A Prophetic Portrait of Messiah

Inspired by God and recorded by Isaiah more than five hundred years before Messiah became flesh and dwelt among us…

“Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [1]

Unbelief is the problem. Messiah’s arrival is good news. He came to save us from our sin. But when His messengers reveal this miracle to others, they doubt it.

“He (Christ Jesus) grew up before Him (God) like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem.” [2]

God came down from His glory and lived among us even as a defenseless baby. He depended on his father, Joseph, to rescue Him from a king’s plot to kill Him. He lacked attractiveness. No one would save Him due to His good looks. His suffering began long before the cross. He suffered rejection throughout His earthly life. He experienced pain. Some people did not want to look at Him. He was despised, not esteemed, by people. The good news is that He is able to relate well with the lowliest of people.

“Surely, He (Christ) took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him (God), and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” [3]

Messiah went through this humiliation for us. Even so, we tended to misunderstand and mischaracterize Him for it. God allowed His Son to be pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for us. He took our punishment so that we could enjoy peace. The wounds that He received were so that we could experience healing.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Christ) the iniquity of us all.” [4]

We distance ourselves from God as a sheep tends to roam from its shepherd. God loves us. We tend to forget to love Him in return. It is an unequal relationship. Iniquity is a sin of unequal exchange. Goodness for evil! Praise God that Messiah took our iniquities.

“He (Christ) was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.” [5]

He did not open His mouth to halt the injustice. He willingly became a speechless for us.

“By oppression and judgment He (Christ) was taken away. Yet who of His generation protested? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people He was punished.” [5]

Messiah was dreadfully treated by the human race He created. Yet, no one protest about it. “Cut off from the land of the living means that He died for our transgressions. A transgression is to cross a legal boundary line that God set up. It is to disregard His commandments.

“He (Christ) was assigned a grave with the wicked and with the rich in His death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer (for our sakes), and though the LORD MAKES HIS LIFE an OFFERING for SIN, He (Christ) will see His offspring (Christians) and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord (the Church) will prosper in His hand.” [7]

Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man. He loaned Jesus his grave. Jesus died between two criminals. He was innocent. He committed no sin. After He died, Jesus resurrected. He lives to see His offspring, and God’s will prospers because of Him.

“By His knowledge my Righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.” [8]

Our just status before God is a direct result of our faith in the shed blood of Christ for our sins.

“Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” [9]

While on the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” [10]

He was counted as a transgressor by false accusers. He died bearing the sins of the world. And Messiah resurrected, and Jesus Christ is still making intercession for us in heaven now. God painted this beautiful picture of redemption for us through His servant Isaiah. It’s all true!

[1] Isaiah 53:1
[2] Isaiah 53:2-3
[3] Isaiah 53:4-5
[4] Isaiah 53:6
[5] Isaiah 53:7
[6] Isaiah 53:8
[7] Isaiah 53:9-10
[8] Isaiah 53:11
[9] Isaiah 53:12
[10] Luke 23:34

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

“Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place but rather THANKSGIVING.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. LIVE AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise. Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:3-8, 14-16

No To Sin ! Yes to the Holy Spirit!

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the nations do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.” [1]

Futile thoughts, darkened understandings, separated from God, hardened hearts, insensitive, etcetera. Don’t live this way! Jesus died on the cross to deliver us FROM sin. He did not die on the cross to deliver us TO sin. What’s more, Jesus has given us His Spirit.

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” [2]

Indulging in wine, gorging oneself with meat, and excessive sleep are ways to cope with the pain and unhappiness in this world, but these methods only send one’s life into a tailspin downward.

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.” [3]

The Lord urges His sons to give their hearts to Him. Fix your eyes on Jesus! The evil one wants to use the lure of sexual pleasure to destroy God’s sons. The sexual pleasure coping mechanism turns out to be a robber. It sets a man’s trajectory on a path of unfaithful behavior.

“Who is woeful? Who is sorrowful? Who is striving? Who is complaining? Who is needlessly receiving a bruising? Whose eyes are bloodshot? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?’” [4]

Alcoholism is very hard to escape. The alcohol snake bite causes quarrels, tears, bodily wounds, confusion of mind, numbness, and enslavement to a life of misery.

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” [5]

The Lord urges us to be filled with His Spirit. Holy Spirit comfort! Holy Spirit power!

[1] Ephesians 4:17-19
[2] Proverbs 23:20-21
[3] Proverbs 23:26-28
[4] Proverbs 23:29-35
[5] Ephesians 5:18

Hope, Strength & Rejoicing in the Lord

“The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; all those who are upright in heart will glory in Him!” [1]

We glory in Him because the Lord makes righteous and upright people out of us. We rejoice in Him because His plans bring us to the safe haven of His eternal kingdom.

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” [2] Jesus is our good shepherd.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” [3]

The Lord is our hope. The Lord is our strength. With Him, we do not run out of energy. Praise the Lord!

[1] Psalm 64:10
[2] Isaiah 40:11
[3] Isaiah 40:31

God embodies His Word in the lives of Believers

During lecture number six lectures on the book of Jeremiah, Dr. Gary Yates states that the prophet Jeremiah embodied the Word of God. Insomuch, that the way the people treated Jeremiah was a reflection of their feeling towards God’s Word. In the final analysis, their country suffered defeat at the hand of a pagan nation because they had the Word of God but treated it with contempt and did not heed it. God’s Word was sent to save them but they chose to reject it to their own destruction.

“Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your servants who embody it by the way they live. Please help us to listen to You and to the servants of Your Word that we might not end up as the people did in the days of Jeremiah.”

Our Lord Jesus perfectly embodied the Word of God. He never diverted from perfect obedience to it. Christ is the ultimate example of a prophet (a speaker) for God. All the prophets that went before Him were only types or imperfect representations of Him. He is the fullness of God’s image. That is why true followers of God are called Christians. We are types of Christ. We seek to embody the Word of God by the power of Christ’s Spirit living in us.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPmBtnFmyZg

Praying for Nearness to Our Lord

“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me, for You, Lord, are good.” [1]

Let us pray for the Lord to forgive our sins and rebellious ways. Such behavior creates distance in any relationship. Let us pray that the Lord will remember us in accordance with His love and goodness. His love and goodness brings us near to Him.

May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope, Lord, is in You.” [2]

Let us pray for integrity and uprightness from the Lord to replace our sinful and rowdy ways. Why? Because we hope to see the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

“Lord, I love the house where You live, the place where Your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.” [3]

Again the issue is nearness with God. We love the place where God’s glory dwells. We don’t want our soul joined to sinners who like to kill, deceive, and exploit people.

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” [4]

O to be near to God, even to live in His house all our days! To see Him in the place of beauty!

My heart says of You, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” [5]

As the Holy Spirit prompts us to seek God’s face, let us immediately seek Him.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” [6]

Let us pray confidently about enjoying God’s goodness among those who are alive.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” [7]

Don’t be impatient! Be strong! The Lord will answer your prayer to be near to Him.

[1] Psalm 25:7
[2] Psalm 25:21
[3] Psalm 26:8-10
[4] Psalm 27:4
[5] Psalm 27:8
[6] Psalm 27:13
[7] Psalm 27:14

Resurrected With New Bodies

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” [1]

The Cornerstone of Christianity is Christ who died, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead. Praise God for the Twelve and five hundred who met the risen Savior. Praise God for Paul who also met Jesus and did not remain silent about it! What does the resurrection of Christ mean for us? It means that we too can resurrect from the dead and be with God thanks to Jesus!

“But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?’ Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” [2]

The bodies that we have now cannot compare with the bodies that we will have after the resurrection. Our heavenly bodies are to our earthly bodies, what a flower is to the seed from which it came. Thanks to Jesus we will bear the image of Christ.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” [3]

In lieu of our Lord’s resurrection, we have the guarantee of eternal victory. So, come what may, we should remain steadfast. We should work for the Lord. Our efforts in Christ will end well.

[1] 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
[2] 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-44, 49
[3] 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Overcoming Trials

“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” [1]

During a season of severe trial (poverty, loneliness, and illness resulting in mental, physical, and emotional anguish), the Lord compelled Job to pray for his friends. As Job turned from concerns about self to concerns about others, the Lord blessed him and restored his fortunes double.

My friend, if you are in the midst of trial, empathize with friends who need the Lord’s help. Pray for them. Instead of asking, “Why?” ask “What?” “What shall I do for God and others in spite of my own troubles?”

God speaks to us through His servant James, and says, “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” [2]

[1] Job 42:10
[2] James 5:10-11

Prayers For Holding to God's Word

“Turn MY HEART toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; PRESERVE my life according to Your Word. Fulfill Your PROMISE to Your servant so that You may be feared.” [1]

The opposite of a heart for God’s Word is a heart for selfish gain. Let us ask the Lord to turn our eyes FROM empty pursuits, and TOWARDS life in God’s Word. Let us ask the Lord to ensure His promises will be fulfilled in our lives with the goal that our listeners will fear the Lord.

“I will walk about in FREEDOM for I have sought out Your precepts.” [2]

God’s Word gives us victory over the devil’s enslaving and oppressive ways. “Thank You Heavenly Father for helping to walk in freedom.” Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” [3]

“I DELIGHT in Your commands because I love them. Remember Your Word to Your servant for You have given me HOPE. My COMFORT in my suffering is this: Your PROMISE preserves my life.” [4]

Let us tell the Lord of our delight and love for His commandments. His Word gives us hope. His Word comforts us when we are suffering and preserves us.

“Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I OBEY Your Word.” [5]

Praise God for allowing afflictions that correct us from straying from God to obeying Him.

“You are GOOD, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees. Your hands made and formed me; give me UNDERSTANDING to learn Your commands. Your Word is a LAMP for my feet, a LIGHT on my path. My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end. You are my REFUGE and my SHIELD; I have put my HOPE in Your Word. SUSTAIN me, my God, according to Your promise and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.” [6]

Let us ask God to teach us His decrees because He is good. Let us ask God to give us understanding so that we can learn His decrees because He is the One who formed us. Let us pray for Him to be ever present with us because His Word is light to our path. Let us pray a heart that is fixed on obeying Him until the very end of our lives. God is a protector and sustainer. He is the One who is able to keep our hope from being dashed.

“I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure Your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. I love Your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all Your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your Name. Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me. REDEEM ME from human oppression that I may OBEY YOUR PRECEPTS.” [7]

Let us pray for deliverance from oppressors. They come against us for obeying God. Let us ask the Lord to ensure our well-being amid the arrogant behavior of our oppressors. Let us ask the Lord to help us not to compromise with the arrogant in their love for money. They love wrong paths, but we want the Lord to help us hate wrong paths. We don’t want sin to reign over us. We want to be redeemed from human oppression so that we can obey God’s precepts. “Amen, in Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.”

[1] Psalm 119:36-38
[2] Psalm 119:45
[3] John 8:32
[4] Psalm 119:47-50
[5] Psalm 119:67
[6] Psalm 119:68, 73, 105, 112, 114, 116
[7] Psalm 119:121-122, 127-128, 132-134

He Delivers My Soul From Death

“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Your Name be the glory because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.” [1]

“I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my supplications. I call upon Him as long as I live because He has inclined His ear unto me.” [2]

“Thank You for listening my voice. Thank you for turning Your ear towards me not turning it away from me.”

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.” [3]

“Thank You Lord God for Your grace and mercy to us. We need Your help.”

“The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He helped me. Return unto your rest, O my soul; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. You have delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” [4]

Yes, we are simple and as result often brought low. I am so glad the Lord helps us. “Thank You Heavenly Father for delivering our souls from death.” Otherwise, there would be no hope for our soul. “Thank You delivering us from crying eyes and falling feet. That is me without You.”

“O praise the Lord, all you nations: praise Him, all you people for His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” [5]

“Yes, all nations, please join with us in praising the Lord for His merciful kindness is GREAT, and His truth doesn’t change. His truth is reliable.

[1] Psalm 115:1
[2] Psalm 116:1-2
[3] Psalm 116:5
[4] Psalm 116:6-8
[5] Psalm 117:1-2

Noah Found Favor in God’s Eyes

“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 hundred and twenty years.’” [1]

They married women according to their outward beauty rather than for their inward hearts for God and for raising godly children.

“The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.” [2]

Were the Nephilim evil spirits that clothed themselves in the form of beautiful women to seduce the sons of God away from God?

Balaam was unable to curse the people God had blessed, so he advised their enemy to send women into their camp to seduce them into sexual sin. [3] Many sons of God were conquered by the seduction.

Today, many are falling to fleshly to seduction of sensual pleasures. It is called Hedonism. Hedonism is literally the love of pleasure.

Movie heroes are popular these days. Humanism is the exaltation of human-like figures with special powers to do signs and wonders. But man was created for God’s glory not his own.

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that He had made human beings on the earth, and His heart was deeply troubled. 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.’” [4]

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord… Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” [5]

The Lord noticed Noah doing what was right. He walked with God.

“God said to Noah, ‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark…’” [6]

The ark is a type of Christ. People are not gods unto themselves. We need a Savior. We need One who protects us from the world's temptations. Christ is the One God has appointed.

Not all religions lead to God. God has appointed one Savior for the human race. He is Christ. Only Christ can take a human heart bent on self and turn it into a heart bent on loving God and neighbor.

Throughout His earthly ministry Christ always did what pleased God. As we abide in Christ, He does God’s work in and through us.

Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead. No other leader of religion did that. Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. [7] All who believe in Him, even though they die, are raised to life with God for all eternity. Those who refuse to enter the ark of God (Christ) will perish with the world. Don’t wait! Don’t harden your heart towards Christ. Believe in Him! Receive Him today!

[1] Genesis 6:2-3
[2] Genesis 6:4
[3] Numbers 22-24; Numbers 31:16
[4] Genesis 6:5-6
[5] Genesis 6:8-9
[6] Genesis 6:11-14
[7] John 11:25

Exalting the Goodness of the Lord

“Blessed is the one You discipline, Lord, the one You teach from Your law; You grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.” [1]

Discipline is good. Instructions are good. Being teachable is vital for mastering a skill. One aspect of learning is tenacity. The wicked one does not want a disciple of Jesus to grow in his or her likeness of the Lord. Thankfully, the Lord grants His disciples relief from days of trouble caused by the wicked one, and at the same time, the Lord prepares a pit for the wicked. During the Millenium, the devil is bound with a chain and cast into a pit for a thousand years while the saints enjoy reigning with Christ. [2] I like that!

“Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” [3]

I am delivered from death. I did not fall because the Lord’s unfailing love kept me upright. The Lord sends me joy to console me. He delivers me from harmful anxieties.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.” [4]

The Lord is worthy to be exalted. He is worthy of our songs and shouts. We should sing to the Lord. We should shout out, “THANK YOU LORD!” He is our Savior!

“Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” [5]

Let us take the songs and praises of the Lord to the nations. “In our lives Lord, be glorified! May all nations hears of Your marvelous deeds.”

[1] Psalm 94:12-13
[2] Revelation 20:1-6
[3] Psalm 94:17-19
[4] Psalm 95:2-3
[5] Psalm 96:2-3

God's Deliverance is a Gift

“Restore us, God Almighty; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” [1]

“The wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [2]

[1] Psalm 80:7
[2] Romans 6:23

Promoted Not Destroyed Thanks To God

“When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness, and honor.” [1]

The enemy plotted to destroy Mordecai and his people, but the Lord foiled the enemy’s plan. Mordecai was promoted not destroyed. This story is a metaphor for those who believe in Christ. When death comes knocking at our door, it will not destroy us. Our Lord will use what the enemy plotted to destroy us, to promote us to glory. We will receive new garments in heaven and experience eternal happiness, joy, gladness, and honor.

The Lord gave Mordecai a wonderful life after his enemy was destroyed.

“Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” [2]

I especially like what the Lord gave Mordecai to do with his new life. He worked for the good of his people and became an advocate for them.

“Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for dying on the cross for us. Thank You for rising from the dead on the third day. Thank You for making Your victory our victory. Now, death is swallowed by victory. The day that was determined by the enemy for our destruction has become a day of promotion for us. Praise be to Your Holy Name. Amen!”

[1] Esther 8:15-16
[2] Esther 10:3

Bringing God Glory While Serving Others

“When Haman entered, the king asked him, ‘What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?’ Now Haman thought to himself, ‘Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?’ ‘Go at once,’ the king commanded Haman. ‘Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.’ So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’

Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, and told Zeresh, his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, ‘Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!’” [1]

Jesus taught His disciples, saying, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [2]

Haman pursued his own glory and pleasure. He was self-serving. He was ready to destroy an entire race of people because one man from among them would not bow down to him.

Mordecai gave God glory and served people. He prioritized making life better for others. He respected his king. He sheltered and protected his cousin when she (Esther) was an orphan.

God Almighty honors those who honor Him and prioritize making life better for others.

“Heavenly Father, please help us to bring You glory daily, and make life better for the people around us. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

[1] Esther 6:6, 10-13
[2] Mark 9:35

Faith in Christ Saves Us ~ Hallelujah!

Faith in the merits of Christ; not faith in our own merits.

“What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. He was fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. This was credited to him as righteousness. The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He (JESUS) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

Romans 4:3-5, 18, 21-25

Thanks Be To God For Answered Prayer

“Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.” [1]

Esther knew that Mordecai was looking out for her best interests. He had raised her in the absence of her parents. So, though she was a queen of the ruling empire of the world, she still regarded Mordecai’s instructions. Little did they know at the time that God was going use them to save their race from genocide.

“Having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.” [2]

A powerful and influential government official demonized an entire race of people due to his hatred of Mordecai. The future looked very bleak for his race. Mordecai and Esther turned to the Lord. They fasted and prayed. They asked others to do the same. The Lord’s answer to their prayers far exceeded all expectations. They lived. The government official died. Their race was spared. Those who plotted their death were executed. Mordecai inherited the powerful and influential leader’s position and his property. The designated day for his race’s destruction turned out to be a day of celebration for them. Thanks be to God for answered prayer!

[1] Esther 2:20
[2] Esther 3:6

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” [1]

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.” [2]

Since Christ broke down the middle wall between us and God, He can break down the walls that divides us people. Let us trust in Christ to bring us together.

“The Lord will lead forth His people with joy and His chosen with singing.” [3]

Let us trust Christ for songs of joy to sing as we go forward.

[1] Matthew 5:9
[2] Ephesians 2:14-16
[3] Psalm 105:43

Truth-Tellers

He was not appreciated by his wayward king. He was ignored by those who preferred to stray. Nevertheless, Zechariah faithfully called government and people to acknowledge and obey the Lord.

“Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to Him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen. Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, ‘This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has forsaken you.’

But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple. King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, ‘May the Lord see this and call you to account.’” [1]

“Heavenly Father, You have graciously granted us people who lay down their lives to protect us. Please also continue to grant us truth-tellers. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”

Jesus Christ told Pilate, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” [2]

[1] 2 Chronicles 24:19-22
[2] John 18:37

Winning Wars with Worship

“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” [1]

“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” [2]

King Jehoshaphat won a war with worship unto God. He appointed to sing to the Lord. They praised the Lord. They gave thanks to the Lord. The Lord won the battle for them.

But the worship did not end after the enemy was defeated.

“On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps, lyres, and trumpets.” [3]

They continued to praise the Lord for four days after the victory. They were filled with joy. They broke out their string instruments and horns and worshipped the Lord some more.

A good example for us.

[1] 2 Chronicles 20:15
[2] 2 Chronicles 20:21-22
[3] 2 Chronicles 20:26-28

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Ministry on earth is sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes ugly, but the ultimate outcome is eternal rewards from the Lord forevermore. Take for example, Stephen in Acts 6!

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing.” – That is good.

The Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. – That is bad.

So, the Twelve gathered all the disciples together… - That is good!

They said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” – That is bad.

“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. – That is good.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also… [six others]. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. – That is good.

So, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and many priests became obedient to the faith. – That is good.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. – That is good.

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen… they began to argue with Stephen. – That is bad.

But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. – That is good.

Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” – That is ugly.

So, they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. – That is ugly.

They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. – That is bad.

They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” – That is ugly.

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. – That is good.

Jesus Christ Son of God and Man

Throughout the Old Testament there are prophecies that speak of a Son, a descendant of King David, whose reign will last forever. In the New Testament, Jesus called God His Father and He referred to Himself as the Son. He also descended from King David’s line.

“When your days are over and you (David) go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish His kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for Me, and I will establish His throne forever. I will be His Father, and He will be My Son. I will never take My love away from Him, as I took it away from your predecessor (Saul). I will set Him over My house and My kingdom forever. His throne will be established forever.’ Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.”

1 Chronicles 17:11-15

Stop Shedding Innocent Blood

“The Lord sent Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against him (King Jehoiakim) to destroy Judah, in accordance with the Word of the Lord proclaimed by His servants the prophets. Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from His presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood and the Lord was not willing to forgive.” [1]

King Manasseh filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. He led the people to sacrifice their babies to idols. Even though a good king after him (Josiah) stopped this evil practice, this sin was so grievous to God that the Lord was not willing to forgive it. There had to be a consequence.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” [2]

The majority of people in a nation can believe and give their support to the belief that sin does not matter, but that does not change the truth. God says that sin condemns any people. If we do not repent of murdering the unborn and ask God to forgive us and change us, it will condemn us.

“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” [3]

Who was it that prompted Judas to betray Jesus? Who prompts people today to betray Jesus? Who prompts us to betray the unborn child in the womb? The answer is the devil.

Let us pray that the nations which are shedding innocent blood will repent, and seek God's forgiveness, and start aligning themselves with God's laws of love for one another.

[1] 2 Kings 24:2-4
[2] Proverbs 14:34
[3] John 13:2

Remember The Poor

“The Lord brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him shall you fear, and Him shall you worship, and to Him shall you do sacrifice.” [1]

We believers in Christ have received a greater deliverance than the slaves of Egypt. We have received eternal deliverance from the evil of this world, and a promise of paradise with God in the life to come.

“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” [2]

We can show forth our gratitude to God by remembering the poor and needy. But more than that, the poor and needy are vulnerable to being exploited by evil people, The Lord Jesus wants us to continue His ministry of rescuing them from evil.

In addition to leading souls to faith in Christ, and teaching disciples, Paul cared for the poor. James, Cephas, and John wanted Paul to remember the poor; which he was eager to do. [3]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your heart for the poor. Thank You for demonstrating Your heart for the needy through Your Son Jesus Christ. Please grant us hearts and hands like Yours to remember the poor. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] 2 Kings 17:36
[2] Psalm 82:3-4
[3] Galatians 2:9-10

Fruit Is From The Lord

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” [1]

“Christ makes me a new plant, one that is grafted on Him the Vine and grows from Him. I bear fruit in Him and through Him. This fruit is not mine; it is the Vine’s. Christianity is a new birth brought about by God’s Word and Spirit. When the heart is born anew in Christ, fruits will follow naturally.” [2]

[1] John 15:5
[2] Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 24: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John: Chapters 14-16, ed. Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald and Helmut T. Lehmann (Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1999), John 15:5.

Eyes Fixed On Jesus

Which direction are you looking? Your eyes are the gates to your soul. The Bible urges you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Once, Peter asked Jesus what would happen to John. Jesus said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.” [1]

To follow Jesus we must keep our eyes on Him.

Once, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. A miracle happened as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus. However, when Peter saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid. He began to sink. At that moment, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [2]

As long as Peter had his eyes fixed on Jesus, the miraculous was possible. When Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on his circumstances, he began to sink.

The Bible urges us “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” [3]

Jesus is the way to the Father. Looking away from Jesus is the way to get lost.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, both now and always. It is in His Name that I pray. Amen.”

[1] John 21:22
[2] Matthew 14:29-31
[3] Hebrews 12:2

Christ Is Our Peace

“Now, in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” [1]

Christ brings us close to God. Christ brought us close to God by dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. Christ brought peace to us with God. A good prayer to pray for loved ones is that the distance between them and God will be replaced with nearness. The nearness will come as they receive a revelation of who Jesus is and ask Him to save them from their sins.

Isaiah wrote of the Lord, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” [2]

[1] Ephesians 2:13-15
[2] Isaiah 26:3

The One Who Loves Me

Jesus Christ said, “Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them.” [1]

King Saul replaced the Lord’s commandment with a decision to please himself. He took the best of the spoils of war for himself! He also set up a monument to honor himself.

“Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves, and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.” [2]

“Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: ‘I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.’” [3]

To turn to the Lord is a turn outward. A turn towards love! King Saul turned from the Lord towards himself.

“Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, ‘Saul… has set up a monument in his own honor. He has gone down to Gilgal.’” [4]

When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, “‘The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.’ But Samuel said, ‘What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear? Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?’” [5]

King Saul objected, saying to Samuel, “But I did obey the Lord, I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag, their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” [6]

King Saul tried to shift the blame to his subordinates. But Samuel replied: “’Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, the has rejected you as king.’ The Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.” [7]

“Heavenly Father, please forgive us for setting ourselves above You. Please change us. Please help us to submit ourselves to obeying You. You deserve to be honored above all else. I pray that You will be glorified in our lives. I pray these things in Your Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

[1] John 14:21
[2] 1 Samuel 15:9
[3] 1 Samuel 15:11
[4] 1 Samuel 15:12
[5] 1 Samuel 15:13-14, 19
[6] 1 Samuel 15:20-21
[7] 1 Samuel 15:22-23, 34

Prevailing WITH God’s Presence

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” - Abraham Lincoln

David was on the Lord’s side. David believed in the goodness and power of God. The Lord’s presence empowered David to prevail against his enemy.

Young David to King Saul: “The Lord who rescued me (David) from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” King Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.” [1]

When the Lord is on one’s side, expensive accessories are unnecessary.

“He (Goliath the giant) said to David, ‘Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?’ The Philistine cursed David by his gods. ‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!’” [2]

The devil always reviles and demeans those who dare to stand up to him. He wants the Lord’s servant to believe that his power is greater than God’s. What a joke he is!

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD ALMIGHTY, the GOD of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a GOD in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.’” [3]

David refused to be intimidated by the bully. Faith in God empowers the little guy to say to the big guy, “I’m not backing down. No, I am going to win.” Paul wrote the following exhortation to Timothy, “Don’t be frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” [4]

“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face-down on the ground.” [5]

By faith in God, David ran towards the foe and defeated him quickly.

“In everything he did he (David) had great success, because the Lord was with him.” [6]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving David the victory over the giant. Thank you for calling us to Your side and anointing us to conquer those who seek to destroy us. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] 1 Samuel 17:37, 39
[2] 1 Samuel 17: 43-44
[3] 1 Samuel 17:45-47
[4] Philippians 1:28
[5] 1 Samuel 17:48-49
[6] 1 Samuel 18:14

Resurrection From The Dead

“How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?

What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as He has determined, and to each kind of seed He gives its own body.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality.

Thanks be to God!

He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-44, 49-53, 57-58

The Prophetic Gift

“As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, timbrels, pipes, and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying. The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” [1] The Spirit was given to Saul to help him lead well. He did not have to pay or work for this anointing. He just needed to receive it.

The Spirit of the Lord moved in and through the prophets as musicians played music to the Lord. As soon as Saul met them, he too started prophesying. God changed him into a different person. God was with him in such a way that whatever his hand did, it went well.

By the way, God says that He inhabits the praises of His people. [2] The Lord has given me visions and prophetic words during moments of whole-hearted worship to Him. Once, when Elisha was asked for counsel by the King of Israel, he told the king, “’Bring me a harpist.’ While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha and he said, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands. You will overthrow every fortified city and every major town. You will cut down every good tree, stop up all the springs, and ruin every good field with stones.’” [3]

The people of Israel did well in the days of Ezra by listening to the prophetic counsel of Zechariah and Haggai. “So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.” [4] Via prophet Zechariah, the Lord Almighty says to us, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” [5]

I was converted to the Lord after He said to me, “Give your life to Me and I will touch many people through you.”

The Lord has kept His promise. And whenever my witness for Christ hits a lull, the Spirit brings to my remembrance the promise of Christ to me, and I pray, “Father, pleased continue to use my life to touch many people for the sake of converting lost souls to faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.”

One day in El Paso, Texas, while walking along a city sidewalk, Sherry was telling me she felt an urgency to call her parents because she thought that they were worrying about us. When we came to a street corner, a man met us. He asked, “Where have you been?” We did not know what to say. He continued, “I have been waiting here for you.” We still did not know what to say. He continued, “The Lord says to you (Sherry) that you need not be concerned about your parents. They are not worrying about you.” Then, he said, “I saw you (Mark) and you (Sherry) with Jesus and many children.” I told him that we did not plan to have children (it was 1983). Then, I asked him where because I believed we were called to China. He replied, “I don’t know. The Lord did not show me that.” Then, he left. Not only did we have four biological children since then. We have also ministered to many children from various cultures and languages.

Paul advised Timothy, “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” [6]

The formula Paul gave Timothy to win spiritual battles was: 1) Publicly read, preach, and teach God’s Word; 2) Utilize the gifts given to him by prophetic utterance; 3) Embody with diligence and wholeheartedness God’s Word and gifts, so that people would see his progress; and 4) Persevere meticulously at maintaining Christ-like behavior and doctrine.

Praise be to God for His Spirit and His gifts.

[1] 1 Samuel 10:5-7
[2] Psalm 22:3
[3] 2 Kings 3:15-19
[4] Ezra 3:14
[5] Zechariah 4:6
[6] 1Timothy 4:13-16

Rebellion NO Grace YES

“Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy.” [1]

“Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is the sin of iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” [2]

Let us claim the blood of Jesus against the spirits of rebellion that are deceiving so many people. How many people mistakenly assume that it is freedom to be a rebel against God? Not realizing that in rebelling against God, they are forsaking their own tender mercies?

Jesus used the word “Gehenna” eleven times to describe existence cut off from God’s Kingdom. It is a place where soul and body experience unquenchable fire. [3] The people who trash their Maker end up being trashed. May the Lord graciously grant rebels the grace to repent that He might save them and give them new hearts of love towards Him and others!

[1] Jonah 2:8
[2] 1 Samuel 15:22-23
[3] Mark 9:43-48; Matthew 10:28

Preach the Gospel to all Nations

Jesus promised, “This GOSPEL of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” [1]

Our Lord called us to participate in His worldwide mission: “You are WITNESSES of these things. I am going to send you what My Father has PROMISED (the Holy Spirit); but stay in the city until you have been clothed with POWER from on high.” [2] We don’t wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit because He has already come and is available to everyone who joins the mission. Peter told the high priest and the Sadducees, “God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him.” [3]

We need to be filled with Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses for Christ. “The Spirit of prophecy bears testimony to Jesus.” [4] Our Lord wants His people to speak for Him. Even Moses had this revelation when he said, “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” [5]

[1] Matthew 24:14; Luke 24:46-47
[2] Luke 24:48-49
[3] Acts 5:32
[4] Revelation 19:10
[5] Numbers 11:29

Let The Worship be To God

“The Lord said to Moses: ‘You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I made with them. And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day, they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’ And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.” [1]

How sad! Moses wasn’t gone long, and the people turned from the God of miracles, the God who loved them, to worship handmade idols of stone and wood. God told Moses that He would hide His face from them in that day. God’s face disappearing from one’s life is like the sun going down and not coming up again the next day. Darkness reigns without God.

“My son, if sinful men entice you do not give in to them. My son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; these men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” [2]

The Lord urges us not to be drawn away from Him by sinful men. Don’t go with them! Don’t join in their ambushes of unsuspecting prey. Their waywardness will kill them. The Lord says to us, “Listen to me! Live in Safety! Live without fear of harm!”

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you! Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [3]

The lust for greatness and firstness relates to idolatry. It’s ego wanting to reign on the throne of our life. Jesus calls us to be servants and slaves. Let all the worship and praise be to God!

[1] Deuteronomy 31:16-18
[2] Proverbs 1:10, 15, 18-19, 32-33
[3] Matthew 20:25-28

Life And Prosperity or Death And Destruction

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death, and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, and to keep His commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” [1]

The Lord wants us to enjoy a good and prosperous life. Loving God leads to that life! Obeying the Lord leads to that life! Keeping His commands leads to that life!

Once He has brought us into the good life, the Lord doesn’t want us to be defrauded of it. He warns, “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan, or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison. When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, ‘I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,’ they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry.” [2]

Don’t let someone poison you against the Lord! Persisting in our own ways leads to disaster for us personally and for our nation if it does the same.

“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”

God is an ever-present help in time of need. Rely on Him to help you choose life and prosperity not just one day of your life, but all your days.

[1] Deuteronomy 30:15-16
[2] Deuteronomy 29:18-19
[3] Deuteronomy 30:11-14

TWO THINGS I ASK

The Bible contains curses and blessings. God’s heart is to bless us. He is, however, willing to let us suffer a lesser pain (earthly pain) to avoid a greater pain (eternal condemnation). It hurts to love someone who disregards you. The Lord blesses those who love Him as well as those who love their neighbor.

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God. However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all His commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you.” [1]

We want the Lord's blessings don't we?

When Sherry first married me, she often prayed the following prayer, “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” [2]

I am thankful for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that moved Him to start a relationship with me. He gave me a godly wife. He compels us to read His Word, to pray and to serve Him daily. These are His undeserved blessings to us. I am thankful to our Heavenly Father for His promise of eternal paradise with Him based on the saving merits of His Son Jesus Christ.

Blessing, glory and honor be to His Holy Name!

[1] Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15
[2] Proverbs 30:7-9

Preferring Justice

“You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” [1]

Some cultures exalt the person who is able to take advantage of the other, but to God such dealings are detestable. Our Lord Jesus suffered loss for the sake of saving sinners.

“Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” [2]

“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.” [3]

Let us pray for those in authority that they would govern their people with justice and that they would arrest those who try to bribe them.

[1] Deuteronomy 25:15-16
[2] 1 Peter 3:18
[3] Proverbs 29:4

Thorns In The Flesh

“In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” [1]

“God’s power neither displaces weakness nor overcomes it. On the contrary, it comes to its full strength in it (en +astheneia). At issue is how God manifests His power. Paul’s opponents claimed that it is best seen in visions, ecstasies and the working of signs and wonders. [2] Paul, on the other hand, maintained that God’s power is most effectively made known in and through weakness. Indeed, God’s power is made perfect in weakness (teleitai ‘to find consummation’ or ‘be accomplished.’ [3] ‘There is a certain finishing and perfecting power in weakness.’ [4] ‘Not that we are to cherish our infirmities. Weakness of itself will perfect nothing. But when the human vessel is weak, the divine power is especially evident, and the weakness proves to be a fine discipline.’ [5]

Paul accepted his weaknesses and learned to take pleasure in them. Why, because these very weaknesses afford the opportunity for the power of Christ to rest on him. The verb episkenoo …actually means to ‘make one's quarters in’ or ‘take up one's abode in.’ So God’s power not merely ‘rested on’ or ‘over’ Paul but took up residence in him.” [6]

[1] 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
[2] 2 Corinthians 12:1, 12
[3] 2 Corinthians 12:9

The Passion of Our Christ

“Do not be far from Me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround Me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle Me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against Me. I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within Me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth; you lay Me in the dust of death. Dogs surround Me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce MY HANDS and MY FEET. All My bones are on display; people stare and gloat over Me. They DIVIDE MY CLOTHES AMONG THEM and CAST LOTS FOR MY GARMENT.” [1]

Who wants God to be far from them when surrounded by people who are like raging bulls, roaring lions, and gross dogs. Our Lord prayed for His Father to be near Him. He felt His life being poured out. His heart was melting like hot wax. They pierced His hands and feet right through. They cared for His garment, but not for Him.

“For this reason He (Jesus Christ) had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” [2]

What a painful way to become a merciful and faithful high priest! But nevertheless, He made atonement for our sins. And He helps when we are tempted during trials.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One (Jesus Christ) who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.” [3]

Hallelujah! What a Savior! “Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great passion for us. I pray that we would be filled with passion for You, and for the people You died for.”

[1] Psalm 22:11-18
[2] Hebrews 2:17-18
[3] Hebrews 4:15

He Far Exceeded Their Mold

Our Lord Jesus went outdoors, taught, and preached in their cities. He revealed to them the kingdom of God with power and authority. [1]

Jesus knew what the people expected of their Messiah but remained true to Himself, namely being the Son of God. Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God” and “the express image of His person.” [2] He could not sin. He could not compromise God’s nature.

John the Baptist sent two disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you he (the Messiah) that should come, or do we look for another?” Jesus told his messengers, “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news preached to them.” [3] Jesus helped those who could not help themselves. They were in pits too deep to climb out of, and Jesus rescued them. He revealed God’s heart for them.

Jesus noted something different about John the Baptist to a crowd of listeners. John preached in open fields (the wilderness) and not in fancy buildings, yet people flocked to him. John did not wear fancy clothes, yet they listened to him. [4]

Jesus compared his listeners to children sitting in the markets who express disappointment in those who do not conform to their expectations. They wanted people to dance to their music. They wanted people to cry when they cried. They wanted John the Baptist to eat and drink with them. When he didn’t, they said, “He has a devil.” When Jesus ate and drank with sinners, they called Him a glutton, wino, and a friend of sinners. Jesus said that wisdom is justified by her children. In other words, wisdom is demonstrated by the good fruit it yields. [5]

Jesus rebuked the cities that did not repent after they saw His mighty works. He told them that cities famous for being evil would have repented if they had seen His miracles. He warned them, “I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” [6]

Jesus prayed, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes, even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Your sight.” Then, He explained, “All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” In other words, the only way to know God is if Jesus Christ reveals Him to you. [7]

The people that Jesus spoke with wanted to come to God on their own terms. His miracles did not matter to them. They wanted Jesus to present God to them according to their preferences.

Our Lord Jesus did extend an invitation to them. He said, “Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.” [8] God’s terms include God’s presence and His help.

What about us? Are we willing to receive God on His terms?

“Jesus, Savior, Son of God, please continue to reveal the Father to us. Please graciously grant to us the holy audacity to profess You as Lord to people who need You. Thank You once again for the invitation to come to You. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Matthew 11:1
[2] Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3
[3] Matthew 11:2-6
[4] Matthew 11:7-10
[5] Matthew 11:16-19
[6] Matthew 11:20-24
[7] Matthew 11:25-27
[8] Matthew 11:28-30

The Sins of Sodom

I heard Dr. Adrian Rogers speaking on the radio. He brought out that there was more to Sodom’s sin than immorality. He quoted the Bible, “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” [1]

The Sodomites looked down on others. They indulged in gluttony. They lacked concern for their deprived neighbors. Adrian was not making light of immoral sin. He was bringing out other characteristics of the Sodomites that were detestable in God’s sight.

“They were haughty and did detestable things before Me. Therefore, I did away with them as you have seen.” [2]

A humble attitude, fasting from food to focus on praying for spiritual renewal and putting others before ourselves is good for us. The desire of our Savior is to save us from this present evil age.

[1] Ezekiel 16:49
[2] Ezekiel 16:50

The Three Tests

1. The test to prove yourself.

Prove that you are somebody special. The correct response is to not to do it. Your proof of identity and worth is found in the Word of God: the Bible. The Bible tells you that God created you in His image and sent His only begotten Son to save you from your sins.

“The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written, man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [1]

2. The test to take risks; to gamble; to falsely believe that you are invincible even if you are not obeying God.

The correct response is to not gamble with your life. Don’t test the limits of how far you can take rebellion against God. This is to listen to the devil. God loves you, but He is also holy. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When you live an obedient life towards God, He blesses you.

“Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God, he said, ‘throw yourself down. For it is written, He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” [2]

3. The test to forsake God in preference for temporary pleasures.

The correct response is to choose to worship God and worship Him only no matter what your status is in the eyes of the world. God is eternal. The devil is temporary. Those who listen to the devil will perish with the devil. He is a liar and deceiver. Those who listen to and obey God bear good fruit in this life because they live for God and neighbor, whereas those who live selfishly (themselves instead of Christ on the throne of their hearts) will perish with the devil.

“Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give You,’ he said, ‘if You will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from Me, Satan! For it is written, Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.” [3]

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [4]

“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” [5]

[1] Matthew 4:3-4
[2] Matthew 4:5-7
[3] Matthew 4:8-10
[4] James 4:7
[5] 1 John 5:5

Wise Preponderances From Proverbs

“They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things. Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoso keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.” [1]

The wise choice is to obey the law of God. The Lord gives understanding. So, walk uprightly before God.

“He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that fears always: but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.” [2]

The wise choice is to confess and forsake sin. The wise choice is to listen and obey God. Hardening the heart towards God leads to undesirable mischief.

“The prince that lacks understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.” [3] The wise choice is to get understanding from God and not to spend one’s day coveting what you do not have.

“He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” [4]

The wise choice is to work and not waste one’s time with vain people. The wise choice is to be faithful to God, and not to pursue worldly wealth.

“He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.” [5]

The wise choice is to trust in the Lord.

“When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.” [6]

Let us pray that more people will ponder and purse righteousness of God.

[1] Proverbs 28:4-7
[2] Proverbs 28:13-14
[3] Proverbs 28:16
[4] Proverbs 28:19-20
[5] Proverbs 28:25
[6] Proverbs 28:28

Praise the Lord for His Goodness

“Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God and contemned the counsel of the most High: therefore He brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was none to help.

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhors all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

They that go down to the sea in ships that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven. They go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.

He (the Lord) calms the storm so that the waves thereof are still.

He (the Lord) turns the wilderness into a pool of water, and dry ground into water springs.

He sets the poor on high from affliction, and makes him families like a flock.

They cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saves them out of their distresses.

He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

Psalm 107:5, 10-12, 17-18, 23-27, 29, 35, 41, 19-21, 43

Are You Ready For The Wedding

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready? [1]

Jesus spoke of five wise virgins who were ready for a wedding with the Lord and five foolish ones who were not. The five wise virgins were welcome to enter the Lord’s banqueting hall. The foolish virgins were locked out. Jesus concluded the story by saying, Therefore keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour.” [2]

Are You Ready For The Wedding

“Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant Church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” [3]

The Lord Jesus Christ came from heaven to earth. He was born of the virgin Mary. He lived among us. He did miracles. He lived a sinless life. He was crucified. He died as a criminal not for His own sin, but for ours. He was buried. On the third day, He resurrected from the dead. He was seen alive by over five hundred witnesses. He ate with them. He allowed them to touch Him. After forty days, He ascended to heaven. He is returning for the bride who is prepared for Him.

His bride prepared herself for Him by having the oil of His blessed presence, the Holy Spirit, in her lamp. She daily washes herself in His Word by reading and applying it to her life.

Are You Ready For The Wedding

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes, take the free gift of the water of life. He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” [4]

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is the answer. We must transfer our hope of salvation from ourselves unto the Lord. Only Jesus can save us. Therefore, we lean upon His grace to keep us ready for His return. To enter heaven, we must have Jesus.

Are You Ready For The Wedding

If not, ask Jesus to save you by forgiving yours sins. Ask Him to transform you by the power of His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to cleanse you with His Word the Bible. Join yourself to other Jesus-professing Bible-believing Christians in weekly worship and prayer. Let your life be about Jesus!

[1] Revelation 19:7
[2] Matthew 25:1-13
[3] Ephesians 5:25-27
[4] Revelation 22:17, 20-21

Work For Jesus

“Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. He proclaimed, ‘Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.’ The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, the king rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. He issued a decree… ‘Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.’” [1]

“When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” [2]

Our Lord Jesus has called us to pray for compassionate workers. No goal is accomplished without effort. “Lord Jesus, help us to work for You. Fill our hearts with so much compassion for harassed, helpless, and shepherd-less sheep that we work for them. Help us put our hand to the plow and not look back. Souls hang in the balance.”

Mordecai told his cousin Esther, “If you remain silent at this time, relief, and deliverance… will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” [3]

Let us work for Jesus.

[1] Jonah 3:3-9
[2] Matthew 9:36-38
[3] Esther 4:14

Abstaining From Destructive Criticism

“For you put up with fools gladly since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that…” [1]

The Lord is saying not to accept the pain that fools, slavers, back-biters, thieves, despisers of others or physically abusive people seek to bring into your church and personal life.

Elizabeth Gilbert posted on her Facebook page, “Criticism: I avoid criticism about myself not because I DON'T care what people say about me, but because I DO care. I am sensitive and easily bruised. I know that critical words can hurt me, and I am not in the business of hurting myself. I will not put those words in my head. To do so is an act of violence against me.

The novelist John Updike said that reading your own reviews is like eating a sandwich that might have some broken glass in it. I have nothing to gain by eating shards of broken glass. It doesn’t benefit me or anyone else to digest something that will cause internal bleeding.” Malicious critics do not have my best interests at heart. Their words will not make me a better person

“If the review is kind, then read it. It's nice to hear people say nice things about your work! And it’s rare! So when it happens: Treat yourself!

The people who I listen to about my work are people who have earned the right to offer me criticism. They are a few of my closest and most trusted friends, family members, and colleagues. Here is the test, to see if people are allowed to criticize me:

1) Do I trust your opinion and your taste?
2) Do I trust that you understand what I am trying to create?
3) Do I trust that your critique will improve my work?
4) Do I trust that you have my best interests at heart?
5) Do I trust that you will critique me without wounding me?

Gentleness is very important. When somebody tells you that she is brutally honest, she is telling you, ‘I am brutal. I am waiting for a chance to brutalize you.’ I don’t volunteer to be brutalized.

DO NOT put something out there, and then search for that one wickedly cruel comment. If you dig long enough, you will find it. You will find the pain you were looking for. Show the self-discipline that is necessary for self-care. Walk away.

Refusing to read nasty things about myself is not denial; it is affirmation. Protect yourself. People can attack you and insult you, but you are not obliged to listen to them. Turn your head from the violence. Keep working!” [2]

[1] 2 Corinthians 11:19-21
[2] Edited excerpts from Elizabeth Gilbert’s 10.16.15, Facebook post

Missionaries Needed

“When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’” [1]

I pondered my missionary experiences today. Missionary ministries need workers. For example, at Christ is the Answer Ministries, I did construction work like breaking up old concrete before laying new and digging a ditch for a pipeline. In Hong Kong, I carried loads of Bibles into China.

Compassion that makes a difference for harassed and helpless people involves work. Jesus worked diligently to bring help to lost and needy souls. Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.” [2]

The Apostle Paul said to his Christian friends, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” [3]

William Carey’s father asked William before he left for India, “What do you have to offer?” His reply was, “I know how to plod” meaning that he was willing to work like an ox to make a difference for Christ in India.

A man once told Missionary Hudson Taylor that he had come to China to work with him. Hudson looked at him and replied, “But you only have one leg” to which the man said, “But the men with two legs are not coming.”

An older preacher urged younger preachers, “Don’t be a pretty boy.” He explained that some ministers strive to be popular but are like clouds without rain. They don’t get the job done.

“Dear Lord of harvest please give more people a mindset to work.”

[1] Matthew 9:36-38
[2] John 5:17
[3] Acts 20:35