“When He [Jesus] had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.’” [1]
Jesus is still calling people and disciples to Himself. His message remains the same. You must decide who you will serve. To serve Jesus requires denial of one’s own agenda! To serve Jesus requires cross bearing! The cross is metaphor for surrendering one’s self for the service of God and others. This seems like an unjust demand by Jesus until He speaks of losing one’s soul. You can behave as though you are the Lord of your life, and as though you do not need Jesus, but the price tag is to lose your soul. Jesus said that if we are ashamed of Him amidst an adulterous and sinful generation, He will be ashamed of us when He returns in glory with His angels.
To miss out on an eternity with God is too large of a cost for any of us to pay!
Who is the beneficiary of your time, treasure and talent?
Moses called people to make clear cut decision when he said to them, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” Joshua said to his listeners, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Elijah asked people, “How long will you falter between two opinions?” and then, urged them, saying, “If the Lord is God, follow Him...” [2]
Who do you boast about?
Paul wrote, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [3]
A new day is coming! Isaiah the prophet wrote about it long ago, saying, “ Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.’” [4]
The present world culture is ending. Soon, people will be streaming to New Jerusalem to be taught by Jesus and to learn how to walk in His ways. The Word of the Lord will be streaming out from Jerusalem to the nations. Weapons of war will be converted into tools for food production. The world’s culture of loss and death will be replaced by the Lord’s culture of blessings and abundant life.
“Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” [5]
Yes, the kings and judges of the earth would be wise to heed the Word of the Lord. Their days of exalting themselves against God and His anointed one Jesus Christ are coming to an end. They should fear, love and trust God so that they no longer send people to war to die to satisfy their egos. The blood of many is on their hands. Their days of contradicting God’s Word without paying for it are coming to an end. They would do well to serve the Lord with fear, rejoicing and trembling. When God’s wrath is kindled against the pride of humanity, people are brought very low. To kiss the Son is to worship the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who took the wrath of God that each of us deserves for our evil deeds. Kings, judges and people who serve the Lord shall be blessed by God.
“Please Lord Jesus grant each of the grace to serve You with fear, rejoicing and trembling.”
[1] Mark 8:34-38
[2] Exodus 36:26 Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21
[3] Galatians 6:14
[4] Isaiah 2:2-4
[5] Psalm 2:10-12
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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Monday, July 14, 2025
Victory Over Death
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He [Jesus Christ] Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” [1]
The forecast is 100% that every human knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord when they die. [2]
But you need not fear death if you are a believer and proclaimer of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” [3]
Did you catch that? “Has everlasting life!” “Passed from death to life!” The deed is done by Christ for all who hear His Word [the Bible] and believe in Him.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” [4]
When Jesus speaks to those who die, they live. The Father has given Him this authority.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” [5]
The forecast that you will see Jesus is 100%. Therefore, it is imperative that you ask Him to forgive your sins, to accept you, and to help you live a new life with Him.
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” [6]
Jesus Christ is the fountain of life. He helps us to avoid deathtraps.
“The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” [7]
The Lord Jesus satisfies the souls of those who believe in Him and walk with Him.
“What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’” [8]
God counts those who believe in Him as righteous. The sin that is unforgiveable is unbelief in God. We must believe in accordance with the Scripture that God’s Son Jesus Messiah is the only Savior that God honors. All others are imposters or anti (instead of) Christs.
“A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.” [9]
Jesus Christ is the true witness of what happens to us after we die. Jesus was about to be crucified by Pontius Pilate but He did back down from telling the truth. He said, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” [10]
“...The prudent considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.” [11]
“Holy Spirit please grant us simpleminded people prudence to heed the truth of the Gospel... to be wise... to depart from evil... to always be aware that there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.”
The Lord Jesus Christ willingly became lower than the angels that He created. He became as one of us so that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest for us in things pertaining to God. He blotted out our sins by dying on the cross for us. He tasted death for everyone of us. Now, He is crowned with glory and honor. All things are in subjection under His feet. [12]
He is for us not against us. He wants us to be with Him for eternity. He is crowned and glory means He is anointed by God to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. All things are in subjection to Him because He is Lord of all. Nothing is impossible for Jesus Christ.
[1] Hebrews 2:14-15
[2] Philippians 2:9-11
[3] John 5:24
[4] John 5:25-27
[5] John 5:28-29
[6] Proverbs 14:27
[7] Proverbs 14:14
[8] Romans 4:3
[9] Proverbs 14:25
[10] John 18:37
[11] Proverbs 14:15-16
[12] Hebrews 2:7-9, 14-18
The forecast is 100% that every human knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord when they die. [2]
But you need not fear death if you are a believer and proclaimer of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” [3]
Did you catch that? “Has everlasting life!” “Passed from death to life!” The deed is done by Christ for all who hear His Word [the Bible] and believe in Him.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” [4]
When Jesus speaks to those who die, they live. The Father has given Him this authority.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” [5]
The forecast that you will see Jesus is 100%. Therefore, it is imperative that you ask Him to forgive your sins, to accept you, and to help you live a new life with Him.
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” [6]
Jesus Christ is the fountain of life. He helps us to avoid deathtraps.
“The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” [7]
The Lord Jesus satisfies the souls of those who believe in Him and walk with Him.
“What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’” [8]
God counts those who believe in Him as righteous. The sin that is unforgiveable is unbelief in God. We must believe in accordance with the Scripture that God’s Son Jesus Messiah is the only Savior that God honors. All others are imposters or anti (instead of) Christs.
“A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.” [9]
Jesus Christ is the true witness of what happens to us after we die. Jesus was about to be crucified by Pontius Pilate but He did back down from telling the truth. He said, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” [10]
“...The prudent considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.” [11]
“Holy Spirit please grant us simpleminded people prudence to heed the truth of the Gospel... to be wise... to depart from evil... to always be aware that there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.”
The Lord Jesus Christ willingly became lower than the angels that He created. He became as one of us so that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest for us in things pertaining to God. He blotted out our sins by dying on the cross for us. He tasted death for everyone of us. Now, He is crowned with glory and honor. All things are in subjection under His feet. [12]
He is for us not against us. He wants us to be with Him for eternity. He is crowned and glory means He is anointed by God to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. All things are in subjection to Him because He is Lord of all. Nothing is impossible for Jesus Christ.
[1] Hebrews 2:14-15
[2] Philippians 2:9-11
[3] John 5:24
[4] John 5:25-27
[5] John 5:28-29
[6] Proverbs 14:27
[7] Proverbs 14:14
[8] Romans 4:3
[9] Proverbs 14:25
[10] John 18:37
[11] Proverbs 14:15-16
[12] Hebrews 2:7-9, 14-18
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Elders in Every City
“The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” [1]
The grace of God that appeared was His Son Jesus Christ. He is the One who taught both by His Words and His deeds what it looks like to be like God. Our original purpose was to be in God’s image. Sin corrupts our ability to be a good reflection of God. This is why we needed God’s grace. We needed a perfect man without sin to die for our sins. To cover our race with His righteousness! To redeem us from slavery to lawless deeds, to purify us, and restore the original zeal that Adam and Eve had before the fall to do good works that please God.
It is necessary now to be taught and reminded constantly of who God is, and who we are. Many in the world do not know God, love God, nor want to be in His image. Thus, the Lord, in His grace anoints people to serve the body of Christ in various ways.
For example elders, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.” [2]
These elders are to reflect God’s image in their relationships with wife and children.
“If a man is blameless (ανεγκλητος – not accused), the husband of one wife, having faithful children (not in category of prodigality) or insubordination.” [2]
The first human assembly involved a man, a wife, and their two children. The family unit preceded synagogues and the churches. Is the man’s children faithful or prodigal?
“A bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful Word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” [3]
I like the metaphor of yoke-bearers. Jesus said to take His yoke upon us. To be yoked with Jesus means to walk as Jesus walked. Jesus did not do His own will. Jesus did not contradict the Bible either by Word or deed. In all things, Jesus pleased the Father. The bishop or overseer of the body of Christ in a certain location is to be a yokefellow with Christ. His first ministry is to Christ. Christ, by His Spirit, will help him to fulfill the requirements listed above. [4]
In days of Paul the Apostle, there were already many misrepresenting Christ by their deeds and behaviors. Many were insubordinate, idle talkers, deceivers, and subverters of households. They mistaught people for the sake of dishonest gain. They were lazy gluttons. Paul urged his disciple Titus to “rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith.” [5]
Bad leaders profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” [6]
A body of believers is to reflect the image of Christ.
Older men are to be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. [7]
Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. They are to urge young women to love their husbands and children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their husbands so that the Word of God is not spoken against by others. [8]
Young men are to be sober-minded, examples of good works. Integrous teachers! Reverent and incorruptible! Speak words that cannot be condemned so that opponents of the faith will be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of the body of Christ. [9]
Bondservants are to be obedient to their masters. Not answering back! Not pilfering! Examples of good fidelity! This behavior beautifully adorns the doctrine of God our Savior. [10]
The elders are to remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities. Obey! Be ready to do good works! Speak evil of no one! Be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. [11]
The body of Christ is to reflect the image of God. Authentic believers have been transformed by Christ from people who serve harmful ambitions to people who love and serve God, as well as one another.
“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” [12]
God, in His mercy saved us. He washed us from our sins and He has renewed us to live like Jesus lived by giving His very Spirit to dwell in us. Though it is difficult to live like Jesus in a world that hates Him, God graciously has given us the promise of eternal life. This hope helps us.
A Church’s non-verbal goal should not be to cater to people’s sinful natures, but to “be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” They are to avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law which are unprofitable and useless. After a first and second admonition, they are to reject a divisive people from the body. They are to meet urgent needs that they may not be unfruitful.” [13]
So often, I think of that Proverbs which speaks foolishness being bound up in the heart of a child. We need God to help us discern foolish behavior from wise behavior. The eternal welfare of souls hangs in the balance.
Does a shepherd do right by enduring congregations that do not want Christ-likeness. Those congregations that well-attend food and fun programs, but not Bible studies or prayer meetings. Should a body of believers be dissolved if none of the leaders reflect the image of Christ that is set forth in God’s Word, and if they do not want to change? In some cases, I felt it unjust to blame the body because the leader that proceeded me allowed things to get so out of hand. In other cases, the congregation had a history of being rebellious and abusive to those God sent to help them.
Jeremiah the prophet continued to speak the Word to non-compliant people. He suffered a lot of pain and grief because of them. The tribulation that was coming to them was so great! God compelled him and others like him to keep warning them.
Jesus said, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.” The Apostles did this. “But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the nations.” [14]
I have found it helpful to keep the urgency of proclaiming Christ to the nations as the main priority. Self-serving people cry out when the focus shifts from pampering them to proclaiming Christ and making disciples. That is okay. Yes, it hurts. They react in unpleasant ways, but keeping Christ and His mission first is best for them. If they depart, remember that Jesus and Paul also had disciples abandon them. Plants tend to thrive after a good gardener’s pruning and so do congregations.
A body of Christ that abides in Christ and conforms to Christ grows up in Christ and produces disciples that glorify Christ. This is good and faithful service unto the Lord!
[1] Titus 2:11-14
[2] Titus 1:5
[3] Titus 1:6
[4] Matthew 11:28-30; 1 John 2:6; John 6:38, 12:49; Galatians 5:25
[5] Titus 1:10-14
[6] Titus 1:15-16
[7] Titus 2:2
[8] Titus 2:3-5
[9] Titus 2:6-8
[10] Titus 2:9-10
[11] Titus 3:1-2
[12] Titus 3:3-7
[13] Titus 3:8-10, 14
[14] Mark 6:11; Acts 18:6
The grace of God that appeared was His Son Jesus Christ. He is the One who taught both by His Words and His deeds what it looks like to be like God. Our original purpose was to be in God’s image. Sin corrupts our ability to be a good reflection of God. This is why we needed God’s grace. We needed a perfect man without sin to die for our sins. To cover our race with His righteousness! To redeem us from slavery to lawless deeds, to purify us, and restore the original zeal that Adam and Eve had before the fall to do good works that please God.
It is necessary now to be taught and reminded constantly of who God is, and who we are. Many in the world do not know God, love God, nor want to be in His image. Thus, the Lord, in His grace anoints people to serve the body of Christ in various ways.
For example elders, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.” [2]
These elders are to reflect God’s image in their relationships with wife and children.
“If a man is blameless (ανεγκλητος – not accused), the husband of one wife, having faithful children (not in category of prodigality) or insubordination.” [2]
The first human assembly involved a man, a wife, and their two children. The family unit preceded synagogues and the churches. Is the man’s children faithful or prodigal?
“A bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful Word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” [3]
I like the metaphor of yoke-bearers. Jesus said to take His yoke upon us. To be yoked with Jesus means to walk as Jesus walked. Jesus did not do His own will. Jesus did not contradict the Bible either by Word or deed. In all things, Jesus pleased the Father. The bishop or overseer of the body of Christ in a certain location is to be a yokefellow with Christ. His first ministry is to Christ. Christ, by His Spirit, will help him to fulfill the requirements listed above. [4]
In days of Paul the Apostle, there were already many misrepresenting Christ by their deeds and behaviors. Many were insubordinate, idle talkers, deceivers, and subverters of households. They mistaught people for the sake of dishonest gain. They were lazy gluttons. Paul urged his disciple Titus to “rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith.” [5]
Bad leaders profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” [6]
A body of believers is to reflect the image of Christ.
Older men are to be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. [7]
Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. They are to urge young women to love their husbands and children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their husbands so that the Word of God is not spoken against by others. [8]
Young men are to be sober-minded, examples of good works. Integrous teachers! Reverent and incorruptible! Speak words that cannot be condemned so that opponents of the faith will be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of the body of Christ. [9]
Bondservants are to be obedient to their masters. Not answering back! Not pilfering! Examples of good fidelity! This behavior beautifully adorns the doctrine of God our Savior. [10]
The elders are to remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities. Obey! Be ready to do good works! Speak evil of no one! Be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. [11]
The body of Christ is to reflect the image of God. Authentic believers have been transformed by Christ from people who serve harmful ambitions to people who love and serve God, as well as one another.
“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” [12]
God, in His mercy saved us. He washed us from our sins and He has renewed us to live like Jesus lived by giving His very Spirit to dwell in us. Though it is difficult to live like Jesus in a world that hates Him, God graciously has given us the promise of eternal life. This hope helps us.
A Church’s non-verbal goal should not be to cater to people’s sinful natures, but to “be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” They are to avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law which are unprofitable and useless. After a first and second admonition, they are to reject a divisive people from the body. They are to meet urgent needs that they may not be unfruitful.” [13]
So often, I think of that Proverbs which speaks foolishness being bound up in the heart of a child. We need God to help us discern foolish behavior from wise behavior. The eternal welfare of souls hangs in the balance.
Does a shepherd do right by enduring congregations that do not want Christ-likeness. Those congregations that well-attend food and fun programs, but not Bible studies or prayer meetings. Should a body of believers be dissolved if none of the leaders reflect the image of Christ that is set forth in God’s Word, and if they do not want to change? In some cases, I felt it unjust to blame the body because the leader that proceeded me allowed things to get so out of hand. In other cases, the congregation had a history of being rebellious and abusive to those God sent to help them.
Jeremiah the prophet continued to speak the Word to non-compliant people. He suffered a lot of pain and grief because of them. The tribulation that was coming to them was so great! God compelled him and others like him to keep warning them.
Jesus said, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.” The Apostles did this. “But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the nations.” [14]
I have found it helpful to keep the urgency of proclaiming Christ to the nations as the main priority. Self-serving people cry out when the focus shifts from pampering them to proclaiming Christ and making disciples. That is okay. Yes, it hurts. They react in unpleasant ways, but keeping Christ and His mission first is best for them. If they depart, remember that Jesus and Paul also had disciples abandon them. Plants tend to thrive after a good gardener’s pruning and so do congregations.
A body of Christ that abides in Christ and conforms to Christ grows up in Christ and produces disciples that glorify Christ. This is good and faithful service unto the Lord!
[1] Titus 2:11-14
[2] Titus 1:5
[3] Titus 1:6
[4] Matthew 11:28-30; 1 John 2:6; John 6:38, 12:49; Galatians 5:25
[5] Titus 1:10-14
[6] Titus 1:15-16
[7] Titus 2:2
[8] Titus 2:3-5
[9] Titus 2:6-8
[10] Titus 2:9-10
[11] Titus 3:1-2
[12] Titus 3:3-7
[13] Titus 3:8-10, 14
[14] Mark 6:11; Acts 18:6
Saturday, July 12, 2025
New Heavens, Earth and Jerusalem
Blessed be the Lord our God from everlasting to everlasting! He is bringing about a new heavens, a new earth and a New Jerusalem wherein dwells righteousness.
“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” [1]
Towards the end of the Old Testament, the Lord revealed to His prophets that idolatrous Jerusalem will be destroyed by fire, but that after 70 years of captivity, the people will return to the land with hearts for God and rebuild Jerusalem. Towards the end of the New Testament, the Lord reveals to His apostles Paul, Peter and John that heavens and earth will be destroyed, and a new heaven and earth will replace the old, there shall also be a new Jerusalem.
“You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” [2]
The promise above is to all who have had their sins washed away by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus is the One who makes people just before God. He is Messiah. Old Testament Joshua brought the people of God into Canaan to inherit that land. New Testament Jesus brings us His followers into the Heavenly Jerusalem... the city of God... where countless angels are singing and praising God.
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” [3]
New Jerusalem is about people with hearts for God and experiencing God’s heart for them.
The resurrection of dead Jerusalem in the Old Testament is a foreshadowing of what the resurrection of New Jerusalem will be like when our Lord Jesus returns. We who have loved His appearing will get to be with Him and we will enjoy Him.
After the tribulation of 70 years of captivity in Babylon, those who returned to Jerusalem, “They stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.” [4]
Standing on stair, the worship leaders, the Levites “cried out with a loud voice to the Lord their God,” “Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever!” Then, they or one of them broke out in a 1145-word prayer and praise of God. [5]
The praise began with, “Blessed be Your glorious Name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.” [6]
The prayer called to remembrance how God chose, called out and brought out Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans [Babylon]. God promised Abraham the land in which they now dwelt. The prayer noted to God, “You have performed Your Words, for You are righteous.” The prayer called to remembrance God delivering His people from slavery to the Egyptians. The prayer noted to God, “You knew that they [the Egyptians] acted proudly against them.” The prayer called to remembrance God speaking from heaven to provide for “them just ordinances and true laws, good statutes, and commandments.” The prayer also involved admission of sin. “Our fathers acted proudly, hardened their necks, and did not heed Your commandments. They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them. But they hardened their necks, and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage.” The prayer praised God for His forgiveness. “You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and did not forsake them.” They praised God for His Spirit, “You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them.” The prayer praised God for giving them the land in which they dwelt, “You gave them kingdoms and nations and divided them into districts.” The prayer praised God for population growth, “You also multiplied their children as the stars of heaven.” The prayer praised God an inheritance of “strong cities, rich land, houses full of all goods, cisterns already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance.” The prayer praised God for delivering them from their enemies as often as they cried out to Him for help. The prayer praised God for His grace, “In Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; for You are God, gracious and merciful.” The prayer professed, “Here we are, servants today!” This profession foreshadows the words of the Apostle Paul always stating that He was a servant of Jesus Christ and God the Father.
After this prayer of confession of sin and praise, the people said, “We will not neglect the house of our God.” [7]
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps.” “Singers had built themselves villages all around Jerusalem.” “The priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.” [8]
They had two large thanksgiving choirs with the musical instruments including trumpets, and the singers sang loudly. They “rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.” [9]
Worship in heaven is done with loud voices. There is no holding back. There is no one there to intimidate the worshippers.
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” [10]
The captives in Nehemiah’s day were so filled with joy when they returned to Jerusalem. The Psalmist wrote of that day, “When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” [11]
Imagine how much greater our joy will be when we are delivered from this present age and brought into the new heavens, new earth and New Jerusalem to be with God forever!
The Lord says to us, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [12]
[1] 2 Peter 3:10-13
[2] Hebrews 12:22-24
[3] Revelation 21:1-5
[4] Nehemiah 9:1-3
[5] Nehemiah 9:5-38
[6] Nehemiah 9:4-5
[7] Nehemiah 10:39
[8] Nehemiah 12:27, 29-30
[9] Nehemiah 12:36, 41-43
[10] Revelation 5:11-12
[11] Psalm 126:1-3
[12] Psalm 126:5-6
“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” [1]
Towards the end of the Old Testament, the Lord revealed to His prophets that idolatrous Jerusalem will be destroyed by fire, but that after 70 years of captivity, the people will return to the land with hearts for God and rebuild Jerusalem. Towards the end of the New Testament, the Lord reveals to His apostles Paul, Peter and John that heavens and earth will be destroyed, and a new heaven and earth will replace the old, there shall also be a new Jerusalem.
“You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” [2]
The promise above is to all who have had their sins washed away by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus is the One who makes people just before God. He is Messiah. Old Testament Joshua brought the people of God into Canaan to inherit that land. New Testament Jesus brings us His followers into the Heavenly Jerusalem... the city of God... where countless angels are singing and praising God.
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” [3]
New Jerusalem is about people with hearts for God and experiencing God’s heart for them.
The resurrection of dead Jerusalem in the Old Testament is a foreshadowing of what the resurrection of New Jerusalem will be like when our Lord Jesus returns. We who have loved His appearing will get to be with Him and we will enjoy Him.
After the tribulation of 70 years of captivity in Babylon, those who returned to Jerusalem, “They stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.” [4]
Standing on stair, the worship leaders, the Levites “cried out with a loud voice to the Lord their God,” “Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever!” Then, they or one of them broke out in a 1145-word prayer and praise of God. [5]
The praise began with, “Blessed be Your glorious Name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.” [6]
The prayer called to remembrance how God chose, called out and brought out Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans [Babylon]. God promised Abraham the land in which they now dwelt. The prayer noted to God, “You have performed Your Words, for You are righteous.” The prayer called to remembrance God delivering His people from slavery to the Egyptians. The prayer noted to God, “You knew that they [the Egyptians] acted proudly against them.” The prayer called to remembrance God speaking from heaven to provide for “them just ordinances and true laws, good statutes, and commandments.” The prayer also involved admission of sin. “Our fathers acted proudly, hardened their necks, and did not heed Your commandments. They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them. But they hardened their necks, and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage.” The prayer praised God for His forgiveness. “You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and did not forsake them.” They praised God for His Spirit, “You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them.” The prayer praised God for giving them the land in which they dwelt, “You gave them kingdoms and nations and divided them into districts.” The prayer praised God for population growth, “You also multiplied their children as the stars of heaven.” The prayer praised God an inheritance of “strong cities, rich land, houses full of all goods, cisterns already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance.” The prayer praised God for delivering them from their enemies as often as they cried out to Him for help. The prayer praised God for His grace, “In Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; for You are God, gracious and merciful.” The prayer professed, “Here we are, servants today!” This profession foreshadows the words of the Apostle Paul always stating that He was a servant of Jesus Christ and God the Father.
After this prayer of confession of sin and praise, the people said, “We will not neglect the house of our God.” [7]
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps.” “Singers had built themselves villages all around Jerusalem.” “The priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.” [8]
They had two large thanksgiving choirs with the musical instruments including trumpets, and the singers sang loudly. They “rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.” [9]
Worship in heaven is done with loud voices. There is no holding back. There is no one there to intimidate the worshippers.
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” [10]
The captives in Nehemiah’s day were so filled with joy when they returned to Jerusalem. The Psalmist wrote of that day, “When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” [11]
Imagine how much greater our joy will be when we are delivered from this present age and brought into the new heavens, new earth and New Jerusalem to be with God forever!
The Lord says to us, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [12]
[1] 2 Peter 3:10-13
[2] Hebrews 12:22-24
[3] Revelation 21:1-5
[4] Nehemiah 9:1-3
[5] Nehemiah 9:5-38
[6] Nehemiah 9:4-5
[7] Nehemiah 10:39
[8] Nehemiah 12:27, 29-30
[9] Nehemiah 12:36, 41-43
[10] Revelation 5:11-12
[11] Psalm 126:1-3
[12] Psalm 126:5-6
Friday, July 11, 2025
A Helper Comparable to Him
God created woman to be man’s companion and helper. “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’” [1]
What’s the worst thing Satan could do to spoil this? Make woman the downfall of man.
“For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” [2]
Though she fell into transgression prior to Adam’s fall, woman’s original purpose remains. Help man multiply! Have children! She also helps man by believing in God, loving God, and by keeping herself pure via the spiritual fruit of self-control. In short, she is to have a relationship with God that empowers her to help her husband.
The woman’s role is comparable to the role of the Holy Spirit. God did not want man to be alone. A few days before Jesus was crucified, he told his disciples that he was about to leave them physically, but was not going leave them alone spiritually. Jesus promised to send them the Holy Spirit to be with them permanently as their Helper.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (paraclete – one comes alongside), so that He may be with you forever.” “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.” “The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and remind you of all that I said to you.” [3]
I am grateful to the Lord for Sherry my wife. We pray together daily. She loves me and I love her. I enjoy being with her. She is my best friend. The Holy Spirit brings the Lord’s Word to my remembrance through Sherry.
When Zipporah urged Moses to circumcise their son it was the Spirit of God working through her to save her husband from God’s wrath.
“It came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him [Moses] and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, ‘Surely you are a husband of blood to me!’ So He let him go. Then she said, ‘You are a husband of blood!’—because of the circumcision.” [4]
Obviously, Moses listened to Zipporah.
It is likely that I would not have the relationship that I enjoy with my children and grandchildren today if Sherry had not kept pulling back on my reins of my heart to spend more time and give more attention to my children when they were growing up. Sherry gives me caring counsel.
“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” [5]
As men pray so should women pray. The Lord says that a woman should dress and adorn herself modestly. She should not dress to bring a man down. She should aim to be godly and do good.
“The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.” “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.” [6]
Beauty does not befit a woman who has a wanton ego to have men lust after her.
In the days of Jerusalem’s governor Nehemiah, some men who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon married pagan women. Their children could not speak Hebrew. Nehemiah “contended with them and cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, ‘You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, pagan women caused even him to sin. Should we then hear of your doing all this great evil, transgressing against our God by marrying pagan women?” [7]
Solomon’s pagan marriages derailed his nation’s mission to be a light to the world.
King Ahab married a pagan woman named Jezebel. She slew many of God’s prophets. She corrupted the nation of Israel.
“[King] Herod feared John [the Baptist], knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things and heard him gladly.” But after the daughter of his adulterous wife danced for him. He offered to the daughter up to half of his kingdom. She asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. King Herod complied. [8]
God connects the downfall of humanity before the flood to improper marriages.
“When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a 120 years.” “So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’” [9]
Jesus revealed a spirit of harlotry at work in the last days before His return: “Then one of the seven angels... came... saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’” “On her forehead a name was written: Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth. I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.” [10]
The Lord wants godly marriages that produce godly offspring. “Did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.” [11]
Paul wrote, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” [12]
When asked about divorce, Jesus said, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” [13]
The two becoming one speaks of being yoke fellows. Two together can accomplish more than one by himself or one by herself. If they are equally yoked together, and have been trained by the Lord, they will work well together.
The Lord says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” [14]
The Lord knows what is best for us.
In these last of last of days, may the Holy Spirit empower us to fight for the health of our marriage relationships. When we are having problems, let us trust that God’s grace is sufficient to supply our need. He will help us to yoke together and to bring in a harvest for His glory.
[1] Genesis 2:18
[2] 1 Timothy 2:13-15
[3] John 14:16, 18, 26
[4] Exodus 4:24-26
[5] 1 Timothy 2:8-10
[6] Proverbs 11:6, 22
[7] Nehemiah 13:23-27
[8] Mark 6:20-28
[9] Genesis 6:1-3, 8
[10] Revelation 17:1-2, 5-6
[11] Malachi 2:15
[12] Hebrews 13:4
[13] Matthew 19:4-6
[14] 2 Corinthians 6:14
“For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” [2]
Though she fell into transgression prior to Adam’s fall, woman’s original purpose remains. Help man multiply! Have children! She also helps man by believing in God, loving God, and by keeping herself pure via the spiritual fruit of self-control. In short, she is to have a relationship with God that empowers her to help her husband.
The woman’s role is comparable to the role of the Holy Spirit. God did not want man to be alone. A few days before Jesus was crucified, he told his disciples that he was about to leave them physically, but was not going leave them alone spiritually. Jesus promised to send them the Holy Spirit to be with them permanently as their Helper.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (paraclete – one comes alongside), so that He may be with you forever.” “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.” “The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and remind you of all that I said to you.” [3]
I am grateful to the Lord for Sherry my wife. We pray together daily. She loves me and I love her. I enjoy being with her. She is my best friend. The Holy Spirit brings the Lord’s Word to my remembrance through Sherry.
When Zipporah urged Moses to circumcise their son it was the Spirit of God working through her to save her husband from God’s wrath.
“It came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him [Moses] and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, ‘Surely you are a husband of blood to me!’ So He let him go. Then she said, ‘You are a husband of blood!’—because of the circumcision.” [4]
Obviously, Moses listened to Zipporah.
It is likely that I would not have the relationship that I enjoy with my children and grandchildren today if Sherry had not kept pulling back on my reins of my heart to spend more time and give more attention to my children when they were growing up. Sherry gives me caring counsel.
“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” [5]
As men pray so should women pray. The Lord says that a woman should dress and adorn herself modestly. She should not dress to bring a man down. She should aim to be godly and do good.
“The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.” “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.” [6]
Beauty does not befit a woman who has a wanton ego to have men lust after her.
In the days of Jerusalem’s governor Nehemiah, some men who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon married pagan women. Their children could not speak Hebrew. Nehemiah “contended with them and cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, ‘You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, pagan women caused even him to sin. Should we then hear of your doing all this great evil, transgressing against our God by marrying pagan women?” [7]
Solomon’s pagan marriages derailed his nation’s mission to be a light to the world.
King Ahab married a pagan woman named Jezebel. She slew many of God’s prophets. She corrupted the nation of Israel.
“[King] Herod feared John [the Baptist], knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things and heard him gladly.” But after the daughter of his adulterous wife danced for him. He offered to the daughter up to half of his kingdom. She asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. King Herod complied. [8]
God connects the downfall of humanity before the flood to improper marriages.
“When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a 120 years.” “So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’” [9]
Jesus revealed a spirit of harlotry at work in the last days before His return: “Then one of the seven angels... came... saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’” “On her forehead a name was written: Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth. I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.” [10]
The Lord wants godly marriages that produce godly offspring. “Did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.” [11]
Paul wrote, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” [12]
When asked about divorce, Jesus said, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” [13]
The two becoming one speaks of being yoke fellows. Two together can accomplish more than one by himself or one by herself. If they are equally yoked together, and have been trained by the Lord, they will work well together.
The Lord says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” [14]
The Lord knows what is best for us.
In these last of last of days, may the Holy Spirit empower us to fight for the health of our marriage relationships. When we are having problems, let us trust that God’s grace is sufficient to supply our need. He will help us to yoke together and to bring in a harvest for His glory.
[1] Genesis 2:18
[2] 1 Timothy 2:13-15
[3] John 14:16, 18, 26
[4] Exodus 4:24-26
[5] 1 Timothy 2:8-10
[6] Proverbs 11:6, 22
[7] Nehemiah 13:23-27
[8] Mark 6:20-28
[9] Genesis 6:1-3, 8
[10] Revelation 17:1-2, 5-6
[11] Malachi 2:15
[12] Hebrews 13:4
[13] Matthew 19:4-6
[14] 2 Corinthians 6:14
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Loving the Word of the Lord
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” [1]
The Word of God is Jesus Christ. Whenever we read, “the Word of the Lord” or “thus says the Lord” in the Old Testament, that is the pre-incarnate Son of God speaking and revealing Himself through one of His messengers. “The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared [Greek - exegeted] Him.” Jesus is also the One who explains the meaning of the Scripture.
During the time in which Jesus walked in the flesh here on earth, He constantly explained the meaning of the Word of the Lord to people. He explained it to those who heard Him gladly and to those who hated Him for not adhering to their false interpretations. [2]
This same Jesus is the One who guided Ezra to explain the Scriptures accurately to the people who had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem...
“All the people... rejoiced greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.” “...All the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law.” “Day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God...” [3]
Jesus would have done the same for the priests and scribes in the days that He walked on the earth, but they were a very corrupt group of religious leaders. They chose a notorious prisoner named Barabbas over Jesus. Barabbas was a murderer, robber and insurrectionist. [4]
Thus, they fulfilled the Scripture spoken by God’s prophet David, who wrote, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” [5]
Later, when Peter was brought to trial by some of these same religious leaders, he told them, “You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.” [6]
I wonder how many religious leaders and religious organizations today are rejecting Jesus from giving the true meaning of the Scriptures to them and through them. How many governments of nations are behaving as Pilate did when He ordered Jesus Christ to be crucified?
David was a king of a nation, and yet he wrote, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” [7]
The governments of this world will eventually be replaced by the kingdom of God. One day, all the pride of man will be humbled, and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to glory of God the Father. [8]
King David loved the Lord by loving His Word. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is filled with David’s expressions of love for God’s Word. When we know the Lord and when He reveals the meaning of His Word to us, we love Him and His Word.
Below are some of David’s expression of love for the Lord (who is God’s Word):
“Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your Word. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your Law.” [9]
The Lord invites us to ask for revelation into the meaning of His Word.
“I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.” [10]
Just as leg muscles grow when we run, so our hearts grows in love for God as we read His Word.
“Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your Law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” [11]
Understanding the Lord and His Word helps us to be wholehearted for Him.
“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way.” [12]
So much of following the Lord involves turning away from what is not the Lord.
“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life. The proud have me in great derision, yet I do not turn aside from Your Law.” [13]
Don’t give up on God when proud people deride you. God will comfort you and give you a better ending than they will.
“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.” [14]
Look far and wide for friends who love the Word like you do. Such friends are precious jewels.
“The Law of Your mouth is better to me than 1,000’s of coins of gold and silver.” [15]
Don’t believe the lie that the world believes. Worldly riches never satisfy the soul. Only the Lord and His Word does that.
The teachings and edicts of worldly leaders rise and fall, but “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven.” [16]
“I have seen the consummation of all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad.” [17]
Man’s ways never match God’s. God’s way is always better for us.
“O, how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.” [18]
There are so many weight loss programs propagated nowadays. The Lord helped me to lose over 50 pounds two years ago and to keep the weight off. How? By daily satisfying my soul with His Word. When a soul is starving, the flesh tries to fill in the void with indulgences like unhealthy and sensual foods, but it is better to feed one’s soul with God’s Word.
“How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” [19]
God’s Word, Jesus, turns the lights on so we can discern truth from lies.
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” [20]
Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to bring people back to Him... back to His Word...
“It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your Law as void.” “Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your Law.” “I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your Word.” [21]
Let us prefer God’s Word to sleep if nighttime is the only time we can truly focus on it.
“ I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your Word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your Word.” [22]
Evil rulers hate God’s Word because it exposes their wrong-doing, but we should treasure God’s Word just the same. Evil rulers are a vapor that appears for a moment and then is gone. Keep praising God for His Word. God’s Word gives peace. The words of evil rulers do not.
“Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your Word. I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your Law. Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments. Great peace have those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” [23]
[1] John 1:1, 14, 18
[2] Mark 12:12, 24, 37; Matthew 13:36-37; Luke 24:27
[3] Nehemiah 8:12-13, 18
[4] Matthew 27:16; Mark 15:7; John 18:40
[5] Psalm 118:22-23
[6] Acts 3:14
[7] Psalm 118:8-9
[8] Daniel 2:44-45, 7:14; Revelation 11:15; Philippians 2:6-11
[9] Psalm 119:17-18
[10] Psalm 119:32
[11] Psalm 119:34
[12] Psalm 119:36
[13] Psalm 119:50-51
[14] Psalm 119:63
[15] Psalm 119:72
[16] Psalm 119:89
[17] Psalm 119:96
[18] Psalm 119:97-100
[19] Psalm 119:103
[20] Psalm 119:105, 130
[21] Psalm 119:126, 136, 158
[22] Psalm 119:147-148
[23] Psalm 119:161-165
The Word of God is Jesus Christ. Whenever we read, “the Word of the Lord” or “thus says the Lord” in the Old Testament, that is the pre-incarnate Son of God speaking and revealing Himself through one of His messengers. “The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared [Greek - exegeted] Him.” Jesus is also the One who explains the meaning of the Scripture.
During the time in which Jesus walked in the flesh here on earth, He constantly explained the meaning of the Word of the Lord to people. He explained it to those who heard Him gladly and to those who hated Him for not adhering to their false interpretations. [2]
This same Jesus is the One who guided Ezra to explain the Scriptures accurately to the people who had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem...
“All the people... rejoiced greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.” “...All the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law.” “Day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God...” [3]
Jesus would have done the same for the priests and scribes in the days that He walked on the earth, but they were a very corrupt group of religious leaders. They chose a notorious prisoner named Barabbas over Jesus. Barabbas was a murderer, robber and insurrectionist. [4]
Thus, they fulfilled the Scripture spoken by God’s prophet David, who wrote, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” [5]
Later, when Peter was brought to trial by some of these same religious leaders, he told them, “You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.” [6]
I wonder how many religious leaders and religious organizations today are rejecting Jesus from giving the true meaning of the Scriptures to them and through them. How many governments of nations are behaving as Pilate did when He ordered Jesus Christ to be crucified?
David was a king of a nation, and yet he wrote, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” [7]
The governments of this world will eventually be replaced by the kingdom of God. One day, all the pride of man will be humbled, and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to glory of God the Father. [8]
King David loved the Lord by loving His Word. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is filled with David’s expressions of love for God’s Word. When we know the Lord and when He reveals the meaning of His Word to us, we love Him and His Word.
Below are some of David’s expression of love for the Lord (who is God’s Word):
“Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your Word. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your Law.” [9]
The Lord invites us to ask for revelation into the meaning of His Word.
“I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.” [10]
Just as leg muscles grow when we run, so our hearts grows in love for God as we read His Word.
“Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your Law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” [11]
Understanding the Lord and His Word helps us to be wholehearted for Him.
“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way.” [12]
So much of following the Lord involves turning away from what is not the Lord.
“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life. The proud have me in great derision, yet I do not turn aside from Your Law.” [13]
Don’t give up on God when proud people deride you. God will comfort you and give you a better ending than they will.
“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.” [14]
Look far and wide for friends who love the Word like you do. Such friends are precious jewels.
“The Law of Your mouth is better to me than 1,000’s of coins of gold and silver.” [15]
Don’t believe the lie that the world believes. Worldly riches never satisfy the soul. Only the Lord and His Word does that.
The teachings and edicts of worldly leaders rise and fall, but “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven.” [16]
“I have seen the consummation of all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad.” [17]
Man’s ways never match God’s. God’s way is always better for us.
“O, how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.” [18]
There are so many weight loss programs propagated nowadays. The Lord helped me to lose over 50 pounds two years ago and to keep the weight off. How? By daily satisfying my soul with His Word. When a soul is starving, the flesh tries to fill in the void with indulgences like unhealthy and sensual foods, but it is better to feed one’s soul with God’s Word.
“How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” [19]
God’s Word, Jesus, turns the lights on so we can discern truth from lies.
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” [20]
Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to bring people back to Him... back to His Word...
“It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your Law as void.” “Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your Law.” “I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your Word.” [21]
Let us prefer God’s Word to sleep if nighttime is the only time we can truly focus on it.
“ I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your Word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your Word.” [22]
Evil rulers hate God’s Word because it exposes their wrong-doing, but we should treasure God’s Word just the same. Evil rulers are a vapor that appears for a moment and then is gone. Keep praising God for His Word. God’s Word gives peace. The words of evil rulers do not.
“Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your Word. I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your Law. Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments. Great peace have those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” [23]
[1] John 1:1, 14, 18
[2] Mark 12:12, 24, 37; Matthew 13:36-37; Luke 24:27
[3] Nehemiah 8:12-13, 18
[4] Matthew 27:16; Mark 15:7; John 18:40
[5] Psalm 118:22-23
[6] Acts 3:14
[7] Psalm 118:8-9
[8] Daniel 2:44-45, 7:14; Revelation 11:15; Philippians 2:6-11
[9] Psalm 119:17-18
[10] Psalm 119:32
[11] Psalm 119:34
[12] Psalm 119:36
[13] Psalm 119:50-51
[14] Psalm 119:63
[15] Psalm 119:72
[16] Psalm 119:89
[17] Psalm 119:96
[18] Psalm 119:97-100
[19] Psalm 119:103
[20] Psalm 119:105, 130
[21] Psalm 119:126, 136, 158
[22] Psalm 119:147-148
[23] Psalm 119:161-165
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Stirred by the Spirit to Work for God
“When He [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” [1]
Jesus sees the multitudes. He is moved with compassion. He wants laborers. Where are they?
Scattered sheep need the Lord.
“Then the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” [2]
God let His people lack: “You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill.” “You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” [3]
How could the Lord bless them when they were only served themselves?
“The people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the message of the prophet Haggai because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord.” [4]
“Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: ‘I am with you, declares the Lord.’” Then, Lord stirred the spirit of the governor, of the high priest, and of the remnant of the people, and they began to work on the house of the Lord. [5]
“Dear Heavenly Father, in the Name of Your Son Jesus, please stir the hearts of people to begin the work that needs done.”
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: in a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the Desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord Almighty. The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord Almighty. The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house, says the Lord Almighty. And in this place I will grant peace, declares the Lord Almighty.” [6]
Jesus Christ is the Desired of nations. He will eventually establish His house in New Jerusalem, but until then, He wants us to keep bringing people to Him... to have their sins forgiven, to be healed by Him, to know Him, and to teach others about Him.
Haggai the prophet and Nehemiah were contemporaries. While Haggai prophesied, Nehemiah organized officials, priests, nobles, and people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah told them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach. So, they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” [7]
“Father God, in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, please continue to raise up Haggai’s and Nehemiah’s to get Your work done on earth.”
Enemies mocked and despised Nehemiah and his helpers. Nehemiah responded, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us...” [8]
Some Nehemiah’s team members were slackers: “Their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.” [9]
Enemies continuously belittled him. What did Nehemiah do? He gave his enemies over to God in prayer: “Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders.” He did the work: “So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” [10]
At one point, his workers worked with one hand and carried a weapon with the other. [11]
At another point, Nehemiah threatened his own nobles with undesirable consequences because they drove the workers of the Lord into debt and after that, made them their slaves. Nehemiah told them, “Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses....” The nobles did it. “And all the assembly said, ‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord. Then the people did according to this promise.” [12]
Enemies falsely accused Nehemiah of trying to become a king. They were publishers of fake news. Nehemiah responded to them directly, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.” The enemies want to weakened them. Nehemiah prayed, “Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.” [13]
Enemies planted a secret informer among Nehemiah’s people. The informer told Nehemiah that there was a plot to kill him. Nehemiah refused to quit. He prayed: “My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who would have made me afraid.” [14]
When the work was done, Nehemiah’s enemies “perceived that this work was done by our God.” [15]
The next phase of Nehemiah’s mission involved Ezra the priest. He read the Scriptures to the people of Jerusalem from morning until midday. The people listened intently. He blessed the people. The people responded in various ways including lifting their hands to God and saying, “Amen.” As well as bowing their heads and worshipping the Lord with their faces to the ground. The Levites gave the sense and helped them to understand the Scriptures. [16]
Still later, the people “stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. They read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.” [17]
What happened in the days of Haggai the prophet, Ezra the priest and Nehemiah the governor was a revival. The Lord stirred up their spirits, and they and their people began to work for the Lord.
“Heavenly Father, in the Name of Your Son Jesus, please stir up the hearts of people today with Your compassion for weak and scattered sheep, so that they are gathered unto You. Please give us a mind to work for You, and please bless the work of our hands. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 9:36-38
[2] Haggai 1:3-4
[3] Haggai 1:5-11
[4] Haggai 1:12
[5] Haggai 1:13-14
[6] Haggai 2:6-9
[7] Nehemiah 2:16-18
[8] Nehemiah 2:19-20
[9] Nehemiah 3:5
[10] Nehemiah 4:1-6
[11] Nehemiah 4:17
[12] Nehemiah 5:1-13
[13] Nehemiah 6:6-9
[14] Nehemiah 6:10-14
[15] Nehemiah 6:16
[16] Nehemiah 8:2-8
[17] Nehemiah 9:1-3
Jesus sees the multitudes. He is moved with compassion. He wants laborers. Where are they?
Scattered sheep need the Lord.
“Then the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” [2]
God let His people lack: “You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill.” “You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” [3]
How could the Lord bless them when they were only served themselves?
“The people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the message of the prophet Haggai because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord.” [4]
“Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: ‘I am with you, declares the Lord.’” Then, Lord stirred the spirit of the governor, of the high priest, and of the remnant of the people, and they began to work on the house of the Lord. [5]
“Dear Heavenly Father, in the Name of Your Son Jesus, please stir the hearts of people to begin the work that needs done.”
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: in a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the Desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord Almighty. The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord Almighty. The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house, says the Lord Almighty. And in this place I will grant peace, declares the Lord Almighty.” [6]
Jesus Christ is the Desired of nations. He will eventually establish His house in New Jerusalem, but until then, He wants us to keep bringing people to Him... to have their sins forgiven, to be healed by Him, to know Him, and to teach others about Him.
Haggai the prophet and Nehemiah were contemporaries. While Haggai prophesied, Nehemiah organized officials, priests, nobles, and people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah told them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach. So, they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” [7]
“Father God, in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, please continue to raise up Haggai’s and Nehemiah’s to get Your work done on earth.”
Enemies mocked and despised Nehemiah and his helpers. Nehemiah responded, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us...” [8]
Some Nehemiah’s team members were slackers: “Their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.” [9]
Enemies continuously belittled him. What did Nehemiah do? He gave his enemies over to God in prayer: “Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders.” He did the work: “So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” [10]
At one point, his workers worked with one hand and carried a weapon with the other. [11]
At another point, Nehemiah threatened his own nobles with undesirable consequences because they drove the workers of the Lord into debt and after that, made them their slaves. Nehemiah told them, “Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses....” The nobles did it. “And all the assembly said, ‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord. Then the people did according to this promise.” [12]
Enemies falsely accused Nehemiah of trying to become a king. They were publishers of fake news. Nehemiah responded to them directly, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.” The enemies want to weakened them. Nehemiah prayed, “Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.” [13]
Enemies planted a secret informer among Nehemiah’s people. The informer told Nehemiah that there was a plot to kill him. Nehemiah refused to quit. He prayed: “My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who would have made me afraid.” [14]
When the work was done, Nehemiah’s enemies “perceived that this work was done by our God.” [15]
The next phase of Nehemiah’s mission involved Ezra the priest. He read the Scriptures to the people of Jerusalem from morning until midday. The people listened intently. He blessed the people. The people responded in various ways including lifting their hands to God and saying, “Amen.” As well as bowing their heads and worshipping the Lord with their faces to the ground. The Levites gave the sense and helped them to understand the Scriptures. [16]
Still later, the people “stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. They read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.” [17]
What happened in the days of Haggai the prophet, Ezra the priest and Nehemiah the governor was a revival. The Lord stirred up their spirits, and they and their people began to work for the Lord.
“Heavenly Father, in the Name of Your Son Jesus, please stir up the hearts of people today with Your compassion for weak and scattered sheep, so that they are gathered unto You. Please give us a mind to work for You, and please bless the work of our hands. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 9:36-38
[2] Haggai 1:3-4
[3] Haggai 1:5-11
[4] Haggai 1:12
[5] Haggai 1:13-14
[6] Haggai 2:6-9
[7] Nehemiah 2:16-18
[8] Nehemiah 2:19-20
[9] Nehemiah 3:5
[10] Nehemiah 4:1-6
[11] Nehemiah 4:17
[12] Nehemiah 5:1-13
[13] Nehemiah 6:6-9
[14] Nehemiah 6:10-14
[15] Nehemiah 6:16
[16] Nehemiah 8:2-8
[17] Nehemiah 9:1-3
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Let Love Lead You
Once, when I was discouraged due to the slowness of my progress in learning, the Lord said to me, “Let love lead you!” When I approached the lessons with God’s love for the people whom I hoped to serve, the Lord increased both my desire and ability to learn. God's love moved me forward.
The first characteristic of love is patience according to God’s Word. [1] How many missions of love have failed due to a lack of patience with the process?
God’s love helps us to move forward when the mission is difficult. After Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, and after Peter confirmed to Jesus that he did, Jesus addressed Peter as Simon son of Jonah. Simon was Peter’s Hebrew name. His father’s name was Jonah. Peter’s witness for Christ would include going to places that he did not want to go. Like Jonah had to do! The Lord called Jonah to go to Nineveh. Jonah ran away from God, but God, in His kindness, used a big fish to help Jonah obey Him. The Lord called Peter to go to places that Peter did not want to go and to wear clothes that Peter did not choose to wear... all for love.
Jesus said to Peter, “’Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you clothed yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will clothe you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” [2]
If you want patience to have its perfect work, let God’s love lead you.
“Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” [3]
Perhaps, you grew up in a family where patience was lacking. Perhaps, you live in a culture that emphasizes competitiveness! Where “high achievers” are rewarded! I’ve been in some places where people behave like zombies. They have outer the image of a person but no love comes out from them. They are dead to love. They don’t love and they don’t understand those who do! They need God’s love.
The Psalmist asked, “Why should the nations say, ‘So where is their God?’” [4]
God is experienced via love because God is love. I can give love because God first loved me. His love for me taught me how to love those around me. [5]
Non-animate things do not love. Idols do not love those who worship them. “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.” [6]
The God of the Bible is real. He answers prayers. God listens to me and responds to my requests in loving and generous ways. I agree with the words of the Psalmist who said: “I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.” [7]
The Lord Jesus is full of grace and truth. He doesn’t give me what I deserve. He gives more than I deserve based on what He did for me on the cross. Jesus Christ died for me on the cross to atone for my sin. Sin kept me separated from God. But once I asked the Lord to forgive my sin, He did, and He opened the door for me to have an ongoing relationship with our loving Heavenly Abba Father. Amazing grace! [8]
I can move forward with the mission because, “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” [9]
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:4
[2] John 21:18-19
[3] James 1:4
[4] Psalm 115:2
[5] 1 John 4:8, 19
[6] Psalm 115:4-8
[7] Psalm 116:1
[8] John 1:14; Ephesians 2:1-9, 14-22
[9] Psalm 116:5-7
The first characteristic of love is patience according to God’s Word. [1] How many missions of love have failed due to a lack of patience with the process?
God’s love helps us to move forward when the mission is difficult. After Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, and after Peter confirmed to Jesus that he did, Jesus addressed Peter as Simon son of Jonah. Simon was Peter’s Hebrew name. His father’s name was Jonah. Peter’s witness for Christ would include going to places that he did not want to go. Like Jonah had to do! The Lord called Jonah to go to Nineveh. Jonah ran away from God, but God, in His kindness, used a big fish to help Jonah obey Him. The Lord called Peter to go to places that Peter did not want to go and to wear clothes that Peter did not choose to wear... all for love.
Jesus said to Peter, “’Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you clothed yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will clothe you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” [2]
If you want patience to have its perfect work, let God’s love lead you.
“Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” [3]
Perhaps, you grew up in a family where patience was lacking. Perhaps, you live in a culture that emphasizes competitiveness! Where “high achievers” are rewarded! I’ve been in some places where people behave like zombies. They have outer the image of a person but no love comes out from them. They are dead to love. They don’t love and they don’t understand those who do! They need God’s love.
The Psalmist asked, “Why should the nations say, ‘So where is their God?’” [4]
God is experienced via love because God is love. I can give love because God first loved me. His love for me taught me how to love those around me. [5]
Non-animate things do not love. Idols do not love those who worship them. “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.” [6]
The God of the Bible is real. He answers prayers. God listens to me and responds to my requests in loving and generous ways. I agree with the words of the Psalmist who said: “I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.” [7]
The Lord Jesus is full of grace and truth. He doesn’t give me what I deserve. He gives more than I deserve based on what He did for me on the cross. Jesus Christ died for me on the cross to atone for my sin. Sin kept me separated from God. But once I asked the Lord to forgive my sin, He did, and He opened the door for me to have an ongoing relationship with our loving Heavenly Abba Father. Amazing grace! [8]
I can move forward with the mission because, “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” [9]
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:4
[2] John 21:18-19
[3] James 1:4
[4] Psalm 115:2
[5] 1 John 4:8, 19
[6] Psalm 115:4-8
[7] Psalm 116:1
[8] John 1:14; Ephesians 2:1-9, 14-22
[9] Psalm 116:5-7
Monday, July 7, 2025
Loving God and Loving God’s Word
I treasure! The apple my eye! My sister! My nearest kin! Thus, we should love God’s Word. God says that such a love for Him and His Word will keep us from being captured and enslaved by sin, and ultimately from losing everything. [1]
God’s Word tells the story of young man who was devoid of understanding. He went near to sin’s corner, and guess what happened? Sin was happy to greet him. Sin promised him lots of pleasure. He listened! He partook! “As an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life.” God warns us, “Listen to Me!” “Pay attention to the Words of My mouth.” “Do not turn aside!” “Do not stray!” Sin has slain strong men. Remember what it did to Samson? Sin is “the way to hell.” [2]
The Lord says, “ Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” [3]
Stay far from temptation! Stay close to the Lord!
Jesus says to you and me, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [4]
The yoke is a beam of wood that connects two together to work as one. Jesus invites us to be one with Him and the Father. To work in tandem with God. To reject the yoke of Jesus is to reject rest for one’s soul. Jesus brings us into fellowship with God and with God’s people. Being yoked to Jesus and to His eternal kingdom is better than enjoying the temporary pleasures of sin for a season and ending up in hell.
The Lord Jesus converted Saul of Tarsus, His enemy, into an excellent example for us to follow.
Paul’s love for the Lord and His Word is demonstrated by his sufferings. He wrote, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God.” [5]
By the way, what did Jesus for you and for me? He saved us! Called us! He laid up grace for us before time began and revealed God’s grace to us by His appearing. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us hold onto His Words with faith and love. [6]
Did Paul lose friends due to his love for God and for God’s Word? Yes, while imprisoned for Christ “all those in Asia” “turned away from” him. He lost fair weather friends but gained genuine ones. Onesiphorus often refreshed Paul. He was not ashamed of Paul’s chains. He sought Paul out very zealously and found him. He ministered to Paul. Paul asked the Lord to grant Onesiphorus mercy on “that Day” referring to the day Onesiphorus would meet the Lord in heaven. [7]
Even though misguided people placed Paul in prison, Paul continued to publish God’s Word. Paul relied on the Lord to make a way where there seemed to be no way to continue his ministry for Christ. He told Timothy, “I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained.” [8] God’s Word kept going out from Paul to people.
Paul kept encouraging his listeners to avoid sin even from prison. He wrote, “Let everyone who names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity.” [9]
Rather than encouraging mistreated servants of Christ to riot and destroy property, he wrote to them, saying, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” [10]
Jesus helped Paul to consider others more important than himself.
A sign of the last days is a love for pleasure that exceeds love for God. Paul wrote, “From such people turn away!” “Do not be deceived. Evil company corrupts good habits.” [11]
I treasure! The apple my eye! My sister! My nearest kin! Love God and love God’s Word. Paul wrote, “The Holy Scriptures... are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” [12]
Love the Lord and love His Word! Don’t let this fire go out!
“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” [13]
It disappoints me, and I am sure it disappoints God even more when the people who are called by His Name are more excited about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus (fables) than they are about the original and only meaning of the Incarnation and Resurrection Day, namely that the Son of God came down to earth and became like us so that we could become like Him. He died to atone for our sins and resurrected on the third day for our eternity with God.
I can’t think of anything to be more passionate about than loving God and loving God’s Word. To love anything more than God and God’s Word is idolatry.
Paul wrote, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” [14]
The Lord and His Word was Paul’s treasure. The apple of his eye! His sister! His nearest kin! Love for God and love for God’s Word kept Paul from being captured and enslaved by the devil.
Paul grieved for lost souls. He wrote to Timothy saying, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” [15]
Paul rejoiced in the Lord because, said he, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, 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!” [16]
[1] Proverbs 7:1-5
[2] Proverbs 7:6-27
[3] 2 Timothy 2:22
[4] Matthew 11:29-30
[5] 2 Timothy 1:8
[6] 2 Timothy 1:9-10, 13-14
[7] 2 Timothy 1:15-18
[8] 2 Timothy 2:9
[9] 2 Timothy 2:19
[10] 2 Timothy 2:24-26
[11] 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:33
[12] 2 Timothy 3:15-17
[13] 2 Timothy 4:3-5
[14] 2 Timothy 4:6-8
[15] 2 Timothy 4:10
[16] 2 Timothy 4:17-18
God’s Word tells the story of young man who was devoid of understanding. He went near to sin’s corner, and guess what happened? Sin was happy to greet him. Sin promised him lots of pleasure. He listened! He partook! “As an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life.” God warns us, “Listen to Me!” “Pay attention to the Words of My mouth.” “Do not turn aside!” “Do not stray!” Sin has slain strong men. Remember what it did to Samson? Sin is “the way to hell.” [2]
The Lord says, “ Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” [3]
Stay far from temptation! Stay close to the Lord!
Jesus says to you and me, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [4]
The yoke is a beam of wood that connects two together to work as one. Jesus invites us to be one with Him and the Father. To work in tandem with God. To reject the yoke of Jesus is to reject rest for one’s soul. Jesus brings us into fellowship with God and with God’s people. Being yoked to Jesus and to His eternal kingdom is better than enjoying the temporary pleasures of sin for a season and ending up in hell.
The Lord Jesus converted Saul of Tarsus, His enemy, into an excellent example for us to follow.
Paul’s love for the Lord and His Word is demonstrated by his sufferings. He wrote, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God.” [5]
By the way, what did Jesus for you and for me? He saved us! Called us! He laid up grace for us before time began and revealed God’s grace to us by His appearing. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us hold onto His Words with faith and love. [6]
Did Paul lose friends due to his love for God and for God’s Word? Yes, while imprisoned for Christ “all those in Asia” “turned away from” him. He lost fair weather friends but gained genuine ones. Onesiphorus often refreshed Paul. He was not ashamed of Paul’s chains. He sought Paul out very zealously and found him. He ministered to Paul. Paul asked the Lord to grant Onesiphorus mercy on “that Day” referring to the day Onesiphorus would meet the Lord in heaven. [7]
Even though misguided people placed Paul in prison, Paul continued to publish God’s Word. Paul relied on the Lord to make a way where there seemed to be no way to continue his ministry for Christ. He told Timothy, “I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained.” [8] God’s Word kept going out from Paul to people.
Paul kept encouraging his listeners to avoid sin even from prison. He wrote, “Let everyone who names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity.” [9]
Rather than encouraging mistreated servants of Christ to riot and destroy property, he wrote to them, saying, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” [10]
Jesus helped Paul to consider others more important than himself.
A sign of the last days is a love for pleasure that exceeds love for God. Paul wrote, “From such people turn away!” “Do not be deceived. Evil company corrupts good habits.” [11]
I treasure! The apple my eye! My sister! My nearest kin! Love God and love God’s Word. Paul wrote, “The Holy Scriptures... are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” [12]
Love the Lord and love His Word! Don’t let this fire go out!
“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” [13]
It disappoints me, and I am sure it disappoints God even more when the people who are called by His Name are more excited about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus (fables) than they are about the original and only meaning of the Incarnation and Resurrection Day, namely that the Son of God came down to earth and became like us so that we could become like Him. He died to atone for our sins and resurrected on the third day for our eternity with God.
I can’t think of anything to be more passionate about than loving God and loving God’s Word. To love anything more than God and God’s Word is idolatry.
Paul wrote, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” [14]
The Lord and His Word was Paul’s treasure. The apple of his eye! His sister! His nearest kin! Love for God and love for God’s Word kept Paul from being captured and enslaved by the devil.
Paul grieved for lost souls. He wrote to Timothy saying, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” [15]
Paul rejoiced in the Lord because, said he, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, 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!” [16]
[1] Proverbs 7:1-5
[2] Proverbs 7:6-27
[3] 2 Timothy 2:22
[4] Matthew 11:29-30
[5] 2 Timothy 1:8
[6] 2 Timothy 1:9-10, 13-14
[7] 2 Timothy 1:15-18
[8] 2 Timothy 2:9
[9] 2 Timothy 2:19
[10] 2 Timothy 2:24-26
[11] 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:33
[12] 2 Timothy 3:15-17
[13] 2 Timothy 4:3-5
[14] 2 Timothy 4:6-8
[15] 2 Timothy 4:10
[16] 2 Timothy 4:17-18
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Yoke Fellows
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” [1]
A yoke is a wooden beam that joins two animals together to work in tandem. A good farmer uses good judgment when selecting two animals to work together as one. He considers their sizes and temperaments. He teaches them to respond to commands and to walk in step with each other.
God has commissioned the human race to reproduce itself via covenantal relationships based on His Word. When a husband and wife, yoke fellows, listen to God and follow His instructions, they work together in tandem and are highly effective.
Once, Pharisees tested Jesus, asking Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” Jesus asked them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?” Then, Jesus stated, “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” [2]
Jesus calls the husband and wife one flesh. He said that God joins the couple together and does not want anyone to break their team up.
God is for yoking. He is for the joining of two well-matched individuals to work together as one for His glory. God also seeks godly offspring.
“You cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and crying, but He does not regard the offering anymore, nor receive it with goodwill from your hands. You say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.” [3]
If husbands want God to answer their prayers than God would prefer that they be faithful to their marriage covenants with their wives than to cry out and weep tears before Him. A husband that faithfully loves his wife and children is someone God will listen to and help.
The Apostle Peter echoed the words of the prophet Malachi. He wrote, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” [4]
Husband, understand your wife! Honor her! Treat her as a coheir of eternal life! Yes, one day she will all be like the angels in heaven. She will be married to God in the same way you are. Be good to your wife and God will answer your prayers. [5]
The Apostle Paul wrote, ““Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” [6]
God goes so far as to compare marriage between a man and a woman to His relationship with His people... the Church. Just as God moves on the hearts of Christians to pioneer churches to proclaim His Word and testimonies in communities across the globe, God also moves husbands and wives to come together to advance His kingdom by their love for one another. The husband is to nourish and cherish his wife as Christ does the Church. Jesus laid down His life for the Church, and husbands are to lay down their lives... ambitions... agendas... achievements... to nurture and cherish their wives and to do so for the glory of Christ. And wives are to give their husbands in return what they so desperately need, respect.
So, many people have suffered great harm because they received more teaching from the world than from God about marriage. Marriage is one of the greatest blessings God has given to the human race, but it is often misunderstood and uncultivated by us. We are to honor marriage.
The Lord says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” [7]
God blesses that which is best for us. A covenanted relationship between a husband and wife is best for all involved. Make vows to faithfully love, honor and cherish one another until death do you part, and then, make every effort with the help of God to keep the vows.
Don’t forget grace! Our relationship with God is saved by His grace. And we sinners need God’s grace and forgiveness towards one another to keep our marriages together. When you have reached wit’s end, say, “Lord, we need Your grace to help us or we are not going to make it.”
Christian yoke fellows are united in our beliefs and values because we base our lives on the Bible and are helped by God’s Spirit to understand and follow His commands.
The nation of Israel broke-up after their king began to disobey God in regards to marriage.
God’s Word says that King Solomon loved many foreign women. These foreign women (700 wives and 300 concubines) worshipped false gods. They turned his heart away from the Lord. He even built shrines to their false gods. God was angry with Solomon. He told Solomon, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants.” He did. The nation broke in two. [8]
Eventually, God allowed His people to be displaced from their land and held captive in Babylon for 70 years. While in captivity, many turned back to the Lord. Some, however, still refused to obey the Lord in regards to the marriage covenant. Leaders of the people reported to Ezra, saying, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, with respect to the abominations of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed is mixed with the peoples of those lands. Indeed, the hand of the leaders and rulers has been foremost in this trespass.” [9]
What did Ezra do? He tore his outer clothing, plucked out some of his hair, and sat down astonished. Others joined him. He fasted until evening. Then, he fell on his knees and spread out his hands to God. He prayed, “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.” He recounted to God the unfaithfulness of Israel. He acknowledged the grace that God has shown them. He acknowledged their guilt. He wept bitterly and entire families wept bitterly with him. They confessed their sin to God. The result was that those who erred, corrected what was wrong. They put away the pagan wives. They realigned their lifestyles with the Word of God. [10] This was not easy, but it was the right thing to do for themselves and for their nation.
During the New Testament era, the Holy Spirit led many idolators to convert to faith in Christ. The Lord’s servant Paul provided us instructions in regards to their unconverted spouses: “But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: if any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?” [11]
So, the Lord advises faithfulness to an unbelieving spouse as long as that unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage. The Lord suggests that the believing spouse might lead the unbelieving spouse to him.
Jesus Christ brought Leslie Strobel to faith in Christ. Her husband, Lee, was an atheist. He set out to disprove the claims of the Bible about Jesus. Leslie prayed Ezekiel 36:26 for Lee that God would take out his heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. The Lord heard Leslie’s faithful prayers for Lee. Jesus used Lee’s effort to disprove Christianity to convert Lee to Christianity. Lee Strobel wrote a book afterwards entitled, “The Case for Christ.”
The Lord wants us to enjoy harmonious relationships that produce godly children for His glory. The Lord is abundantly happy to help us if we look to Him.
[1] 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
[2] Genesis 1:28; Matthew 19:3-6
[3] Malachi 2:13-15
[4] 1 Peter 3:7
[5] Matthew 22:30
[6] Ephesians 5:25-33
[7] Hebrews 13:4
[8] 1 Kings 11:1-11
[9] Ezra 9:1-2
[10] Ezra 7:3-15; 10:1-4; Deuteronomy 7:1-5
[11] 1 Corinthians 7:12-16
God has commissioned the human race to reproduce itself via covenantal relationships based on His Word. When a husband and wife, yoke fellows, listen to God and follow His instructions, they work together in tandem and are highly effective.
Once, Pharisees tested Jesus, asking Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” Jesus asked them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?” Then, Jesus stated, “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” [2]
Jesus calls the husband and wife one flesh. He said that God joins the couple together and does not want anyone to break their team up.
God is for yoking. He is for the joining of two well-matched individuals to work together as one for His glory. God also seeks godly offspring.
“You cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and crying, but He does not regard the offering anymore, nor receive it with goodwill from your hands. You say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.” [3]
If husbands want God to answer their prayers than God would prefer that they be faithful to their marriage covenants with their wives than to cry out and weep tears before Him. A husband that faithfully loves his wife and children is someone God will listen to and help.
The Apostle Peter echoed the words of the prophet Malachi. He wrote, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” [4]
Husband, understand your wife! Honor her! Treat her as a coheir of eternal life! Yes, one day she will all be like the angels in heaven. She will be married to God in the same way you are. Be good to your wife and God will answer your prayers. [5]
The Apostle Paul wrote, ““Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” [6]
God goes so far as to compare marriage between a man and a woman to His relationship with His people... the Church. Just as God moves on the hearts of Christians to pioneer churches to proclaim His Word and testimonies in communities across the globe, God also moves husbands and wives to come together to advance His kingdom by their love for one another. The husband is to nourish and cherish his wife as Christ does the Church. Jesus laid down His life for the Church, and husbands are to lay down their lives... ambitions... agendas... achievements... to nurture and cherish their wives and to do so for the glory of Christ. And wives are to give their husbands in return what they so desperately need, respect.
So, many people have suffered great harm because they received more teaching from the world than from God about marriage. Marriage is one of the greatest blessings God has given to the human race, but it is often misunderstood and uncultivated by us. We are to honor marriage.
The Lord says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” [7]
God blesses that which is best for us. A covenanted relationship between a husband and wife is best for all involved. Make vows to faithfully love, honor and cherish one another until death do you part, and then, make every effort with the help of God to keep the vows.
Don’t forget grace! Our relationship with God is saved by His grace. And we sinners need God’s grace and forgiveness towards one another to keep our marriages together. When you have reached wit’s end, say, “Lord, we need Your grace to help us or we are not going to make it.”
Christian yoke fellows are united in our beliefs and values because we base our lives on the Bible and are helped by God’s Spirit to understand and follow His commands.
The nation of Israel broke-up after their king began to disobey God in regards to marriage.
God’s Word says that King Solomon loved many foreign women. These foreign women (700 wives and 300 concubines) worshipped false gods. They turned his heart away from the Lord. He even built shrines to their false gods. God was angry with Solomon. He told Solomon, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants.” He did. The nation broke in two. [8]
Eventually, God allowed His people to be displaced from their land and held captive in Babylon for 70 years. While in captivity, many turned back to the Lord. Some, however, still refused to obey the Lord in regards to the marriage covenant. Leaders of the people reported to Ezra, saying, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, with respect to the abominations of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed is mixed with the peoples of those lands. Indeed, the hand of the leaders and rulers has been foremost in this trespass.” [9]
What did Ezra do? He tore his outer clothing, plucked out some of his hair, and sat down astonished. Others joined him. He fasted until evening. Then, he fell on his knees and spread out his hands to God. He prayed, “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.” He recounted to God the unfaithfulness of Israel. He acknowledged the grace that God has shown them. He acknowledged their guilt. He wept bitterly and entire families wept bitterly with him. They confessed their sin to God. The result was that those who erred, corrected what was wrong. They put away the pagan wives. They realigned their lifestyles with the Word of God. [10] This was not easy, but it was the right thing to do for themselves and for their nation.
During the New Testament era, the Holy Spirit led many idolators to convert to faith in Christ. The Lord’s servant Paul provided us instructions in regards to their unconverted spouses: “But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: if any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?” [11]
So, the Lord advises faithfulness to an unbelieving spouse as long as that unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage. The Lord suggests that the believing spouse might lead the unbelieving spouse to him.
Jesus Christ brought Leslie Strobel to faith in Christ. Her husband, Lee, was an atheist. He set out to disprove the claims of the Bible about Jesus. Leslie prayed Ezekiel 36:26 for Lee that God would take out his heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. The Lord heard Leslie’s faithful prayers for Lee. Jesus used Lee’s effort to disprove Christianity to convert Lee to Christianity. Lee Strobel wrote a book afterwards entitled, “The Case for Christ.”
The Lord wants us to enjoy harmonious relationships that produce godly children for His glory. The Lord is abundantly happy to help us if we look to Him.
[1] 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
[2] Genesis 1:28; Matthew 19:3-6
[3] Malachi 2:13-15
[4] 1 Peter 3:7
[5] Matthew 22:30
[6] Ephesians 5:25-33
[7] Hebrews 13:4
[8] 1 Kings 11:1-11
[9] Ezra 9:1-2
[10] Ezra 7:3-15; 10:1-4; Deuteronomy 7:1-5
[11] 1 Corinthians 7:12-16
Saturday, July 5, 2025
King Artaxerxes of Persia Served the Lord
Ezra “was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses.” “Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” He was an “expert in the words of the commandments of the Lord.” [1]
Ezra took God seriously, and God did wonders!
King Artaxerxes was the King of Persia in the days of Ezra. God made Artaxerxes the most powerful ruler on earth. The Lord gave him a heart to defend and support God’s work. Thus, King Artaxerxes gave Ezra silver and gold from his own treasuries for the service of God and urged those in his kingdom to do the same. Like a good Samaritan, Artaxerxes told Ezra, “Whatever more may be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to provide, pay for it from the king’s treasury.” He issued “a decree to all the treasurers who are in the region beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, let it be done diligently, up to 100 talents of silver, 100 kors of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of oil, and salt without prescribed limit. Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” He also exempted those who served in the house of the Lord from paying taxes, tributes and customs. He gave Ezra authority to appoint magistrates and judges who would teach the people the Law of God. Artaxerxes gave Ezra a letter stating, “Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether it be death, or banishment, or confiscation of goods, or imprisonment.” [2]
How did Ezra respond to what King Artaxerxes did? Ezra blessed the Lord, recruited helpers and got to work.
Ezra wrote, “Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord, which is in Jerusalem, and has extended mercy to me before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. So, I was encouraged, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me.” [3]
The Word of the Lord says, “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!” [4]
This truth is clearly revealed in Ezra’s testimony. He was a disciple of the Word of God [Jesus]. The Holy Spirit empowered him to understand and speak God’s Word.
When I was young, the Lord placed it on my heart to proclaim the Gospel to people in China. To God’s glory, I experienced favor from government officials on four occasions. These leaders could have incurred great loss for helping me but did so anyway. The Lord also gave me the opportunity to take part in a business meeting that was held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. I got to share the Gospel with a businessman right there in the building where laws have been issued against the proclamation of the Gospel. Glory to God!
Let us pray daily for the peoples of the nations that they and their rulers will turn to the Lord and serve Him. “Thy (Yours King Jesus) kingdom come. Thy (Yours Heavenly Father) will be done.”
I have eight maps on A4 paper which I carry with me during prayer walks. The Holy Spirit is the wind that powers my prayers. My eight maps have the names of the nations on them. My maps are of North America, Central America including the Caribbean islands, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania including Australia and New Zealand. I know God is hearing my prayers. God has brought about so many wonderful changes recently.
Let us pray that people will:
Believe God’s Word and sing His praise – Psalm 106:12
Experience fullness rather than leanness of soul – Psalm 106:15
Not forget God their Savior – Psalm 106:21
Pray to God for those who are about to perish – Psalm 106:23
Not sacrifice sons and daughters to demons – Psalm 107:37
Not shed the blood of their sons and daughters – Psalm 107:38
Cry out to God – Psalm 107:44
Receive God’s mercy – Psalm 107:45-46
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness – Psalm 107:8
Give thanks to the Lord for His wonderful works – Psalm 107:8
Have their hungry souls filled with God’s goodness – Psalm 107:9
No longer rebel against God’s Word – Psalm 107:11
No longer despise God’s counsel – Psalm 107:11
Be healed by faith in God’s Word – Psalm 107:20
Be delivered from destruction by God’s Word – Psalm 107:20
Be wise – Psalm 107:43
Understand the loving kindness of the Lord – Psalm 107:43
The Lord says, “His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” [5]
People need the Lord!
The Word of God and the Holy Spirit tell us that God is able to bend world leaders to serve His will. The King of kings in Ezra’s day, wrote him, saying, “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” God convicted King Artaxerxes. God also spoke to kings and leaders through His servants in the Book of Acts. Jesus promised that we would be brought before governors and kings for His sake. [6]
Humankind’s greatest need is to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. All goodness and all love flows from God. A soul without love for God is comparable to a zombie. The soul has the outer shell of person, but lacks that which makes it alive to God, namely the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into people. The pouring happens as we believe in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and make it our aim to tell people about Jesus. [7]
[1] Ezra 7:6, 10-11
[2] Ezra 7:12-26
[3] Ezra 7:27-28
[4] Psalm 106:3
[5] Proverbs 5:22-23
[6] Acts 24-26; Matthew 10:18; Revelation 10:11
[7] Romans 5:5; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8
Ezra took God seriously, and God did wonders!
King Artaxerxes was the King of Persia in the days of Ezra. God made Artaxerxes the most powerful ruler on earth. The Lord gave him a heart to defend and support God’s work. Thus, King Artaxerxes gave Ezra silver and gold from his own treasuries for the service of God and urged those in his kingdom to do the same. Like a good Samaritan, Artaxerxes told Ezra, “Whatever more may be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to provide, pay for it from the king’s treasury.” He issued “a decree to all the treasurers who are in the region beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, let it be done diligently, up to 100 talents of silver, 100 kors of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of oil, and salt without prescribed limit. Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” He also exempted those who served in the house of the Lord from paying taxes, tributes and customs. He gave Ezra authority to appoint magistrates and judges who would teach the people the Law of God. Artaxerxes gave Ezra a letter stating, “Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether it be death, or banishment, or confiscation of goods, or imprisonment.” [2]
How did Ezra respond to what King Artaxerxes did? Ezra blessed the Lord, recruited helpers and got to work.
Ezra wrote, “Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord, which is in Jerusalem, and has extended mercy to me before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. So, I was encouraged, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me.” [3]
The Word of the Lord says, “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!” [4]
This truth is clearly revealed in Ezra’s testimony. He was a disciple of the Word of God [Jesus]. The Holy Spirit empowered him to understand and speak God’s Word.
When I was young, the Lord placed it on my heart to proclaim the Gospel to people in China. To God’s glory, I experienced favor from government officials on four occasions. These leaders could have incurred great loss for helping me but did so anyway. The Lord also gave me the opportunity to take part in a business meeting that was held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. I got to share the Gospel with a businessman right there in the building where laws have been issued against the proclamation of the Gospel. Glory to God!
Let us pray daily for the peoples of the nations that they and their rulers will turn to the Lord and serve Him. “Thy (Yours King Jesus) kingdom come. Thy (Yours Heavenly Father) will be done.”
I have eight maps on A4 paper which I carry with me during prayer walks. The Holy Spirit is the wind that powers my prayers. My eight maps have the names of the nations on them. My maps are of North America, Central America including the Caribbean islands, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania including Australia and New Zealand. I know God is hearing my prayers. God has brought about so many wonderful changes recently.
Let us pray that people will:
Believe God’s Word and sing His praise – Psalm 106:12
Experience fullness rather than leanness of soul – Psalm 106:15
Not forget God their Savior – Psalm 106:21
Pray to God for those who are about to perish – Psalm 106:23
Not sacrifice sons and daughters to demons – Psalm 107:37
Not shed the blood of their sons and daughters – Psalm 107:38
Cry out to God – Psalm 107:44
Receive God’s mercy – Psalm 107:45-46
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness – Psalm 107:8
Give thanks to the Lord for His wonderful works – Psalm 107:8
Have their hungry souls filled with God’s goodness – Psalm 107:9
No longer rebel against God’s Word – Psalm 107:11
No longer despise God’s counsel – Psalm 107:11
Be healed by faith in God’s Word – Psalm 107:20
Be delivered from destruction by God’s Word – Psalm 107:20
Be wise – Psalm 107:43
Understand the loving kindness of the Lord – Psalm 107:43
The Lord says, “His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” [5]
People need the Lord!
The Word of God and the Holy Spirit tell us that God is able to bend world leaders to serve His will. The King of kings in Ezra’s day, wrote him, saying, “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” God convicted King Artaxerxes. God also spoke to kings and leaders through His servants in the Book of Acts. Jesus promised that we would be brought before governors and kings for His sake. [6]
Humankind’s greatest need is to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. All goodness and all love flows from God. A soul without love for God is comparable to a zombie. The soul has the outer shell of person, but lacks that which makes it alive to God, namely the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into people. The pouring happens as we believe in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and make it our aim to tell people about Jesus. [7]
[1] Ezra 7:6, 10-11
[2] Ezra 7:12-26
[3] Ezra 7:27-28
[4] Psalm 106:3
[5] Proverbs 5:22-23
[6] Acts 24-26; Matthew 10:18; Revelation 10:11
[7] Romans 5:5; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8
Friday, July 4, 2025
The Most Vital Doctrine to Protect and Proclaim
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever...” [1] “Amen! Yes, Holy Spirit empower us to glorify the Name of Jesus Christ.”
The Lord’s glory is forever. Earthly kings and kingdoms will all fade away but our Lord’s kingdom is forever. Our Lord’s kingdom is growing brighter day by day here on earth.
“The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” [2]
Jesus is the One who turns swords into plows and spears into pruning hooks. He ends war. [3]
“He that sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write: for these words are true and faithful.’” [4]
The Lord is absolutely bringing about a new heaven and new earth.
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” [5]
We who believe in God’s Son Jesus Christ will be with God. Distance between God and us will be no longer exist. [6]
God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things will have passed away. [7]
While the earth was young, freshly created by God, the Lord revealed to Enoch His coming.
“Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints.” [8]
The Lord revealed to His servant Daniel this day as well. “I saw in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” [9]
Thus, the Lord warns us against religious teachers who depart from faith in Christ, and “give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” In their ignorance, they “forbid to marry, and command people to abstain from foods,” as though these practices have redeeming value to them. But God commanded people to multiply and fill the earth. He wants godly offspring. God created food to be received with thanksgiving. Jesus declared all food clean. [10]
Why did the apostles of Christ “both labor and suffer reproach?” Paul wrote to Timothy saying, “Because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.” [11] We are to teach trust in God to save us.
The Prophets, Apostles and Jesus Himself taught us to trust in God’s Son for salvation.
The Apostle Peter said, “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His Name.” God forgives those who believe in His Son. [12]
Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [13]
No one but Jesus deserves the glory for saving our souls.
Heaven is filled with praise for JESUS!
“You [Jesus] are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” [14]
Knowing that only Christ saves our soul and giving Christ glory for saving our soul is the most important doctrine of your life and of the Church's life to protect and to proclaim.
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” [15]
Therefore, let us, “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!” [16]
[1] Psalm 104:31
[2] Proverbs 4:18
[3] Isaiah 2:4
[4] Revelation 21:5
[5] Revelation 21:1
[6] Revelation 21:3
[7] Revelation 21:4
[8] Jude 1:14
[9] Daniel 7:13-14
[10] 1 Timothy 4:2-3; Genesis 1:28; Malachi 2:15; Mark 7:19 NIV; Acts 10:15
[11] 1 Timothy 4:10-11
[12] Acts 10:43
[13] John 14:6
[14] Revelation 5:9-10, 12
[15] 1 Timothy 4:16
[16] Psalm 105:4
The Lord’s glory is forever. Earthly kings and kingdoms will all fade away but our Lord’s kingdom is forever. Our Lord’s kingdom is growing brighter day by day here on earth.
“The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” [2]
Jesus is the One who turns swords into plows and spears into pruning hooks. He ends war. [3]
“He that sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write: for these words are true and faithful.’” [4]
The Lord is absolutely bringing about a new heaven and new earth.
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” [5]
We who believe in God’s Son Jesus Christ will be with God. Distance between God and us will be no longer exist. [6]
God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things will have passed away. [7]
While the earth was young, freshly created by God, the Lord revealed to Enoch His coming.
“Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints.” [8]
The Lord revealed to His servant Daniel this day as well. “I saw in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” [9]
Thus, the Lord warns us against religious teachers who depart from faith in Christ, and “give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” In their ignorance, they “forbid to marry, and command people to abstain from foods,” as though these practices have redeeming value to them. But God commanded people to multiply and fill the earth. He wants godly offspring. God created food to be received with thanksgiving. Jesus declared all food clean. [10]
Why did the apostles of Christ “both labor and suffer reproach?” Paul wrote to Timothy saying, “Because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.” [11] We are to teach trust in God to save us.
The Prophets, Apostles and Jesus Himself taught us to trust in God’s Son for salvation.
The Apostle Peter said, “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His Name.” God forgives those who believe in His Son. [12]
Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [13]
No one but Jesus deserves the glory for saving our souls.
Heaven is filled with praise for JESUS!
“You [Jesus] are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” [14]
Knowing that only Christ saves our soul and giving Christ glory for saving our soul is the most important doctrine of your life and of the Church's life to protect and to proclaim.
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” [15]
Therefore, let us, “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!” [16]
[1] Psalm 104:31
[2] Proverbs 4:18
[3] Isaiah 2:4
[4] Revelation 21:5
[5] Revelation 21:1
[6] Revelation 21:3
[7] Revelation 21:4
[8] Jude 1:14
[9] Daniel 7:13-14
[10] 1 Timothy 4:2-3; Genesis 1:28; Malachi 2:15; Mark 7:19 NIV; Acts 10:15
[11] 1 Timothy 4:10-11
[12] Acts 10:43
[13] John 14:6
[14] Revelation 5:9-10, 12
[15] 1 Timothy 4:16
[16] Psalm 105:4
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Victory Over Evil Accusations
Yeshua and Zerubbabel applied themselves to building up the work of the Lord that had fallen into disrepair. The enemy came against them, but the Lord gave them the victory.
Yeshua’s (יְשׁוּע) name means “the Lord saves.” The English transliteration of Yeshua is Jesus. It is no coincidence that a man named Yeshua restored worship in the land of Judah! Yeshua, the high priest of Judah was a forerunner of the Yeshua, Messiah, who was to come.
Zerubbabel’s (זְרֻבָּבֶל) name means “born in Babylon.” Zerubbabel’s name reminds him of the many years that he spent being distant from God’s house, but now he is the governor of Judah.
Yeshua and Zerubbabel “arose and built the altar of the God.” “Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening burnt offerings.” “They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles.” “They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia.” [1]
Yeshua’s and Zerubbabel’s fear of the people from the countries surrounding them was well founded, because those people did not want God’s house rebuilt. They opposed worship of God.
Yeshua and his helpers united and guided the people to rebuild God’s house. He also organized the priests with apparel, trumpets, and with cymbals “to praise the Lord.” “They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord.” When the foundation of God’s house was built all the people shouted praises to the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” [2]
All was well until the adversaries of God’s people came along. At first, they tried to infiltrate the ranks of God’s people, saying, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do. We have sacrificed to Him.” Zerubbabel and Yeshua said to them, “You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we alone will build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” So, what tactic did the enemies use next? They “tried to discourage the people,” “They troubled them.” “They hired counselors (lawfare) against them to frustrate their purpose” for many days. [3]
They composed false accusations (fake news) against them. They told the king that these builders and worshippers were rebellious and evil people. They warned the king that they would cause his kingdom to collapse, saying, “They will not pay tax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished.” They told the king that God’s people were insurrectionist. “They have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed.” [4]
So, the king of Persia gave “the command to make these men cease.” “Thus the work of the house of God, which is at Jerusalem ceased [during the reign of Artaxerxes], and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” [5]
But God blessed His people with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. “The prophets of God were with them, helping them.” [6]
Some of the Lord’s words to Yeshua and Zerubbabel are recorded in Zechariah’s prophecy. Zechariah wrote that the Lord, “showed me Yeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, O Satan; even the Lord that has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?’ Now Yeshua was clothed with filthy garments and stood before the angel. And He answered and spoke unto those that stood before him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘Behold, I have taken your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with change of raiment.’ ‘Hear now, O Yeshua the high priest, you, and your fellows that sit before you: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth My Servant the Branch.” [7]
Satan is the accuser of God’s people. Jesus is the One who justifies God’s people. The Branch that the Lord refers to in Zechariah’s prophecy is Jesus Christ. Christ silences our accuser. [8]
The Lord had a message for Governor Zerubbabel as well. He said to him via Zachariah, “This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’” [9] Unclean spirits are overcome by a greater Spirit... the Holy Spirit.
Also, by faith in the Word of God! God says, “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” [10]
The Lord warns against “being puffed up with pride” lest we “fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” [11] We must rely on the Lord for victory and not on ourselves.
The Lord directs us to hope in Jesus Messiah for victory over foes.... “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.” [12]
Godliness springs forth from the God who was manifest in the flesh, namely, Jesus Messiah. Jesus is the One who was “received up in glory.” He gives to us grace and goodness as we believe in Him and profess Him alone as our Savior.
[1] Ezra 3:2-4, 7
[2] Ezra 3:9-11; Psalm 100:5
[3] Ezra 4:1-5
[4] Ezra 4:6-14, 21
[5] Ezra 4:23-24
[6] Ezra 5:1-2
[7] Zechariah 3:1-4, 8
[8] Revelation 12:10; Romans 8; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15
[9] Zechariah 4:6
[10] Proverbs 3:25-26
[11] 1 Timothy 3:6
Yeshua’s (יְשׁוּע) name means “the Lord saves.” The English transliteration of Yeshua is Jesus. It is no coincidence that a man named Yeshua restored worship in the land of Judah! Yeshua, the high priest of Judah was a forerunner of the Yeshua, Messiah, who was to come.
Zerubbabel’s (זְרֻבָּבֶל) name means “born in Babylon.” Zerubbabel’s name reminds him of the many years that he spent being distant from God’s house, but now he is the governor of Judah.
Yeshua and Zerubbabel “arose and built the altar of the God.” “Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening burnt offerings.” “They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles.” “They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia.” [1]
Yeshua’s and Zerubbabel’s fear of the people from the countries surrounding them was well founded, because those people did not want God’s house rebuilt. They opposed worship of God.
Yeshua and his helpers united and guided the people to rebuild God’s house. He also organized the priests with apparel, trumpets, and with cymbals “to praise the Lord.” “They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord.” When the foundation of God’s house was built all the people shouted praises to the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” [2]
All was well until the adversaries of God’s people came along. At first, they tried to infiltrate the ranks of God’s people, saying, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do. We have sacrificed to Him.” Zerubbabel and Yeshua said to them, “You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we alone will build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” So, what tactic did the enemies use next? They “tried to discourage the people,” “They troubled them.” “They hired counselors (lawfare) against them to frustrate their purpose” for many days. [3]
They composed false accusations (fake news) against them. They told the king that these builders and worshippers were rebellious and evil people. They warned the king that they would cause his kingdom to collapse, saying, “They will not pay tax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished.” They told the king that God’s people were insurrectionist. “They have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed.” [4]
So, the king of Persia gave “the command to make these men cease.” “Thus the work of the house of God, which is at Jerusalem ceased [during the reign of Artaxerxes], and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” [5]
But God blessed His people with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. “The prophets of God were with them, helping them.” [6]
Some of the Lord’s words to Yeshua and Zerubbabel are recorded in Zechariah’s prophecy. Zechariah wrote that the Lord, “showed me Yeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, O Satan; even the Lord that has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?’ Now Yeshua was clothed with filthy garments and stood before the angel. And He answered and spoke unto those that stood before him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘Behold, I have taken your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with change of raiment.’ ‘Hear now, O Yeshua the high priest, you, and your fellows that sit before you: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth My Servant the Branch.” [7]
Satan is the accuser of God’s people. Jesus is the One who justifies God’s people. The Branch that the Lord refers to in Zechariah’s prophecy is Jesus Christ. Christ silences our accuser. [8]
The Lord had a message for Governor Zerubbabel as well. He said to him via Zachariah, “This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’” [9] Unclean spirits are overcome by a greater Spirit... the Holy Spirit.
Also, by faith in the Word of God! God says, “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” [10]
The Lord warns against “being puffed up with pride” lest we “fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” [11] We must rely on the Lord for victory and not on ourselves.
The Lord directs us to hope in Jesus Messiah for victory over foes.... “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.” [12]
Godliness springs forth from the God who was manifest in the flesh, namely, Jesus Messiah. Jesus is the One who was “received up in glory.” He gives to us grace and goodness as we believe in Him and profess Him alone as our Savior.
[1] Ezra 3:2-4, 7
[2] Ezra 3:9-11; Psalm 100:5
[3] Ezra 4:1-5
[4] Ezra 4:6-14, 21
[5] Ezra 4:23-24
[6] Ezra 5:1-2
[7] Zechariah 3:1-4, 8
[8] Revelation 12:10; Romans 8; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15
[9] Zechariah 4:6
[10] Proverbs 3:25-26
[11] 1 Timothy 3:6
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
More Than I Ask or Imagine
I urge supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all people: for kings and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. [1]
God answers our prayers in greater ways than we ask and imagine. [2]
So, why would anyone neglect to pray?
Instead of complaining and mocking leaders, we should pray for them. They are people like us. Only God is able to empower them to do what is best for everyone involved.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it whithersoever He will.” Some leaders oppose Christ and His messengers, but I have seen even bad leaders influenced by God to do the right thing. With God all things are possible! “The Lord is the governor among the nations.” [3]
The Lord turns troubles into testimonies. I have seen dark circumstances arise like a tidal wave and then, disappear after prayers of faith in God’s Word. Faith based on stories in the Bible! Such as Esther! In the Book of Esther, a man named Haman paid a king a great sum of money to destroy God’s people. God’s people fasted and prayed to God. Then, God destroyed Haman and blessed His people. In the Book of Acts, King Herod planned to kill the Apostle Peter, but God’s people prayed and God intervened. Peter lived! Herod died! [4] Our Abba Father transforms troubles into testimonies for His glory.
God our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [5] As we embrace our Savior’s mission to save lost souls and to instruct the converts in His ways, His Spirit gives us greater faith than when we serve only self.
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.” [6] As the Holy Spirit fills us with the love for God and neighbor, He also fills us with faith to trust God that He still does miracles.
“I desire that people pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” “Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he, that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” [7]
When we pray to the Lord, we should only believe what He says. Believe He exists! Believe He hears! Believe that He does more than we ask or imagine! And then, thank Him in advance for what He is about to do. Glory to God!
[1] 1 Timothy 2:1-2
[2] Ephesians 3:20
[3] Proverbs 29:1; Psalm 22:28
[4] Esther 3-9; Acts 12:3-23
[5] 1 Timothy 2:4
[6] Galatians 5:6
[7] 1 Timothy 2:8; James 1:6-8
God answers our prayers in greater ways than we ask and imagine. [2]
So, why would anyone neglect to pray?
Instead of complaining and mocking leaders, we should pray for them. They are people like us. Only God is able to empower them to do what is best for everyone involved.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it whithersoever He will.” Some leaders oppose Christ and His messengers, but I have seen even bad leaders influenced by God to do the right thing. With God all things are possible! “The Lord is the governor among the nations.” [3]
The Lord turns troubles into testimonies. I have seen dark circumstances arise like a tidal wave and then, disappear after prayers of faith in God’s Word. Faith based on stories in the Bible! Such as Esther! In the Book of Esther, a man named Haman paid a king a great sum of money to destroy God’s people. God’s people fasted and prayed to God. Then, God destroyed Haman and blessed His people. In the Book of Acts, King Herod planned to kill the Apostle Peter, but God’s people prayed and God intervened. Peter lived! Herod died! [4] Our Abba Father transforms troubles into testimonies for His glory.
God our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [5] As we embrace our Savior’s mission to save lost souls and to instruct the converts in His ways, His Spirit gives us greater faith than when we serve only self.
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.” [6] As the Holy Spirit fills us with the love for God and neighbor, He also fills us with faith to trust God that He still does miracles.
“I desire that people pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” “Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he, that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” [7]
When we pray to the Lord, we should only believe what He says. Believe He exists! Believe He hears! Believe that He does more than we ask or imagine! And then, thank Him in advance for what He is about to do. Glory to God!
[1] 1 Timothy 2:1-2
[2] Ephesians 3:20
[3] Proverbs 29:1; Psalm 22:28
[4] Esther 3-9; Acts 12:3-23
[5] 1 Timothy 2:4
[6] Galatians 5:6
[7] 1 Timothy 2:8; James 1:6-8
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
To The King Eternal
“Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the Lord his God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the Lord.” [1]
Spiritual renewal springs forth as we humble ourselves before the Word of the Lord. The Lord gave Jeremiah a word for King Zedekiah. Zedekiah was to surrender himself and his people to the King of Babylon. God called the King of Babylon His servant. [2] This pagan king’s cruelty toward people... his disastrous policies, brought more people to God than Jerusalem’s backslidden leaders and preachers did.
Zedekiah rebelled against the King of Babylon. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart. Likewise, “All the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more.” “They defiled the Lord’s house.” [3]
As a teenager, I imagined that if church leaders updated the music and dress code, church attendance would flourish. That happened, but a major improvement in our culture has not.
Zedekiah and his people “mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.” [4]
So, the Lord “brought against them the king of the Chaldeans [Babylon], who killed their young men with the sword.” The Lord “had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak. He gave them all into his hand.” “Those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill 70 years.” [5]
The Lord is able to bring hard-hearted and stubborn people to their knees. I am glad that He does this. Not only for our sakes, but also for the sakes of our children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, our leaders and for the world. The Lord wants no one to perish, but all to repent and know the truth. The Lord does not want anyone to be scammed out of their eternity with Him.
“Rise up, O Judge of the earth, render punishment to the proud.” Thank God that He does! “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law.” [6]
“Escape” from church attendance, daily Bible reading, prayer time and from honoring the Lord with time, talent and treasure is not freedom. A lack of God’s instruction in one’s life is a curse. A sign of being separated from Him! The cure is repentance. Ask the Lord to forgive and purge foolishness from you. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” [7]
Humility and adoration is the proper posture before God. “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: do not harden your hearts...” [8]
“Sing to the Lord, bless His Name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” [9]
“Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His Name; bring an offering and come into His courts. O, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns; the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously.’” [10]
Those who scam God and neighbor are scamming themselves. “They lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.” [11]
The Lord says, “Turn at My rebuke; surely I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My Words known to you.” [12] The Lord urges you and me to turn to Him expeditiously. Call upon Him in the Name of Jesus which means “the Lord saves.” Jesus Christ atoned our sins on the cross. He resurrected from the dead to reveal His power over death. Victory is in Jesus.
The Lord says, “Whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” [13]
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” [14]
[1] 2 Chronicles 36:11-12
[2] Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6
[3] 2 Chronicles 36:13-14
[4] 2 Chronicles 36:16
[5] 2 Chronicles 36:17, 20-21
[6] Psalm 94:2, 12
[7] Psalm 14:1
[8] Psalm 95:6-8
[9] Psalm 96:2-5
[10] Psalm 96:7-10
[11] Proverbs 1:10-19
[12] Proverbs 1:23
[13] Proverbs 1:33
[14] 1 Timothy 1:17
Spiritual renewal springs forth as we humble ourselves before the Word of the Lord. The Lord gave Jeremiah a word for King Zedekiah. Zedekiah was to surrender himself and his people to the King of Babylon. God called the King of Babylon His servant. [2] This pagan king’s cruelty toward people... his disastrous policies, brought more people to God than Jerusalem’s backslidden leaders and preachers did.
Zedekiah rebelled against the King of Babylon. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart. Likewise, “All the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more.” “They defiled the Lord’s house.” [3]
As a teenager, I imagined that if church leaders updated the music and dress code, church attendance would flourish. That happened, but a major improvement in our culture has not.
Zedekiah and his people “mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.” [4]
So, the Lord “brought against them the king of the Chaldeans [Babylon], who killed their young men with the sword.” The Lord “had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak. He gave them all into his hand.” “Those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill 70 years.” [5]
The Lord is able to bring hard-hearted and stubborn people to their knees. I am glad that He does this. Not only for our sakes, but also for the sakes of our children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, our leaders and for the world. The Lord wants no one to perish, but all to repent and know the truth. The Lord does not want anyone to be scammed out of their eternity with Him.
“Rise up, O Judge of the earth, render punishment to the proud.” Thank God that He does! “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law.” [6]
“Escape” from church attendance, daily Bible reading, prayer time and from honoring the Lord with time, talent and treasure is not freedom. A lack of God’s instruction in one’s life is a curse. A sign of being separated from Him! The cure is repentance. Ask the Lord to forgive and purge foolishness from you. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” [7]
Humility and adoration is the proper posture before God. “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: do not harden your hearts...” [8]
“Sing to the Lord, bless His Name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” [9]
“Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His Name; bring an offering and come into His courts. O, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns; the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously.’” [10]
Those who scam God and neighbor are scamming themselves. “They lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.” [11]
The Lord says, “Turn at My rebuke; surely I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My Words known to you.” [12] The Lord urges you and me to turn to Him expeditiously. Call upon Him in the Name of Jesus which means “the Lord saves.” Jesus Christ atoned our sins on the cross. He resurrected from the dead to reveal His power over death. Victory is in Jesus.
The Lord says, “Whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” [13]
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” [14]
[1] 2 Chronicles 36:11-12
[2] Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6
[3] 2 Chronicles 36:13-14
[4] 2 Chronicles 36:16
[5] 2 Chronicles 36:17, 20-21
[6] Psalm 94:2, 12
[7] Psalm 14:1
[8] Psalm 95:6-8
[9] Psalm 96:2-5
[10] Psalm 96:7-10
[11] Proverbs 1:10-19
[12] Proverbs 1:23
[13] Proverbs 1:33
[14] 1 Timothy 1:17
Monday, June 30, 2025
Abiding Not Apostatizing
“You have made... the Most High, your dwelling place...” [1]
The Lord Jesus said to us, “Abide in Me, and I in you.” [2]
I want to be with the Lord. I want Him to be with me. In His presence is fullness of joy. [3]
May the Lord align our ways with His. For in Him are many benefits.
“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” [4]
While some angels protect those abide with God, other angels slay those who apostatize from Him. To apostatize is to abandon one’s belief in Christ.
“The Lord said to him, ‘Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.’ To the others He said in my hearing, ‘Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity.’” [5]
It is best to remain with God. “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” [6]
Let us stay with Christ. We bear good fruit while abiding in Him. “I am the Vine you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” [7]
The Lord says that our patience and faith during persecutions and tribulations are manifest evidence that the Lord has counted us worthy of the kingdom of God, for which we suffer. [8]
It is good to abide in Christ. To do otherwise is not wise.
“When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe....” [9]
There is one destiny for those who obey the Gospel, and another destiny for those who don’t. Thus, the apostles prayed, “Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” [10]
“Yes, Lord, our lives, please be glorified!”
The temptation of the last days before the Lord returns is to stop abiding in Him.
Don’t let distance grow between you and the Lord! Stay with Jesus by reading His Word, praying, fellowshipping and worshiping with Christians, and by testifying for Him to the lost!
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” “The Lord will consume the lawless one with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” “Those who perish, perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” [11]
The lawless one will reward lawlessness and punish law keepers. Nevertheless, remain with Christ.
God chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. He called you by the Gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by Word or our epistle. “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” [12]
“Amen!”
[1] Psalm 91:9
[2] John 15:4
[3] Psalm 16:11
[4] Psalm 91:9-11
[5] Ezekiel 9:4-5
[6] Psalm 92:13-14
[7] John 15:5
[8] 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
[9] 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
[10] 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
[11] 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8, 11
[12] 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15; 3:5
The Lord Jesus said to us, “Abide in Me, and I in you.” [2]
I want to be with the Lord. I want Him to be with me. In His presence is fullness of joy. [3]
May the Lord align our ways with His. For in Him are many benefits.
“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” [4]
While some angels protect those abide with God, other angels slay those who apostatize from Him. To apostatize is to abandon one’s belief in Christ.
“The Lord said to him, ‘Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.’ To the others He said in my hearing, ‘Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity.’” [5]
It is best to remain with God. “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” [6]
Let us stay with Christ. We bear good fruit while abiding in Him. “I am the Vine you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” [7]
The Lord says that our patience and faith during persecutions and tribulations are manifest evidence that the Lord has counted us worthy of the kingdom of God, for which we suffer. [8]
The Lord helped Corrie Ten Boom and in her sister Betsy to remain in Him while suffering dearly in a Nazi concentration camp. By His grace, they led many to Christ in that place. The Lord helped Iranian Christians Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh to remain faithful to Him. Though imprisoned 259 days, they continued to testify for Jesus. Many prisoners experienced joy in Christ.
“When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe....” [9]
There is one destiny for those who obey the Gospel, and another destiny for those who don’t. Thus, the apostles prayed, “Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” [10]
“Yes, Lord, our lives, please be glorified!”
The temptation of the last days before the Lord returns is to stop abiding in Him.
Don’t let distance grow between you and the Lord! Stay with Jesus by reading His Word, praying, fellowshipping and worshiping with Christians, and by testifying for Him to the lost!
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” “The Lord will consume the lawless one with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” “Those who perish, perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” [11]
The lawless one will reward lawlessness and punish law keepers. Nevertheless, remain with Christ.
God chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. He called you by the Gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by Word or our epistle. “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” [12]
“Amen!”
[1] Psalm 91:9
[2] John 15:4
[3] Psalm 16:11
[4] Psalm 91:9-11
[5] Ezekiel 9:4-5
[6] Psalm 92:13-14
[7] John 15:5
[8] 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
[9] 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
[10] 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
[11] 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8, 11
[12] 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15; 3:5
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