WE SEE JESUS

“WE SEE JESUS,

Who was made a little lower than the angels...

For the suffering of death,

CROWNED with GLORY and HONOR;

That HE by the GRACE of GOD...

Should taste death for every man.”

WE SEE JESUS...

“For it became HIM,

FOR WHOM are ALL THINGS,

And BY WHOM are ALL THINGS,

In BRINGING MANY SONS unto GLORY,

To make the CAPTAIN OF their SALVATION...

Perfect through suffering.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers...

Of flesh and blood,

HE also HIMSELF LIKEWISE took part of the same;

That through death HE might DESTROY him...

That had the power of death,

That is, the devil;

And DELIVER them...

Who through fear of death...

Were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Wherefore IN ALL THINGS...

It befit HIM...

To be made like unto HIS BROTHERS,

That HE might be a merciful and faithful high priest...

In things pertaining to God,

To make RECONCILIATION FOR the SIN...

Of the PEOPLE.

For in that HE Himself has suffered being tempted,

HE IS ABLE to HELP them that are tempted.”

Hebrews 2:9-10, 14-15, 17-18

How’s Your Spiritual Climate

If you observe the people that you live among saying or acting in the following manner, “What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?” [1] Then, you are in a spiritually dark climate.

In a spiritually bright climate people enjoy serving and honoring the Father and His Son Jesus Christ because they have received the blessed Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us to worship God and fills us with ample faith to speak to God. He reminds us that God is our Creator and He sustains the entire universe. When we pray to Him in the Name of His Son Jesus, He does more than we ask or imagine. [2]

We rely on air conditioners to cool hot air and heaters to heat cold air. Let us rely on GOD ALMIGHTY the CREATOR of the universe to transform the spiritual climate in which we live.

“Father, we pray in the Name of Your Son Jesus, please grace those who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to see Your great light. Please brighten the spiritual climate of those around us by the light of Your glorious presence. Graciously, help that one we have been praying for to open up to You. And may that one become two, and those two become four, and so on, and so on, until the climate around us changes from spiritually dark to spiritually bright.”

[1] Job 21:15
[2] See Ephesians 3:20

Soul-safe in Christ’s Care

“Unto You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.” [1]

The soul-safe place is in Christ’s care.

“For Your Name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” [2]

Iniquity is a terrible sin. Iniquity is an inequality continuously happening in a relationship. One person is complaining all the time and treating the other poorly, while the other is sacrificing and treating the other with great value. We, humans, tend to demand much from God, but give Him only heartache in return. And what does God ask of us? He expects us to love mercy, be fair with one another and to walk with Him in humble way. [3] God’s two great rules of thumb are to love Him and to love people. Our Lord showed us how to love God and others in the Gospels. Praise God for pardoning our iniquity. Praise Him for giving us His Holy Spirit to help us walk as He walked… loving others more than ourselves.

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, which will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.” [4]

I cannot think of any better gift than to see JESUS and then, be welcomed by Him into heaven forever. As the Psalmist said…

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” [5]

Therefore, let us…

“Wait on the LORD:
Be of GOOD COURAGE,
And HE shall STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART:
Wait, I say, on the LORD.” [6]

[1] Psalm 25:1
[2] Psalm 25:11
[3] Micah 6:8

[4] Psalm 27:4

[5] Psalm 27:13
[6] Psalm 27:14

Blessed to be Forgiven by God

Let us embrace the blessing of God’s forgiveness... the blessing of having a conscience free from past guilt...

“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” [1]

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [2]

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” [3]

“I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ And You FORGAVE the iniquity of my sin. Selah” [4]

“You [God] have cast all my sins behind Your back.” [5]

“Thank You Heavenly Father for sending Your Son to be our Savior from sin and for forgiving all our sins.”

[1] Isaiah 1:18
[2] 1 John 1:8-9
[3] Psalm 32:1
[4] Psalm 32:5
[5] Isaiah 38:17

A Charge to Keep – A Crown to Receive

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

Preach the word!
Be ready in season and out of season.
Convince,
Rebuke,
Exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.
Be watchful in all things,
Endure afflictions,
Do the work of an evangelist,
Fulfill your ministry.

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.”

2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5, 8

Countering the Terrible Times of the Last Days

“Mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” [1]

What do you do with the evil dangerous people of these last days? The Bible says to have nothing to do with them. Spend time in God’s Word instead. “As for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… the Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” [2]

Another way to counter the terrible times of the last days is to be committed to giving thanks to the Lord…

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. To Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. Who by His understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. Who made the great lights—His love endures forever. The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.”

[1] 2 Timothy 3:1-5
[2] 2 Timothy 3:14-17
[3] Psalm 136:1, 4-9

GOD & JOB

Have you heard of Job? The Bible says that he “was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” [1]

Job had ten children and 11,000 animals. He was the greatest of all the people of the East. [2]

The devil wanted to destroy Job’s good relationship with God, so he sought permission from God to takeaway all Job’s blessings. He told God, “Stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” So, God gave Satan permission to touch Job’s possessions but not his person. [3]

Satan’s agents, the Sabeans, stole Job’s 500 oxen and 500 donkeys, and slew their caregivers. [4]

He made fire fall from heaven and burned up Job’s 7,000 sheep and their caregivers. [5]

Satan’s agents, the Chaldeans, stole Job’s 3,000 camels, and killed their caregivers. [6]

Satan caused a great wind to destroy Job’s oldest son’s house. All ten of his children died that day. [7]

What did Job do after this? He fell to the ground and worshiped God. He said: “’Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this Job, did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” [8]

Then, Satan asked God to touch Job’s bone and his flesh so that Job would “Surely curse You (God) to Your face!” The Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” “So, Satan struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” [9]

“In all this, Job did not sin with his lips.” [10] Job loved God even after Satan stole his possessions and his health.

The next test was the greatest challenge to Job’s relationship with God. His three friends began to pit God’s integrity against Job’s. Job defended his behavior towards God. This dialogue between Job and his three friends continues for 30 chapters. Then, a young man jumps in on conversation. He talks for six chapters. Finally, God speaks for four chapters. He reminds Job that He is God and that He is the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things. Job repented of questioning God’s integrity. The Lord told Job’s three friends that they did not speak right about Him as Job did. He commanded them to offer a sacrifice and to ask Job to pray for them. They obeyed the Lord. [11]

We can never out-give God. Whatever we sacrifice for Him, He always gives us more in return. “The Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed. the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” [12]

I have observed this pattern during my life, and so have others. Usually, after times of great trials comes seasons of great blessings.

“The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” [13]

Job ended up with 22,000 animals, ten children, and he saw his children’s children unto the fourth generation. He lived 140 years. [14]

“Blessed be the Name of the Lord!”

[1] Job 1:1
[2] Job 1:2-3
[3] Job 1:10-12
[4] Job 1:14-15
[5] Job 1:16
[6] Job 1:17
[7] Job 1:18-19
[8] Job 1:20-22
[9] Job 2:4-7
[10] Job 2:10
[11] Job 42:1-8
[12] Job 42:10
[13] Job 42:12
[14] Job 42:12-17

The SPIRIT of GRACE and of SUPPLICATIONS

“And I will POUR upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the SPIRIT of GRACE and of SUPPLICATIONS: and they shall look upon ME whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for HIM, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for HIM, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” [1]

The SPIRIT of GRACE and of SUPPLICATIONS leads us to see JESUS! Especially to see Him in His sufferings for our sins and for our salvation.

For example, in the early months of 1997, my family of six was living on the fifth floor of a school in Guangzhou City, China. We experienced many trials. From overwhelming heat and humidity to swarms of mosquitos that had to be fought off by burning smoking coils of repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. Sometimes our meal rice that smelled so good to a hungry tummy tasted horrible to a sensitive pallet because of tiny particles of sand in it. Sometimes the choice vegetable served to us by the school “chef” was celery floating in oil. Then, there was the always the not-so-hidden clues that the government was surveilling us.

Amidst this lifestyle fraught with difficulties, the Holy Spirit led us to divine moments of rapture as we listened to songs of the Savior who suffered on a cruel cross to save us and the world from sin. I had a cassette player and scores of cassettes with songs to celebrate the love of God demonstrated to us by His Son. These songs were our oasis in the dry desert. Songs like: “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood” (William Cowper); “At the Cross” (Isaac Watts); “Jesus Paid it All” (Elvina M. Hall); “Whiter than Snow” (James Nicholson); “The Love of God” (Frederick M. Lehman); and “What a Friend we have in Jesus” (Joseph M. Scrivener).

I did not always know how to pray but the Holy Spirit did. As the Scripture says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” [2]

“Look on ME . . . whom they have pierced.’ Look at the only begotten Son of God suffering for us! See His pierced hands and feet! Pierced for our sin. Look at Him with hymns! Look at Him with prayers! Look at Him with praise! Look at Him and tell others what you see!

The angel told John, “For it is the SPIRIT of prophecy who bears testimony to JESUS.” [3] “The Holy Spirit is truly ‘God the Evangelist,’ drawing sinners into fellowship with Christ. Knowledge of Christ and fellowship with Him is what the Holy Spirit’s ministry is all about. His ministry leads us to see our need of Christ so that we embrace Him in faith and love.” [4]

“Yes, Heavenly Father, may the Spirit of grace and supplications work in and through us to bring us and others close to Christ. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Zechariah 12:10
[2] Romans 8:26
[3] Revelation 19:10
[4] J.I. Packer: The Holy Spirit and Salvation

Prayer Versus War

Our small group discussion was about helping those who hurt rather than judging them for not matching our expectations. If God was so offended by human sin that He chose to condemn humans rather than show them mercy, who could stand?

Between October 16 and October 28 of1962, the USA and USSR were on the brink of a thermonuclear war. The USSR placed ICBM’s with nuclear warheads in Cuba. The USA demanded that the USSR remove the nuclear missiles, or the USA would remove them by force. After a 13–day standoff, the USSR removed the missiles and the USA promised not to invade Cuba. The USA also removed our ICBM’s from Turkey that were pointed at the USSR. If this standoff had went the other direction, many people in the USSR and USA would have been totally decimated.

Now, fast forward nearly 55 years later to July 31, 2017. China, Russia, and the USA are building up for a potential war over another small country with ICBM’s, that is, North Korea. Prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy approved a national day of prayer. Christians prayed and the war was averted.

The best option to a resolve a crisis is prayer not war. Pray earnestly for the lives of people. Believe that GOD IS the answer. Our real enemy is Satan. He hates people because we are made in the image of God. He would have us kill each other. He would love for fire to fall from the sky on people and destroy them.

Let us humble ourselves. Let us seek God. Let us pray for our nation and for the nations of other peoples. May the Lord quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. May the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection be proclaimed. May our churches be places where compassion, forgiveness, and healing take place.

“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—He remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.”

Psalm 146:5-9

Loyalty Versus Lawlessness

The anti-Christ’s goal is to force people to keep his commandments and to reject God’s. He wants the whole human race to worship him not God.

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” [1]

While looking for an appropriate image to illustrate a point of a sermon, I noticed an image of the band called KISS. My sermon topic was on being rescued by the Lord from stormy seas. I was looking for a picture of a ship at sea. The KISS picture I noticed was an advertisement to join an ocean cruise with them. As I looked at the picture, I realized that Satan uses theatrics, shock, and awe, as well as the promise of fleshly pleasure, to gather followers to himself. Lovers of truth reject these temptations. They denounce the devil and all his ways. They have no desire to join with relatives, friends, and acquaintances who love lawlessness.

The anti-Christ’s goal is to get us to keep his commandments and to reject God’s. Therefore, God offers us a benediction: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” [2] “Yes, Lord, please keep us from temptation and deliver us from evil. For Yours alone is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

[1] 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
[2] 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Cry Out To God

“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.” [1]

Have you ever poured out your heart to God? I did in August of 1979, and my life was changed. Christ gave me new life. Now, I live and have hope based on the merits of Christ and not on my own deeds.

Our Lord Jesus Christ took my sin and my punishment on Calvary’s cross and gave me His righteousness and His favor with God His Father. He cleared the way for me to have a personal relationship with God. It does not mean that I am better than anyone else. It just means that God has forgiven me and given me His Holy Spirit. By daily reliance on His Spirit which He gave to me, I can cry out to GOD from the depths of my heart, and He hears and helps me.

I am very thankful that JESUS CHRIST is my Lord and Savior.

“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is LORD OF ALL and RICHLY BLESSES all who call on HIM, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the Name of the LORD will be SAVED.’” [2]

[1] Psalm 130:1
[2] Romans 10:12-13

When a Nation Returns to God

“All the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly.” [1]

“The Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.” [2]

“The hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out... the Word of the Lord.” [3]

“The Lord... healed the people.” [4]

“The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, His holy dwelling place.” [5]

[1] 2 Chronicles 29:36
[2] 2 Chronicles 30:9
[3] 2 Chronicles 30:12
[4] 2 Chronicles 30:20
[5] 2 Chronicles 30:27

The Best Gain is to Gain Christ

“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...

Our citizenship is in heaven. We eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”

Philippians 3:8-9, 20-21

Leaving Behind a Blesséd Legacy

Solomon was the wisest of all men in his time. He wrote thousands of wise sayings, but he also suffered from blindness. A blindness to his desire to please himself! He confessed in that he withheld no pleasure from himself. He had 300 wives and 700 concubines. They turned his heart to other gods. [1]

After he died, the people of his kingdom said to his son, “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us and we will serve you.” [2]

Solomon may have been great in his own eyes and in the eyes of other national leaders, but the people under him were ready to revolt. When his son told the people that he would add to the weight of their yoke, they revolted, and the nation split into two nations.

Unfettered personal ambition shattered the nation. Wise counselors told Solomon’s son, “If you will be good to this people and please them and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” [3] His son rejected wisdom.

“Certain worthless scoundrels gathered about him and defied Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was soft of heart and could not withstand them.” [4] The devil hits young people with peer pressure to do wrong. The worthless scoundrels in Rehoboam’s youthful life persuaded him to abandon God’s Word. Later, when he was king, he persuaded the people of his country to do the same.

“When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.” [5]

The Lord allowed an enemy nation to come against Rehoboam and his people with the goal that they would turn back to Him. A prophet of the Lord said to Rehoboam and his princes, “Thus says the Lord, ‘You abandoned Me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak.’” [6] This strategy worked. “Then, the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, ‘The Lord is righteous.’ When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the Word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: ‘They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and My wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless, they shall be servants to him, that they may know My service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.’” [7]

Praise the Lord that He does not write people off forever who abandon Him and His Word. He provides for them powerful incentives for them to return to Him. When they return to the Heavenly Father, they find that HE is the Good Shepherd. The Lord leads those who follow Him to a meaningful and good life.

May the Lord continue to bless people with skills and strengths, but also keep us humble before Him. Then, we will truly leave behind a good memory in the hearts of those who knew us. And He, our Father in Heaven, will have been glorified by what we did with our lives.

[1] Ecclesiastes 2:10; 1 Kings 11:3-4
[2] 2 Chronicles 10:4
[3] 2 Chronicles 10:7
[4] 2 Chronicles 13:7
[5] 2 Chronicles 12:1
[6] 2 Chronicles 12:5
[7] 2 Chronicles 12:6-8

Fill This House with Your Glory

“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters, and singers were as ONE, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and PRAISED the LORD, saying: ‘For HE is GOOD, for HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER,’ that the house, the house of the LORD, was FILLED with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the GLORY of the LORD FILLED the HOUSE of GOD.” [1]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please join our hearts together with such who enjoy worshipping You with music and songs, and with praises. Let us be in Your house where Your glory fills the place. In the Name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

[1] 2 Chronicles 5:13-14

Testimony / Testimonio / 見 證 / شَهادَةُ الله

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” [1]

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [2]

[1] 1John 5:11-12 NIV

[2] Galatians 6:14 NIV

“Y el testimonio es este: que Dios nos ha dado vida eterna, y esa vida está en su Hijo. 12 El que tiene al Hijo, tiene la vida; el que no tiene al Hijo de Dios, no tiene la vida.” [1]

“En cuanto a mí, jamás se me ocurra jactarme de otra cosa sino de la cruz de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por quien el mundo ha sido crucificado para mí, y yo para el mundo.” [2]

[1] 1Juan 5:11-12 NVI

[2] Gálatas 6:14 NVI

“ 這 見 證 就 是 神 賜 給 我 們 永 生 ； 這 永 生 也 是 在 他 兒 子 裡 面 。 人 有 了 神 的 兒 子 就 有 生 命 ， 沒 有 神 的 兒 子 就 沒 有 生 命 。[1]

“但 我 斷 不 以 別 的 誇 口 ， 只 誇 我 們 主 耶 穌 基 督 的 十 字 架 ； 因 這 十 字 架 ， 就 我 而 論 ， 世 界 已 經 釘 在 十 字 架 上 ； 就 世 界 而 論 ， 我 已 經 釘 在 十 字 架 上 。” [2]

[1] 約 翰 一 書 5:11-12 CUV

[2] 加 拉 太 書 CUV

وَشَهادَةُ اللهِ هِيَ أنَّهُ قَدْ أعطانا الحَياةَ الأبَدِيَّةَ، وَهَذِهِ الحَياةُ هِيَ فِي ابنِهِ. فَمَنْ لَهُ الإبنُ لَهُ الحَياةُ، وَمَنْ لَيسَ لَهُ ابنُ اللهِ، لَيسَتْ لَهُ حَياةٌ [1]

وَأمّا أنا فَأرجُو أنْ لا أفتَخِرَ إلّا بِصَلِيبِ رَبِّنا يَسُوعَ المَسِيحِ. فَفِيهِ صُلِبَ العالَمُ بِالنِّسْبَةِ لِي، وَأنا صُلِبْتُ بِالنِّسبَةِ لِلعالَمِ. [2]

[1] ﻳﻮﺣﻨﺎ ﺍﻻﻭﻝ 5:11-12
[2] ﻏﻼﻃﻲ 6:14

I LOVE YOU GOD

God, Your love is better than life

I see Your power and glory

I lift up my hands to YOU...

“You, GOD, are MY GOD,

EARNESTLY I SEEK YOU;

I THIRST for YOU,

My WHOLE BEING longs for YOU,

In a dry and parched land

Where there is no water.

I have seen YOU in the sanctuary (the holy place)

And BEHELD YOUR POWER and YOUR GLORY.

Because YOUR LOVE is BETTER THAN LIFE,

My LIPS will GLORIFY YOU.

I will PRAISE YOU as long as I live,

And IN YOUR NAME

I will LIFT UP MY HANDS.”

Psalm 63:1-4

Christ's Power Rests on Who

“I know a man IN CHRIST who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third HEAVEN. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was CAUGHT UP to PARADISE and HEARD INEXPRESSIBLE THINGS that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” [1]

“He (CHRIST) 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.’” [2]

[1] 2 Corinthians 12:2-5
[2] 2 Corinthians 12:9

A Word for the One who Lives to Glorify God

“David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.” [1]

“Day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.” [2]

[1] 1 Chronicles 11:9
[2] 1 Chronicles 12:22

Pleasing Sacrifices to God

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” [1]

Living sacrifices for the Lord! Holy bodies acceptable to God!

The Old Testament standard for sacrificial animals offered to God was unblemished, unmaimed and without sickness.

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” [2]

Not think more highly of ourselves than we should! A holy sacrifice! How?

There are two important words to ponder in Romans 12:1, 3. They are “mercies” and “grace.” God’s mercy and grace! Being sanctified for the Lord’s service is a work of the Holy Spirit. We can bring our body to the altar, but we need the Lord to bring the fire.
John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” [3]

We can pray...

“Create in me a PURE HEART, O God, renew a STEDFAST SPIRIT within me. Do not cast me from Your PRESENCE. Do not take Your HOLY SPIRIT from me. Restore to me the JOY OF Your SALVATION. Grant me a WILLING SPIRIT, to sustain me.” [4]

And be assured that...

“The sacrifices of God are a BROKEN SPIRIT, a broken and a CONTRITE HEART—these, O God, You will not despise.” [5]

“Dear Heavenly Father, we need You to transform us from sinners to saints. We offer ourselves to You. Please bring the fire of Your Holy Spirit afresh upon us and transform us. Make us holy and pleasing sacrifices to You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”

[1] Romans 12:1
[2] Romans 12:3
[3] Matthew 3:11
[4] Psalm 51:10-12
[5] Psalm 51:17

Spiritual Warfare

Let us rely on God’s power to win the information war, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish stronghold.” [1]

Keeping Christ first in our thoughts and conversations: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” [2]

Our weapons include faith in God’s promises, prayer, the testimony of Jesus, His atoning blood, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the blessing of our Father’s abiding presence which gives us a peace that passes all understanding.

[1] 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
[2] 2 Corinthians 10:5

DIVINE DELIVERANCE

When the devil’s agents ridicule and threaten God’s people, it is time to PRAY.

“Hezekiah PRAYED to the Lord: ‘LORD, the GOD of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You ALONE are GOD over all the kingdoms of the earth. YOU have made HEAVEN and EARTH. GIVE EAR, LORD, and HEAR; OPEN YOUR EYES, LORD, and SEE; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to r-i-d-i-c-u-l-e the living GOD. It is true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, DELIVER US from his hand, so that ALL the KINGDOMS of the earth may KNOW that You ALONE, LORD, are GOD.’”

“That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a 185,000 in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king.”

2 Kings 19:15-19, 35-37

Be Reconciled To God

“HE (Christ) died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but FOR HIM who died for them and was raised again. Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the NEW IS HERE!

We IMPLORE you on CHRIST’S behalf: be RECONCILED to GOD.

GOD made HIM (Christ) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that IN HIM we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD.”

2 Corinthians 5:15, 17, 20-21

Elijah, Elisha, Jesus & the Church

I see in Elijah and Elisha a type of Jesus and the Church. When Elisha knew that the Lord was going to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he stuck by his side. [1] This is what the disciples did. They stayed with Jesus until He was taken up into heaven.

When Elijah said to Elisha, “’Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?’

Elisha said, ‘Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’” [2]

When Elijah was taken up to heaven by chariot and horses of fire, Elisha was there. Elijah’s mantle fell to him. He picked it up and immediately was anointed of God to do a miracle. He parted the Jordan River. The sons of the prophets who saw this miracle declared, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” [3] This is what after Jesus ascended to heaven. Ten days after His ascension into heaven the Spirit of Jesus fell on the disciples and on all in the upper room and they were filled and indwelt by His Spirit. This is the day the Christian Church was born – the Day of Pentecost.

Elisha received a double portion of the Spirit of Elijah. If you count the miracles of Elijah, there are seven. If you count the miracles of Elisha, there are fourteen. The last miracle of Elisha happened after he was dead. Men placed a dead man in his tomb, and when the dead man contacted Elisha’s bones, he came back to life. [4]

Jesus said to His disciples before His ascension into heaven, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” [5] The Church has done greater works because after Jesus went to heaven, He gave His Spirit to Christians so that we can continue His ministry here on earth. Miracles have been done by Christians through the centuries since Christ ascended into heaven, and these miracles are continuing until today.

The stops at Bethel, Jericho and Jordan by Elijah on his rapture day have special meaning.

Bethel means “House of God.” Bethel is where the Lord appeared to Abraham, and then later to Jacob.

Jericho is where the walls of a seemingly invincible city collapsed after Joshua and the people of Israel marched around that city for seven days. By the way, Joshua is the Hebrew pronunciation of Jesus, and the name means “the Lord saves.” This story represents the lasts days, when after the seven angels sound their trumpets, the kingdoms of this world will collapse before the Lord.

Jordan is where John the Baptist announced the coming of the Messiah and it is where Jesus was baptized. It is also where the voice of God the Father was heard from heaven declaring that Jesus is His Son, and it is where the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove.

The Bible points to Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. In the end, He wins.

[1] 2 Kings 2:1-6
[2] 2 Kings 2:9
[3] 2 Kings 2:10-15
[4] 2 Kings 13:21
[5] John 14:12

He Raises The Dead

God raises the dead and He can raise you up from whatever situation that you are in that seems beyond resolution.

“Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. So she said to Elijah, ‘What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?’ And he said to her, ‘Give me your son.’ So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying and laid him on his own bed. Then he cried out to the Lord and said, ‘O LORD my GOD, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?’ And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and CRIED OUT to the LORD and said, ‘O LORD MY GOD, I PRAY, let this CHILD’S SOUL COME BACK to HIM.’ Then the LORD HEARD the VOICE of Elijah; and the SOUL of the CHILD CAME BACK to him, and HE REVIVED. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, ‘SEE, YOUR SON LIVES!’ Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now by this I know that you are a man of GOD, and that the WORD of the LORD in your mouth is the TRUTH.’”

1 Kings 18:17-24

Check Your Spiritual Compass

Stay on the right course before God. Do what is good for all involved so that they may be saved. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” [1]

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” [2]

“This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right, and faithful before the Lord his God.” [3]

“For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” [4]

[1] 1 Corinthians 10:12
[2] Psalm 139:23-24
[3] 2 Chronicles 31:20
[4] 1 Corinthians 10:33

Shepherds who Receive the Crown of Glory

The Apostle Peter encourages pastors to care for flocks eagerly. Be examples of what we preach! He tells us that if we do this, we will receive a crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, returns.

“Shepherd the flock of God, which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” [1]

“Lord Jesus, please help us to be shepherds who receive the crown of glory from You.”

[1] 1 Peter 5:2-4

Preaching Christ Crucified

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” [1]

It pleases God by the foolishness of preaching to save souls that believe. [2]

Preach Christ crucified! Christ is the power and wisdom of God to them which are called. [3]

Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. God has chosen base things of the world, and things which are despised, yes, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: so that no flesh should glory in His presence, so that He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. [3]

Yes, Lord Jesus, may it be so in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

[1] 1 Corinthians 1:18
[2] 1 Corinthians 1:21-24
[3] 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 31

Resurrected By the Power of God

“The LORD GAVE David VICTORY wherever he went. David reigned over all Israel, DOING what was JUST and RIGHT for ALL his PEOPLE.” [1]

“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.” [2]

Sunday, Jesus opened the door for me to share God’s Word with seventy-seven men at a ministry for homeless and destitute men. The Spirit led me to emphasize resurrection by the power of God. At the moment of death, we are at our most helpless and vulnerable state. We can do nothing for ourselves. We must transfer all our faith to the POWER OF GOD.

The Spirit led me to ask the men, “Why don’t we rely on the power of God all the time? Let us continuously ask GOD to raise us up with HIS POWER. No matter how bad our circumstances are, even if we are dying, GOD has the POWER to GIVE us VICTORY. The LORD delights in those who TRUST in Him.” He works through believing believers.

By GOD’s POWER we can do what is JUST and RIGHT for ALL people. David, in the Bible, lived by faith in GOD. More than that he lived a life of praising and thanking GOD. He knew that His help was in the NAME of the LORD. GOD gave him the POWER to do what was JUST and RIGHT for ALL people.

We believe that GOD raises us the perishable. GOD glorifies the dishonored who TRUST in HIM. GOD resurrects the dead by HIS POWER. GOD GIVES the VICTORY. HE empowers us to do JUST and RIGHT for ALL people. Amen? GLORY to GOD!

[1] 2 Samuel 8:6, 14-15
[2] 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ

Faking suffering for Christ’s sake while pursuing selfish perks is wrong.

“A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’” [1]

Rejoicing to suffer for Christ’s sake is right.

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” [2]

Let’s serve Christ. Let’s turn this world right-side up! Souls hang in the balance.

[1] Acts 5:1-4
[2] Acts 5:41-42

Live Under God’s Grace

“Count yourselves dead to sin

And ALIVE to GOD in Christ JESUS.

Do not let sin reign in your mortal body

So that you obey its evil desires.

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin

As an instrument of wickedness,

But rather OFFER YOURSELVES to GOD

As those who have been brought from death to LIFE;

OFFER every part of YOURSELF to HIM

As an INSTRUMENT of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

For sin shall no longer be your master,

Because you are not under the law,

You are UNDER GRACE.”

Romans 6:11-14

GOD IMPUTES RIGHTEOUSNESS to BELIEVERS in CHRIST

“For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham BELIEVED GOD, and it [his faith] was accounted to him for RIGHTEOUSNESS.’ Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but BELIEVES on HIM who JUSTIFIES the ungodly, His FAITH is ACCOUNTED for RIGHTEOUSNESS.

BLESSED is the one to whom the LORD shall NOT IMPUTE SIN.

Now it was not written for his [Abraham’s] sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It [RIGHTEOUSNESS] shall be IMPUTED to us, who BELIEVE in HIM who raised up JESUS our LORD from the dead, who was delivered up because of OUR OFFENCES, and was raised because of OUR JUSTIFICATION.” [1]

Hallelujah! Salvation is guaranteed to BELIEVERS in CHRIST. HIS righteousness is imputed to us by GOD. JESUS CHRIST is the LAMB of GOD who takes away the sin of the world.

[1] Romans 4:3-5, 8, 23-25

Being Righteous in God’s Sight

“…BY the DEEDS of the law

NO FLESH will be JUSTIFIED in His sight,

For BY the LAW is the KNOWLEDGE of SIN.

…NOW the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God

APART FROM the LAW is REVEALED,

Being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

Even the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God,

THRU FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST,

TO all and on ALL WHO BELIEVE.

For there is no difference;

For ALL HAVE SINNED

And FALL SHORT of the GLORY of GOD,

Being JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE…

Thru the REDEMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS,

Whom GOD SET FORTH

As A PROPITIATION (an atoning sacrifice)

By HIS BLOOD,

Thru FAITH, to demonstrate HIS righteousness,

Because in HIS FORBEARANCE

GOD had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

To demonstrate at the present time HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS,

That HE might BE JUST

And THE JUSTIFIER of THE ONE

Who HAS FAITH in JESUS.”

[1]

How to be righteous in God’s sight…

BELIEVE in the LORD JESUS CHRIST

And YOU SHALL BE

RIGHTEOUS in GOD’s SIGHT

[1] Romans 3:20-26

Honoring God

“No one is holy like the LORD, for there is none besides YOU, nor is there any ROCK like our GOD.

Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the GOD of KNOWLEDGE; and by HIM actions are weighed.

The LORD kills and MAKES ALIVE; He brings down to the grave and BRINGS UP.

The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and LIFTS UP.

HE RAISES THE POOR from the dust and LIFTS the beggar from the ash heap, to SET THEM AMONG PRINCES and make them INHERIT the throne of GLORY.

“…the LORD SAYS: ‘…THOSE WHO HONOR ME I WILL HONOR, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” [1]

[1] 1 Samuel 2:2-3, 6-8, 30

JESUS, YOU are WONDERFUL!

YOU set us free when we were held captive by the devil.

YOU cleansed us from sin.

YOU renewed us with Your Spirit.

YOU give us love.

“CREATE in me a CLEAN HEART, O GOD,

And RENEW a STEADFAST SPIRIT within me.

Do not cast me away from YOUR PRESENCE,

And do not take Your HOLY SPIRIT from me.

RESTORE to me the JOY of Your SALVATION,

And UPHOLD me by Your GENEROUS SPIRIT.

Then I will TEACH transgressors YOUR WAYS,

And SINNERS shall be CONVERTED to YOU.”

Psalm 51:10-13

Christ Is Risen Indeed

“God raised Him (JESUS) from the dead. He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.” [1]

“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him (JESUS) everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” [2]

“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” [3]

“Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” [4]

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” [5]

[1] Acts 13:30-31

[2] Acts 13:38-39 

[3] Acts 13:52 

[4] Psalm 29:1-2 

[5] Psalm 30:5, 11-12

Jesus Christ fulfilled Old Testament Prophecy

“Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” [1]

“Then He [JESUS] said to them, ‘...all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’” [2]

[1] Joshua 21:45
[2] Luke 24:44-47

Grateful for God’s Servants

The twelve apostles had the followings advice for Christians when the number of disciples began to multiply. They said, “Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” [1]

I am grateful to God for people of good reputation who are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives people wisdom. I have had the privilege to serve alongside such people. In each case, I saw the Word of God spread, the number of disciples multiplied.

“Then the Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” [2]

“Lord Jesus, thank You for creating people of good reputation by Your Spirit and bestowing on them the wisdom to serve You well. Thank You for spiritual leaders who are obedient to the faith. I am grateful for them and praise You for them.”

[1] Acts 6:3
[2] Acts 6:7

JESUS MESSIAH SAVIOR of the WORLD

“The woman said to Him (JESUS), ‘I know that MESSIAH is coming’ (who is called CHRIST). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified…

And many more believed because of His own word.

Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.’” [1]

Oh, that every individual and village would come to the conviction that Jesus is Messiah Savior of the world.

[1] John 4:25-26, 39, 41-42

Not One Stone Left Upon Another

“Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, ‘These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.’ So they asked Him, saying, ‘Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?’” [1]

Below are signs that Jesus described in regards to the last days of the temple’s standing:

“You will be brought before kings and rulers for MY NAME’S SAKE. But it will turn out for you as an OCCASION for TESTIMONY. Therefore, settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I WILL GIVE YOU a MOUTH and WISDOM which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.” [2]

There will be opportunities for them to witness for the Name of Jesus before kings and rulers. He will give them wisdom that their enemies will not be able to resist. This prophecy was fulfilled in Stephen. He spoke with wisdom that the advocates for temple worship could not resist. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.” [3]

Stephen offended the leaders of the organized religion by saying of the temple in which they trusted, “The Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?’ [4]

Stephen was stoned by the religious leaders in 36 AD. Thirty-four years later, the Romans destroyed the temple. They tore it down stone by stone. The early church was not about temples made with human hands. The early church was about a people transformed into the likeness of Christ by the indwelling Holy Spirit presence of God in their lives.

Hatred of Christ and His followers was a sign that the temple was soon to be destroyed. God’s preservation of their souls via the gift of patience, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, was a sign of the time.

“You will be hated by all for MY NAME’S SAKE. But NOT A HAIR of your head shall be lost. By your PATIENCE possess your souls.” [5]

“There will be… distress of nations, with perplexity… men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the SON of MAN coming in a cloud with POWER and GREAT GLORY. Now when these things begin to happen, LOOK UP and LIFT UP your heads, because your REDEMPTION draws near.” [7]

Many worldly people will be overwhelmed to the point of dying from fear. There will be a shake up in the heavenly realms. Then, Jesus will return with power and great glory. This is the time for believers to look up because the day of their redemption has come. Redemption means Christ will receive and reward those who trusted in Him for salvation.

Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. WATCH therefore, and PRAY ALWAYS that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to STAND BEFORE the SON of MAN.” [7]

Another sign of the last days before the Lord returns is the drift of humanity into carousing and drunkenness. People will be more focused on the here and now pleasures, than on the then and eternal blessings of God. Jesus warned us of an unexpected return. It will spring like a trap on those who defied and denied Him. He urges us His followers to keep watch like a watchman who protects the lives of those under his or her care. He urges us to pray always that we will be counted worthy to escape the evil of the last days and to stand before Him.

[1] Luke 21:5-7
[2] Luke 21:12-15
[3] Acts 6:10
[4] Acts 7:48-50
[5] Luke 21:17-19
[6] Luke 21:25-28
[7] Luke 21:34-36

Ready For The Last Day

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

[So, what should you do in lieu of this?]

Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” [1]

The people in days of Noah and Lot abandoned God to serve themselves. They were violent. They were prone to kill those who stood between them and their lust.

Noah humbly obeyed God. While the people of his generation were pleasing themselves, he worked for the Lord.

Lot urged his sons-in-law to get out of Sodom because angels of God told him that the city was about to be destroyed. His sons-in-laws mocked him, but he still obeyed God. He turned his back on Sodom and did not look back.

Noah and Lot stayed with God even when their generation abandoned Him.

Jesus advised us to lose our lives in this world so as to gain our lives in the next. He urged us to obey God always.

The Bible ends with these words: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [2]

“Yes Lord, just as Noah and Lot were saved and kept by Your grace, please be gracious to us. We rely on You and not ourselves for salvation. In Your Name Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Luke 17:26-30, 33
[2] Revelation 22:21

Repentance Pleases God

“I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” [1]

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” [2]

“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart – these, O God, You will not despise.” [3]

May the Lord give us grace to repent of sin and rely on Him to live right.

[1] Luke 15:10
[2] Proverbs 4:23
[3] Psalm 51:16-17

The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

“Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” [1]

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” [2]

“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.

Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.

Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.” [3]

[1] Psalm 31:23-24
[2] Psalm 32:11
[3] Psalm 33:1-3, 12, 20-22

The Unique Way of Godliness

“Do not let your heart envy sinners but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.” [1]

“Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” [2]

[1] Proverbs 23:17-18
[2] Luke 6:20, 24-28, 32, 36

Let Everyone Proclaim the Gospel

The first to hear the good news of Christ’s resurrection and to proclaim it to others were women. How fitting since Eve, the mother of all people, was the first to eat of the forbidden fruit. Women can preach the Gospel.

The Lord is gracious. He is forgiving.

“The [the angel] said to them [Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome], “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.’” [1]

“And they [the eleven disciples] went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” [2]

Jesus Christ is risen from dead. He promised that whosoever believes in Him shall also resurrect from the dead to be with God. This is news that is worthy of being published and proclaimed to everyone. [3]

The Lord works with whosoever believes and preaches His message by confirming the proclamation with signs of divine affirmation.

[1] Mark 16:1, 6-7
[2] Mark 16:20
[3] John 11:25; 14:6

Pain Replaced By God's Favor

“Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh; because he said: God made me forget all my painful work in my father's house. And he called the name of his second son, Ephraim; for he said, God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” [1]

Joseph experienced God’s favor, so much so that he gave his sons names to reflect his gratitude towards God. His own brothers betrayed him and made him suffer greatly. But God turned what was meant for evil into a blessing for Joseph. God’s blessing during the latter days of Joseph’s life far outweighed the pain and afflictions that came to him from his family when he was young.

Brothers and Sisters, trust in the Lord. Keep serving Him. Keep loving Him. The Lord will turn the tide on evil one’s work to destroy you. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” [2] “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” [3]

Jesus wants us to enjoy God’s blessings. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” [4]

[1] Genesis 41:51-52
[2] 1 John 3:8
[3] Romans 8:28
[4] John 10:10

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Jesus taught His disciples the following in regards to the wealthy religious leaders of their time: “They (the self-centered religious leaders) bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. All their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their [prayer] garments. They love the finest rooms at feasts, and the highest seats in gathering places. [They love] greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi [honorable names]. But be not called Rabbi: for ONE is your MASTER, even CHRIST; and ALL you ARE BROTHERS. And call no man your father upon the earth: for ONE is your FATHER, which is in heaven. Neither be called masters: for ONE is your MASTER, even CHRIST. But he that is greatest among you shall be your SERVANT. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” [1]

To follow Christ and to lead others to do the same is to be a servant leader. To follow Christ is to embody the ministry of God’s undeserved grace and sacrificial love to the world. This is what the ancient prophets did, they actually embodied God’s love for sinners.

[1] Matthew 23:4-12

Peace Not Strife

There is so much strife in our world and so little peace. Let us look to the Word of God to strengthen our resolve to be peacemakers. Our Lord Jesus said. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” [1]

JACOB

Jacob was born into strife. The Lord told his mother (Rebekah) before Jacob was born that his older brother (Esau) would serve him. [2] While Rebekah supported Jacob in his leadership calling; his father, Isaac, preferred Esau. By no means, did Esau want to serve Jacob. He planned to kill him after their father died.

Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, kindled more strife in his life. Laban gave Jacob his older daughter, Leah, in marriage after Jacob worked seven years for Laban’s younger daughter Rachel. After that, Laban made Jacob work an additional seven years to marry Rachel. Thus, Jacob had two sisters for wives. They both strove to be the most-loved wife of Jacob by bearing children for him. They even gave their servant girls to Jacob so he could have children by them.

The children of Leah and her servant hated Rachel’s son Joseph. Jealousy drove them to sell Joseph to human traffickers.

The good news in Jacob’s story for us is that God can glorify His name through us even if we grew up in a home full of strife. God can still accomplish His purposes for us in spite of us and in spite our backgrounds by His Spirit.

SOLOMON

By the inspiration of God, Solomon wrote: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” [3] “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” [4] “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” [5] “Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.” [6] “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” [7] “He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.” [8] “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.” [9] “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” [10] “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” [11] “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [12] “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” [13]

THE APOSTLE PAUL

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” [14] “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [15] “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” [16] “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [17] “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” [18] “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” [19] “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” [20]

JAMES THE BROTHER OF JESUS

According to James the Brother of Jesus, selfish desires of the flesh are the roots from which wars spring up: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” [21] “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” [22] “Be at peace among yourselves.” [23] “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” [24] “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” [25]

THE APOSTLE PETER

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” [26]

THE PROPHETIC LAMENT FOR LACK OF PEACE

David lamented, “My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” [27] Jeremiah lamented, “Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me.” [28] Jeremiah’s deep love for people set him at odds with them because they were opposing God.

QUOTE FROM “The Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis”

“Peace is ever with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and continual wroth (anger).”

PRAYER

“Heavenly Father, You gave up Your Son to save us from perishing. Lord Jesus Christ, You died to remove our sins to make way for the Holy Spirit to live in us. Holy Spirit, You who live in us, empower us to live at peace with one another for the glory of God. In Jesus’ I pray. Amen.”

[1] Matthew 5:9
[2] Genesis 25:23
[3] Proverbs 10:12
[4] Proverbs 15:18
[5] Proverbs 16:28
[6] Proverbs 17:1
[7] Proverbs 17:14
[8] Proverbs 17:19
[9] Proverbs 22:10
[10] Proverbs 26:20
[11] Proverbs 26:21
[12] Proverbs 28:25
[13] Proverbs 29:22
[14] Romans 12:18
[15] Romans 14:17
[16] Romans 14:19
[17] Romans 15:13
[18] Romans 15:33
[19] Romans 16:20
[20] 1 Corinthians 14:33
[21] Colossians 3:15
[22] 1Thessalonians 5:13
[23] 1Timothy 2:1-2
[24] Hebrews 12:14
[25] James 4:1
[26] 2 Peter 3:13-14
[27] Psalm 120:6-7
[28] Jeremiah 15:10

Stay In The Narrow Way

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.” [1]

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [2]

“Lord Jesus, please forgive us for the times we chose the broad way. Please graciously keep us on the narrow path that leads to eternal life.”

[1] Matthew 7:13-14
[2] 1 Peter 2:1-3

An Anchor for Our Soul

“It is impossible for God to lie. So we flee for refuge to God. We have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have a sure and steadfast anchor for our soul, because we know that He gave His Son for us.” [1]

Our hope is an anchor for our soul, firm and secure. Our anchor reaches not to the bottom of the sea but to Christ who loves us and gave His life for us. Christ conquered death. He lives! He intercedes for us.

“We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”

We have an anchor! We have hope! We have stability in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are grounded firmly in the Savior’s love.

[1] Paraphrase of Hebrews 6:18-19

What Faith in Christ Looks Like

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation; and uphold me with Your free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways; and sinners shall be converted unto You.” [1]

What does a clean heart, a Holy Spirit-life look like?

A clean heart, a Holy Spirit-life believes God’s Word and acts on it.

“And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of cerebral palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their FAITH said unto the sick of the palsy; ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’ And he arose, and departed to his house.” [2]

“She said within herself, ‘If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.’ But Jesus turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, ‘Daughter, be of good comfort; your FAITH has made you whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.’” [3]

“And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus said unto them, ‘Believe that I am able to do this?’ They said unto Him, ‘Yea, Lord.’ Then touched He their eyes, saying, ‘According to your FAITH be it unto you.’ And their eyes were opened.” [4]

“And He (God) brought him (Abraham) forth abroad, and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if you be able to number them:’ and he said unto him, ‘So shall your seed be. And he (Abraham) BELIEVED in the Lord; and He (God) counted it to him (Abraham) for righteousness.” [5]

FAITH receives God and Christ His Son, and all HE has done and would do for us.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” [6]

FAITH means to transfer all one’s confidence from self to GOD and to His SON JESUS CHRIST. God honors such FAITH.

[1] Psalm 51:10-12
[2] Matthew 9:2, 7
[3] Matthew 9:21-22
[4] Matthew 9:28-30
[5] Genesis 15:5-6
[6] Psalm 51:17

Your Heavenly Father shall Provide for You

“Why are you cast down O my soul and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [1]

God is the health our blessed facial expressions.


“…If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat, or what shall we drink or, wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [2]

The Heavenly Father promises to meet our earthly needs. Therefore, we are free to focus on His Kingdom and His righteousness.

[1] Psalm 42:11
[2] Matthew 6:30-34

Guided Down Good Paths by God

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” [1]

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” [2]

“Lord Jesus, I respect You as Him through whom all things exist and hold together. You are the only one that can bring me into the King Heaven. Please do guide me in Your paths all my days. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Psalm 23:1, 3
[2] Proverbs 4:18, 26-27