“Those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.” [1]
“They did not know Him nor even the voices of the Prophets.”
The phrase “know the Lord” appears approximately 13 times in the book of Jeremiah. Specifically, it's found in Jeremiah 31:34, “And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
The phrase “know that I am the Lord” is used 58 times in the book of Ezekiel. This phrase, which is a common motif throughout the book, is used 72 times in the entire Bible, with Ezekiel accounting for the majority of those occurrences.
Do you know the Lord? Listen to His voice? Speak to Him in return? Do you hear the voice of the Lord speaking through His prophets? If not, the Lord is extending to you an invitation to know Him.
Jesus wants people to know Him. He prayed to His Father, saying, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” [2]
Jesus declared His mission successful to our Heavenly Father when He said, “I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” [3]
“They,” the disciples, “have surely known that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” Surely known!
Peter, as spokesperson for the disciples declared this “knowing” verbally and publicly, “We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [4]
Jesus wants us to know Him as intimately as the prophets and apostles did in the Bible.
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” [5]
If knowing the Lord is a priority in your life, I commend you. May the Lord Jesus continue to grant you and me this grace. If you do not know the Lord, I urge you to ask the Lord Jesus to reveal Himself to you. To make Himself known to you! Ask Him to forgive your sins and ask Him to grant you the grace to “believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The Apostle Paul said of Jesus, “Let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” [6]
Let is be known to you that in Christ every sin that you have ever committed is forgiven. Let it be known to you that only He can make you just before God. Your own merits will never be enough to impress God, but your faith in His Son Jesus as your Messiah will 100% be accepted and approved of by God. Faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the world.
“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.” [7]
[1] Acts 13:27
[2] John 17:3
[3] John 17:8
[4] John 6:69
[5] John 17:20-21
[6] Acts 13:38-39
[7] 1 John 5:4-5
Please pray that God will use 21st Century Jeremiah publications to help prophetic speakers to accurately align their messages with the Scriptures even as the prophet Jeremiah sought to do in his day.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
I was Made to Praise You Lord
“Kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth. Praise the Lord!” [1]
“I was made to praise You
I was made to glorify Your Name
In ev'ry circumstance to find a chance to thank You
I was made to love You
I was made to worship at Your feet
And to obey You Lord
I was made for you
I will always praise You
I will always glorify Your Name
In ev'ry circumstance I'll find a chance to thank You
I will always love You
I will always worship at Your feet
And I'll obey You Lord
I was made for You”
[1] Psalm 148:11, 14
[2] Psalm 149:1
[3] Psalm 149:3-4
[4] 1 Samuel 2:30
[5] Psalm 150:3-6
[6] Ezekiel 28:13-15
[7] Revelation 12:10-11
[8] Luke 19:37-40
The Lord deserves the praises of all who lead, provide for and protect people. The Lord is the well with ample cool and refreshing water to resource us with all we need to honor Him and to serve those we serve well. Praise the Lord!
I have noticed that meetings with preaching of God’s Word usually begin with worship to Him. Evangelist Billy Graham began his crusades with songs of praise and worship to God before He preached. When I did rallies in schools and churches in Hong Kong with Youth for Christ, the programs always began with singing and testimonies of praise to God.
As we praise and thank the Lord, we invite His presence among us. We set our minds on the good things that He does for us, and express love to Him.
“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints.” [2]
Praise the Lord for those who compose new songs to the Lord. Praise the Lord for musicians who fine tune their skills and rehearse frequently, and yield all of this to the Lord for His glory.
“Let them praise His Name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.” [3]
Dancing to the Lord... have you ever done it? I have enjoyed worship services where people leap from foot to foot with arms uplifted in praise to the Lord. It is glorious! You can feel the Spirit of God like electricity in the atmosphere beautifying the moment as God takes pleasure in people who get Him. He is God! Creator and Sustainer of the universe! He loves us. He blesses us as we love Him in return. He is bringing us to happily ever after.
“The Lord says... those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” [4]
It makes sense. Whomever you treat respectfully and with love usually yields some of the same back to you. The Lord is much more honorable in this regard than any human being.
“Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” [5]
Wind, string, and percussion instruments praise the Lord. Phil Driscoll speaks of being an instrument of praise to the Lord. Phil is an excellent trumpet player. Phil testifies, “I am not a trumpet player. I am a trumpet to the Lord. My purpose for existence is to bring God glory!” Phil says that sound consists of vibrations. As we praise the Lord, we are releasing vibes into the atmosphere around us. They are very good vibes. Healthy vibes! Just like light dispels darkness, good vibes destroy bad vibes. Therefore, we should make every attempt to fill the environment around us with praise, music and singing to the Lord.
The Lord speaks of Satan as originally being a cherub who had timbrels and pipes. “The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.” [6]
Some believers believe that the Lord created people with a free will to prove that given the choice to either praise the Lord or serve themselves, those who knew Him would love Him more than life itself.
“They [the brethren] overcame him [the accuser of the brethren – Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” [7]
I have noticed that meetings with preaching of God’s Word usually begin with worship to Him. Evangelist Billy Graham began his crusades with songs of praise and worship to God before He preached. When I did rallies in schools and churches in Hong Kong with Youth for Christ, the programs always began with singing and testimonies of praise to God.
As we praise and thank the Lord, we invite His presence among us. We set our minds on the good things that He does for us, and express love to Him.
“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints.” [2]
Praise the Lord for those who compose new songs to the Lord. Praise the Lord for musicians who fine tune their skills and rehearse frequently, and yield all of this to the Lord for His glory.
“Let them praise His Name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.” [3]
Dancing to the Lord... have you ever done it? I have enjoyed worship services where people leap from foot to foot with arms uplifted in praise to the Lord. It is glorious! You can feel the Spirit of God like electricity in the atmosphere beautifying the moment as God takes pleasure in people who get Him. He is God! Creator and Sustainer of the universe! He loves us. He blesses us as we love Him in return. He is bringing us to happily ever after.
“The Lord says... those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” [4]
It makes sense. Whomever you treat respectfully and with love usually yields some of the same back to you. The Lord is much more honorable in this regard than any human being.
“Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” [5]
Wind, string, and percussion instruments praise the Lord. Phil Driscoll speaks of being an instrument of praise to the Lord. Phil is an excellent trumpet player. Phil testifies, “I am not a trumpet player. I am a trumpet to the Lord. My purpose for existence is to bring God glory!” Phil says that sound consists of vibrations. As we praise the Lord, we are releasing vibes into the atmosphere around us. They are very good vibes. Healthy vibes! Just like light dispels darkness, good vibes destroy bad vibes. Therefore, we should make every attempt to fill the environment around us with praise, music and singing to the Lord.
The Lord speaks of Satan as originally being a cherub who had timbrels and pipes. “The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.” [6]
Some believers believe that the Lord created people with a free will to prove that given the choice to either praise the Lord or serve themselves, those who knew Him would love Him more than life itself.
“They [the brethren] overcame him [the accuser of the brethren – Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” [7]
May the Lord grant to us by His Spirit a love that is so great for Him that nothing will dampen our will to praise and honor Him.
Once when the disciples of Jesus were rejoicing and praising God with loud voices, some religious leaders demanded that Jesus rebuke them. Jesus responded, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” [8]
Why should any stone out-praise us who were created for that very purpose?
Chris Christensen wrote a beautiful song entitled, “I was Made to Praise You.”
Once when the disciples of Jesus were rejoicing and praising God with loud voices, some religious leaders demanded that Jesus rebuke them. Jesus responded, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” [8]
Why should any stone out-praise us who were created for that very purpose?
Chris Christensen wrote a beautiful song entitled, “I was Made to Praise You.”
“I was made to praise You
I was made to glorify Your Name
In ev'ry circumstance to find a chance to thank You
I was made to love You
I was made to worship at Your feet
And to obey You Lord
I was made for you
I will always praise You
I will always glorify Your Name
In ev'ry circumstance I'll find a chance to thank You
I will always love You
I will always worship at Your feet
And I'll obey You Lord
I was made for You”
[1] Psalm 148:11, 14
[2] Psalm 149:1
[3] Psalm 149:3-4
[4] 1 Samuel 2:30
[5] Psalm 150:3-6
[6] Ezekiel 28:13-15
[7] Revelation 12:10-11
[8] Luke 19:37-40
Thursday, April 10, 2025
From Horrific to Hallelujah
A very horrific story is told in the Book of Judges of a woman being abused by multiple men to the point of dying, and her body being divided up into twelve pieces with one piece of her being sent to each of the twelve tribes of Israel. What’s even more shocking about this story is that the perverted men who abused her were from the tribe of Benjamin. And initially they targeted her husband for carnal use, but he persuaded them to settle for his concubine instead. Her husband was a Levite. Levites were priests. [1]
How did the tribes of Israel respond to this horrific news? Did they let out a gasp, and a lament, and then, move on with their day as though such evil had no bearing on them? No, they assembled an army of 400,000 foot soldiers around the city, Gibeah, in which the crime occurred and demanded that the perverted men be handed over to them. The Benjamites refused to comply. [2]
The tribes enquired of God for guidance as to which tribe should attack Gibeah. The Lord said, “Judah first!” So, they attacked but lost 22,000 men and they lost the battle. [3]
The tribes wept before the Lord and asked Him if they should attack again. The Lord said, “Go up against him.” [4] They lost 18,000 more solders and they lost the second battle as well. [5]
The tribes offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. Phinehas the grandson of Aaron, stood before the Ark of the Covenant and asked the Lord, saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” This time, they defeated the men of Gibeah. 25,000 men of Benjamin died. 600 escaped. [6]
The story ends with the tribes helping these 600 escapees to acquire wives so that a tribe of Israel, namely Benjamin, would not cease to exist. The women had no say in the matter, so, it was another form of abuse. The concluding verse of the Book of Judges is, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” [7] They had forsaken the Lord and His Word. Anarchy reigned.
The next book in the Bible after Judges is Ruth. Ruth is a Moabite who marries a Jew and converts to faith in the one true God. She was known for her faithfulness to God and family. She ends up being the great grandmother of King David. [8]
After the people of Israel failed to recognize the value of their relationship with God and His Word, God opened the door for a Gentile women to be grafted into the family tree of Messiah. Jesus Christ in His earthly body was a descendant of King David.
Much later in history, the Lord used the Apostle Peter to lead a band of Italians to believe in and profess Jesus Christ as their Savior. Some Jews in Jerusalem protested against Peter, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” Peter explained how the miraculous event came about, and afterwards, they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” [9]
Another praise note to this story is that God took what was evil and turned it for good. Why was it important for the tribe of Benjamin to survive? One reason of many was that a certain man who wrote a large portion of the New Testament was a descendant from that tribe. His name was Saul of Tarsus, who later came to be known as Paul the Apostle. [10]
Faith in God and in God’s Word is a very precious treasure. Whoever knows the Lord and enjoys consuming His Word should be grateful to God for this gift. It is also good to know that the Lord never ceases from bringing people into His glorious kingdom so that they can one day sit around about His banqueting table. When one people group forsakes Him to do what is right in their own eyes, He finds another who serves Him gladly. But then, I also know both from Scripture and from experience, that He circles back around to that group that earlier rejected Him. He has compassion on them when they are cry out to Him for forgiveness of their sins and He delivers them from their captors. Hallelujah!
[1] Judges 19
[2] Judges 20:1-17
[3] Judges 20:18-21
[4] Judges 20:22-23
[5] Judges 20:24-25
[6] Judges 20:26-28; Judges 20:29-48
[7] Judges 21:1-25
[8] Ruth 2:11-12; Ruth 4:17, 22
[9] Acts 11:1-18
[10] Acts 9; 13:13; Philippians 3:5
How did the tribes of Israel respond to this horrific news? Did they let out a gasp, and a lament, and then, move on with their day as though such evil had no bearing on them? No, they assembled an army of 400,000 foot soldiers around the city, Gibeah, in which the crime occurred and demanded that the perverted men be handed over to them. The Benjamites refused to comply. [2]
The tribes enquired of God for guidance as to which tribe should attack Gibeah. The Lord said, “Judah first!” So, they attacked but lost 22,000 men and they lost the battle. [3]
The tribes wept before the Lord and asked Him if they should attack again. The Lord said, “Go up against him.” [4] They lost 18,000 more solders and they lost the second battle as well. [5]
The tribes offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. Phinehas the grandson of Aaron, stood before the Ark of the Covenant and asked the Lord, saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” This time, they defeated the men of Gibeah. 25,000 men of Benjamin died. 600 escaped. [6]
The story ends with the tribes helping these 600 escapees to acquire wives so that a tribe of Israel, namely Benjamin, would not cease to exist. The women had no say in the matter, so, it was another form of abuse. The concluding verse of the Book of Judges is, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” [7] They had forsaken the Lord and His Word. Anarchy reigned.
The next book in the Bible after Judges is Ruth. Ruth is a Moabite who marries a Jew and converts to faith in the one true God. She was known for her faithfulness to God and family. She ends up being the great grandmother of King David. [8]
After the people of Israel failed to recognize the value of their relationship with God and His Word, God opened the door for a Gentile women to be grafted into the family tree of Messiah. Jesus Christ in His earthly body was a descendant of King David.
Much later in history, the Lord used the Apostle Peter to lead a band of Italians to believe in and profess Jesus Christ as their Savior. Some Jews in Jerusalem protested against Peter, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” Peter explained how the miraculous event came about, and afterwards, they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” [9]
Another praise note to this story is that God took what was evil and turned it for good. Why was it important for the tribe of Benjamin to survive? One reason of many was that a certain man who wrote a large portion of the New Testament was a descendant from that tribe. His name was Saul of Tarsus, who later came to be known as Paul the Apostle. [10]
Faith in God and in God’s Word is a very precious treasure. Whoever knows the Lord and enjoys consuming His Word should be grateful to God for this gift. It is also good to know that the Lord never ceases from bringing people into His glorious kingdom so that they can one day sit around about His banqueting table. When one people group forsakes Him to do what is right in their own eyes, He finds another who serves Him gladly. But then, I also know both from Scripture and from experience, that He circles back around to that group that earlier rejected Him. He has compassion on them when they are cry out to Him for forgiveness of their sins and He delivers them from their captors. Hallelujah!
[1] Judges 19
[2] Judges 20:1-17
[3] Judges 20:18-21
[4] Judges 20:22-23
[5] Judges 20:24-25
[6] Judges 20:26-28; Judges 20:29-48
[7] Judges 21:1-25
[8] Ruth 2:11-12; Ruth 4:17, 22
[9] Acts 11:1-18
[10] Acts 9; 13:13; Philippians 3:5
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Grace to Cross the Finish Line
Jesus is the answer for the world today. He fills and satisfies souls who receive Him with love joy and peace. He is a healer. He is a provider. He leads people to serve one another in love. He is the earthly embodiment of God and God’s ways.
The blessings outweigh the trials for us who know and walk with our Savior.
The Apostle John wrote, “Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” [1]
Today, I’m looking at a prayer of Jeremiah. He told the Lord, “When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your Name, Lord God Almighty. I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because of Your hand, for You have filled me with indignation.” [2]
Jeremiah’s love for the Word of God distanced him from his countrymen because they wanted nothing to do with God and His Word.
Jeremiah could relate with the prayer of the Psalmist, who prayed, “Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.” [3]
He questioned God, “Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will You surely be to me like an unreliable stream, as waters that fail?” [4]
Nowadays, we Christians can relate with Christ on the cross. How people hurt Him! His own people betrayed, hated, and crucified Him! The pain of such a wound goes deep to the core of a person. What salve heals such a wound? What drink conquers such a deprivation? God Himself must fill the void left by such treatment.
Amidst mockers we must turn to the Lord for fellowship. King David prayed, “I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah” [5]
The Lord said to Jeremiah: “If you return, then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; if you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, but you must not return to them.” [6]
Jeremiah needed to stay focused. Continue extracting dross from silver! Keep winnowing chaff from the wheat! Stay with solid food... “Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” [7]
The weak need the man or woman of God to stand strong... “We did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the Gospel would remain with you.” [8]
“I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” [9]
The Lord reminded Jeremiah of His promise to him at the on-start of his ministry, saying, “I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord. I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.” [10]
Quite often in Bible, God sends His prophets and apostles into enemy territory to proclaim His Word to them. Paul wrote of being burdened beyond measure while ministering the Word in Asia. He had to trust God to deliver him from death. He told the Corinthians, “He [the Lord] will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us.” He needed the Lord and he needed the prayers of God’s people just to survive. [11]
Paul also wrote to Timothy of “Alexander the coppersmith.” Alexander did Paul much harm. At his first defense no one stood with Paul. They forsook him. But the Lord stood with him and strengthened him, so that his ministry continued. Paul testified to Timothy, “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” [12]
“Momentary” is a good word to remember when experiencing trials for proclaiming God’s Word. Paul wrote to the Corinthians. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” And to the Roman Christians, he wrote, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” [13]
Soon the trials will be over and the glory of the Lord will be shining brightly upon us. God’s grace will help us cross the finish line.
[1] 1 John 1:4
[2] Jeremiah 15:16-17
[3] Psalm 142:6
[4] Jeremiah 15:18
[5] Psalm 143:6
[6] Jeremiah 15:19
[7] Hebrews 5:14
[8] Galatians 2:5
[9] Acts 20:27
[10] Jeremiah 15:20-21
[11] 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
[12] 2 Timothy 4:15-18
[13] 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 16:20
The blessings outweigh the trials for us who know and walk with our Savior.
The Apostle John wrote, “Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” [1]
Today, I’m looking at a prayer of Jeremiah. He told the Lord, “When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your Name, Lord God Almighty. I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because of Your hand, for You have filled me with indignation.” [2]
Jeremiah’s love for the Word of God distanced him from his countrymen because they wanted nothing to do with God and His Word.
Jeremiah could relate with the prayer of the Psalmist, who prayed, “Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.” [3]
He questioned God, “Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will You surely be to me like an unreliable stream, as waters that fail?” [4]
Nowadays, we Christians can relate with Christ on the cross. How people hurt Him! His own people betrayed, hated, and crucified Him! The pain of such a wound goes deep to the core of a person. What salve heals such a wound? What drink conquers such a deprivation? God Himself must fill the void left by such treatment.
Amidst mockers we must turn to the Lord for fellowship. King David prayed, “I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah” [5]
The Lord said to Jeremiah: “If you return, then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; if you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, but you must not return to them.” [6]
Jeremiah needed to stay focused. Continue extracting dross from silver! Keep winnowing chaff from the wheat! Stay with solid food... “Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” [7]
The weak need the man or woman of God to stand strong... “We did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the Gospel would remain with you.” [8]
“I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” [9]
The Lord reminded Jeremiah of His promise to him at the on-start of his ministry, saying, “I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord. I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.” [10]
Quite often in Bible, God sends His prophets and apostles into enemy territory to proclaim His Word to them. Paul wrote of being burdened beyond measure while ministering the Word in Asia. He had to trust God to deliver him from death. He told the Corinthians, “He [the Lord] will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us.” He needed the Lord and he needed the prayers of God’s people just to survive. [11]
Paul also wrote to Timothy of “Alexander the coppersmith.” Alexander did Paul much harm. At his first defense no one stood with Paul. They forsook him. But the Lord stood with him and strengthened him, so that his ministry continued. Paul testified to Timothy, “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” [12]
“Momentary” is a good word to remember when experiencing trials for proclaiming God’s Word. Paul wrote to the Corinthians. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” And to the Roman Christians, he wrote, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” [13]
Soon the trials will be over and the glory of the Lord will be shining brightly upon us. God’s grace will help us cross the finish line.
[1] 1 John 1:4
[2] Jeremiah 15:16-17
[3] Psalm 142:6
[4] Jeremiah 15:18
[5] Psalm 143:6
[6] Jeremiah 15:19
[7] Hebrews 5:14
[8] Galatians 2:5
[9] Acts 20:27
[10] Jeremiah 15:20-21
[11] 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
[12] 2 Timothy 4:15-18
[13] 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 16:20
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Healing in the Name of Jesus
Last night, Sherry and I watched the Gospel of Mark filmed by The Lumo Project. The Lumo Project uses the Gospel text as the script. It is a word for word version of the Gospel informed by leading world experts’ latest historical and archeological research into the time period. They have done all four Gospels in movie form.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is constantly healing people. He healed a woman’s daughter that was tormented by a demon. Jesus cast the demon out. He healed man’s son who was tormented by a demon. He raised another man’s daughter from the dead. Peter told a group of Italians, “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” [1]
The healing acts of Jesus were signs that He is who He said He is, namely the Messiah. Jesus told His disciples, “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” Then, He proceeded to tell them that believers in Him would do greater works than He did, because He was going to the Father. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [2]
In the Book of Acts, the disciples prayed, “Lord... stretch out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the Name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And He did. The Lord healed the lame and raised the dead via Peter. [3]
There are too many verses about healing in the Bible for me to include them all in a brief article, but I am, providing some for you hereafter. Ultimately, God decides whom He will heal.
So often in the Gospels, Jesus healed those who came to Him in a humble fashion, pleaded for mercy, and believed that He was able to heal. “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” [4] The man told the Lord straight forwardly his need, and simply, like a child, believed the Lord as a good father, would give him what he asked for.
The Lord is a healer. “I am the Lord who heals you.” [5]
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all...” “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds … Great is our Lord, and mighty in power …” [6]
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [7]
[1] Acts 10:38
[2] John 14:11-13
[3] Acts 4:29-30; Acts 3, Acts 9
[4] Mark 10:51-52
[5] Exodus 15:26
[6] Psalm 34:19; 147:3
[7] Hebrews 4:16
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is constantly healing people. He healed a woman’s daughter that was tormented by a demon. Jesus cast the demon out. He healed man’s son who was tormented by a demon. He raised another man’s daughter from the dead. Peter told a group of Italians, “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” [1]
The healing acts of Jesus were signs that He is who He said He is, namely the Messiah. Jesus told His disciples, “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” Then, He proceeded to tell them that believers in Him would do greater works than He did, because He was going to the Father. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [2]
In the Book of Acts, the disciples prayed, “Lord... stretch out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the Name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And He did. The Lord healed the lame and raised the dead via Peter. [3]
There are too many verses about healing in the Bible for me to include them all in a brief article, but I am, providing some for you hereafter. Ultimately, God decides whom He will heal.
So often in the Gospels, Jesus healed those who came to Him in a humble fashion, pleaded for mercy, and believed that He was able to heal. “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” [4] The man told the Lord straight forwardly his need, and simply, like a child, believed the Lord as a good father, would give him what he asked for.
The Lord is a healer. “I am the Lord who heals you.” [5]
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all...” “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds … Great is our Lord, and mighty in power …” [6]
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [7]
[1] Acts 10:38
[2] John 14:11-13
[3] Acts 4:29-30; Acts 3, Acts 9
[4] Mark 10:51-52
[5] Exodus 15:26
[6] Psalm 34:19; 147:3
[7] Hebrews 4:16
Monday, April 7, 2025
Enthroning God Dethroning Idols
The Lord urges us to keep as the apple of our eye His commands. To bind them to our fingers! Write them on our hearts! To “say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your nearest kin.” Why? Because they will keep us from falling prey to soul destroying seduction. [1]
Throughout the Bible, the word, “harlotry” is used as a metaphor for idolatry. [2]
The opposite of keeping as the apple of our eye God’s commands is to look in other directions for spiritual sustenance. Those other directions neither save nor satisfy our soul. The Lord compares the one who gives way to the lure of other directions to a dumb ox being led to the slaughter. To an unsuspecting bird on whom a trap is sprung! To a mighty warrior defeated by a greater opponent! The Lord says of the spirit of harlotry, “Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.” [3]
Only the Lord satisfies our soul. I see many boasts on Facebook about the flesh being indulged but few posts about feeding the soul. Fill up on the Lord, and you won’t crave the things that are bad for you. What are you seeking? Whatever you feed grows stronger. Feed your soul the Word of God. Feed your soul by joining the Lord in prayer for people. He reduces harmful cravings.
Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to preach Christ to the people in Samaria. As Philip preached many believed in the Lord. The Lord also casted out demons from people and healed paralyzed and lame people through him. The result: “There was great joy in that city.” [4]
When one man needed help with understanding a Bible passage, Philip took time to explain it to him. Afterwards, that man said to Philip, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” He asked Philip to baptize him and Philip did. Did Philip stop with that success? No, “he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.” [5]
“To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of our mission
The spring from which our service overflows
Across the street or around the world, the mission's still the same
Proclaim and live the truth in Jesus’ Name.” [6]
The Lord is leading me to pray for the peoples of the nations that we would love the Lord our God wholeheartedly, with all our souls, minds and strength. And that the Lord would grant us spiritual discernment to identify pretenders (idols) to the thrones of our hearts, and to dethrone them in loyalty and preference for loving the Lord our God.
[1] Proverbs 7:1-5
[2] Leviticus 17:7, 20:5-6; Numbers 15:39; Deuteronomy 31:16; Judges 2:17, 8:33; 1 Chronicles 21:11-13; Psalm 73:27, 106:39; Proverbs 5-7; Isaiah 1:21, 23:17, 57:3; Jeremiah 2:20, 3:1, 6, 8; Ezekiel 6:9, 16:15-59, 20:30, 23:3-5, 19, 30, 43-44; Hosea 4:10-18, 5:3, 9:1, Nahum 3:4; Romans 7; 1 Corinthians 6:15; Revelation 2:20-23, 17:1-2
[3] Proverbs 7:27
[4] Acts 8:4-8
[5] Acts 8:26-40
[6] Song by Steve Green
Throughout the Bible, the word, “harlotry” is used as a metaphor for idolatry. [2]
The opposite of keeping as the apple of our eye God’s commands is to look in other directions for spiritual sustenance. Those other directions neither save nor satisfy our soul. The Lord compares the one who gives way to the lure of other directions to a dumb ox being led to the slaughter. To an unsuspecting bird on whom a trap is sprung! To a mighty warrior defeated by a greater opponent! The Lord says of the spirit of harlotry, “Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.” [3]
Only the Lord satisfies our soul. I see many boasts on Facebook about the flesh being indulged but few posts about feeding the soul. Fill up on the Lord, and you won’t crave the things that are bad for you. What are you seeking? Whatever you feed grows stronger. Feed your soul the Word of God. Feed your soul by joining the Lord in prayer for people. He reduces harmful cravings.
Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to preach Christ to the people in Samaria. As Philip preached many believed in the Lord. The Lord also casted out demons from people and healed paralyzed and lame people through him. The result: “There was great joy in that city.” [4]
When one man needed help with understanding a Bible passage, Philip took time to explain it to him. Afterwards, that man said to Philip, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” He asked Philip to baptize him and Philip did. Did Philip stop with that success? No, “he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.” [5]
“To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of our mission
The spring from which our service overflows
Across the street or around the world, the mission's still the same
Proclaim and live the truth in Jesus’ Name.” [6]
The Lord is leading me to pray for the peoples of the nations that we would love the Lord our God wholeheartedly, with all our souls, minds and strength. And that the Lord would grant us spiritual discernment to identify pretenders (idols) to the thrones of our hearts, and to dethrone them in loyalty and preference for loving the Lord our God.
[1] Proverbs 7:1-5
[2] Leviticus 17:7, 20:5-6; Numbers 15:39; Deuteronomy 31:16; Judges 2:17, 8:33; 1 Chronicles 21:11-13; Psalm 73:27, 106:39; Proverbs 5-7; Isaiah 1:21, 23:17, 57:3; Jeremiah 2:20, 3:1, 6, 8; Ezekiel 6:9, 16:15-59, 20:30, 23:3-5, 19, 30, 43-44; Hosea 4:10-18, 5:3, 9:1, Nahum 3:4; Romans 7; 1 Corinthians 6:15; Revelation 2:20-23, 17:1-2
[3] Proverbs 7:27
[4] Acts 8:4-8
[5] Acts 8:26-40
[6] Song by Steve Green
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Less Kings More Servants
Abimelech (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ) is one of many bad characters whose story is told in the Bible. His name means my father is king. He staged a bloody coup against his ruling stepbrothers. He killed seventy of them. Only his youngest stepbrother, Jotham (יוֹתָם), survived. Jotham’s name means Yahweh [the Lord] is perfect. [1]
Jotham told a parable of trees against the men of Shechem who helped Abimelech to massacre his brothers. In the parable, the trees wanted to anoint one from among them to be their king. They asked the olive tree, but olive replied, “Should I cease giving my oil, with which they honor God and men, and go to sway over trees?” They asked the fig tree, but fig replied, “Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to sway over trees?” They asked a vine, but vine replied, “Should I cease my new wine, which cheers both God and men, and go to sway over trees?” Finally they asked the bramble. Bramble, who was a thorn in everyone’s side, agreed, but warned that if they betrayed him, fire would come out from him and destroy them. [2]
Jothan protested his countrymen’s betrayal of Gideon his father. The Lord had used Gideon to bring about a mighty deliverance for the nation. Jotham predicted that Abimelech would destroy those who installed him as king and he would destroy them. [3]
“After Abimelech had reigned over Israel three years, God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, that the crime done to the 70 sons of Jerubbaal might be settled and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who aided him in the killing of his brothers.” [4]
The Lord sent a spirit of ill will between the conspirators. They consumed each other. On the one hand, I pray for those who are sabotaging nations to repent and be saved from hell because hell is horrible place, and it is forever. On the other hand, I pray for them to be replaced with good leaders. Rotten people destroy people. Good people seek to save people.
In any case, God does what is right: “Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father by killing his 70 brothers. And all the evil of the men of Shechem God returned on their own heads, and on them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.” [5]
It is good when bad people get their comeuppance. But wait what about you and me? Have we ever taken advantage of someone? Are we hiding anything? Have we been faithful to the Lord? What did the people in the Bible do to the Lord after He delivered them from their enemies? The answer is, “They forsook the Lord and did not serve Him.” [6]
Bad things happen when we allow distance to grow between us and the Lord. Thankfully, God allows U-turns. When things got so bad, the people “cried out to the Lord, saying, ‘We have sinned against You, because we have both forsaken our God and served the Baals!’” [7]
Perhaps, we don’t serve Baal whose name means owner or lord, but if we are not serving the Lord, who are we serving someone. Who is it?
Let’s focus on those who ARE serving the Lord! The apostles had an excellent resolve. They said, “We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” And as a result, “The Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” [8]
Prayer and ministry of the Word are vital for our souls. Jesus urged us to pray for laborers for the harvest field. [9] He is looking for intercessors! To pray that the people would be delivered from deceivers, and from being deceivers themselves! To pray that indulgers of self will become deniers of self for God’s glory and for the salvation of others. Stealers will become givers! Adulterers will become covenant cherishers! Haters will become lovers.
The world needs more servants like Stephen and less kings like Abimelech. “Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. They were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.” They, “saw his face as the face of an angel.” [10] Indeed, anyone that lives for God must rely on God’s Spirit to do so. And thus, yes, the Lord shines through them. An angel is God’s messenger. “Lord of the harvest, please raise up more laborers like Stephen, and may I one of them for You.
[1] Judges 9:1-6
[2] Judges 9:7-14
[3] Judges 9:15-21
[4] Judges 9:22-24
[5] Judges 9:56-57
[6] Judges 10:6
[7] Judges 10:10
[8] Acts 6:4, 7
[9] Matthew 9:37-38
[10] Acts 6:8, 10, 15
Jotham told a parable of trees against the men of Shechem who helped Abimelech to massacre his brothers. In the parable, the trees wanted to anoint one from among them to be their king. They asked the olive tree, but olive replied, “Should I cease giving my oil, with which they honor God and men, and go to sway over trees?” They asked the fig tree, but fig replied, “Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to sway over trees?” They asked a vine, but vine replied, “Should I cease my new wine, which cheers both God and men, and go to sway over trees?” Finally they asked the bramble. Bramble, who was a thorn in everyone’s side, agreed, but warned that if they betrayed him, fire would come out from him and destroy them. [2]
Jothan protested his countrymen’s betrayal of Gideon his father. The Lord had used Gideon to bring about a mighty deliverance for the nation. Jotham predicted that Abimelech would destroy those who installed him as king and he would destroy them. [3]
“After Abimelech had reigned over Israel three years, God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, that the crime done to the 70 sons of Jerubbaal might be settled and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who aided him in the killing of his brothers.” [4]
The Lord sent a spirit of ill will between the conspirators. They consumed each other. On the one hand, I pray for those who are sabotaging nations to repent and be saved from hell because hell is horrible place, and it is forever. On the other hand, I pray for them to be replaced with good leaders. Rotten people destroy people. Good people seek to save people.
In any case, God does what is right: “Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father by killing his 70 brothers. And all the evil of the men of Shechem God returned on their own heads, and on them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.” [5]
It is good when bad people get their comeuppance. But wait what about you and me? Have we ever taken advantage of someone? Are we hiding anything? Have we been faithful to the Lord? What did the people in the Bible do to the Lord after He delivered them from their enemies? The answer is, “They forsook the Lord and did not serve Him.” [6]
Bad things happen when we allow distance to grow between us and the Lord. Thankfully, God allows U-turns. When things got so bad, the people “cried out to the Lord, saying, ‘We have sinned against You, because we have both forsaken our God and served the Baals!’” [7]
Perhaps, we don’t serve Baal whose name means owner or lord, but if we are not serving the Lord, who are we serving someone. Who is it?
Let’s focus on those who ARE serving the Lord! The apostles had an excellent resolve. They said, “We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” And as a result, “The Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” [8]
Prayer and ministry of the Word are vital for our souls. Jesus urged us to pray for laborers for the harvest field. [9] He is looking for intercessors! To pray that the people would be delivered from deceivers, and from being deceivers themselves! To pray that indulgers of self will become deniers of self for God’s glory and for the salvation of others. Stealers will become givers! Adulterers will become covenant cherishers! Haters will become lovers.
The world needs more servants like Stephen and less kings like Abimelech. “Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. They were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.” They, “saw his face as the face of an angel.” [10] Indeed, anyone that lives for God must rely on God’s Spirit to do so. And thus, yes, the Lord shines through them. An angel is God’s messenger. “Lord of the harvest, please raise up more laborers like Stephen, and may I one of them for You.
[1] Judges 9:1-6
[2] Judges 9:7-14
[3] Judges 9:15-21
[4] Judges 9:22-24
[5] Judges 9:56-57
[6] Judges 10:6
[7] Judges 10:10
[8] Acts 6:4, 7
[9] Matthew 9:37-38
[10] Acts 6:8, 10, 15
Friday, April 4, 2025
Teaching and Preaching Jesus as the Messiah
“Daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:42
Please see below 17 slides that present the Gospel message with picture illustrations and Bible verses. I pray that we would all fathom the heighth, depth, width and breadth of the love of God for us, that we would believe in and profess the Name of Jesus Messiah, so that our sins might be forgiven, and so that the Holy Spirit might rain down and fill us and people everywhere.
Please see below 17 slides that present the Gospel message with picture illustrations and Bible verses. I pray that we would all fathom the heighth, depth, width and breadth of the love of God for us, that we would believe in and profess the Name of Jesus Messiah, so that our sins might be forgiven, and so that the Holy Spirit might rain down and fill us and people everywhere.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Boldness for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Why were the religious leaders greatly disturbed? They were greatly disturbed because Peter and John were teaching and preaching that Jesus resurrects people from the dead. [1]
The religious leaders arrested and imprisoned Peter and John, but not before about 5,000 men believed in Jesus. [2]
During Peter and John’s trial, they were asked by what power and by what name they had healed a lame man. This was a loaded question because if they spoke the Name of Jesus, they were on trial before the same connivers who brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate to have Jesus crucified. [3]
Praise God! The Holy Spirit filled Peter and empowered him to testify, “Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [4]
The religious were stunned. What could they say? The lame man that the Lord healed was standing with them. He was over 40 years old. He had been lame from birth. After being healed, he had walked, leaped and praised God throughout the temple. The leaders decided to severely threaten Peter and John against speaking about Jesus, and to let them go. [5]
After returning to their friends, they prayed, “Look [Lord] on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your Word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the Name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” [6]
“The place where they were assembled was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.” Then what? “With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” [7]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please grant that with such boldness and with such grace we will do likewise as they. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 4:1-2
[2] Acts 4:3-4
[3] Acts 4:5-7
[4] Acts 4:8-12
[5] Acts 3:2, 8; 4:13-17
[6] Acts 4:23-24, 29-31
[7] Acts 4:31; Acts 4:33
The religious leaders arrested and imprisoned Peter and John, but not before about 5,000 men believed in Jesus. [2]
During Peter and John’s trial, they were asked by what power and by what name they had healed a lame man. This was a loaded question because if they spoke the Name of Jesus, they were on trial before the same connivers who brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate to have Jesus crucified. [3]
Praise God! The Holy Spirit filled Peter and empowered him to testify, “Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [4]
The religious were stunned. What could they say? The lame man that the Lord healed was standing with them. He was over 40 years old. He had been lame from birth. After being healed, he had walked, leaped and praised God throughout the temple. The leaders decided to severely threaten Peter and John against speaking about Jesus, and to let them go. [5]
After returning to their friends, they prayed, “Look [Lord] on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your Word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the Name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” [6]
“The place where they were assembled was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.” Then what? “With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” [7]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please grant that with such boldness and with such grace we will do likewise as they. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 4:1-2
[2] Acts 4:3-4
[3] Acts 4:5-7
[4] Acts 4:8-12
[5] Acts 3:2, 8; 4:13-17
[6] Acts 4:23-24, 29-31
[7] Acts 4:31; Acts 4:33
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Refreshed by the Lord
One day, the Lord asked Jeremiah to take a sash and hide it under a rock. After many days, the Lord asked Jeremiah to recover the sash.
The sash was spoiled. It was no longer presentable.
The Lord compared His people to the sash. Sin had soiled and made them rotten.
The people that the Lord purchased for Himself out of Egypt and cleansed with the sacrifices of sheep and bulls were defiled. They were once His delight and His honor. He wore them close to Himself like a beautiful sash around His waist. But now, due to sin, He wanted everyone to know that He did not approve of them.
He called them to turn from sin to Him for cleansing but they refused. He allowed a foreign nation to be a scourge unto them. Babylon conquered them, killed many of them and took others captive back to Babylon.
I have attached slides from Jeremiah 13, Proverbs 2, Acts 3 and 2 Corinthians 5 to convey good news to sinners, who like me, need God’s forgiveness, and God’s Son Jesus to help me live a holy life that brings glory to God and His love to those around me. No matter how far we have fallen, if we turn back to the Lord with all our heart, He will receive us, refresh us, and make us new.
The sash was spoiled. It was no longer presentable.
The Lord compared His people to the sash. Sin had soiled and made them rotten.
The people that the Lord purchased for Himself out of Egypt and cleansed with the sacrifices of sheep and bulls were defiled. They were once His delight and His honor. He wore them close to Himself like a beautiful sash around His waist. But now, due to sin, He wanted everyone to know that He did not approve of them.
He called them to turn from sin to Him for cleansing but they refused. He allowed a foreign nation to be a scourge unto them. Babylon conquered them, killed many of them and took others captive back to Babylon.
I have attached slides from Jeremiah 13, Proverbs 2, Acts 3 and 2 Corinthians 5 to convey good news to sinners, who like me, need God’s forgiveness, and God’s Son Jesus to help me live a holy life that brings glory to God and His love to those around me. No matter how far we have fallen, if we turn back to the Lord with all our heart, He will receive us, refresh us, and make us new.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Affection Amidst Affliction
How do you feel about affliction?
David wrote, “Unless Your Law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.” [1]
Amidst affliction David experienced affection from the Lord in His Word.
Amidst affliction, David became aware of how faithful the Lord had been to him.
“I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” [2]
Amidst affliction, David found hidden treasure.
“Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.” [3]
The Spirit of God came to David while others were abandoning him, and gave to him what those others, and what he himself could never have received apart from God.
“The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” [4] The Lord says, “Turn at My rebuke; surely I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My Words known to you.” [5]
Amidst affliction, David experienced the Lord’s affections for him.
So, David knew to turn to the Lord and His Word for affection amidst afflictions.
“I am afflicted very much; revive me, O Lord, according to Your Word.” [6]
The Apostle Paul had similar experiences with God. He wrote, “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” [7]
As a result of David’s experiences with God’s Word, he became jealous for it. He wrote, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.” [8]
David became sensitive to how people treated God and God’s Word. He wrote, “It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your Law as void.” [9]
He did not want people to miss out on knowing the Lord. He testified, “Great peace have those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” [10]
David asked the Lord to help him so that he could continue abiding in His Word amidst affliction. “Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.” [11]
During the first century AD, many people discovered as David did, that God is good. The Lord was happy to receive them into His fold... “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” [12]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for showing me affection when I am afflicted. Your grace is sufficient for me. Your power has turned my darkness into light. I have power to live well. Thanks to You!”
[1] Psalm 119:92
[2] Psalm 119:75
[3] Psalm 119:143
[4] Psalm 119:130
[5] Proverbs 1:23
[6] Psalm 119:107
[7] 2 Corinthians 12:10
[8] Psalm 119:104
[9] Psalm 119:126
[10] Psalm 119:165
[11] Psalm 119:173
[12] Acts 2:47
David wrote, “Unless Your Law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.” [1]
Amidst affliction David experienced affection from the Lord in His Word.
Amidst affliction, David became aware of how faithful the Lord had been to him.
“I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” [2]
Amidst affliction, David found hidden treasure.
“Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.” [3]
The Spirit of God came to David while others were abandoning him, and gave to him what those others, and what he himself could never have received apart from God.
“The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” [4] The Lord says, “Turn at My rebuke; surely I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My Words known to you.” [5]
Amidst affliction, David experienced the Lord’s affections for him.
So, David knew to turn to the Lord and His Word for affection amidst afflictions.
“I am afflicted very much; revive me, O Lord, according to Your Word.” [6]
The Apostle Paul had similar experiences with God. He wrote, “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” [7]
As a result of David’s experiences with God’s Word, he became jealous for it. He wrote, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.” [8]
David became sensitive to how people treated God and God’s Word. He wrote, “It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your Law as void.” [9]
He did not want people to miss out on knowing the Lord. He testified, “Great peace have those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” [10]
David asked the Lord to help him so that he could continue abiding in His Word amidst affliction. “Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.” [11]
During the first century AD, many people discovered as David did, that God is good. The Lord was happy to receive them into His fold... “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” [12]
“Thank You Lord Jesus for showing me affection when I am afflicted. Your grace is sufficient for me. Your power has turned my darkness into light. I have power to live well. Thanks to You!”
[1] Psalm 119:92
[2] Psalm 119:75
[3] Psalm 119:143
[4] Psalm 119:130
[5] Proverbs 1:23
[6] Psalm 119:107
[7] 2 Corinthians 12:10
[8] Psalm 119:104
[9] Psalm 119:126
[10] Psalm 119:165
[11] Psalm 119:173
[12] Acts 2:47
Monday, March 31, 2025
The God who Reigns Forever
“The Lord your God is He who has fought for you.” [1]
I’m so glad that the Lord fights for me and for you. Isn‘t it encouraging to know that the God who created and sustains the whole universe is fighting for you. He is on your side. He wants you to win the battle of overcoming this world and enjoy everlasting life in His kingdom.
The Lord coaches us through His Word, saying, “Be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day.” [2]
Idolatry is sneaky. It is like yeast. It only takes a little yeast to leaven the whole lump of dough. When I think of all God our Father has done for us, when I consider Jesus giving His life on the cross for us, how is it that so many Christians incorporate false stories about an easter bunny laying eggs, a fat man delivering gifts on a flying sleigh and little leprechauns doing magic? How say we one moment we love the Lord, and the next moment light up while telling falsehoods? The Lord urges you and me not to turn to the right or to the left, but to follow hard after Him and Him alone.
“The Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. One man of you shall chase a 1,000, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.” [3]
Being loved by God and loving Him in return is the most successful strategy for productvity and meaningfulness in this world.
We should aim to be standouts for the Lord rather than compromisers with this world.
“Or else, if indeed you do go back, and cling to the remnant of these nations—these that remain among you—and make marriages with them, and go in to them and they to you, know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God has given you.” [4]
A solution that is diluted is never as powerful as one that is full strength. Let us be fully strengthened by our Lord, not diluted by the deceptions that others allow into their lives.
The Lord is a jealous God. Why? Because He loves us so deeply. He has tough love. He will mete out consequences to us if we are unfaithful to Him.
“Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed. Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all the good things have come upon you which the Lord your God promised you, so the Lord will bring upon you all harmful things, until He has destroyed you from this good land which the Lord your God has given you.” [5]
God keeps all His promises, even His promises to deal with us harshly if we turn our backs on Him to give honor to false gods.
God’s servant Joshua made a commitment to the Lord and he kept it. He said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [6]
God’s servant David wrote, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; noses they have, but they do not smell; they have hands, but they do not handle; feet they have, but they do not walk; nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.” [7]
Let us shun imposters and fakes and remain steadfast and unwavering towards the real and authentic God, the One and Only Creator of the universe, the God who reigns forever.
[1] Joshua 23:3
[2] Joshua 23:6-8
[3] Joshua 23:9-11
[4] Joshua 23:12-13
[5] Joshua 23:14-15
[6] Joshua 24:15
[7] Psalm 115:3-8
Sunday, March 30, 2025
A New Kind of Jonah
“So the Lord gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it.” [1]
The Lord gave the children Israel land on this earth. They took ownership of it. They settled in it.
The Lord has given to us who believe in Christ the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the earnest or assurance of our inheritance until we receive what Christ purchased for us, that is, everlasting life in paradise with God. [2]
Jesus said, “The King [namely Him] shall say to them on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” [3]
God our Father in His abundant mercy has birthed you again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you. [4]
We are joint-heirs with Christ. [5]
As it was with Israel in the days of Joshua, so it is with us who follow Jesus. “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” [6]
Are we living like joint-heirs with Christ? Have we taken ownership of God’s promises? Have we settled in them?
Joshua told those who took ownership of land in his day, “Take careful heed to do the commandment and the Law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” [7]
We have a great God and a great inheritance! We should love and walk with Him.
The Psalmist wrote, “From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s Name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes—with the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!” [8]
Praising the Lord is a sign that we have taken ownership of our inheritance and have settled in it. We believe that the Lord shall raise us up out of the dust and seat us with all who have gone before us, even with the saints in heaven!
A little over four months ago, our son and our daughter-in-law gave birth to our twelfth grandchild, a grandson, whom they named Jonah. In light of my great delight in Jonah, the name Jonah now stands out to me in the Scripture.
Simon Peter was the son of a man named Jonah. Jesus addresses Peter as the son of Jonah five times in the Gospel: when they first meet; after Peter professes that Jesus is the Son of God; and three times when Jesus asked Peter to feed His sheep and lambs. Jesus said to Peter that feeding His sheep and lambs would involve loss of control of where he would live and what he would wear. Peter would need to become a new kind of Jonah. A Jonah who preferred to follow the Lord than to serve his own preferences! [9]
The reference to Jonah is significant because in the Old Testament, the Prophet Jonah, refused to follow the Lord when the Lord called him to preach to foreigners. That is, until the Lord put Jonah through some trials. Afterwards, Jonah followed the Lord, and an entire city of pagans turned to the Lord in repentance and faith. [10]
The Lord has given us an eternal inheritance in His kingdom. Let us take ownership of it with our minds and attitudes. Let us settle into this promise by doing the work of feeding others with the Gospel... following in the footsteps of our Good Shepherd.
[1] Joshua 21:43
[2] Ephesians 1:13-14
[3] Matthew 25:34
[4] 1 Peter 1:3-5
[5] Romans 8:17
[6] Joshua 21:45
[7] Joshua 22:5
[8] Psalm 113:3-9
[9] John 1:42; 21:15-19; Matthew 16:17
[10] Jonah 1-3
The Lord gave the children Israel land on this earth. They took ownership of it. They settled in it.
The Lord has given to us who believe in Christ the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the earnest or assurance of our inheritance until we receive what Christ purchased for us, that is, everlasting life in paradise with God. [2]
Jesus said, “The King [namely Him] shall say to them on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” [3]
God our Father in His abundant mercy has birthed you again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you. [4]
We are joint-heirs with Christ. [5]
As it was with Israel in the days of Joshua, so it is with us who follow Jesus. “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” [6]
Are we living like joint-heirs with Christ? Have we taken ownership of God’s promises? Have we settled in them?
Joshua told those who took ownership of land in his day, “Take careful heed to do the commandment and the Law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” [7]
We have a great God and a great inheritance! We should love and walk with Him.
The Psalmist wrote, “From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s Name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes—with the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!” [8]
Praising the Lord is a sign that we have taken ownership of our inheritance and have settled in it. We believe that the Lord shall raise us up out of the dust and seat us with all who have gone before us, even with the saints in heaven!
A little over four months ago, our son and our daughter-in-law gave birth to our twelfth grandchild, a grandson, whom they named Jonah. In light of my great delight in Jonah, the name Jonah now stands out to me in the Scripture.
Simon Peter was the son of a man named Jonah. Jesus addresses Peter as the son of Jonah five times in the Gospel: when they first meet; after Peter professes that Jesus is the Son of God; and three times when Jesus asked Peter to feed His sheep and lambs. Jesus said to Peter that feeding His sheep and lambs would involve loss of control of where he would live and what he would wear. Peter would need to become a new kind of Jonah. A Jonah who preferred to follow the Lord than to serve his own preferences! [9]
The reference to Jonah is significant because in the Old Testament, the Prophet Jonah, refused to follow the Lord when the Lord called him to preach to foreigners. That is, until the Lord put Jonah through some trials. Afterwards, Jonah followed the Lord, and an entire city of pagans turned to the Lord in repentance and faith. [10]
The Lord has given us an eternal inheritance in His kingdom. Let us take ownership of it with our minds and attitudes. Let us settle into this promise by doing the work of feeding others with the Gospel... following in the footsteps of our Good Shepherd.
[1] Joshua 21:43
[2] Ephesians 1:13-14
[3] Matthew 25:34
[4] 1 Peter 1:3-5
[5] Romans 8:17
[6] Joshua 21:45
[7] Joshua 22:5
[8] Psalm 113:3-9
[9] John 1:42; 21:15-19; Matthew 16:17
[10] Jonah 1-3
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Your Heavenly Father Loves You
Our Heavenly Father loves us. He does not take the lion’s share of the family’s goods and spend the goods on selfish pleasures. Some earthly fathers drink the family’s income away. Some gamble it away. Some betray the family by forsaking them to join themselves with a stranger. Some are just self-absorbed with personal interests or hobbies around the home and do not give their family members any loving attention.
Our Heavenly Father is not like so many heads of nations who steal from the national treasuries to provide for themselves every kind of fleshly pleasure while many in their nation suffer from deprivation of basic necessities. How many wars? How many line items on national budgets are money laundering schemes to line the pockets of the heads of nations?
Our Heavenly Father is not like them. He knows how many hairs are on our heads. He promises to provide food and clothes for us as we prioritize receiving and implementing instruction and guidance from Him. He keeps His promises.
“Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [1]
Our Heavenly Father paid off our sin debt. We all have sinned against God, against people and against ourselves. Our Heavenly Father provided His own sinless Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus willingly gave up His life on the cross, like a lamb to the slaughter, for our atonement, that is to blot out the criminal charges of sin against us so that our Heavenly Father could justly pardon our sins and remember them no more. Praise the Lord!
I am amazed how God our Father provided detailed descriptions about the Messiah’s story hundreds of years before He arrived to confirm to us that Jesus is the Messiah that He sent.
For example, when the Roman soldiers took the garments of Jesus and tore the garments into four parts, one part for each solder. Then, cast lots for the tunic. These are exact details of what happened on crucifixion day. “...that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.’ Therefore the soldiers did these things.” [2]
This passage also alludes to the fame of Jesus. Great crowds had followed Him. King Herod had wanted to see Jesus. The religious authorities crucified Jesus due to their jealousy of Him. Four soldiers wanted His clothing and each one got a piece. But as to His tunic, they gambled for it rather than tear it apart.
The burial of Jesus by a rich man fulfilled a prophesy spoken by the prophet Isaiah. Joseph of Arimathea asked the Roman Governor for the body of Jesus. And another rich man, Nicodemus, provided special spices for the burial of Jesus. They placed His body into a walk-in tomb rather than burying it in the ground. This way, Jesus did not need to ascend from underneath dirt, He could just sit up and return to the land of the living easily. [3]
Jesus resurrected from the dead. He ate with His disciples and they touched Him to confirm that He was not a ghost. Over 500 witness saw Jesus at one time. He walked among people for forty days, and then, ascended to heaven. He will return again. [4]
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? [5]
The key to receiving from our Heavenly Father is to trust in Him. To believe He is a much better father than any earthly father. And then to ask Him plain and simple for help.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” [6]
The Father’s good things include more than food, clothing, shelter and protection. He also assures us that He sees us, delights in us and that He loves us.
[1] Matthew 6:33
[2] John 19:23-24
[3] John 19:38-42
[4] 1 Corinthians 15:3-9; Luke 24:41-43; John 20:27; Acts 1:3, 11
[5] Romans 8:31-32
[6] Matthew 7:11
Our Heavenly Father is not like so many heads of nations who steal from the national treasuries to provide for themselves every kind of fleshly pleasure while many in their nation suffer from deprivation of basic necessities. How many wars? How many line items on national budgets are money laundering schemes to line the pockets of the heads of nations?
Our Heavenly Father is not like them. He knows how many hairs are on our heads. He promises to provide food and clothes for us as we prioritize receiving and implementing instruction and guidance from Him. He keeps His promises.
“Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [1]
Our Heavenly Father paid off our sin debt. We all have sinned against God, against people and against ourselves. Our Heavenly Father provided His own sinless Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus willingly gave up His life on the cross, like a lamb to the slaughter, for our atonement, that is to blot out the criminal charges of sin against us so that our Heavenly Father could justly pardon our sins and remember them no more. Praise the Lord!
I am amazed how God our Father provided detailed descriptions about the Messiah’s story hundreds of years before He arrived to confirm to us that Jesus is the Messiah that He sent.
For example, when the Roman soldiers took the garments of Jesus and tore the garments into four parts, one part for each solder. Then, cast lots for the tunic. These are exact details of what happened on crucifixion day. “...that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.’ Therefore the soldiers did these things.” [2]
This passage also alludes to the fame of Jesus. Great crowds had followed Him. King Herod had wanted to see Jesus. The religious authorities crucified Jesus due to their jealousy of Him. Four soldiers wanted His clothing and each one got a piece. But as to His tunic, they gambled for it rather than tear it apart.
The burial of Jesus by a rich man fulfilled a prophesy spoken by the prophet Isaiah. Joseph of Arimathea asked the Roman Governor for the body of Jesus. And another rich man, Nicodemus, provided special spices for the burial of Jesus. They placed His body into a walk-in tomb rather than burying it in the ground. This way, Jesus did not need to ascend from underneath dirt, He could just sit up and return to the land of the living easily. [3]
Jesus resurrected from the dead. He ate with His disciples and they touched Him to confirm that He was not a ghost. Over 500 witness saw Jesus at one time. He walked among people for forty days, and then, ascended to heaven. He will return again. [4]
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? [5]
The key to receiving from our Heavenly Father is to trust in Him. To believe He is a much better father than any earthly father. And then to ask Him plain and simple for help.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” [6]
The Father’s good things include more than food, clothing, shelter and protection. He also assures us that He sees us, delights in us and that He loves us.
[1] Matthew 6:33
[2] John 19:23-24
[3] John 19:38-42
[4] 1 Corinthians 15:3-9; Luke 24:41-43; John 20:27; Acts 1:3, 11
[5] Romans 8:31-32
[6] Matthew 7:11
Friday, March 28, 2025
Food for the Soul
Jesus told the Roman Governor, “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” [1] John 18:37
The truth is good whereas lies are not. God’s Word is truth.
One truth vital truth to know is that God is God and we are not.
“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” [2]
The Lord cares for His followers as a good shepherd cares for His sheep. He leads us into green pastures. Green pastures, spiritually speaking, are full of helpful truths, whereas weed patches are full of harmful lies.
The Good Shepherd turns the homes of His sheep into spiritually healthy environments.
“I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure. My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.” [3]
The Good Shepherd makes our home a holy place where we enjoy fellowship with God. He steers us clear from wicked images. Helps us avoid perversity and slander. For example, He helped me to discern that some news proclaimers speak slander fluently, and to avoid them. He helps me to detect and turn from human arrogance. He provides for me faithful servants like Christian movies, travel and nature videos, good preachers and good worship musicians and singers. When I fail to make the healthy choices, He accepts my repentance and renews in me an appetite for what is best for my soul.
One day soon, this current world’s behavior towards God will change. In that day, “The nations shall fear the Name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory.” [4]
There is hatred in the world, but the Lord is able and willing to deliver us from people who hate.
“He saved them from the hand of him who hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.” [5]
The Good Shepherd reminds us to continue to praise Him when all is well. The Bible tells us that Israel, “Soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request but sent leanness into their soul.” [6]
The Lord helps me to discern the difference between food that feeds my flesh and food that feeds my soul. I have enjoyed delicious food at times, but during these seasons also experienced leanness of soul. The more I fill-up on God’s Word, the more I pray, the less I desire harmful food.
“He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” [7]
“He sent His Word, healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” [8]
Meditating on the Word day and night does transform our lives and make them richer.
“Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” [9]
We should not shun our Good Shepherd’s guidance but cherish it. He offers us guidance because He loves us and wants to keep our soul well fed and safe from destruction. Below are some final words from the book of wisdom – Proverbs.
“One who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good.” [10]
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” [11]
“He, who is of a proud heart, stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [12]
[1] John 18:37
[2] Psalm 100:2-3
[3] Psalm 101:2-7
[4] Psalm 102:15
[5] Psalm 106:10
[6] Psalm 106:13-15
[7] Psalm 107:9
[8] Psalm 107:20
[9] Psalm 108:13
[10] Proverbs 28:9-10
[11] Proverbs 28:13-14
[12] Proverbs 28:25
The truth is good whereas lies are not. God’s Word is truth.
One truth vital truth to know is that God is God and we are not.
“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” [2]
The Lord cares for His followers as a good shepherd cares for His sheep. He leads us into green pastures. Green pastures, spiritually speaking, are full of helpful truths, whereas weed patches are full of harmful lies.
The Good Shepherd turns the homes of His sheep into spiritually healthy environments.
“I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure. My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.” [3]
The Good Shepherd makes our home a holy place where we enjoy fellowship with God. He steers us clear from wicked images. Helps us avoid perversity and slander. For example, He helped me to discern that some news proclaimers speak slander fluently, and to avoid them. He helps me to detect and turn from human arrogance. He provides for me faithful servants like Christian movies, travel and nature videos, good preachers and good worship musicians and singers. When I fail to make the healthy choices, He accepts my repentance and renews in me an appetite for what is best for my soul.
One day soon, this current world’s behavior towards God will change. In that day, “The nations shall fear the Name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory.” [4]
There is hatred in the world, but the Lord is able and willing to deliver us from people who hate.
“He saved them from the hand of him who hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.” [5]
The Good Shepherd reminds us to continue to praise Him when all is well. The Bible tells us that Israel, “Soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request but sent leanness into their soul.” [6]
The Lord helps me to discern the difference between food that feeds my flesh and food that feeds my soul. I have enjoyed delicious food at times, but during these seasons also experienced leanness of soul. The more I fill-up on God’s Word, the more I pray, the less I desire harmful food.
“He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” [7]
“He sent His Word, healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” [8]
Meditating on the Word day and night does transform our lives and make them richer.
“Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” [9]
We should not shun our Good Shepherd’s guidance but cherish it. He offers us guidance because He loves us and wants to keep our soul well fed and safe from destruction. Below are some final words from the book of wisdom – Proverbs.
“One who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good.” [10]
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” [11]
“He, who is of a proud heart, stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [12]
[1] John 18:37
[2] Psalm 100:2-3
[3] Psalm 101:2-7
[4] Psalm 102:15
[5] Psalm 106:10
[6] Psalm 106:13-15
[7] Psalm 107:9
[8] Psalm 107:20
[9] Psalm 108:13
[10] Proverbs 28:9-10
[11] Proverbs 28:13-14
[12] Proverbs 28:25
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Knowing God
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” [1]
Know God and know His Messiah, His Son Christ, this is the essence or ingredients of eternal life for me and for you.
“Everybody ought to know who Jesus is” are the words of a Christian song.
Jesus manifested the Name of Messiah to the men that the Father gave to Him. The Name was His Name: Jesus! The disciples kept Jesus’s Word. Treasured it! Committed to live by them.
This is what Jesus prayed to the Father, “I have manifested Your Name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your Word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the Words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” [2]
Jesus manifested His Name to them, just as He manifests His Name to us today. Jesus brings us to the place where we KNOW that what He teaches us is of God. He works with us until we are sure that He came forth from God and that He is God’s Messiah. This is called saving faith.
Jesus prayed for us who believe in Him based on the written testimonies of His prophets and apostles in the Bible. His prayer for us is for oneness. Oneness with God! That is knowing God!
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their Word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” [3]
Our close walk with God... our rich relationship with Him from which we derive His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His forgiveness, His gentleness, and the blessed assurance of everlasting life, helps the world to believe that God did send Jesus, and that He alone is Messiah and Savior.
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” [4]
Jesus wants us to be with Him in glory. To see Him in the place where He was loved before the world was founded! To live in the place where all His values are the values!
“O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [5]
“That the love with which You loved Me may be in them.” It is in the Trinity that we are completed. We cannot love as God’s loves apart from knowing God and having His help. We learn from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit how to be persons in community. With differing functions but ONE in heart, mind and soul working in ONE accord. It is in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that our original personhood, who we were meant to be, is fulfilled.
[1] John 17:3
[2] John 17:6-8
[3] John 17:20-23
[4] John 17:24
[5] John 17:25-26
Know God and know His Messiah, His Son Christ, this is the essence or ingredients of eternal life for me and for you.
“Everybody ought to know who Jesus is” are the words of a Christian song.
Jesus manifested the Name of Messiah to the men that the Father gave to Him. The Name was His Name: Jesus! The disciples kept Jesus’s Word. Treasured it! Committed to live by them.
This is what Jesus prayed to the Father, “I have manifested Your Name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your Word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the Words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” [2]
Jesus manifested His Name to them, just as He manifests His Name to us today. Jesus brings us to the place where we KNOW that what He teaches us is of God. He works with us until we are sure that He came forth from God and that He is God’s Messiah. This is called saving faith.
Jesus prayed for us who believe in Him based on the written testimonies of His prophets and apostles in the Bible. His prayer for us is for oneness. Oneness with God! That is knowing God!
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their Word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” [3]
Our close walk with God... our rich relationship with Him from which we derive His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His forgiveness, His gentleness, and the blessed assurance of everlasting life, helps the world to believe that God did send Jesus, and that He alone is Messiah and Savior.
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” [4]
Jesus wants us to be with Him in glory. To see Him in the place where He was loved before the world was founded! To live in the place where all His values are the values!
“O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [5]
“That the love with which You loved Me may be in them.” It is in the Trinity that we are completed. We cannot love as God’s loves apart from knowing God and having His help. We learn from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit how to be persons in community. With differing functions but ONE in heart, mind and soul working in ONE accord. It is in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that our original personhood, who we were meant to be, is fulfilled.
[1] John 17:3
[2] John 17:6-8
[3] John 17:20-23
[4] John 17:24
[5] John 17:25-26
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Don’t Gamble with God – Know Him
Meeting God does not happen by chance. It’s not like Russian roulette or a role of the dice. One in a thousand meets Him! It is 100% sure to happen.
The Lord says, “Prepare to meet your God.” [1]
The Lord says, “God exalted Him [Jesus Christ] to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [2]
You will meet a specific God. The God of the Bible! Every knee will bow and every tongue will profess that Jesus Christ is Lord. That means yours too. This will happen. 100%!
So, why push thoughts of meeting God to the back burner? Like that project that you are dragging your feet to finish? This is about your eternity. Don’t gamble on it working out without paying attention to the seriousness of the matter. You will stand before God. Prioritize knowing and walking with God above all else.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth.” That is what Jesus does. He is the truth-teller.
He tells you the truth about God and eternity. He does so now via His Holy Spirit and the Bible. Both the Spirit and the Bible are necessary because only with the Spirit’s help can you correctly interpret and understand the Bible.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” [3]
The Helper is the Holy Spirit of God. What does the Spirit do for you? He convicts you of the sin of not believing in Jesus because Jesus is the only One who saves from hell. He convicts you of judgment because the ruler of this present world [Satan] is judged. Satan’s kingdom on earth shall end when Jesus returns. The Holy Spirit convicts you of what is right because Jesus is not walking physically before you as He did with His disciples. [4]
Jesus described God’s Spirit as the Spirit of truth who guides you into all truth. The Bible is the truth, so the Holy Spirit helps you to understand and believe the Bible. He helps you to glorify Jesus because Jesus is the key to heaven’s door. You must believe in Jesus to enter His kingdom.
Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me...” [5]
The Holy Spirit only speaks what the Bible says.
God doesn’t want you to go through life wondering if He will accept you or reject you when you die and stand before Him. He wants you to know Him now by His Spirit and by His Word [the Bible].
Please read carefully the following Bible verses and understand that God wants you to KNOW Him and KNOW the things that pertain to His kingdom.
“’What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love Him—these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.”
“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” [6]
See, you need a spiritual relationship with God via His Spirit and His Word the Bible. God, the Holy Spirit, is your teacher and guide. Yes, listen to others who profess and teach you from the Bible about Jesus Christ, but also take time to read the Bible by yourself. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you understand it correctly and to believe what you are reading. The most important factor is faith. You must believe in God and believe what Jesus says to you in the Bible to be saved.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [7]
Don’t stay distant from God and gamble that somehow He will save you though you never invested time, energy and resources in getting to KNOW Him. KNOW Him! Seek Him!
The Lord says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” [8]
[1] Amos 4:12
[2] Philippians 2:9-11
[3] John 16:7
[4] See John 16:8-10
[5] John 16:13-14
[6] 1 Corinthians 2:9-14
[7] John 14:6
[8] Jeremiah 29:13
The Lord says, “Prepare to meet your God.” [1]
The Lord says, “God exalted Him [Jesus Christ] to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [2]
You will meet a specific God. The God of the Bible! Every knee will bow and every tongue will profess that Jesus Christ is Lord. That means yours too. This will happen. 100%!
So, why push thoughts of meeting God to the back burner? Like that project that you are dragging your feet to finish? This is about your eternity. Don’t gamble on it working out without paying attention to the seriousness of the matter. You will stand before God. Prioritize knowing and walking with God above all else.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth.” That is what Jesus does. He is the truth-teller.
He tells you the truth about God and eternity. He does so now via His Holy Spirit and the Bible. Both the Spirit and the Bible are necessary because only with the Spirit’s help can you correctly interpret and understand the Bible.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” [3]
The Helper is the Holy Spirit of God. What does the Spirit do for you? He convicts you of the sin of not believing in Jesus because Jesus is the only One who saves from hell. He convicts you of judgment because the ruler of this present world [Satan] is judged. Satan’s kingdom on earth shall end when Jesus returns. The Holy Spirit convicts you of what is right because Jesus is not walking physically before you as He did with His disciples. [4]
Jesus described God’s Spirit as the Spirit of truth who guides you into all truth. The Bible is the truth, so the Holy Spirit helps you to understand and believe the Bible. He helps you to glorify Jesus because Jesus is the key to heaven’s door. You must believe in Jesus to enter His kingdom.
Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me...” [5]
The Holy Spirit only speaks what the Bible says.
God doesn’t want you to go through life wondering if He will accept you or reject you when you die and stand before Him. He wants you to know Him now by His Spirit and by His Word [the Bible].
Please read carefully the following Bible verses and understand that God wants you to KNOW Him and KNOW the things that pertain to His kingdom.
“’What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love Him—these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.”
“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” [6]
See, you need a spiritual relationship with God via His Spirit and His Word the Bible. God, the Holy Spirit, is your teacher and guide. Yes, listen to others who profess and teach you from the Bible about Jesus Christ, but also take time to read the Bible by yourself. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you understand it correctly and to believe what you are reading. The most important factor is faith. You must believe in God and believe what Jesus says to you in the Bible to be saved.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [7]
Don’t stay distant from God and gamble that somehow He will save you though you never invested time, energy and resources in getting to KNOW Him. KNOW Him! Seek Him!
The Lord says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” [8]
[1] Amos 4:12
[2] Philippians 2:9-11
[3] John 16:7
[4] See John 16:8-10
[5] John 16:13-14
[6] 1 Corinthians 2:9-14
[7] John 14:6
[8] Jeremiah 29:13
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