The Importance of Repentance

“Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.” [1]

Jesus called sinners to repentance. Sin is an evil fruit. It destroys those who partake of it.

Throughout the Old Testament, God called His people to bring animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. Atonement for sin was a key function of the tabernacle and the priesthood.

Sin must be atoned for with blood: “Without shedding of blood there is no remission.” [2]

When Jesus instituted communion, He told His disciples, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” [3]

Jesus reached out to the last, the least and the lost, but His message to everyone was the same. Sin must be repented of. It must be atoned for. The Old Testament animals sacrifices were a type of His sacrifice, but they were imperfect. They had to be done over and over again. The sacrifice of Christ for our sins was a ONCE-FOR-ALL sacrifice.

Jesus “does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did ONCE FOR ALL when He offered up Himself.” [4]

“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place ONCE FOR ALL, having obtained eternal redemption.” [5]

“...But now, ONCE at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” [6]

“So 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.” [7]

“...We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.” [8]

So, Jesus rebuked and pronounced woes over the cities that did not repent. [9] Sin separates people from God. Jesus brings people close to God through the forgiveness of their sins, but proud people rejected this theology of Jesus, which, by the way, is the theology of the Bible.

But to those who come to God on God’s terms, Jesus says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [10] Once, sin is atoned for, there is wonderful fellowship with God and with His people.

John Wesley, at the height of the great awakening, preached that people are depraved due to sin and need to be converted by Christ to become new creations. Many sinners found forgiveness and renewal thanks to John’s Holy-Spirit-led and Biblically based preaching. May the Lord bring such preaching to the USA ONCE AGAIN.

[1] Matthew 11:20
[2] Hebrews 9:22
[3] Matthew 26:28
[4] Hebrews 7:27
[5] Hebrews 9:12
[6] Hebrews 9:26
[7] Hebrews 9:28
[8] Hebrews 10:10
[9] Matthew 11:21-24
[10] Matthew 11:30

The Surrendered Life

Jesus taught us what to expect as we serve Him in this sinful world. He told us that what He experienced, we too would experience. However, in the end, God will make the truth known...

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” [1]

When evil comes at us, Jesus urged us to weigh between the lesser of two evils. He said...

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

Yes, antagonists may inflict physical and emotional duress on us as we proclaim Christ, but those who die without Jesus Christ will definitely experience a life much worse than that.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” [3]

The ill-treatment that sometimes comes to us who proclaim Christ is not a reflection of God’s love for us. It comes to us from Satan who hates the servants of Christ. These times are opportunities to show how greatly God loves sinners. Keep loving them. You are experiencing what Jesus experienced. God is maligned and ill-treated daily. The truth about you is that you are more valuable to God than many sparrows. He not only has your back, He also has your hair. He knows the number of hairs are on your head.

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” [4]

This is the crux of the matter. Do we want Jesus to confess us before the Father in heaven? If so, then, we need to confess Him before people. This is our primary objective.

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” [5]

Jesus promises us that if we lose our life... if we yield it for His cause... if we surrender our lives to Him for His use, there will be a good outcome. He will ensure it happens. God will give us a better life than the one we left behind for Him.

[1] Matthew 10:24-26
[2] Matthew 10:28
[3] Matthew 10:29-31
[4] Matthew 10:32-33
[5] Matthew 10:39

Come Humble Ones To Jesus

“When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” [1]

Bring them on! Kind and caring souls brought struggling people to Jesus. Demons had made their lives horrible. Jesus spoke a word and the demons departed from them. Others were battling infirmities. Jesus healed them.

Yes, God wants us to be whole. He also cares for our souls. Only He saves our souls from everlasting torment and brings us to heaven.

The worst disaster or crisis to avert in this life is the crisis of faith. Without faith in Christ it is impossible to be saved eternally. Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life. We must believe in Him to be saved.

Saving faith in Jesus is not a mere intellectual assent to information from the Bible, but a conversion of the soul thanks to a divine work of God in one’s heart. We each need the revelation that Jesus is God’s Messiah. He is the Savior of the world. This divine revelation prompts to action.

Like the humble souls in the Gospel, seek Jesus for a miracle. Jesus is the answer for your dilemma. Our Lord Jesus will respond to you with love and grace.

[1] Matthew 8:16-17

Faith in Good News

“The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” [1]

The Kingdom of God was near in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus told the disciples of John the Baptist... “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” [2]

What was needed then, and what is needed now is repentance and faith in the Good News.

What is the Good News?

The Good News is that God so loves the world that He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins and to resurrect from the dead so that we may have a happily ever afterlife with God.

This Good News should not be glossed over. Should not be put on a shelf! Should not be taken for granted! Should not be doubted! It is to be believed!

Jesus has written your name in the Book of Life! Why? Because you simply believe that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and your sin. Your confidence is in His merits not your own. We KNOW that He has made His eternity our eternity as well.

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” [3]

Jesus prepares a place for each of us who believe in Him! It’s a place in His Father’s house. We get to be with the Father of all life and the Father of all creation forever and ever.

Let us pray...

“Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name. I will praise You, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your Name forever. For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.” [4]

[1] Mark 1:15
[2] Matthew 11:5
[3] John 14:1-3
[4] Psalm 86:11-13

The Love of God

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” [1]

LOVE! “Yes, Heavenly Father, we love You with heart, soul, and mind, but confess that our love is too small. You who are worthy of so much more love than we give. We want to love You much more than we do.”

“...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” [2]

“Thank You Holy Spirit for pouring into our hearts love for God.”

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” [3]

“Yes, Lord Jesus, to overcome the tendency to be self-oriented, we need Your grace to forgive and to help us to be more others oriented like You are.”

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” [4]

“Yes, God, continue to root out imperfect love. Love that does not reach the intended recipient due to fear! Thank You Lord Jesus that You cast fear aside, knowing love would yield You pain! You chose love. You became a living sacrifice for sinners so that we might be saved.”

“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.” [5]

“Thank You God for this great demonstration of Your love for us.”

“O Lord Your Tenderness,
Melting all my bitterness,
O Lord, I receive Your love.
O Lord, Your loveliness,
Changing all my ugliness,
O Lord, I receive Your love.” [6]

[1] Matthew 22:37
[2] Romans 5:5
[3] 2 Corinthians 13:14
[4] 1 John 4:18-19
[5] Romans 5:6-8

The Kingdom of God is at Hand

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” [1]

“Jesus endured temptation both so that He could identify with us, and to demonstrate His own holy, sinless character.” [2]

“If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” [3]

“It isn’t that Jesus refused supernatural help in feeding Himself; He was more than happy to eat what the angels brought Him when the time of testing was over. It wasn’t a matter of refusing supernatural help; it was a matter of submitting to His Father’s timing and will in all things.” [4]

“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down...’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” [5]

“Satan tempted Jesus to ‘force’ the Father into a supernatural event. Satan appealed to the desire within every man to sense approval from God and to have that approval publicly demonstrated.” “This warns us against demanding something spectacular from God to prove His love or concern for us. He has already given the ultimate demonstration of His love for us at the cross, and He can do nothing more “spectacular” than that.” [6]

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.” [7]

Many kingdoms are under the devil’s power because they are deceived. Some worship false gods invented by the devil. Some have been influenced by the devil to become addicts of sinful pleasures: sex, drugs, alcohol, ego, etc. Those who oppose faith alone in God are many. They come against the man or woman, boy or girl who follows Christ. The devil tempted Jesus to join his gang. Why not enjoy the social welfare of the devil instead of the pain of social conflict that comes with following Christ?

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” [8]

Jesus calls those caught in the devil’s web of lies and fearmongering to repent. Repent of the sinful pleasures that the devil’s has you addicted to. Repent of the unbelief in Christ that he’s feeding you. God’s kingdom is at hand. The time to get right with God is now. When Christ returns, it will be too late. You will be excluded from His everlasting kingdom of glory unless you repent and surrender your life to Christ! Surrender to Christ as your Lord and King. He will save you from this evil world and bring you into His everlasting kingdom where righteousness, peace, and joy reign.

[1] Matthew 4:1
[2] Enduring Word Commentary with references to Hebrews 2:18; 4:15
[3] Matthew 4:3-4
[4] Enduring Word Commentary with reference to Matthew 4:11
[5] Matthew 4:5-7
[6] Enduring Word Commentary with reference to Romans 5:8
[7] Matthew 4:8-11
[8] Matthew 4:17

Humility and the Fear of the Lord! Yes!

"By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life."

The enemy of our souls would like us to believe otherwise than what Proverbs 22:4 states above, but Jesus said that the devil is a liar and a thief. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

"He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:44)

The devil is one who offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus was about to begin his ministry here on earth. The liar and thief sought to buy him out, but Jesus was not buying from him. He knew that in the end, He inherits all the kingdoms of the world. Our Lord had a higher purpose and that was to die on a cruel cross for the sins of Adam's race. To redeem us! To make a way for us back to God. To bless us!

Yes, by humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. It is better to be humble, fear the Lord and do what is right than to join with liars and thieves. They and their father, the devil end up in the lake of fire while the servants of the Lord enjoy glory and blessings in His presence forevermore.

"Dear Heavenly Father, please grant us the wisdom and discernment to always choose the way of humility before You and the way of submission to Your will that You may bring about for us all Your good plans for our lives. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ that we pray. Amen."

Give the Steering Wheel to God

The people in Isaiah’s day were being urged by God and His servants to let go and let Him, but at first, they despised God’s Word. They continued to rely on sinful motives. God warned them that their bad choices would result in a sudden collapse...

“Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel: ‘Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perversity, and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, a bulge in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant.’” [1]

God urged them to return to resting in Him if they wanted to be rescued. Be quiet. Be confident. “I will be your strength.” But they hardened their hearts against God...

“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ But you would not.” [2]

So, the Lord decided to wait. He wouldn’t force what was good for them upon them. He waited to be gracious to them. There would come a point when the people would stop striving and turn to Him. Then, He would be gracious to them. Then, He would have mercy on them. Blessed are those who wait patiently on the Lord...

“Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.” [3]

As the people waited upon the Lord, they heard Him speaking. He gave them directions. Life became easier with God Almighty the Creator in-charge. They threw aside their idols...

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. You will also defile the covering of your images of silver, and the ornament of your molded images of gold. You will throw them away as an unclean thing; you will say to them, ‘Get away!’” [4]

Not only was life better with God in the driver seat, they also experienced His healing power...

“In the day that the Lord binds up the bruise of His people and heals the stroke of their wound.” [5]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive us for trusting in our faulty human pride, and please grant us the wisdom and strength to return to You, rest in You, be rescued by You and led by You. And please do graciously heal our bruises and wounds. For it is in Name of Jesus Your Son that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Isaiah 30:12-13
[2] Isaiah 30:15
[3] Isaiah 30:18-19
[4] Isaiah 30:21-22
[5] Isaiah 30:26

Praises & Petitions of a Person who Glorifies God

“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.” [1]

“Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.” [2]

“I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.” [3]

“Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” [4]

“You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.” [5]

“In that day the Lord of hosts will be for a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of His people, for a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.” [6]

“Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.” [7]

[1] Psalm 71:1, 3
[2] Psalm 71:8
[3] Psalm 71:14-16
[4] Psalm 71:18
[5] Psalm 71:20
[6] Isaiah 28:5-6
[7] Psalm 72:18-19

Blessings From The Lord

Death Swallowed Up
Tears Wiped Away
Gladness and Rejoicing
Perfect Peace
Strength
Earth’s Inhabitants Learning God’s Righteousness
God’s Face Shining upon Us
The Earth Yielding Her Increase
Seeing God’s Face
Walking in the Light of God’s Glory

Wonderful blessings from the Lord!

“He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. And it will be said in that day: ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.’” [1]

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” [2]

“Yes, in the way of Your judgments, O Lord, we have waited for You; the desire of our soul is for Your Name and for the remembrance of You. With my soul I have desired You in the night, yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; for when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” [3]

“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. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.” [4]

“They [God’s servants] shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” [5]

[1] Isaiah 25:8-9
[2] Isaiah 26:3-4
[3] Isaiah 26:8-9
[4] Psalm 67:1-2, 5-6
[5] Revelation 22:4-5

Harvesters For Jesus

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” [1]

Yes, the souls who need Christ are plentiful. Below are petitions based on Bible verses that Intervarsity put together to help harvesters to pray for the salvation of lost souls:

Heavenly Father, please help me become whatever kind of Christ-like servant _____ can identify with so that by all possible means he will be saved. [2]

Heavenly Father, please send more believers into ______’s life who will exemplify Christ and cause her to want to know Christ for herself. [3]

Heavenly Father, please open doors for proclaiming the mystery of Christ to ______. [4]

Heavenly Father, please enable me to speak Your Word to ______ with great boldness. [5]

Heavenly Father, please break the blindness on ______’s mind caused by the god of this age. Help him see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. [6]

Heavenly Father, please break complacency in _____’s mind and help her to want to be changed. [7]

Heavenly Father, please grant ______ a noble and good heart, help him hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. [8]

Heavenly Father, please help ______ see with her eyes, hear with her ears, understand with her heart, and turn, and you will heal her. [9]

Heavenly Father, please me gently instruct ______ when he is in opposition to you, in the hope that you will grant him repentance leading him to knowledge of the truth, and that he will come to his senses and escape from the trap of the devil. [10]

Heavenly Father, please bring ______ to the point he declares with his mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believes in his heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and he will be saved. [11]

Heavenly Father, please give me opportunity and boldness to invite ______ to come home to You. [12]

[1] Matthew 9:37-38
[2] 1 Corinthians 9:22
[3] Matthew 9:38
[4] Colossians 4:3
[5] Acts 4:29
[6] 2 Corinthians 4:4
[7] John 4:15
[8] Luke 8:11-15
[9] Matthew 13:15
[10] 2 Timothy 2:25-26
[11] Romans 10:9
[12] Luke 14:23

The Devil’s Demise & The Savior’s Grace

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” [1]

The influence and power of the deceiver of all the deceived, that is the devil, has an expiration date. When his time is up, he is cast into a kingdom ablaze with putrid smelling brimstone.

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.” [2]

One of the devil’s deceptions was that people should fear to offend him more than God.

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” [3]

Those who trusted in their works to save them are judged by their works. Their works fell far short of God’s expectation. Only the saving work of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, can atone for our sins and wipe our criminal records clean.

“The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” [4]

Are our names in the Book of Life? Yes, if we believe in Jesus Christ...

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. He who BELIEVES in ME, though he may die, he shall LIVE.’” [5]

“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.” [6]

“For by GRACE you have been SAVED through FAITH, and that not of yourselves; it is THE GIFT OF GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” [7]

[1] Revelation 20:10
[2] Revelation 20:11
[3] Revelation 20:12
[4] Revelation 20:13-15
[5] John 11:25
[6] Hebrews 7:25
[7] Ephesians 2:8-9

Who Is On The Lord’s Side?

“After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.’” [1]

Yes, praise the Lord! It seemed that the whole world was against Christ, and His servants, yet, in one day, that way of life ended.

“Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” [2]

“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude... saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” [3]

The great multitude who worshiped and followed the Lamb, and are now with Him, rejoicing and glorifying God! “His wife has made herself ready.” This wife is a metaphor for saints of God. They remained faithful to their covenant with Christ. They were of a different culture. They had been in the world, but not of it. They were reborn by a work of conversion done in them via the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. While those who followed the devil experience demise, these experience joy at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Next, the heaven, is opened and the King of kings and the Lord of lords leads the armies of heaven against the nations who oppose Him. He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [4]

The beast (the antichrist), the kings of the earth, and their armies, gather to make war against Christ, but lose. The antichrist and his false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone, and those who followed them are slain by the words of Christ’s mouth. [5]

“Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!” [6]

[1] Revelation 19:1-2
[2] Revelation 19:3
[3] Revelation 19:6-7, 9
[4] Revelation 19:11-16
[5] Revelation 19:19-21
[6] Hymn: “Who is on the Lord’s Side? By Frances R. Havergal

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons... For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.” [1]

She fanned the flames of immoral passions and selfish living. She united the nations to exalt hedonistic lifestyles and to hate those who sought to keep themselves pure for the Lord.

“Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, My people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’” [2]

Be in the world, but don’t be of the world. Don’t join in Babylon’s culture. Pray, the rather, that the Lord will take whatever part of Babylon might be in you from you. And pray for others who are enslaved to her ways.

“In her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” [3]

Though you do not delight in the demise of anyone, realize that the Babylonian culture has slain many of God’s servants. She delighted in humiliating and destroying the followers of Christ.

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” [4]

The day of divine correction has arrived. God is so slow to judge. He is full of compassion. He doesn’t want anyone to perish eternally, but justice demands that Babylon be brought low and that God’s saints, apostles and prophets be vindicated. God’s messengers spoke the truth at the cost of their very lives. They loved those who hated them. They faithfully pointed people to the Savior from sin: Jesus Christ. Babylon is brought low. God’s messengers are raised up.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” [5]

[1] Revelation 18:2-3
[2] Revelation 18:4-5
[3] Revelation 18:24
[4] Revelation 18:20
[5] Revelation 22:20

The Prayer Of Martyrs

“I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.” [1]

In this case, the woman represents a type of bride of Satan. She is a metaphor for those who are filled with the devil’s hatred of Christ and His followers. She seeks to lure people into a life of immorality and then shift the blame for their misery on the followers of Christ.

The blood of martyrs is flowing in countries like North Korea where “Christians are considered hostile elements to be eradicated.” “Yet Open Doors estimates the number of Christians in North Korea to be 300,000 strong—believers who are defying the unjust regime and following Jesus.”

Afghanistan is an “Islamic state by constitution, the country does not permit any faith other than Islam to exist. To convert to a faith outside Islam is tantamount to treason because it’s seen as a betrayal of family, tribe and country. Very often, there is only one possible outcome for exposed and caught Christians: death. In Afghanistan converts are considered literally insane to leave Islam. As a result, some may end up in a psychiatric hospital and have their homes destroyed.”

In Somalia, “in many rural areas, Islamic militant groups like al-Shabab are de facto rulers who regard Christians with a Muslim background as high-value targets—often killed on the spot when discovered.”

Remember “the horrifying video of Egyptian workers martyred by ISIS militants on the coast of Libya. The level of violence against Christians in Libya is very high, and Christians in Libya are subjected to violent, inhumane and degrading treatment.”

In Pakistan, “an estimated 700 girls and women abducted each year are often raped and then forcefully married to Muslim men in the community. Occupations seen as low, dirty and derogatory are officially reserved for Christians.” [2]

Other countries where persecution against Christians is strong include Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Iran, Yemen and some parts of India. Let us pray for them. We can pray the martyr’s prayer recorded in Revelation 6:10...

“How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” [3]

The Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, wins the final battle. He has said to us His people, “He who touches you touch the apple of His eye.” [4] “The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins.” [5]

[1] Revelation 17:6
[2] Opendoorsusa.org
[3] Revelation 17:14
[4] Zechariah 2:8
[5] Quote by Søren Kierkegaard

PRAISES and ADORATION to our GOD

The Lord provided a paradise for the first couple. No scarcity! No weeds. Animals in harmony! No hatred. No death. Love for God and for one another! Everything God created was very good. No reason whatsoever for people to be unhappy or oppositional towards God.

There was one commandment to observe. God told them, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” [1]

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” [2]

The dragon, the devil, Satan, entered the paradise of humankind in the form of a serpent. His goal was to get the first couple to rebel against God. Never mind that God created the heavens and earth! Never mind that the Creator had them living in paradise! The serpent wanted them to think that God was unjust.

The serpent said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’? “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” [3]

The war was won with words. A three-pronged attack: “Did God say?” Question what God said. “You will not surely die.” Imply God’s Word is errant and fallible. “You will be like God.” Imply that God deprives and oppresses.

Fast forward to the future: “And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!’” [4]

Saints praise GOD. GOD overcomes the instigator of rebellion ! By trusting in GOD’s grace, the saints are saved from the devil’s efforts to destroy them. Now, they are singing with God-given instruments in hand atop a glassy sea. They are singing the song of Moses and of the Lamb. The Law and the Gospel have victorious virtuoso voices, namely those who embraced them here on earth. These are not patting each other on the back. No, they are praising the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. HIS works are GREAT and MARVELOUS! HIS ways are JUST and TRUE! Saints happily confess and adore GOD as their KING!

[1] Genesis 2:16-17
[2] Revelation 12:8-9
[3] Genesis 3:1, 4-5
[4] Revelation 15:2-3

Three Angelic End-Time Messages

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’”

The Good News of Christ is going out everywhere. The Gospel calls us to believe that it is only via faith in the merits of Christ for our salvation that we can be saved. God created us and only by faith in Him will He embrace us when we breathe our last breath on earth.

“And another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’’

Babylon is a metaphor for those who live and believe according to a different faith than is taught in the Bible. Babylon’s fornication is unfaithfulness to God. Like the devil and his angels, she, and those with her have chose to rebel against God, and live with utter disregard for Him.

“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Unfaithfulness towards God does not yield a good outcome for the unfaithful.

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’”

Be patient! Keep God’s commandments. Keep trusting in Jesus. Rest is coming. The Lord will ensure that our works continue to produce good results after we have gone to be with Him.

Revelation 14:6-13

A Spiritual Awakening via Psalm 40 Style Prayers...

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps."

[Thank You Heavenly Father for hearing our feeble prayers. It's not our prayers, but it's who is answering our prayers - YOU - that is making them powerful and effective.]

"He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord."

[Thank You Heavenly Father that in the midst of trials and bad news, You give us songs - even new songs - songs that bring praise to You. People take note of this kind of faith and know that is not from human sources but from You, and they want to trust in You too.]

"Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

[Praise You Heavenly Father that You replace darkness with light. The darkness has no power over us thanks to You. We get to enjoy and participate in Your WONDERFUL WORKS.]

"I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly."

[By Your grace Heavenly Father, by Your grace Heavenly Father, we are declaring Your faithfulness and Your salvation. We are shouting about Your lovingkindness and Your truth to large gatherings.]

"Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me."

[For this success to continue, O Lord, we need Your tender mercies. Please preserve this movement of praise and proclamation via Your lovingkindness and truth.]

"Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, 'The Lord be magnified!'”

[Yes, Heavenly Father, our ultimate goal is to magnify You and turn people to faith in You so they too experience Your salvation, Your protection, Your provision and Your blessings. This we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.]

Psalm 40:1-5, 9-11, 16

Which do you prefer... good news or bad news?

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

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

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

King David wrote...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Willing and Available to Share the Gospel

 My hope and pray is that every Christian including myself will consider the treasure that has been entrusted to us in the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that we would be willing to be available to the Lord to use our lives to bring this saving message to the lost.

Witnessing for Jesus Yields Joy

“…At that time a great persecution arose against the Church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word.” [1]

May the Lord bring to pass a time of "preaching the Word" everywhere. What word did these wandering witnesses declare? They spontaneously spoke wonderfully about the Savior... [2]

What outcome did their witnessing for Jesus yield?

"And there was great joy in that city." [3]

May this be so all over the world today.

 
[1] Acts 8:1, 4
[2] Acts 8:5
[3] Acts 8:8

Made into a Masterpiece By the Potter's Hands

Many years ago, the Lord brought me to a place where I heard Him say, "Give your life to Me, and I use it to touch many people." I replied to the Lord, "I have only wasted this life, if You can use it, You can have it." Jesus took my life that day, filled me with His Holy Spirit and has been using this life to point others to Him for the last 43 years. Praise the Lord!

He has promised to me, and to all who trust in Him: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” ~ Revelation 2:10

I pray that all who read this post will place their lives into the Potter's hands. He is the Potter, we are the clay. He molds and makes us into a beautiful work of art for His glory and the salvation of others.

A New Way of Living in JESUS

 

Resilient Relationships – How?

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” [1]

It is so easy to misjudge God, others, and us. Recently, an intercessor has been praying the above Bible verse for us. God is answering her prayers. The Lord is bringing to light the hidden things of darkness. He is revealing the counsel of the heart. Praise God!

For me, this divine discernment has helped me see a greater need in me for God’s grace and forgiveness. If I am so focused on the high standard, I have set for myself, I may inadvertently make others around me feel unwanted when they are not helping me reach my goal.

Job’s friends misjudged his situation. They thought he was suffering because of sin or injustice in his life, but in fact, Satan had asked God for permission to test Job’s love for God with all out devastation. The concern of being misjudged had the effect of turning Job inward. Before his test occurred, Job was constantly caring for his family, for his friends and even for strangers. He needed to get back to that former lifestyle.

Thankfully, the Lord rescued Job from inwardness. He moved Job to pray with love and forgiveness for his friends who had misjudged him.

“And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” [2]

God’s grace and forgiveness are core teachings of Christ. He works in believers by the power of His Holy Spirit to make us more like Him. The people of the world need an healthy alternative to rage, rants for justice and for offence. What does offence yield? Offences yield fences. What does the Lord’s grace and forgiveness yield? His grace and forgiveness yield loving and resilient relationships. Just what we need.

[1] 1 Corinthians 4:5
[2] Job 42:10

God’s Power is Infinite

God asks, “Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?” [1]

How many of us are guilty of having condemning thoughts of God while having approving thoughts of ourselves?

God asks, “Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His?” [2]

What if the God who spoke this universe into existence began to compare your power with His?

God says, “Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; tread down the wicked in their place. Hide them in the dust together, bind their faces in hidden darkness. Then I will also confess to you that your own right hand can save you.” [3]

The arrogant and wicked have reinforcements. Spiritual powers of wickedness in high places! These powers are impossible for mere mortals to overcome. The Lord says, “Bring him low. Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can save you.”

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.” [4]

As we praise God and give Him glory, He reveals His greatness to us. There is no one greater than God. He is able to do what we cannot.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” [5]

Our Mighty God has a name for each of the billion trillion stars. He spoke them into existence. And yet, He is gentle enough to tenderly heal a broken heart.

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” [6]

It is better to have a humble estimation of oneself than a know-it-all attitude. It is better to realize our smallness and God’s greatness than vice versa.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times that we have harbored proud thoughts about ourselves and lowly thoughts about You. Please mercifully help us to realize Your greatness now, on this side of eternity, before we meet You face to face. Thank You for being willing and able to heal our broken hearts. We praise You. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”

[1] Job 40:8
[2] Job 40:9
[3] Job 40:12-14
[4] Psalm 145:3
[5] Psalm 147:3-5
[6] Proverbs 26:12

How Much Did Forgiveness Cost Jesus?

When Jesus carried that cross through the streets of Jerusalem after having His back scourged, His face spit on and slapped, that was not easy.

When the hammer struck the nails that pierced His hands and His feet, that was not easy.

When people jeered and insulted Him as He hung naked on the cross, that was not easy.

How could anyone so wounded by others say these words to God, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [1] The people who hurt Jesus so deeply never asked Him to forgive them. Yet, Jesus asked God to forgive them and meant it.

After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus said to His disciples, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” [2]

He died and rose again, and summed up what He wanted His followers to do afterwards, namely, preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Encourage a culture where everyone recognizes our tendency to sin and our need of God’s forgiveness. Consider Jesus constantly!

The most painful lesson that Jesus ever taught was the lesson of forgiveness. He spelled forgiveness with the letters of His wounds, with the insults He endured, and with all the hatred that He experienced. He also spelled forgiveness in His resurrection because God was well-pleased with Him and raised Him from the dead on the third day. And so, it will be for all who choose to believe in Jesus and follow His ways.

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain

“Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, it means choosing to remember love instead.” Kyle Gray

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“Without forgiveness, there’s no future.” Desmond Tutu

“Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were.” Cherie Carter-Scott

“When a deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive.” Alan Paton

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and realize the prisoner was you.” Anonymous

[1] Luke 23:34
[2] Luke 24:46-48

Crying Out to God for Victories

In the days of Gideon, things had gone from bad to worse. Many had turned from good to evil. Many were living in dens (crevices in rocks), caves and strongholds (hand-built forts). This was due to constant attacks from enemies. Besides this, whenever they planted crops, enemies destroyed the produce. Gideon’s people were living in poverty. They began CRYING OUT to GOD. [1]

CRYING OUT to GOD proceeds many victories in the Bible. CRYING OUT is different than going through the motions of prayer. People can mumble prayers they have always prayed as matter of duty when they don’t sense a need for God, but when they are desperate, they CRY OUT to Him. “God help us!” “We need You!” “Please rescue us!”

Evil had multiplied in Gideon’s community! They were up against overwhelming odds. Their once comfortable normal no longer existed. They had no answers. They were so used to depending on their own ways but now their own ways no longer worked. They needed a miracle!

In answer to their CRIES, the Lord sent them a prophet. The prophet reminded them of the Bible. Yes, the Bible! That book is full of miraculous stories. For example, how God rescued slaves from their oppressors, and caused them to inherit land. God indicted them: “You have not obeyed My voice.” [2]

God works miracles as we rely on Him. Let us CRY OUT to Him as though our lives depend on Him because our lives do depend on Him.

To prove to Gideon’s people that He is God, God allowed one crisis after another to overtake them. Would they CRY OUT to God or would they continue to try to manage things in their own strength and wisdom. Thankfully, they CRIED OUT to God and God raised up an unlikely person to lead them to victory. His name was Gideon. [3]

Gideon was from the weakest group of people in his nation. He was the weakest member in his family. God told Gideon that He would be with him and use his life to rally his people to victory. At first, Gideon did not believe God. He asked God to provide him some miraculous signs to boost his flagging confidence. God did the miracles and Gideon was convinced. [4]

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. He blew the rallying trumpet. 32,000 people joined him. What a relief! But wait! God told Gideon to release those who were struggling with fear. God wanted Gideon and his followers to know for certain that faith in God is what turns the tide in battles. 22,000 people departed from Gideon. After that, the Lord reduced Gideon’s army from 10,000 to 300. God helped Gideon and his three hundred to overcome a vast army. After this faith-in-God victory, Gideon’s people enjoyed peace and quiet for 40 years. [5]

“Heavenly Father, we CRY OUT to You for victory. We need You. We want miracles! Please rally people to join us in CRYING OUT to You, and in trusting You for victories as we seek to spread Your Gospel and make disciples. we pray this, in Name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.”

[1] Judges 6:1-6
[2] Judges 6:7-10
[3] Judges 6:13-14
[4] Judges 6:15-22
[5] Judges 6:34-35; 7:1-8:28

The Great Commission

Jesus called His followers to grow the Church when He gave the great commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The action words in His commission are:

Go…
Make disciples…
Baptize them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…
And teach them to observe what I commanded you.

What are some ways to GO and DO?

Chuck Lawless in his blog entitled “7 Ways for Pastors to Re-focus on the Great Commission” made the following suggestion: “Once a week, take a couple of hours to see your community with God’s eyes.”

The Lord has been leading Sherry and me to prayer walk the downtown area and around our two universities. During these prayer walks, we look for opportunities to give a witness for Jesus to people that we meet. We are ready to listen to people and pray with them.

As a Christian, I believe my number one responsibility is to be a witness of what Jesus Christ has done for the salvation of all people. As a Christian, I am called to grow the Church by meeting new people and inviting them into the fellowship of believers. Amidst all the issues that are raging for my attention, I cannot afford to lose my focus on this one. First, I owe all that I am and all I have to Jesus. Secondly, souls without Jesus are not saved. Someone needs to make the attempt to share with them the good news of His love for them, His grace, and His great power to transform their lives.

Please pray for us. You would think this to be a simple task, but the enemy opposes vehemently any Christian who would dare to make the great commission his or her priority. Please pray that the Lord will open the doors of people’s hearts to Christ, and that we will be able to share the Gospel with them.

The Greatest Comeback of all Time!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” [1]

To our heart: “Be joyful in hope!”
To our situation: “Patient in affliction.”
To our faith: “Pray” – rely on God.

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” [2]

Human tendency during a crisis is to abandon authorities, but Scripture urges us to be subject to them. Be obedient. Do what is good. Be a part of the solution not the problem. Don’t succumb to slandering. Intensify peace-making. Increase consideration for one another. Choose gentleness not harshness.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” [3]

Listen to Christ. Promote believer health and unity. Consider the million reasons we have to be grateful to God.

Jesus prayed that we would all be one so that the world would know we are His disciples. [4] Our unity in Christ and in His teaching is a divine miracle. It happens divinely, not naturally. Let us pray with Jesus... “Yes, Lord, make us one, make us one in You.” The witness of our working together validates the value of faith in Christ to our community.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the greatest comeback story of all time. Paul wrote, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” [5] Serious setbacks are opportunities for great comebacks. But like, Paul, we rest in the comeback power of Christ not in our own.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” [6]

Yes, let’s keep our focus on justifying who God is and what He does! Let us promote Christ’s glory! As one song says, “The Resurrected One is resurrecting me.” He is!

[1] Romans 12:12
[2] Titus 3:1-2
[3] Colossians 3:15
[4] John 17:23
[5] Philippians 3:10
[6] Ephesians 3:20-21

Overcoming Antagonism

“They hated me without reason.” [1] Jesus unveils an ugly and unfortunate bit of reality; you do not necessarily have to do anything wrong to be hated. Jesus experienced such hatred. What did He do?

“In the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear.” [2] Jesus committed those who sought to destroy Him to our Heavenly Father. He set forth an example for us.

“Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” [3] Commit your soul to God and keep on doing good. Those who should have your back may betray you, but God is faithful.

King David was once on the run from King Saul. Saul was obsessed with killing David. Yet David still managed to rescue the town of Keilah from the Philistines. His rescue efforts are a complete success, and the town is saved from certain annihilation. We would expect great expressions of gratitude for their survival. However, this is not the course of action they took. They sold him out.

David took the matter to God. He asked God two questions. First, is it true that King Saul is coming against Keilah? Second, will the people betray me over to him? God’s answer to David’s two questions are “yes” and “yes.” [4]

Why did the people that David helped betray him?

They resorted to typical survival instincts. Saul would destroy them. David would not. Saul is dangerous. David is safe. Better to appease the danger at the expense of the innocent. When fear and desperation takes hold of people, they tend to betray godly principles and godly people.

Guy Greenfield offers the following list:

1) Avoiding Conflict. Most people carry a significant fear of conflict and will resort to extreme measures to avoid it. Risking community status for someone in trouble is a difficult decision.

2) Intimidated by “Facts.” Antagonists will go to great lengths to build their case and confirmed facts are not necessary. They do not need to prove anything. False accusations are sufficient.

3) The Force of Personality. The obsessive drive of antagonists for control tends to overwhelm passive people. Misguided crusaders push an agenda of twisted “truths.” They assert their own self-will in how something should be or be believed.

4) Too Busy. Let us face reality, people lead busy lives. Between work, family obligations and personal time not much time remains for major tasks. Overcoming antagonists requires time and adds emotional stress to one’s life. If the antagonists happen to be retired (which is often the case), the reinforcements will not be coming. [5]

So, David set a good example for us. Do not spend too much time lamenting over those who betrayed you. Seek the Lord! Be guided by the Lord! Be grateful that God does have your back.

When a problem besieges our mind, the normal human tendency is to magnify its power and create within our own mind a giant. Allow your mind to dwell on a given problem and the more energy you permit to flow to it. Under prolonged stress one’s functional IQ will lose its affect and decrease. One’s IQ can drop by as much as forty points! [6]

“Do not answer fools according to their folly, or you yourself will be just like them. Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes.” [7] These statements contradict one another, but consider this, when a contrary “fool” crosses your path, your choices become terribly reduced to poor consequences or even worse consequences.

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” [8] Jesus promises that people who have used words to hurt others will be held accountable. “If anyone digs a pit, they themselves will fall into it; if anyone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.” [9] We all eventually reap what we sow. So, let us refrain from empty and hurtful words, and from digging pits, and focus on doing good and serving the Lord.

[1] John 15:25
[2] Hebrews 5:7
[3] 1 Peter 4:19
[4] 1 Samuel 23
[5] Guy Greenfield, The Wounded Minister, Baker Publishing Group (January 1, 2001)
[6] Dr. Steven G. Minor, Antagonism, Churchpolitics.org
[7] Proverbs 26:4-5
[8] Matthew 12:36-37
[9] Proverbs 26:27

Blessing, Glory And Praise to Jesus

Job believed in God, but after a series of severe trials, he began to question the fairness of God. In fact, it was Satan who attacked Job and took away his riches and health temporarily. God restored them. But first, God responded to Job’s questioning by reminding Job of who He is. Below are a few of the questions that God posed to Job...

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand.”

“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place?”

“Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me if you know all this. What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside?”

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail?”

“Who gives the ibis wisdom or gives the rooster understanding?”

“Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?”

“Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?”

“Does the eagle soar at your command and build its nest on high?”

“Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who accuses God answer Him!” [1]

Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer—twice, but I will say no more.” [2]

I wonder how many of us have like Job questioned God and not realized to whom we are talking? Have we considered God’s bumblebees, His hummingbirds, His 369,000 species of flowering plants, His billion trillion stars, His whales, His butterflies, His snowflakes, and His lightning and thundering? These were all created and are sustained by Him.

Jesus taught, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” [3] The eye of the needle is that short doorway in the city wall where a man must unload his camel’s burdens before he can get his camel through that short entrance way. Sometimes the only way a rich man can learn of the greatness of God is by being stripped of everything. Then, he will fear, love and trust God above all things. Better to learn this lesson before one dies than to learn it when standing face to face with God Almighty.

Elizabeth Prentiss wrote, “Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best. This all my prayer shall be, more love, O Christ, to Thee, more love to Thee, more love to Thee.” [4]

May this be so! The first and great commandment is... “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” [5]

Oh and by the way, Jesus, whom the world disregards, just happens to be the same One who created and sustains all things: “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, powers, rulers, or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” [6] Blessing, glory and praise be unto the Name of Jesus Christ!

[1] Job 38:4, 12, 18-19, 22, 36; 39:1, 19, 27; 40:2
[2] Job 40:3-5
[3] Matthew 19:24
[4] 2nd stanza of “More Love to Thee, O Christ”
[5] Matthew 22:37-38
[6] Colossians 1:16-17

Staying on Course

In Titus 1:4, Paul wrote, “To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.” He wrote to Titus as a father would to his son. He pronounced a benediction of God’s grace, mercy, and peace. Three blessing that every leader needs to do God’s work.

In Titus 1:5, Paul wrote, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.”

The Greek word for “set in order” was used sometimes for resetting a bone that had been broken, or for aligning teeth that were crooked. Paul advised Titus to appoint elders who would keep the Church in alignment. Tires on a car that are misaligned may cause the car to pull towards one side of the road or to the other rather than keep the car moving straight forward. Misaligned tires usually wear out unevenly and prematurely. “Titus, put leaders in place who will help you to keep the congregation moving straight forward.”

In Titus 1:6-11, Paul describes what alignment for an leader looks like. Faithful in marriage. Having children that are not insubordinate. A good steward. Not self-willed. Not quick tempered. Not given to wine. Not violent or greedy for money. Hospitable. Loves what is good. Sober-minded. Just. Holy. Self-controlled. Holding fast to God’s Word. Able to convict those who contradict God’s Word. He told Titus that the mouths of the insubordinate must be stopped lest they subvert whole households of people by leading them astray. This is a tall order. The very reason that Titus needed God’s grace, mercy, and peace!

May the Lord give grace, mercy, and peace to all who are serving Christ as Paul describes to Titus!

The people of our world need to know what Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior did for them on the cross and at the empty tomb. He paid their sin debt to God in full. Only by Christ’s merits can anyone stand blameless before God on the last day. But how can they believe in Christ if no one tells them about Him? In Matthew 25:30, Jesus said of the servant who did nothing with his talent, “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” To dwell in darkness never to see light again! What a terrible destiny!

“Dear Lord Jesus, help us to be about the Father’s business. Please bring us back into alignment where we have veered off course. Help us, Your people called by Your Name, to be like a well serviced vehicle that can get us directly to our destination, namely, to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. For it is in Your Name that we pray. Amen.”

Faith in God’s Creation Account Matters

After God created everything in six days, He said everything He made was very good. [1]

Everything was good! If we doubt His account, we do two things:

1) We doubt God’s truthfulness. That’s an authority issue.

2) It means we put death and disease before Adam and Eve sinned. The sin of people defiled the goodness of creation. Before they sinned, nothing died. Not dinosaurs, not plants, not people!

God was there! He does not lie. If we feel at liberty to change God’s creation account, what’s to stop us from changing His marriage account? Jesus said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” [2] Jesus is acknowledging the fact that marriage was established when God made the first male and female, you were made one when you became one flesh. There’s an institution of marriage right there.

It is important to believe God’s creation account because it is the foundation of the rest of the Bible. It is the foundation of the Christian faith. Where’s the origin of sin? Genesis 3:1-18! Where’s the origin of death? Genesis 3:19! The seven-day week? Genesis 2:1-3! Why do we all wear clothes? Genesis 3:21! God gave us clothes made from animal skins because sin revealed our nakedness and shame. The first animals were sacrificed to provide a covering for people. The word atonement in the Bible is used to describe what Jesus did on the cross to cover our sins. God covered their shame with skins as a result of sin. [3]

Sin is bad, but God is good. God is ready to forgive our sin. He wants our fellowship. He wants to live with Him forever in heaven. He is also ready and able to help us now.

“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.” [4]

[1] Genesis 1:31; 2:1-3
[2] Matthew 19:5, Genesis 2:24
[3] Ken Ham on Creation in Six Says
[4] Psalm 121:1-2

Praying for Revival

“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way.” [1]

“Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” [2]

“The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” [3]

“Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your Word.” [4]

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” [5]

[1] Psalm 119:37
[2] Psalm 119:88
[3] Psalm 119:130
[4] Psalm 119:154
[5] 1 Peter 5:6-7

Please pray for the salvation of the souls that the Lord is bringing to us. Please pray that they will come into everlasting fellowship with our Triune God. 

Serving together with grace ~ Doing Good ~ Trusting our Souls to a Faithful Creator

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” [1]

“The idea is that if we are bad stewards of the manifold grace of God, His grace is wasted, because it only comes to us and doesn’t move through us.” [2]

Peter is speaking to Christians who are suffering for their faith in Christ. He urges them to let God’s grace flow between them. We should serve together as a relay team does rather than as rivals. Our end goal is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to lost souls, that they too will believe in Jesus and be saved eternally.

“Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” [3]

Let us commit our souls to doing good and to trusting in our faithful Creator. Jesus Christ suffered for doing His Father’s will. He is now seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.

“The ancient Greek word translated “commit” in 1 Peter 4:19 is a technical one, used for leaving money on deposit with a trusted friend. Such a trust was regarded as one of the most sacred things in life, and the friend was bound by honor to return the money intact. It is the very word Jesus used when He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46).” [4]

When we commit our souls to our faithful Creator and do good, we leave our soul in a safe place. Our Heavenly Father is faithful to us His children. He will do what is best for us.

[1] 1 Peter 4:10
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] 1 Peter 4:19
[4] Enduring Word Commentary

The Salvation of Souls

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” [1]

Yes, bless God for the abundant mercy that He has shown us through His Son Jesus Christ.

What does faith in Jesus Christ yield? Faith in Christ yields an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that does not fade away reserved in heaven for you being kept by the power of God through faith [2]

Yes, our faith is tried by fire. Yes, we are grieved by various trials. But these hardship prove the genuineness of our faith. The Bible says that our faith in Christ is much more precious than gold. Why? Because when Christ appears, our faith will be to His praise, honor, and glory, and we will receive the result of our faith, namely, the salvation of our souls. [3]

The salvation of souls is what God our Father, Jesus His Son and the blessed Holy Spirit has us at our church focusing on these days. From the pulpit, He is blessing us with messages on evangelistic and discipleship techniques. One member aspires to create a band that will bring the Gospel message to outsiders. He has been putting in many hours of practice on his guitar. A young drummer from another church is voluntarily helping. Another member gave Sherry and me a tour of meeting rooms and a prayer room at a local university. Students will begin arriving this weekend. We are praying that we can start weekly GIG’s with the students. GIG stands for God Investigation Groups. An acronym penned by InterVarsity. Other members lead small group Bible studies and youth ministries. The goal is the salvation of souls.

Yesterday, Sherry and I listened to Christian Classics narrated by Lynn Brooks. [4] Lynn is reading a chapter per day of a book by Jesse Miller entitled, “Prisoner of Hope.” Jesse survived the bombardment of the Philippines by the Japanese. He survived the Bataan Death March. He survived hard labor and torture while in a Japanese POW camp. His faith and hope remained strong in the Lord despite experiencing horrible abuses. Jesse explained that his life was peaceful and happy one day, and devastated the next, but through it all the Lord never left his side.

This morning, I read news reports: “A Pentagon report secretly published in 2020 and first disclosed this week, raises the potential for some form of armed conflict between nuclear-armed powers.” “China is building a third missile field that will hold more than 100 new DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles, The Washington Times has learned.” “The militant Taliban group was closing Thursday in on Afghanistan’s capital Kabul after the US already urged citizens to leave immediately.” [5]

“The salvation of souls” is “the why” Jesus came to earth to live, to die, to resurrect from the dead and to ascend back to heaven. May the Lord give wind to the sails of every Christian who is seeking to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others.

[1] 1 Peter 1:3
[2] 1 Peter 1:4-5
[3] 1 Peter 1:6-9
[4] https://bbn1.bbnradio.org/english/home/all-programs/christian-classics-lynn-brooks/christian-classics-monday/
[5] worthynews.com

Jesus Christ is the Answer for the World Today

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” [1]

Three characteristics of a follower of Jesus noted above are:
Faith that Jesus is the Messiah
Love for the Messiah and for God
Love for God and God’s children expressed via commandment keeping

Jesus our Messiah set the example of obedience for us...

“He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [2]

Our Heavenly Father honors His Son above all others for His obedience to die for unworthy sinners, and every sinner shall one day bow knee and confess Jesus is the Messiah. In this way, shall God the Father be honored.

John the Baptist steadfastly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus said of John, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” [3]

Judas Iscariot betrayed the Messiah for thirty pieces of silver... the price of a slave. Jesus said of Judas, “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” [4]

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” [5]

Faith in Christ is the one thing the world cannot overcome. This is why the early Church Christians were devoted to proclaiming Jesus. Many were clamoring for honorable mention in the court of human opinion in their day, but the early Church Christians knew it was greater to be mentioned before the Father in heaven by Christ...

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” [6] And so they set themselves to proclaiming Jesus, and “the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved.” [7]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please revive in Your Church today a zeal to proclaim Your Son as the Messiah. And may you add to the Church daily saved souls. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.”

[1] 1 John 5:1-3
[2] Philippians 2:8-11
[3] Matthew 11:11
[4] Matthew 26:24
[5] 1 John 5:4-5
[6] Matthew 10:32
[7] Acts 2:47

Sing to the Lord!

Enjoy sweet meditations with Him that make you glad...

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.” [1]

Consider all He has done for you...

“The Lord forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” [2]

He is our loving Heavenly Father...

“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” [3]

Praise Him for caring for and providing for all the creatures of the earth...

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.” “All creatures look to You to give them their food at the proper time.” [4]

Praise Him for increasing us and making us stronger than our enemies...

“The Lord increases His people greatly and makes them stronger than their enemies.” [5]

Remember, that no matter what happens, when dust settles, the Lord will lead you forth with joy and singing. This is what He does.

“The Lord brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen ones with singing.” [6]

[1] Psalm 104:33-34
[2] Psalm 103:3-6
[3] Psalm 103:11-13
[4] Psalm 104:24, 27
[5] Psalm 105:24
[6] Psalm 105:43

Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory for the Sufferers for Christ

“After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.” [1]

Whether anger or sorrow, both are signs of grieving! Job’s initial response to losing everything was to continue to bless the Name of the Lord, and to worship God, but in the aftermath of his losses, and with the added affliction of critics criticizing him, he turned his anger on himself. We learn something good about Job through one of his critics...

“Surely you have instructed many, and you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees.” [2]

Job had been the richest man in the East, yet he was not self-focused. He coached others from poverty of strength to abundance of strength. He helped others to succeed.

Eliphaz may have intended to help Job, but he failed miserably. After an encouraging comment about Job’s former care for the weak, Eliphaz began to criticize Job for not doing the same for himself: “But now it comes upon you, and you are weary; it [hardship] touches you, and you are troubled.”

After these words, Eliphaz shares a nightmare he experienced: “In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair on my body stood up.” What question did this evil spirit ask Eliphaz? He asked, “Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?” [3] In another words, “Job, hasn’t God wronged you in allowing this suffering into your life?”

The simple answer to that question is, “no.” The Apostle Peter suffered for His loyalty to Christ. He wrote, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” [4] Yes, Christians suffer for Christ, but He also rewards us with great joy. Wait for it? The great joy is on the way! The Lord is faithful to His faithful followers.

The Apostle Paul wanted to serve Jesus without suffering, but the Lord said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s response was, “I will most gladly boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” [5]

“Thank You Heavenly Father, for replacing grief and anger with joy unspeakable and full of glory. You are no man’s debtor. You always reward those who serve You. Blessed be You Holy and wonderful Name!”

[1] Job 3:1
[2] Job 4:3-4
[3] Job 4:3-4, 13-15, 17
[4] 1 Peter 4:12-14
[5] 2 Corinthians 12:9

Victorious in Love Thanks to God’s Grace

The Lord says in the Bible that Job was a blameless and upright man. He feared God and shunned evil. He had 10 children and 11,500 livestock. He was the greatest of all the people of the East. [1]

Satan hated Job. He said to God, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” [2]

The Lord did not harm Job but allowed Satan to test Job’s love for God. He said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” [3] If the Lord does not restrain Satan, Satan destroys. That is what he does.

Waves of attacks follow:
Wave 1: Oxen and donkeys stolen; servants murdered
Wave 2: Sheep and servants consumed by fire
Wave 3: Camels stolen, and more servants murdered
Wave 4: All his children die a tragic death [4]

Job fell to the ground and worshiped God afterwards. He said: “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.” “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” [5]

Satan was disappointed. He urged the Lord, “Stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” The Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” Satan struck Job with painful boils from head to foot. Job’s wife urged him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” She wanted the attacks to end. “In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” [6]

The Lord makes a key point about Job’s suffering when He says to Satan, “you incited Me against him to destroy him without cause.” [7] Satan wants to destroy God’s people though we did nothing wrong to deserve it. If it were not for the Lord’s protection around us, we would perish.

Job is a type of Jesus. Jesus Christ suffered not for sin that He committed, but because He loved His Heavenly Father and He loved us God’s people. The wealthiest Son of Man lost everything when He came to earth. Even His flesh was flayed and pierced. He was falsely accused and crucified, but like Job, He experienced a great reversal. He resurrected from the dead, and as a result, many more have come to believe in and follow Jesus. “Yes, we do love God and are willing to suffer for His Name’s sake, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us.”

Praise God, our High Priest (Jesus Christ) sympathizes with us. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [8]

[1] Job 1:1-3
[2] Job 1:9-11
[3] Job 1:12
[4] Job 1:13-19
[5] Job 1:21-22
[6] Job 2:5-10
[7] Job 2:3
[8] Hebrews 4:15-16

Being A Witness for Christ

The attached video link below by Bible Project explains the meaning of being a witness for Christ.

https://youtu.be/jhcmzjwbvyk

It is raining now, but the rain is supposed to give way to dry weather around 9 am. At that point, it is my intention and goal to go forth to where the Holy Spirit leads me with Gospel literature in tow. I am praying, and would appreciate your prayers too, that the Lord will lead me to someone or more than one person whose heart God has prepared to hear the Gospel, and that I will faithfully bear witness for Christ to that person(s). I have noted throughout my life that miracles happen when Christians pray for my witnessing ministry. I would appreciate your prayers.

In addition, I have been preaching a series of messages on evangelism and discipleship at our Church. I have been leading a prayer meeting on Sunday evenings to pray for revival in our community, in our country and in our world. Please pray for us as the enemy would like nothing better than to tarnish our shine for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect in anyway, but I have experienced the love of Jesus, and I want to share His love and His message of salvation with others with the goal that they too will believe in Jesus Christ and becoming His followers. Please pray.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” [1]

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” [2]

“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” [3]

[1] Hebrews 12:1-3
[2] Hebrews 12:28
[3] Psalm 90:17

Unwinnable Battles Won

The sentence was meted out. The abuser could no longer abuse. The silence was broken. The hidden crimes were exposed publicly. The government stood with her. It was a day of rejoicing!

“Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king’s loss.” So King Ahasuerus answered and said to Queen Esther, ‘Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?’ And Esther said, ‘The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!’ So Haman was terrified before the king and queen.” [1]

The abuser crossed the line once too often. Esther told the king, “Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue.” But the abuser was on the verge of annihilating her whole race of people, so she spoke up. Justice responded, “Who is he? Where is he? Who could do such a thing?” He was identified. He was convicted. He was executed. The legislation that he put into law to destroy her, and her people was reversed.

“So the king’s scribes were called at that time... and it was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews, the satraps, the governors, and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces in all, to every province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds.” [2]

The Lord did more than they had asked or imagined. He not only removed the abuser from abusing again, but moved the king to make a new law to protect her people from one end of his worldwide empire to the other. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” [3] God’s grace is greater than our need.

“So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.” [4] The man who dared to defy the abuser at the risk of becoming his prey, did not die. He was promoted because he trusted in the Lord. He did what was right.

“The Jews had light and gladness, joy, and honor. And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast, and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews because fear of the Jews fell upon them.” [5]

Joy and gladness! A feast! A holiday! Many converting to the faith in their God! Praise God!

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [6] Never forget that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was once condemned when a criminal was exonerated by abusive people. He was crucified, dead and buried, but returned to life on the 3rd day. Now, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father advocating for those who trust in Him. He turns the tide in battles that are unwinnable for us. The Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” [7]

[1] Esther 7:4-6
[2] Esther 8:9-10
[3] Proverbs 21:1
[4] Esther 8:15
[5] Esther 8:16-17
[6] Hebrews 4:15
[7] Romans 10:11