” The question is... are we with Him... with JESUS?

[1] Isaiah 3:5
[2] Hebrews 2:10
[3] Revelation 17:2-3, 6
[4] Revelation 17:14

Much Grain

“At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” [1]

We never know what is going to catch someone’s attention for Christ. In this case, it was two men singing hymns and praying to God after they had been beaten and imprisoned. Their fellow prisoners listened to them.

“And he [the prison guard] brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’” [2]

It was a moment of great joy for Paul and Silas. Out of their hardship came forth an opportunity to share the Gospel. The prison guard and his entire family believed in Christ.

Jesus taught, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” [3]

Why do we try to preserve the seed? Dress it up in special clothes? Surround it with comforts? Put it in on platform? Jesus said unless the seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. If the seed dies, it produces MUCH GRAIN!.

“Lord Jesus, please help us to be faithful to speak of You, to sing of You, to pray to You, to die to self for You, so that You can produce much grain through us. For it is in Your Name that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Acts 16:25
[2] Acts 16:30-31
[3] John 12:24

Grateful For Gospel Proclaimers

“Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.”

“Yes, Lord, please have mercy on all who are being treated with contempt and scorn by proud people who do not want to yield to the message of salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ. Thank You for all Your servants in my life who have humbly upheld Your honor and shared Your Gospel with me. I would have not known You without their dedication to You.”

Praise the Lord for “men [and women] who have risked their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2]

[1] Psalm 123:3-4
[2] Acts 15:26

Wisdom Calls Out

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; my son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, ‘Come with us we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse’—my son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; they lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it [greed] takes away the life of its owners.

Wisdom calls aloud outside…

Turn at My rebuke;

Surely, I will pour out My Spirit on you;

I will make My words known to you.

Whoever listens to Me [the Lord] will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” [1]

The fear of the Lord or a reverent heart towards God is the beginning of wisdom. A humble state before God is good place to be when the Holy Spirit is speaking. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom. He urges God’s people not to join with greedy sinners. He promises to pour out on those who listen to Him, and to make God’s Word known to them. The Holy Spirit leads His listeners down safe rather than dangerous paths.

[1] Proverbs 1:7-8, 10-11, 13-15, 18-20, 23, 33