Renewing Our Relationship With God

“They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would that land not be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return to Me, says the Lord.” [1]

What happened to devotion?

God’s people were all over the map in regards to their beliefs. He compared them to a “harlot with many lovers.” He points out that He would suffer pollution to take them back. “Yet return to Me.” He loves them so much that He is willing to embrace them once again.

“Therefore, the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth? [2]

Their behavior towards the Creator negatively affected creation. As goes their relationship with God so goes their circumstances – dry. Despite their unfaithfulness, He urged them to cry out to Him. Cry, “My Father.” Appreciate His guidance! He is the faithful lover of their souls.

“’Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” [3]

Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord proclaims that He is still married to them. He offers them incentives. If they return to Him, He will give them shepherds who have His heart. These shepherds will feed them with knowledge and understanding of Him.

God urges them, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.”

They reply, “Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God.” [4]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for remaining faithful to us despite our failures towards You. Please do feed us with knowledge and understanding of You. We do not want You to suffer in this relationship. Thank You for giving us shepherds who have Your heart. Thank You for teaching us to love You even as You love us. In the Name of Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.”

[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:14-15
[4] Jeremiah 3:22

You Are Deeply Loved By God!

“They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would that land not be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return to Me, says the Lord.” [1]

What happened to devotion?

God’s people were all over the map in regards to their beliefs. He compared them to a “harlot with many lovers.” He points out that He would suffer pollution to take them back. “Yet return to Me.” He loves them so much that He is willing to embrace them once again.

“Therefore, the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth? [2]

Their behavior towards the Creator negatively affected creation. As goes their relationship with God so goes their circumstances – dry. Despite their unfaithfulness, He urged them to cry out to Him. Cry, “My Father.” Appreciate His guidance! He is the faithful lover of their souls.

“’Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” [3]

Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord proclaims that He is still married to them. He offers them incentives. If they return to Him, He will give them shepherds who have His heart. These shepherds will feed them with knowledge and understanding of Him.

God urges them, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.”

They reply, “Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God.” [4]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for remaining faithful to us despite our failures towards You. Please do feed us with knowledge and understanding of You. We do not want You to suffer in this relationship. Thank You for giving us shepherds who have Your heart. Thank You for teaching us to love You even as You love us. In the Name of Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.”

[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:14-15
[4] Jeremiah 3:22

Time To Forgive

Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus responded, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” [1]

Have you ever had to forgive someone seventy times seven times? How many times has God forgiven you?

Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving those who sin against us by telling a story of a man, his wife, and his children. They were about to be sold into slavery because the husband had not repaid his debt to the king.

The man said to his king, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” [2] The man owed the king ten thousand talents. Ten thousand talents is two hundred thousand years of labor! It is sixty million working days. In modern money, it is $3.48 billion. It is 375 tons of gold. [3]

This man could never repay his debt. Surprisingly, the king had compassion on him, released him and forgave him. [4]

Here, the king represents God. Our Heavenly Father sent His Beloved and innocent Son into the world to be a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus Christ paid off a debt we could never repay in a lifetime. He cancelled it completely. What’s more, God adopted us into His family. Such immeasurable grace!

However, the forgiven servant took God’s grace lightly. He had a fellow servant imprisoned for owing him a debt of one hundred denarii. One hundred denarii is about four month’s wages. In US dollars it is worth about $5,800. $5,800 is a significant sum of money. It should have been repaid, but compared to the great debt the creditor was forgiven by his king, it was small. The forgiven servant did not forgive his fellow servant. Though he begged for patience, he had him thrown in prison. [5]

Have we ever locked anyone up for a debt they owe us? Stopped communicating with them? Given them distance rather than closeness? If so, how has our action hurt them? How has our action hurt us?

The man’s action grieved his fellow servants. They reported his misbehavior back to the king. The king confronted him saying, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” [6] The king handed the man over to torturers.

Our forgiveness of others is important to God. He said, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” [7]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for forgiving our sins. Please forgive us for locking up fellow servants for debts they owe us. Please move our hearts with compassion to forgive them as freely as You forgave us. This we pray in the Name of Jesus Your Son. Amen.”

[1] Matthew 18:21-22
[2] Matthew 18:26
[3] rheaheraldnews
[4] Matthew 18:27
[5] Matthew 18:28-30
[6] Matthew 18:32-33
[7] Matthew 18:35

Building

“They shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.” [1]

Who are the “they” in the above Bible verse? They are the people who have been touched and changed by the ministry of the Messiah. The Spirit of the Lord anointed our Lord Jesus to preach good news to poverty-stricken souls. As a result, they now have beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and garments of praise instead of spirits of despair. [2]

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [3]

Peter had just declared of Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [4]

We confess Jesus as Lord to rebuild what sin has ruined. Our Lord Jesus is the One who repairs what is broken. The gates of Hades cannot prevail against the Church that confesses Christ in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus holds the keys to lock evil up and to loose goodness. He holds the keys to enslave poverty and set prosperity free. He shares these keys to those who proclaim Him.

But wait, the victory involves self-denial. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [5] The intent of rebuilders, repairers and kingdom advancers is to save others. We cannot serve the Selfless One with selfish motives. Messiah took up His cross and so must we. Advancements spring forth as we, like Jesus, lay down our lives for the eternal salvation of others. We must trust that self-denial works because God blesses it.

“For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [6]

The Lord God causes righteousness and praise to spring forth before ALL NATIONS. He makes the seed that appears to have died to produce an abundant harvest. That seed is Christ and all who follow Him.

“Dear God, Heavenly Father, so much is broken today, please anoint us to preach Your Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. Please graciously, continue to release the revelation of Your Son upon this dark world so that the restoration of joy and praise springs forth. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Isaiah 61:4
[2] Refer to Isaiah 61:1-2
[3] Matthew 16:18-19
[4] Matthew 16:16
[5] Matthew 16:24
[6] Isaiah 61:11

Honoring The Lord’s Name

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” [1]

The Israelites had recently come out of Egypt where the ruler there said to Moses, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?” [2]

Pharaoh did not revere the name of God. Although mighty in the eyes of many, he was a pawn of the devil to incite people to despise God their Creator.

Let us honor the Name of God because He alone is God. He alone provides for us and protects us. He alone gives us eternal life. To believe anything else is to believe a lie and become a part in the rebellion of Pharaoh... the ruler who took the honor that belongs to God unto himself. He was, in fact, competing with God just as the devil does.

“Therefore I poured out My fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it.” [3]

Yesterday, as Mr. Jim Johnson taught Sunday school from the above passage, the Lord revealed to me the connection between idolatry and bloodshed. God equates idol worship with demon worship. [4] Demons create a culture of death. Demons want to see human blood shed whether it is imaginary on a TV show, video game or in real life. Demons want to kill, steal, and destroy human life.

Demons want to destroy life. God, on the other hand, creates a culture of life. Human life is sacred. We are made in the image of God.

You are made in God’s image, and He loves you, and wants to preserve you.

“For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” [5]

The answer for our sin problem... that part of us that wants to be independent and rebellious against God... is God. Only God cleanse our heart from sin. Only God can change a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. Only God the Father, in Christ Jesus, gives us His Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit conversion is the answer to overcome the power of demons who want to harden our hearts against God.

Let us honor the Name of our Lord Jesus because God assures us: “That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow... and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [6] 

[1] Exodus 20:7
[2] Exodus 5:2
[3] Ezekiel 36:18
[4] 1 Corinthians 10:19-20
[5] Ezekiel 36:24-27
[6] Philippians 2:10-11

Eternity

“Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.’ He answered and said to them, ‘He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seeds are the sons of the kingdom. The tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age. The reapers are the angels.

As the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels. They will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, they will remove those who practice lawlessness. They will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’” [1]

“‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had and bought it.

The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.’

Jesus said to them, ‘Have you understood all these things?’” [2]

Have you understood how much you need Jesus Christ? Only Jesus Christ can sow good seed into your life. Only He can remove your offensive and lawless ways.

If you embrace Jesus…
If you allow Him to transform you…
The holy angels will regard you as treasure.
If you disregard Jesus… If you refuse Him…
The angels will regard you as trash.
Your eternal future depends on what you do with Jesus!

Jesus is the treasure.
Jesus is the pearl of great price.
Jesus is the One that makes bad fish into good fish.

Eternity is a long time. Do not wait! Give your life to Jesus today!

[1] Matthew 13:36-43
[2] Matthew 13:44-51

Jesus Messiah Lamb of God

“He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” [1]

Jesus Messiah – You did not come to impress, but to love.

“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” [2]

Jesus Messiah – You did not come to impress, but to relate. Please forgive us for the treatment You received.

“Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” [3]

Jesus Messiah – Thank You for listening. Thank You for caring. Thank You for walking with us when others fled. Please forgive us for the times we have been silent when Your Name was dishonored. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to glorify You.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” [4]

Jesus Messiah – Thank You for taking wounds and a bruising for our sakes. Thank You for taking the punishment that we deserved. Thank You for giving us peace and healing when what we did caused You pain.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [5]

Jesus Messiah – Thank You for Your faithfulness. Please forgive us for wandering from You. Thank You for removing our sin and shame.

“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” [6]

Jesus Messiah – Thank You Lord Jesus for becoming a Lamb for straying sheep. Thank You for delighting to do the Father’s will, even when His will was to give Your life as a ransom for our souls. Please help us dear Lord to follow You. Please fill us with Your love for people so that they can see Your life in us. Praise, glory, blessing, and honor be unto You alone!

[1] Isaiah 53:2
[2] Isaiah 53:3
[3] Isaiah 53:4
[4] Isaiah 53:5
[5] Isaiah 53:6
[6] Isaiah 53:7

Our God Reigns

This morning, I opened my Bible to…

“The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” [1]

The Lord’s joy dispels sorrow as light dispels darkness.

“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? And you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? [2]

Fear not what oppressors do. God is greater! He removes the lids they have placed on us.

“I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand…” [3]

God has given us His Word and divine presence. We are in His hands.

“Thus says your Lord, the Lord, and your God, who pleads the cause of His people: ‘See, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to you, ‘lie down, that we may walk over you.’” [4]

The Lord turns the tables on oppression.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” [5]

OUR GOD REIGNS. GOOD NEWS REIGNS!

“The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” [6]

No one can keep God in a box. His salvation is happening everywhere!

“For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” [7]

He is our victory!

“Behold, My Servant [Jesus Christ] shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men; so shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider.” [8]

Our Great God conquered the powers of darkness and sin through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through a Lamb who was slain! Through a Son who has risen from the grave! He is exalted! He is extolled! He is higher than any other! Our God reigns! Hallelujah!

[1] Isaiah 51:11
[2] Isaiah 51:12-13
[3] Isaiah 51:16
[4] Isaiah 51:22-23
[5] Isaiah 52:7
[6] Isaiah 52:10
[7] Isaiah 52:12
[8] Isaiah 52:13-15

Yes, Our Lord Is Able

“I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.” [1]

I am glad that the Lord thinks upon us. There are many aspects to our lives. We may do well in some areas and be poor and needy in other areas. I praise the Lord for helping and delivering us in a timely fashion.

The Lord says, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” [2]

A Roman Centurion had successfully guided his hundred soldiers to victory after victory. He was wealthy and generous, but he could not heal his servant… the servant whom he highly valued. What did he do? He looked to Jesus. Our Lord Jesus healed that servant that very hour… “Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.’” [3]

Peter and Andrew, James and John were professional seamen. They had spent much of their early adult years navigating boats through stormy seas. Suddenly, a storm struck that they could not overcome. At that moment, they were poor and needy. They cried out to Jesus. They were astonished at what the Lord can do. “So the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” [4]

My dear friends, I thank our Lord Jesus in advance, because no matter what situation arises in our lives, He is able and willing to help us. Glory and honor be unto Him!

[1] Psalm 40:17
[2] Isaiah 45:22
[3] Matthew 8:13
[4] Matthew 8:27

Declaration of Praise to our God!

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” [1]

It is a miracle! It is amazing grace! When God, the Creator of the universe, leads anyone of us to acknowledge our sin before Him, moves us to ask His forgiveness, and then, indeed, blots out our transgressions and remembers our sins no more. Thank You Heavenly Father that through Jesus Your Son, You have given us a clean slate… purged our record.

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” [2]

God’s forgiveness and grace initiates a new beginning for us. Roads suddenly appear where once there was only dead ends. Rivers flow where once there was only unquenched thirst.

“Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” [3]

When God brings forth a new beginning, no one reverses it.

“Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life.” [4]

GOD is love. HE did something right. HE did something good. HE counted us precious. HE honored us. HE loved us. HE inspired people to treat us favorably.

“This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.” [5]

“Praise You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for Your continued goodness, kindness, love and favor. We praise YOU!”

[1] Isaiah 43:25
[2] Isaiah 43:19
[3] Isaiah 43:13
[4] Isaiah 43:4
[5] Isaiah 43:21

Moving Forward With Divine Power

“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench.

He will bring forth justice for truth.
He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.

To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.” [1]

The Messiah accomplishes justice. He opens blind eyes and sets prisoners free. His ministry in our lives brings forth breakthroughs that we could never accomplish without Him.

We do not need to perform for people as though Messiah needs our help to bring about the justice. For example, Jesus said, “Do not do your charitable deeds before men... When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites… to be seen by men… When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites… to appear to men to be fasting…” We do not need to worry about lack of provisions when pursuing God’s kingdom and His righteousness. “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” [2]

Our Heavenly Father knows what we need. He provides. Our Lord Jesus Christ urges us to stay focused on God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and to let God take care of the rest. Our part is to trust in His promises and act accordingly.

“Thank You Lord Jesus for Your steady calm approach to justice. You moved forward with divine power, and so do we as we rely on You!”

[1] Isaiah 42:1-4, 7
[2] Matthew 6:1, 5, 16, 19-20, 24, 31-33

Seeing God

On the morning of June 10, 1973, I awoke from sleep. It was Sunday morning. I told my older brother that I had a dream. I heard a choir singing the words of Psalm 51:10-12. I saw a bright light. He responded, “Write it down and see what happens.”

Later that afternoon, my father died in a manner of minutes from a heart attack. I was on my knees next to him, begging him not to die. I was 13 years old.

As I reflect back on that day, I thank my Heavenly Father because He knew that I could not hold up under the burden of my guilt and my grief. He provided pre-trial guidance for me…

“Create in me a clean heart, O God”
(God did create a new heart in me)

“Renew a steadfast spirit within me”
(His Spirit was working on me)

“Do not cast me away from Your presence”
(The Lord never left me. He did not forsake me.) 

“Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
(The Holy Spirit has helped me throughout my life.)

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,”
(Joy - because Christ paid for my salvation on the cross.
Joy - My father believed in Jesus. I shall see him again.)

Though I did not hear the angelic choir sing verse 13 of Psalm 51, I add it here:

“Uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
(The Holy Spirit does help me in generous fashion.)

“Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,”
(The Holy Spirit points transgressors to Jesus.)

“Sinners shall be converted to You.”
(The Gospel of Jesus Christ converts sinners.)

Jesus taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Ask the Lord to forgive your sins and create in you a new heart. Once He does, you will see the many ways in which He is working in your life. You will sense His presence with you.

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’” [1]

No one compelled Jesus to be baptized. He came to John of His own choice.

How ironic! Jesus had no sin. John did. John needed the Spirit-and-fire baptism Jesus gives.

“But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.” [2]

Sometimes we take lightly one or two steps in the process of following the Lord. Surely, we can fudge a little, right? Well, consider the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The one thought a house on the beach was okay. What happened to his house? “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Water baptism was another important step in the overall mission of Jesus to identify with fallen and sinful man. His final step in the mission to identify with sinners was at the cross.

Jesus identified Himself with sinners. He did this in His birth, His upbringing, and His death. Therefore, John the Baptist allowed Jesus to stand in the place of sinful man. He baptized Him.

Isaiah wrote of the Messiah, “He was numbered with the transgressors, He bore the sin of many, He made intercession for the transgressors.” [3]

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” [4] Jesus’ baptism was a righteous identification with sinners, motivated by love. This act pleased His Heavenly Father.

“The heavens were opened to Him.” The Father, Son and Holy Spirit open heaven for us. “The Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted upon Him.” Jesus began His ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. We should do likewise.

God the Father said of Jesus, “In whom I am well pleased.” To “well-please” our Heavenly Father, we need to be like Jesus in His love for sinners.

[1] Matthew 3:14
[2] Matthew 3:15
[3] Isaiah 53:12
[4] Matthew 3:16-17

You’re Invited to a Marriage Feast

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

The great harlot refers to Babylon. Babylon refers to the devil’s kingdom that sought to displace and replace God’s kingdom.

A great multitude says with a loud voice, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” [2]

Then, an angel spoke to John and said, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” [3]

John fell at the angel’s feet to worship him, but the angel said to him, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” [4]

The message of all messages is the testimony of Jesus. The Gospel of Christ is the prophecy flowing with divine grace. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him. [5]

Are you ready? The marriage feast is planned. The Holy Spirit is inviting you today. Have you responded? If not, don’t wait, receive Christ and all that He has done for your salvation.

[1] Revelation 19:1-2
[2] Revelation 19:6-7
[3] Revelation 19:9
[4] Revelation 19:10
[5] John 14:6

My Two Witnesses

“I will grant authority to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” [1]

The word prophesy literally means to speak for someone. These two speak for God. They do so in sackcloth. Sackcloth is worn as a sign of mourning or repentance.

The symbolism of sackcloth reminds us of the importance of repentance. Without repentance (asking God to forgive our sins and change our hearts) people are blindsided by divine judgment when it comes.

They exhibit the signs of Elijah “power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying” and of Moses “power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.” [2]

Elijah prophesied against idolatry among the people of Israel. He challenged false prophets to a dual and defeated them by leaning on the power of God.

Moses prophesied against Pharaoh of Egypt. He delivered slaves from their slaveholders.

Both prophets revealed to cruel authorities that God was God, and they were not.

When earthly authorities horribly mistreat people, Christ anoints His Church to indict them and call them to repentance and to submission to God and His Word.

Moses represents God’s Word and Elijah represents the Spirit of the Lord. These two figures also appeared at the transfiguration of Jesus. The Christian Church has these two witnesses. When the Word and the Holy Spirit is operating in the Church, the Church is operating as Christ’s prophet in the world.

The Lord Jesus gives authority to His Church to speak for Him.

Like Jesus, they both suffer a setback. Jesus was crucified. These witnesses are killed by the beast. Both Jesus and they experience death. Jesus for three days. They for three and half days. Like Jesus, they resurrect from the dead. Like Jesus, they ascend to heaven while people watch.

“When they have finished their testimony,” the beast kills them. Their dead bodies lie in the street where their Lord was crucified for three and a half days. SOME peoples from the nations gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be entombed. People rejoice, make merriment and exchange gifts because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. But three and a half days later, God breathes into them, and they stand up on their feet. Great fear falls on those who see this happen. Then, the Lord calls them up to heaven. They ascend to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watch. [3]

After their rapture, loud voices in heaven say, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” [4]

Don’t rejoice when Christians are taken down because God will raise them up.

Finally, the kingdom of the world is destined to become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. Only His Kingdom shall remain forever.

[1] Revelation 11:3
[2] Revelation 11:6
[3] Revelation 11:7-12
[4] Revelation 11:15

Chained To The Gospel

“Jesus came and said to them, ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.’” [1]

There are so many causes today that beckon for attention, time, energy, and resources. Before ascending to heaven, Messiah gave His disciples two assurances, and two commissions.

Two Assurances:

I (Jesus) have power over heaven and earth
I (Jesus) am with you always

Two Commissions:

Teach nations to observe whatsoever I have commanded you
Baptize nations in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

The Book of Acts tells the story of disciples acting on the assurances and commissions of Jesus.

Once, the Apostle Paul told a king in a crowded courtroom, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” [2] Despite being in prison chains, Paul wanted his hearers to become Christ-followers like he was. His message wasn’t about creating a utopia on earth. He spoke of how through faith in Christ earth-dwellers become citizens of heaven.

The worse human crisis is to miss an eternity in heaven with God. Believing in and confessing Christ is the solution.

Paul asked Christians to pray for him that utterance and boldness would be given to him to make known the mystery of the Gospel. He told them, “I am an ambassador in chains.” [3]

Let us pray for one another to be ambassadors for Christ. That we would be chained to the effort of sharing the Gospel with people who need to know Jesus!

[1] Matthew 28:18-20
[2] Acts 26:29
[3] Ephesians 6:18-20

Resistance & The Gospel

“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” [1]

There’s a lot of talk these days about resistance to tyrants. Well, the tyrant of all tyrants is the devil. If we don’t resist him in the power of God’s Word and Spirit, souls perish. The Lord taught us to ask God to keep us from temptation and to deliver us from evil. To resist it!

Resistance - Dictionary Definition:

“the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.

armed or violent opposition as in resisting authority in an occupied country.

the ability not to be affected by something, especially adversely.

lack of sensitivity to a drug, insecticide, etc., especially as a result of continued exposure or genetic change.

the impeding, slowing, or stopping effect exerted by one material thing on another.

the degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy dissipation.

[Volume controls are examples of resistance in electric circuitry. Turning down a volume control dial raises the resistance to electricity flowing and lowers the volume of sound. We need to turn off volume dials that oppose Christ and to turn up the dials that proclaim Him. Jesus Christ makes people better.]

Phrase: the path of least resistance — an option avoiding difficulty or unpleasantness; the easiest course of action.” [2]

“Logs, carcasses, and trash float downstream.” In other words, “they go with the flow.” [3]

What does God resist? What does He urge us to resist?

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [4]

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [5]

“[The devil] resist steadfast in the faith.” [6]

Peter said to the leaders who wanted him to stop speaking about Jesus, “We must obey God rather than man.” [7]

May we resist the temptation to neglect the ministry of the Gospel. After all, this message cost the Son of God His life.

[1] Matthew 6:13
[2] Oxford Languages Dictionary
[3] Anonymous quote
[4] James 4:6
[5] James 4:7
[6] 1 Peter 5:9
[7] Acts 5:29

The Holy Spirit & Evangelism

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” [1]

Yesterday, the Holy Spirit brought to mind the image of crocus flowers sprouting and blooming in the snow. This happened every year in the flower beds in front of my mother’s house. The vision came with a sense of hope that the Lord is renewing His people’s readiness to bloom with the Gospel after a long period of lying dormant. Praise the Lord!

He also gave me the image of an electrical plug. When a plug is connected to a power source, power can flow through it to power the device that is otherwise of no use without it. At the time of the vision, I was thinking about evangelism. We may have learned and internalized an outline of the Gospel to share with someone, but unless the Holy Spirit is in us and flowing through us, the person with whom we speak will not be converted.

Evangelistic outlines are helpful tools. During my lifetime, I have used the following methods: Evangelism Explosion, Bridge, Roman Road, and ABC. However, I have learned by experience that only the Holy Spirit can convert a person’s soul. It is not enough to convince the mind because the mind can be unconvinced. The Holy Spirit must be present and bear witness to the listener’s spirit that what is said is true. The person must respond to the witness of the Word and Spirit by believing and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people to propagate Your Good News of how You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be a Savior from sin. Help us to do so with the power and anointing of Your Holy Spirit. For we pray this in the Name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.”

[1] John 3:8

Abiding With God

“Direct me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in them.

Turn my heart toward Your statutes, not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in Your ways.

Fulfill Your promise to Your servant, that You may be feared.

Take away my disgrace that I dread, for Your ordinances are good.

Behold, I long for Your precepts! Revive me in Your righteousness.

Remember Your Word to Your servant because You gave me hope.

This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has revived me.

Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven forever. Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains. Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve You.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

Uphold me according to Your Word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.” [1]

“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.” [2]

“But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.’ These are those who cause divisions and are sensual, not having the Spirit.

But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” [3]

[1] Psalm 119:35-40, 49-50, 89-91, 105, 116
[2] Proverbs 29:18
[3] Jude 1:17-21

Citizenship In Heaven

“Many walk as the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of His glory, according to the working by which He is able to subject all things to Himself.” [1]

“The Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”

God warns us through His servant Paul to beware of enemies of the cross. People whose god is their belly. They mind earthly matters rather than the coming kingdom of Christ.

God speaks of a conscience seared by a hot iron. How did it get that way? It listened to deceiving spirits. It listened to doctrines of demons. It listened to hypocrites (play-actors). Deceptive spirits work to numb the consciences of people. It is done both through friendly and ugly influence.

Satan’s strategy has not changed... He still raises doubt, “Has God indeed said?” [3] Then, he forcefully follows up with a blatant lie, “You will not surely die.” [4]

Satan slithers up to one as a would-be friend and casts doubt on God’s words which forbids sin. Then, he says, there will not be a bad consequence, the result will be wonderful!

Let us remember that our citizenship is in heaven. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, will change our humble bodies into bodies of His glory. We have a very bright future ahead of us if we keep our faith in Jesus Christ.

[1] Philippians 3:18-21
[2] 1 Timothy 4:1-2
[3] Genesis 3:1
[4] Genesis 3:4

Are You Sure You're Going to Heaven?

What if the Lord were to come right now? Would you know for sure, nothing doubting, that you would go to heaven?

You CAN know based on the merits of Christ and not your own. Receive Christ and all that He has done for you by giving Himself as an atoning sacrifice for your sins.

Believe and confess Christ!

The Gospel is that Good News that tells us that God took care of our sin problem by sending His Son into the world to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins. If we believe in Christ and confess Him as our Lord and Savior, we have eternal life.

Bound To The Gospel

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” [1]

“Praying always!” Prayer is vital to messaging for Christ. “Supplication in the Spirit!” We make our supplications to God in the Spirit because the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. “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]

When people pray with the Spirit, the mystery of the Gospel is about to be made known. Why? Because the Holy Spirit empowers His recipients to witness for Christ. [3]

“I am an ambassador in chains!” Slave chains are undesirable, but Paul views his chains as medals of honor. He won them by being bold to message others for Christ. Recently, I’ve been praying that the Lord will bind me with chains to His Gospel. “Please make me Your ambassador, Jesus, to message lost souls about what You did for them on the cross and in Your resurrection from the dead on the third day.”

While going through my books, I saw a book that was titled, “Called By The Gospel.” I thought to myself, “That’s my calling! I am called by the Gospel.”

As Paul requested, so do I now, Please pray “for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

I want to be chained to the proclamation of the Gospel so that nothing else in this world outweighs its importance to me... nothing... “Here I am Lord... send me.”

[1] Ephesians 6:18-20
[2] Romans 8:26
[3] Acts 1:8

Focusing On Fatherhood

“Job was blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.” [1]

Job is held up by God as a “greatest of all time” among men. In fact, God asked Satan, “Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is no one like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil.” [2]

Job’s ten children would celebrate birthdays together with feasting and drinking for days on end. Afterwards Job would offer animal sacrifices for each of them, because, he said, “’It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts.’ Job did so continually.” [3]

Job lost his ten children during one such feast. A great wind destroyed the oldest son’s house and all of them inside it. [4]

Later, Job speaks of wisdom, he asks, “Where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding? Man doesn’t know its price; neither is it found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It isn’t in me.’ The sea says, ‘It isn’t with me.’ It can’t be gotten for gold, neither will silver be weighed for its price.” [5]

There are evil circumstances that the best of earth’s resources cannot resolve. Job concluded, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, which is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.” [6]

Job continued to stay engaged with the Lord throughout his trial and at the end of his book, God blessed him with ten new children and many blessings besides. [7]

Job was a good father. The book begins with the importance of his children to him and ends with the importance of his children to him. And then, in between these two ends, we see that he also acted as a father to the children of others. “I delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless also, who had no one to help him, I was a father to the needy. I researched the cause of him whom I didn’t know.” [8] “Men listened to me, waited, and kept silence for my counsel.” [9]

Like our Heavenly Father, Job covered people with his feathers. Under his wings they took refuge. His faithfulness was a shield for them. [10] The imagery here is of a bird sheltering his young from danger. Faithfully, positioning himself as a barrier or shield between danger and those he loves! Jesus called God our Father in heaven. [11] Job was a reflection of the Heavenly Father to people.

Recently, I’ve been addressing God, “Father, Father, I need You. Please help me. I am Your son.” God is faithfully coming to my aid. I’ve learned by His example that not only my children need me to be that kind of father… one they can depend on for a loving and helpful response… but there are many fatherless and needy children whom God longs to help through earthly fathers who are willing to stand in the gap for others.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please provide earthly father figures for all the children who have none. Please help me to be a man that reflects Your father-heart for my children and those around me. In Name of Jesus Your Son, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Job 1:1-2
[2] Job 1:8
[3] Job 1:4-5
[4] Job 1:18-19
[5] Job 28:12-15
[6] Job 28:28
[7] Job 42:12-15
[8] Job 29:12, 16
[9] Job 29:21
[10] Psalm 91:4
[11] Matthew 6:9

The Power of the Holy Spirit

“No prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.” [1]

People were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak...

Even Jesus noted, “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because HE has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. HE has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed.” [2]

Jesus also said, “If I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you.” [3]

When was the Church most vibrant and most effective?

Jesus told the founders of His Church, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” [4]

“Dear Heavenly Father, Jesus the Son, please continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon our world. We ask to be moved to speak for You. We ask for Your anointing to proclaim Good News to the poor, to heal brokenhearted people, to set captives free, to give sight to the blind and to deliver people from being crushed. Holy Spirit please graciously continue to bring God’s kingdom to earth and cast out evil. For it is in the matchless Name of Jesus that I pray. Amen.”

[1] 2 Peter 1:21
[2] Luke 4:18
[3] Matthew 12:28
[4] Acts 1:8

The Most Urgent Social Issue

“Sins overwhelmed me, but You atoned for our transgressions.” [1]

Our adversary, the devil, wants us to sin. He says, “It’s all right. Nothing bad will happen to you. It will be our little secret.” His goal is to capture and enslave us with chains of sin. After he is done with us, he says to us, “You are a worthless criminal. God can never forgive you.”

Sin IS bad. It’s like the COVID19: an invisible killer. We tend to take sin lightly. We think we can erase it by doing a good deed or by putting on a good performance. But sin is still there. There is only one antidote for sin. His Name is Jesus Christ.

The Psalmist said that the Lord atoned for his sin. To atone is to cover. To remove it from sight! To erase it!

In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were made to atone for sin, but the sacrifices had to be done repeatedly because sinners commit sin repeatedly. The animal sacrifices pointed to a Lamb that God was going send as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Lamb is another name for Jesus Christ.

“The next day, he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’” [2]

Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” [3]

“And He [Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” [4]

Jesus didn’t atone only for the sins of “good” people. He atoned for the sins of the world. He even atoned for the chief of sinners. “Chief of sinners” is how Paul the Apostle introduced himself.

“If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened. But most certainly, God has listened. He has heard the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His loving kindness from me.” [5]

A key point here is not to cherish sin. Sin is not a friend. It is a fiend. Left unforgiven, it will torture a person’s undying soul for eternity. But when sin is confessed and forgiven by God, a person senses God’s presence. We can pray to Him. We can feel His loving kindness. Through Christ’s forgiveness, our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We enter heaven’s holy gates.

“Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” [6]

We need to be clothed – covered – atoned for by the blood of Christ shed for us on the cross to be rescued from everlasting death. This world’s currency is worthless when we die.

Let us confess our sins to God and ask Him to forgive us.

There is no greater or more urgent social issue today than to prepare to meet our Maker.

“Prepare to meet your God.” [7]

[1] Psalm 65:3
[2] John 1:29
[3] 1 John 4:10
[4] 1 John 2:2
[5] Psalm 66:18-20
[6] Proverbs 11:4
[7] Amos 4:12

Love And Respect

My brothers do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. [1]

There’s been a lot talk these days against people of a certain skin color who are deemed supremacist-minded over others. Therefore, the above passage on partiality caught my attention in a new way this morning.

The Lord advises us not to show partiality towards newcomers based on their economic status:

“For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your gathering place, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in, and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘Sit here in a good place;’ and you tell the poor man, ‘Stand there,’ or ‘Sit by my footstool.’” [2]

What else caught my attention? There are three commonly quoted verses in theological circles:

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” [3]

“Faith without works is dead.” [4]

“You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder.” [5]

Then, the Lord mentions Rahab. [6] Rahab was a foreigner. A woman from a wicked city. She was a harlot. BUT it was her faith in Israel’s God that led her to help His people to victory. She believed God. She is in the genealogy of JESUS. [7]

So, I also see in this chapter a strong message against racism. It is not enough to keep many of the laws like, “Do not commit adultery.” [8] The Lord says, “If you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressor.” [9] An intellectual nod to God is not enough. Demons believe God exists. There must be a change of heart towards people.

The Lord says, “Judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” [10]

Another example in this chapter is Abraham. He was willing to give up his son for God. However, the Lord exempted him from this offering, and declared Abraham to be His friend. [11]

Abraham’s faith in God was mixed with love for God.

I hear the Lord saying… “Let your faith in Me be demonstrated by impartiality. Treat all people with love and respect.”

[1] James 2:1
[2] James 2:2-3
[3] James 2:10
[4] James 2:17
[5] James 2:19
[6] James 2:25
[7] Matthew 1:5
[8] James 2:10
[9] James 2:9
[10] James 2:13
[11] James 2:21-24

Blessed are Those who Mourn

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [1]

It is good to mourn losses. Unless we do, we may not receive the comfort that we desperately need. Jesus invites us to mourn. He is not against people who lack happiness. He comforts them.

Job’s friend Eliphaz saw him mourning and offered him advice:

“Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands. Your words have supported him who was falling, you have made the feeble knees firm. But now it has come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled. Isn’t your piety your confidence? Isn’t the integrity of your ways your hope?” [2]

Job had lost everything! 10 children! His livestock! His property! He was physically afflicted and in great pain. Eliphaz seems to be taunting him. “Now, it has come to you, and you faint.” Let Job mourn! He needs to process his losses. Pray that the Lord will comfort him, and every other person like him.

“My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me. Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away and be at rest.’” [3]

The Psalmist experienced heart pain, terror, horror, and trembling. He wanted to flee. He tells us why…

“I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night, they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets.” [4]

Law and order had disappeared. People were being destructive. Abusive speech and misinformation were in the news daily. If that wasn’t bad enough, a close friend betrayed him…

“For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it… But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend. We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company.” [5]

How did he overcome disappointment? What was his medical plan for recovery?

“As for me, I will call on God. The Lord will save me. Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.” [6]

He received comfort by crying. Crying is a person’s first utterance. He went back to square one. He cried! To whom? GOD! Parents usually respond to their child’s cry. The Lord delivered him from his distress. He was comforted.

Finally, he turns to us and offers us advice on how to overcome grief. He says…

“Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.” [7]

[1] Matthew 5:4
[2] Job 4:3-6
[3] Psalm 55:4-6
[4] Psalm 55:9-11
[5] Psalm 55:12-14
[6] Psalm 55:16-17
[7] Psalm 55:22

Earthly Versus Heavenly Treasures

“Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches—none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him. For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough, that he should live on forever, that he should not see corruption.” [1]

You can’t take it with you. Eternity without God is heavy price to pay to keep them if you are trusting that God will save you based on your bank account and assets.

The Psalmist continues:

“But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me. Selah.” [2]

He has received blessed assurance from God that his soul is eternally secure. With this assurance he let’s go of anxieties about worldly wealth and urge others to do the same:

“Don’t be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; for when he dies, he will carry nothing away. His glory won’t descend after him. Though while he lived, he blessed his soul—and men praise you when you do well for yourself—he shall go to the generation of his fathers. They shall never see the light. A man who has riches without understanding, is like the animals that perish.” [3]

True wealth is to have the gift faith - Faith in the One True God who created all things:

“By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.” [4]

Faith is the connection between us and our Creator:

“Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” [5]

Abraham, others, and Moses also fixed their hopes on a better city than this world had to offer:

“Abraham looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” [6]

“Those who say such things make it clear that… they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” [7]

Moses considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward. [8]

[1] Psalm 49:6-9
[2] Psalm 49:15
[3] Psalm 49:16-20
[4] Hebrews 11:3
[5] Hebrews 11:6
[6] Hebrews 11:10
[7] Hebrews 11:14, 16
[8] Hebrews 11:26

Faithful Ones Abounds With Blessings

I have often said, “God’s Word is the glue that holds me together. Without God’s Word I would come apart.” I post Scripture on social media because I want to share my blessings from the Lord with friends.

For example, I read in the Bible read good news of a godly governor who listened to the cries of the poor…

“We are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have been brought into slavery. It is not in our power to redeem them, for other men have our lands and vineyards.” [1]

Godly Governor Nehemiah rebuked the money lenders. He said…

“What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also a hundredth of the money and the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you have charged them.” [2]

Nehemiah shook out his garment and said, “So may God shake out each man from his house, and from his property, who does not perform this promise. Even thus may he be shaken out and emptied.” All the assembly said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord. Then the people did according to this promise.” [3] He established a law and attached to it undesirable consequences for lawbreakers.

Nehemiah and his staff did not take wages during his twelve years as governor. He said that the former governors laid heavy burdens on them. He said, “Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.” [4]

He and his servants worked with the people. He fed 150 Jews and rulers at his table daily.

He prayed, “Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” [5]

While he was appreciated by some, Nehemiah had enemies due to his rebuilding of Jerusalem. These enemies wanted to meet with him in the villages in the plain of Ono. They were like, “Oh no!” (from Ono). They thought to do him harm. Nehemiah sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” [6]

“They sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.” “They all were trying to make us afraid, saying, ‘Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.’ ‘Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.’” He was told, “They are coming to kill you; indeed, at night they will come to kill you.” He replied, “Should such a man as I flee?” [7]

Nehemiah placed the enemies of God in God’s hands. He prayed, “My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who would have made me afraid.” And as a result, the construction was completed and Nehemiah’s enemies, “Perceived that this work was done by our God.” [8]

I read the prophetic words of Jesus, written long before He was crucified:

“For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” [9]

Jesus sacrificed Himself for our sins. He is the best “governor” because He laid down His life for us. Jesus provides for us…

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (experience want). “He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” [10]

God’s Spirit of wisdom urges us to be faithful towards God and others, even as Nehemiah and Jesus were…

“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.” [11]

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.” [12]

“One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor.” [13]

“A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.” [14]

“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!” [15]

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” [16]

“He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [17]

I read of the empathetic closeness of JESUS to us:

“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, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” [18]

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” [19]

“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” [20]

The Bible affirms that God is faithful, and that His faithful ones are abundantly blessed! Praise be to His Holy Name!

[1] Nehemiah 5:5
[2] Nehemiah 5:9, 11
[3] Nehemiah 5:13
[4] Nehemiah 5:15
[5] Nehemiah 5:19
[6] Nehemiah 6:2-3
[7] Nehemiah 6:4, 9-11
[8] Nehemiah 6:14, 16
[9] Psalm 22:16-18
[10] Psalm 23:1, 5-6
[11] Proverbs 28:4-5
[12] Proverbs 28:6
[13] Proverbs 28:8
[14] Proverbs 28:16
[15] Proverbs 28:19
[16] Proverbs 28:20
[17] Proverbs 28:25
[18] Hebrews 2:9-10
[19] Hebrews 2:14
[20] Hebrews 2:17-18

Well Done Good & Faithful Servant

Nehemiah was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia. He referred to himself, Israel, and Moses as the Lord’s servants. Suddenly, by God’s grace, this humble servant of God and king was sent to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. [1]

Paul referred to himself as the prisoner of the Lord. He appealed to a slave owner named Philemon to let Onesimus serve the Lord. He wrote to Philemon, saying, “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains. He once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart.” [2]

Paul referred to Onesimus as a son. Apparently, Paul had led Onesimus to believe in Christ. Onesimus was now a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Paul called him “my own heart.” In other words, very dear to him.

Paul reminded Philemon that he owed his life to him. Paul had led Philemon to Christ. He wanted Philemon to treat Onesimus as a partner and to receive him with the same respect that he would receive the apostle. He wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.” [3]

One out of every five people in the Roman empire was a slave. Slavery was common. Though Paul was not enslaved to any man, he often referred to himself as a slave of Jesus Christ. So, did Peter, John, and James! Jesus Christ did the work of a slave when He washed His disciples feet. He urged us to have the same mindset.

The concept of serving the interests of another above one’s own interests is so foreign to us today. Early Christianity was widely embraced by slaves. They turned what was considered contemptible, namely servitude, into a badge of honor.

The good news about being a slave of Christ is that His ultimate goal for us is to tell us at the end of our lives: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” [4]

I too want to be locked into serving such a loving Lord as Jesus Christ.

[1] Nehemiah 1-2
[2] Philemon 1:11-12
[3] Philemon 1:17-19
[4] Matthew 25:21

Kingdom Builders

The Trans-Euphrates governor and his associates asked the builders who were busy rebuilding the temple to the Lord, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?” “What are the names of those who are constructing this building?” [1]

Intimidation, anger, and questioning!

“The eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped...” [2] Next, the political leaders sent a letter to King Darius detailing the work that the builders were doing. They gave the king the names of the builders. They gave the king quotes from the leaders like this one: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth.” [3] Thankfully, God had given the builders prophets named Haggai and Zechariah to be WITH them and SUPPORT THEM.

Thankfully, King Darius did not take the word of the critics of those builders at face value, but had a search done of the royal records. After a diligent search, it was discovered that the builders had been authorized to do the work a long time ago by King Cyrus. The complainants were actually breaking the law by hindering a fully sanctioned work by a previous king. [5]

King Darius sent a decree to the governor of the Trans-Euphrates, “Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury.” [6]

To those who thought to disregard the aforementioned words of King Darius, he decreed: “A beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.” [7]

This was a miracle of God! God is greater than all earthly power and authorities. He is able to ensure the ongoing success of the builders of His kingdom.

The temple was completed. The priesthood was organized and outfitted. Sacrifices were made to the Lord. The Passover was kept. [8]

“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” [9]

“Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” [10]

“The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” [11]

God’s grace to humankind is His Son Jesus Christ. When we trust In Him, He gets His kingdom work accomplished and we enjoy the privilege of being a part of His wonderful deeds.

[1] Ezra 5:3-4
[2] Ezra 5:5
[3] Ezra 5:6-11
[4] Ezra 5:1-2
[5] Ezra 6:1-5
[6] Ezra 6:7-8
[7] Ezra 6:11-12
[8] Ezra 6:14-21
[9] Ezra 6:22
[10] Psalm 9:10
[11] Titus 2:11

Winning With God’s Help

The Lord moved the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to have the temple rebuilt in Jerusalem. This was to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah the prophet. However, “When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.” [1]

The enemies of God, His work and His people wanted them to open their hearts to hypocritical helpers. The Jews responded, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” [2]

The stealthy infiltration tactics of the enemies did not succeed so they tried others method to defeat them. “Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them.

At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.” [3]

The enemies resorted to five tactics to halt the work of God: 1) Infiltrate their ranks with play actors who would defeat them from within; 2) discouragement; 3) fearmongering; 4) bribes authorities to oppose them; 5) smearing their reputations. The work was temporarily halted due to these enemies.

However, the work was completed because God gave the people men of faith to move forward. “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]

The Prophets Haggai and Zechariah had a close relationship with God and His Word. Also, they used the prophetic gift that God gave them to help their people navigate to victory over the roadblocks of their enemies.

God gets His will done, but it is good when we His people also pray for it and want it to happen. The conclusion of the story is that God wins. Hallelujah!

[1] Ezra 4:1-2
[2] Ezra 4:3
[3] Ezra 4:4-6
[4] Ezra 6:14

Navigating via Gifts of the Holy Spirit

“Earnestly desire the best gifts.” [1]

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities,
but it is the same God who works all in all.

The manifestation of the Spirit is given to...
Each one for the profit of all:

To one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,

To another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,

To another faith by the same Spirit,

To another the working of miracles,

To another prophecy,

To another discerning of spirits,

To another different kinds of tongues,

To another the interpretation of tongues.

The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” [2]

Gifts of the Spirit are given according to the grace of God. The Lord says that it is okay to earnestly desire them. I am praying for the gifts of...

Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Faith
Discerning of spirits

Dr. Hong Sit taught me years ago that the gifts are navigational gifts. They help the Church to navigate through the darkness and confusion. He went on to teach that 1 Corinthians 13 is about love which is the engine that empowers the ship or Church to move forward. So, Christ's gifts help us to steer, and His love empowers us.

Divine wisdom helps us to see the right choice
Divine knowledge is precise info regarding a person, place, situation
Divine faith is ability to trust God against odds
Discernment of spirits distinguishes between the clean and unclean

The human race is up against spiritual powers of wickedness in high places. [3] To win this war, we need good intel from God’s Spirit.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Church, Your body of believers, divine gifts via Your Holy Spirit. Please lead us to employ them for Your glory and for the blessing of the people. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that I pray. Amen.”

[1] 1 Corinthians 12:31
[2] 1 Corinthians 12:5-11
[3] Ephesians 6:12

Facing Death With God’s Word

The thought of one’s death can evoke an wide range of emotions especially if the only resource one to face death is oneself. One day, our earth suits will expire. Our breathing will halt. All our systems shut down! What can we do?

The answer is JESUS. Believe what HE said. Rely on His grace! Then, He will be with us in that moment. JESUS has already overcome death, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself [JESUS] likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” [1]

We need not fear death because JESUS took it head-on at the cross and at the tomb, soundly defeated death for us. Yes, “The wage of sin is death, but the GIFT of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [2] GOD gives to us eternal life as a gift not as a wage.

We have this promise from God, “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of GOD which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [3] Our salvation is based on GOD’s LOVE for us in JESUS.

The day is coming when, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” [4]

As Jesus said to us, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” [5]

[1] Hebrew 2:14-15
[2] Romans 6:23
[3] Romans 8:38-39
[4] Revelation 21:4
[5] Luke 12:32

Prevailing While Relying

Has the Lord done miracles for you?

In 1985, my wife and I were directing the New Life Evangelistic Center of Columbia, Missouri. The ministry involved sheltering homeless women and children, as well as providing utility assistance, free clothing, and food distribution for those who walked into the center during office hours. Our goal was to share the Gospel with people.

One day, I experienced a severe allergic reaction followed by a high fever of 104. I was advised at a free clinic to go to ER. I did and was admitted. After three days, my health had not improved, but my medical bill had reached $1,700. The hospital sent a social worker to me who asked me how I planned to pay my bill. I told her that I did not have a salary and was living by faith. I would pay the bill by faith. She did not like that answer. She noted that my wife and I both had college degrees. She told me that we would have to pay the full amount.

After considering her words, I checked out from the hospital. I did not want my debt to the hospital to keep on increasing. I was still sick and weak. I went home and went to bed. Sherry directed the ministry center. I started reading the Bible day and night. I read the entire Bible from to cover to cover in 28-days.

On the 28th day, the Lord brought 2 Chronicles 13:10-18 to my remembrance. I felt impressed that I was to sound a trumpet and shout to the Lord. I found a vacuum cleaner pipe and was able to make a sound through it three times. Then, I shouted, “Victory in Jesus! Victory over sickness! Victory over finances! Victory for Sherry’s upcoming childbirth! Victory for paying the hospital bill!

That very day my fever broke. My strength returned. There was a roll out of blessings afterwards.

The State of Missouri began forcing people on state aid in hospital beds out to the streets. The hospital called us and asked us to house them in our shelter. We did. Later, a lady on the Board of Regents at the hospital saw that I owed the hospital money and cancelled my bill of $1,700 and reduced Sherry’s upcoming birth fee from $3,000 to $500. Soon after that, an out of state donor sent us a random gift of $500 to cover any personal bills that we might have.

While I was ill, a lady named Bunny Walters began helping Sherry in the ministry center. Bunny eventually took over the ministry which freed us up to go to China and preach the Gospel. God boosted our faith by these miracles. When our first child was born, we named her Grace with no middle name, because we could testify that God’s grace enough. Glory to God!

I am an advocate for bold faith in God in the face of trials. I am an advocate for Christians rising up and relying on God to do miracles. Nothing is impossible with God. Let us be believing believers!

“The Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the priests who minister to the Lord are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. And they burn to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense; they also set the show bread in order on the pure gold table, and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps to burn every evening; for we keep the command of the Lord our God... Now look, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with sounding trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the Lord God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper!” [1]

“Jeroboam caused an ambush to go around behind them; so, they were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear and they cried out to the Lord, and the priests sounded the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand. Then Abijah and his people struck them with a great slaughter; so, five hundred thousand choice men of Israel fell slain. Thus, the children of Israel were subdued at that time and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers.” [2]

Picture: The New Life Evangelistic Center as it looked in 1986.

[1] 2 Chronicles 13:10-12
[2] 2 Chronicles 13:13-18

The Cups of Wrath and Forgiveness

Jeremiah proclaimed God’s judgments on sin, but also spoke of God’s love for sinners. He told them that after a season of uprooting, God would replant them. He gave them hope. He told them that God was going to write His words on their hearts. God was going to rebuild them with a new depth of understanding of His great love for them.

Amid upheaval and hardship, Jeremiah prophesied of Messiah…

“’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” [1]

He urged people to base their hope in the Lord’s righteousness.

Our Messiah Jesus drank the cup of eternal wrath on sin that we deserved. He offers to us the cup of God’s forgiveness. The cup of salvation! He offers to us a new covenant…

“Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” [2]

Jesus Christ is our promise of victory during seasons of refinement. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and our sin. He baptizes us with His Holy Spirit so we can enjoy and love God.

[1] Jeremiah 23:5-6
[2] Matthew 26:27-28

Grace-based Love

Grace-based love is not based on the person’s merit, but on Christ’s divine love and forgiveness... remember when Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them for they not what they do.”

Christ's example:

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [1]

Jesus demonstrated for us and called us to demonstrate for others God’s grace-based love:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [2]

The way this law works is that we recognize the grace we have received from God through His Son Jesus Christ, and love people based on God’s grace to us, and as the Holy Spirit urges us. Love can be an act of obedience to God, as well as an emotion that springs from compassion given to us by God’s Spirit.

“A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he [the robbed and beaten man] was. And when he saw him...

1) He had compassion.
2) He went to him.
3) Bandaged his wounds.
4) Poured on oil and wine.
5) He set him on his own animal.
6) Brought him to an inn.
7) Took care of him.
8) Took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper.
9) Said to the innkeeper, ‘Take care of him.’
10) Said to the innkeeper. ‘Whatever more you spend, I will repay you.’ [3]

By his actions he demonstrated love for God and love for neighbor. An extravagant and overtop way to keep the Ten Commandments.

The Good Samaritan gave to the wounded man with no expectation of a positive payback from him. He practiced grace-based love. Loving his neighbor was God’s grace at work in him.

[1] Romans 5:6-8
[2] John 13:34-35
[3] Luke 10:30-37