Knowing Jesus

Yesterday, the Lord blessed Sherry and I with the opportunity to ask three different people if they knew Jesus. Thankfully, they said that they did. How refreshing it is to talk about Jesus with strangers and find an immediate common bond of friendship in Him.

The Bible speaks of an election won by grace. Whose grace? The Lord’s grace. His grace comes to us in the Gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation. [1]

No matter who wins the American presidential election on Tuesday, our mission remains the same… the proclamation of Jesus.

In the attached picture, three of my children stopped to tell a man sitting under bridge about Jesus (Mercy was in a stroller - Sherry took the picture). I monitored and prayed. They gave the witness. The point of the illustration is that the message of the Gospel is not complicated. It’s not a campaign that costs hundreds of millions of dollars, but it yields an eternal kingdom. An unshakable kingdom. A kingdom of joy unspeakable and full of glory.

“We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.” [2]

“…Some said, ‘What does this babbler want to say?’ Others said, ‘He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,’ because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.” [3]

“…Showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.” [4]

“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” [5]

[1] Romans 1:16; 11:5
[2] Acts 15:11
[3] Acts 17:18
[4] Acts 18:28
[5] Acts 28:30-31

Faith Hope Love

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [1]

To-do lists help us remember things... before we shop... before traveling... at the beginning of a day. Faith, hope, and love are three important to-do’s to follow Jesus.

Faith

Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry! God is still on the throne. He made the sun, moon, and stars. He who sustains the universe is aware of you. He never slumbers nor sleeps. He has given His angels charge over you. He is able to sustain you by miracles if necessary.

Hope

Don’t turn down the road that says, “No hope.” Don’t go there. Maintain an attitude of gratitude. Stay on the road of praise and thanksgiving. What has God already done for you? Allow blessings to be HUGE in your mind. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself! Be absolutely ecstatic about the eternal blessings that are to coming to you thanks to Jesus!

Love

Instead of me-ism... instead of materialism... instead of achieve-ism... L-O-V-E. Love those around you. Talk to people. Make a phone call. Do a zoom. Write an email. Text. Be kind. Add a L-O-V-E to-do on your list. Love unconditionally. No return necessary. Love for the sake of love.

Faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these love. “God is love.” [2]

[1] 1 Corinthians 13:13
[2] 1 John 4:8

God Exists - God Rewards

“...He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” [1]

“God, You exist. God, You reward.”

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” [2]

“Thank You Father God that the faith that You give us has substance. The faith You give us is evidence… a knowing in advance that You hear us. A gift of grace! Thank You for Your book, the Bible, for by believing it victories spring forth.”

“Thank You God for examples in Hebrews 11 of people who trusted You and changed the course of the world… Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David, and Samuel.”

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” [3]

“Thank You God for the creative power in Your Word!”

“Therefore, I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” [4]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You in advance for miracles that come from believing in You. The impossible made possible! I sing praises to You Name for Your Name is great and greatly praised. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Hebrews 11:6
[2] Hebrews 11:1-2
[3] Hebrews 11:3
[4] Mark 11:24

Faith In Christ Has Made You Well

The Pharisees could not stump Jesus with trick questions. [1]

The disciples rebuked people for bring children to Jesus. Jesus told His disciples, “Forbid them not.” He blessed the children. [2]

A rich young ruler parted with Jesus rather than with his riches. [3]

Jesus assured His disciples that whoever parts with meaningful relationships and earthly treasures for His sake and for the Gospel’s sake will receive a hundredfold in this life and eternal life in the age to come. [4]

Jesus prophesied to His twelve disciples that the religious leaders would betray Him, that the Gentiles would mock, scourge, spit on, and kill Him, but on the third day He would resurrect. [5]

Jesus told His disciples when they were competing with one another, “Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [6]

A blind beggar named Bartimaeus doesn’t want to stump Jesus with hard questions. He doesn’t want to thwart ministry to children. He’s not looking to Jesus for money or position. Amidst all the people with eyes that see, this blindman sees Jesus clearly. He believes in Jesus.

Bartimaeus cried out from his roadside position, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So, Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. People said to Bartimaeus, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” Throwing aside his beggar garment, he rose and came to Jesus. Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus responded by saying, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. [7]

“Thank You Lord Jesus for giving to blind Bartimaeus the gift of faith to recognize You as the Messiah. The faith You granted Him made Him well. Please grant us this gift of faith today as well. In our lives, Lord, be glorified. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.”

[1] Mark 10:1-12
[2] Mark 10:13-16
[3] Mark 10:17-22
[4] Mark 10:23-31
[5] Mark 10:32-34
[6] Mark 10:44-45
[7] Mark 10:47-52

Take Up Your Cross Follow Jesus

Jesus said to Peter and His disciples, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [1]

The cross isn’t about self-promotion or self-affirmation. Denying self means to live for God. To delight to do God’s will! Jesus did this perfectly. We are to follow His example. Cross-bearing is the mark of someone who is living by God's grace and is filled with God's love for sinners.

“Dear Lord Jesus, please grant us the grace to take up our cross and follow You. For glory of our Heavenly Father and for the sake of those who need You to be saved from sin. In Your Name I pray. Amen.”

[1] Mark 8:34

Our Best Friend

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thoughts from afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.” [1]

Understanding – it is wonderful to have a friend who understands us – in some cases – better than we understand ourselves. The Lord is like that. He is watching over us. He pays attention to the places we go. He is acquainted with all our ways. He is the Potter. We are the clay. We do well to invite our Heavenly Father, our best Friend, to speak into and guide our lives.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the time and attention that You give us every day of our lives. Thank You that You understand us better than anyone else, even ourselves. Thank You that You are willing to help us when we give our listening ears to You.”

“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book, they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.” [2]

“Thank You Heavenly Father that You wrote our books while we were yet unformed. Thank You for sharing Your thoughts about us with us. Otherwise, we might think we were a mistake, or that we should try to be someone other than who You made us to be. Thank You for all the good thoughts that You give us about ourselves.”

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.” [3]

“Dear Heavenly Father, You know that we are prone to stress out over things that in the light of eternity do not really matter. You are what really matters to us. Our relationship with You. Please keep our minds stayed on You. For then, our minds will be at peace. For You are leading us in the way of everlasting life.”

“In Jesus’ Name, we give thanks and pray. Amen.”

[1] Psalm 139:1-3
[2] Psalm 139:16-18
[3] Psalm 139:23-24

Miracles & Martyrdom

They [the disciples of Jesus) went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil, and healed them. King Herod heard about this.

Now, some were saying of Jesus, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.” Others said, “He is Elijah.” Still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” However, when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” [1]

Did Herod behead John the Baptist? Yes! Herod cuffed and imprisoned him. John had spoken against Herod’s adulterous affair with Herodias. Herodias was his brother’s wife. Herodias hated John and wanted him dead, but Herod refused to execute him. He feared John because John was righteous and holy. Therefore, Herodias engineered her own plan to exterminate John. [2]

Finally the opportune time came. Just want a hunter hopes for! On his birthday, Herodias had her daughter dance for Herod and his guests. Her dance influenced him to offer his “stepdaughter” up to half of his kingdom. Her mother told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. She complied. John’s head was presented to Herodias. [3]

Herodias ruined Herod’s birthday party. John was right. He should not have married her.

At the time of John’s execution, the disciples of Jesus were enjoying a day of miracles that included preaching, teaching, and healing.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He will replace the kingdoms of this world with His glorious kingdom. He will reign in righteousness. No more dirty politics. No more exploitation of minors. Only holiness and righteousness!

John the Baptist whom Herod beheaded is with Jesus. He has an eternal body. He is with Jesus!

This is why, despite of the evil in the world, we continue to teach, preach, and pray for the sick in the Name of Jesus!

“Lord Jesus, may Your Name be forever proclaimed, praised, and embraced! Amen!”

[1] Mark 6:12-16
[2] Mark 6:17-20
[3] Mark 6:21-28

Divine Forgiveness

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’ Some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” [1]

He who has seen the Son [Jesus], has seen the Father. [2] Jesus is God, He can forgive sin.

“Immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, ‘Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Arise, take up your bed and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” [3]

The miracle of healing was a tangible sign that Jesus is able to forgive sin. “Thank You Jesus for You forgiveness. Thank You for the miracles that follow Your forgiveness.”

“When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’ [4]

“Thank You Jesus for calling us sinners to repent. Thank You for purging our criminal records. You have imparted to us a righteous standing before God that we have neither earned nor deserved. Thank You for Your grace, which yields for us an abundant love, joy, and peace. Glory and honor to Your Name. You deserve our praise!”

[1] Mark 2:5-7
[2] John 14:9
[3] Mark 2:8-12
[4] Mark 2:16-17

Wellness in the Lord

Dry without water…
Dependent on human strength…
Far from the Lord…
Failing to see good things to come…

“Thus says the Lord:
‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.’” [1]

Drinking from a river…
Surviving heat and drought…
Bearing good fruit…
Blessed in the Lord.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” [2]

Truth exposing deceit and wickedness…
The Lord revealing heart and mind…
The Lord rewarding certain ways…
The Lord choosing good fruit.

“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.” [3]

Shamed and forsaken…
They forsook the Lord…
The source of living water.

“O Lord, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
‘Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the Lord,
The fountain of living waters.’” [4]

Lord, You our Healer.
Lord, You our Savior.
We praise You.

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” [5]

[1] Jeremiah 17:5-6
[2] Jeremiah 17:7-8
[3] Jeremiah 17:9-10
[4] Jeremiah 17:13
[5] Jeremiah 17:14

He Chose to Love Anyway

Our Lord spelt love for us with the letters p-a-i-n. Consider the following Bible passages:

Jesus said to His disciples, “You know that after two days… the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” [1]

He knew that something bad was going to happen to Him but chose to love anyway.

“The chief priests, scribes, and elders… plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.” [2]

They were the ones who were supposed to be providing spiritual care for His people. He chose to love anyway.

“When His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.’” [3]

His disciples questioned the generous offering of someone who deemed Him precious. He chose to love anyway.

“’What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ They counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.” [4]

Judas exchanged the life of Jesus for a small amount of money. He chose to love anyway.

“Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’” [5]

Jesus knew that one of His dinner guests and “friends” was going to betray Him. He chose to love anyway.

“Take, eat; this is My body.” “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.”

The very meal He ate with them symbolized His death. He chose to love anyway.

“I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” [7]

He knew that His loved ones would betray Him. He chose to love anyway.

“He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’” “Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping…” [8]

He experienced deep sorrow and distress. No one comforted Him. He chose to love anyway.

“A great multitude with swords and clubs came from the chief priests and elders...” [9]

They mischaracterized Him as a dangerous man whereas He had done nothing wrong. He chose to love anyway.

“Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” [10]

One of the few kisses that Jesus ever received while on earth was from a traitor. He chose to love anyway.

“Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” [11]

Abandoned! He chose to love anyway.

“The chief priests, elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death.” [12]

They could not accuse Him justly, so they accused Him falsely. He chose to love anyway.

“He has spoken blasphemy!” [13]

The One who loved and honored God His Father perfectly - accused of blaspheming Him. He chose to love anyway.

“Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands.” [14]

The abuse escalated from verbal to physical. He chose to love anyway.

“Then he began to curse and swear, saying, ‘I do not know the Man!’” [15]

Peter vehemently denied that He knew Jesus. He chose to love anyway.

The Good News is that Jesus forgave all who mistreated Him while hanging on the cross. The good news is that pain, sadness, betrayal, abandonment, and death did not keep Jesus down. He came back to life on the third day. He is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Amazingly, He still loves the human race. US! He intercedes for US! He chose to love anyway.

“Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great love for us!”

[1] Matthew 26:1-2
[2] Matthew 26:3-4
[3] Matthew 26:8-9
[4] Matthew 26:15-16
[5] Matthew 26:25
[6] Matthew 26:27-28
[7] Matthew 26:31

Christ In Us The Hope of Glory

“…And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [1]

“Thank You Lord Jesus for being with us.”

"…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [2]

“Thank You Lord Jesus for living in us by Your Spirit. You are our hope of glory!”

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” [3]

“Thank You Lord Jesus for granting us the wisdom to teach and preach You and not ourselves. Please help us to focus our time, talent and energy on bringing people to You. In Your Name, we pray, Amen.”

[1] Matthew 28:20
[2] Colossians 1:27
[3] Colossians 1:28-29

The Lord is Good!

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” [1]

“Thank You Lord for Your goodness and wonderful works. You abundantly satisfy us. ”

“O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your mercy is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth.” [2]

“Thank You God for hearts to sing, praise and glorify You. Our musical instruments and voices awaken and burst into song because of Your abundant mercy and truth. You are exalted! You are glorious! You are good.”

[1] Psalm 107:8-9
[2] Psalm 108:1-5

Humble Love

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” [1]

Problems increase when we glory in ourselves. God did not create us to glory in ourselves. He created us to glory in Him. I have found by experience that I am at my worse when I turn inward, but at my best when my eyes are on Jesus.

“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” [2]

When measuring others by standards that I take pride in, I do a disservice. It is better to begin from a base of love.

For Jeremiah, humility was not thinking less about himself. It was about thinking of himself less, and about other people more.

“Oh, that my head were waters,
And my eyes a fountain of tears,
That I might weep day and night
For the slain of the daughter of my people!” [3]

Jesus urged us to practice servanthood and humility. “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” [4]

“Dear Lord, thank You for showing us what humble love looks like.”

[1] Jeremiah 9:23-24
[2] Proverbs 13:10
[3] Jeremiah 9:1
[4] Matthew 23:11-12

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