The B-I-B-L-E That’s the Book for Me

“This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your Word has given me life.

Forever, O Lord,
Your Word is settled in heaven.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

The entrance of Your Words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.” [1]

[1] Psalm 119:50, 89, 105, 130
The “Word” in these verses refers to the Bible

Submitting To The Leadership of God

“Therefore, since we are originally [υπαρχοντες] of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, silver, or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man [Jesus Christ] whom He has ordained.” [1]

It’s not God who needs to repent. It is us. All people, even rulers, need to repent of an unjust attitude towards God. We need to repent of our rebellion against His rule.

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us. He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.” [2]

Political and religious leaders fall short of God’s glory, but so do “we the people.” Many democratic voters falsely assume that we can cancel God if He does not adhere to our agenda? We may temporarily seem to succeed, but in the end, each of us will be voted into or out of heaven according to God’s Word as recorded in the Bible. We desperately need God to graciously help us to discern between right and wrong. We need His Spirit to empower us to embrace and obey Him.

Therefore, let us repent of any trace of a condescending attitude towards God within us and bow before Him and confess His Son Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. He is our only hope for eternity in the perfectly wonderful Kingdom of God.

The good news is that God is for us. He wants to guide us to victory over sin, death, and the devil. He wants us to inherit eternal life. That’s why He sent His Son into the world to atone for our sins. That’s why He sent His Holy Spirit into the world to indwell us who believe in Him. He wants us with Him forever.

[1] Acts 17:29-31
[2] Psalm 2:2-4

Paul Preached The Gospel

He preached, “Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead. He was seen for many days. Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” [1]

Those that believed the Gospel were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

“Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” [2]

[1] Acts 13:29-31
[2] Acts 13:48, 52

True To God and Self

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” [1]

Some of the words that Synonyms.com lists for deceitful are:

disingenuous

false

hypocritical

misleading

underhanded

untrustworthy

untruthful

counterfeit

deceiving

double-dealing

indirect

shifty

slick

sly

sneaky

stealthy

subtle

treacherous

tricky

two-faced

“Lord Jesus, please make us like Nathanael. ‘People in whom is no deceit.’ Not to be unknowingly duped or deceived by devil! Not to act as someone we are not! Not to water down God’s Word and work in our lives!”

Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” [2]

“Lord Jesus, please help us to know the truth and be free. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] John 1:47
[2] John 8:32

Christ Our High Priest & Mediator

“You shall make a plate of pure gold, and grave on it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD… It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.” [1]

“Aaron must have this upon his forehead, that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things, and that they may be accepted before the Lord — Herein he was a type of Christ, the great Mediator between God and man. Through him, what is amiss in our services, is pardoned: even this would be our ruin, if God should enter into judgment with us: but Christ, our High-Priest, bears this iniquity; bears it for us, so as to bear it from us. Through him, likewise, what is good is accepted; our persons, our performances, are pleasing to God upon the account of Christ’s intercession, and not otherwise. His being holiness to the Lord, recommends all those to the divine favor that believe in him. Having such a High-Priest, we come boldly to the throne of grace.” [2]

[1] Exodus 28:36, 38
[2] Benson Commentary on Exodus 28:38

An Outstanding Nation

A nation of people who seek to obey God’s voice and keep covenant (relationship) with Him is His special treasure and considered His priests and holy nation.

“If you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exodus 19:5-6

Christ Was Better Than Caesar

Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” [1]

Many listened to Christ and followed Him, but the religious leaders of Jerusalem believed that Jesus was a threat to their nation’s well-being.

“If we (Pharisees and priests) let Him (Jesus) alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” [2]

Later, when given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, the people (under the influence of the chief priests and Pharisees) chose Barabbas.

“Then they all cried again, saying, ‘Not this Man, but Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was a robber.” [3]

After that, when given the choice between Jesus and Caesar, the people chose Caesar.

“They cried out, ‘Away with Him (Jesus), away with Him! Crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’” [4]

Jesus was crucified. He resurrected from the dead on the third day. He appeared to His disciples and to over 500 witnesses. After 40 days, He ascended to heaven. He will return.

Was Caesar a better choice than Christ for the people of Jerusalem?

35 years later, Roman legions surrounded Jerusalem. By the year 70, they breached Jerusalem's outer walls and ransacked the city. The assault culminated in the burning and destruction of the Temple that served as the center of Judaism.

In victory, the Romans slaughtered thousands. Of those sparred from death: thousands more were enslaved and sent to toil in the mines of Egypt, others were dispersed to arenas throughout the Empire to be butchered for the amusement of the public. The Temple's sacred relics were taken to Rome where they were displayed in celebration of the victory.

King David was right when he wrote, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”

If Jerusalem’s leaders and people had embraced Christ, their nation would have been blessed.

[1] Acts 10:38

[2] John 11:48

[3] John 18:40

[4] John 19:15

Love & Hatred

"These things I command you, that you love one another.

If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you." [1]

Last Sunday, Chuck read a portion of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech. He noted that Jesus and Martin both were assassinated for trying to bring people together in harmony. Life can get messy fast when someone stands between two groups who are at odds with one another and tries to reconcile the two.

Our Lord Jesus Christ paid with His life to reconcile God and humanity. God hates sin. Humanity for the most past loves sin. Who could destroy the alienation between the two? Christ paid humanity's sin debt before God when He became a human/divine sacrifice for our sin. Without sin, humanity is acceptable to God. By removing our sin, Christ made way for the Spirit of God to dwell in human flesh. The Holy Spirit is the love of God poured into our hearts. Thus, in Christ and by the power of His Spirit, humanity can love God and one another.

The mission that God's prophet, the Church, has inherited is to stand between a world that loves to sin and a God that hates sin, and bring the two together. How? By preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. Through the Spirit of Christ, the divine/human alienation between God is replaced with love. Not to say, that everyone will accept the message of reconciliation. No, some, will hate and violently attack God's messenger. Still, the message must be preached. Why? Because, some, will believe.

But wait, there is a love among the messengers of Christ that is inspiring, encouraging and comforting. Jesus, our Lord has commanded us to love one another. And He has given us His Holy Spirit to keep us united and to help us do just that.

[1] John 15:17-18

The Love-Laws

“I do what My Father commands Me so that the world will know that I love the Father. Arise, let us go from here.” [1]

Jesus went to Gethsemane knowing that arrest, trial, torture, and crucifixion would follow, but He did so out of obedience to His Father. Obedience to God’s will is the love language of Christ.

Prior to the statement above, Jesus told His disciples, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” [2]

Jesus showed us to love our Heavenly Father by knowing and doing His will. Jesus told us to love Him by keeping His commandments. Obedience is the love language of Christ.

This morning, I read in Genesis 44:30-33 how Judah offered to take his brother’s punishment so that his brother, Benjamin, could go free.

It was from the line of Judah that Jesus was born. In this passage, Judah was a type of Christ.

Judah was mainly concerned for his father’s heart. Judah knew that his father could not live without Benjamin. So, he pleaded, “My father’s life is bound up in the lad’s life. When he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die. Therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers.”

Jesus Christ knew that our Heavenly Father’s heart was bound up with us. So, Jesus took the punishment for our sin so that we might be reunited with God. Jesus came to our rescue because He knew the Father did not want a heaven without us.

The law Jesus wants us to keep is the love-laws for God and neighbor. On these two commandments, said Jesus, hang all the law and prophets. [3]

[1] John 14:31
[2] John 14:21
[3] Matthew 22:37-40

The Father Honors Those Who Honor Christ

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” [1]

We serve Jesus by following Him. By being where He is! When we serve Jesus, our Heavenly Father honors us.

Let us take Old-Testament Joseph for an example! He honored God even after being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Even after being imprisoned due to the false accusations of an adulterous woman!

“The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” [2]

Later, the Pharaoh of Egypt, said of Joseph, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph directly, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” [3]

When we honor God, He honors us.

[1] John 12:26
[2] Genesis 39:23
[3] Genesis 41:38-40

The Work God That Requires

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.

Then they asked Him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’

Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I (the Lord Jesus Christ) will raise them up at the last day.” [1]

The work God that requires is to believe in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

[1] John 6:27-29, 40

Jesus Has Overcome the World

Paul told Timothy about a trial that he went through, he wrote, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” [1]

Paul also told the disciples in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” [2]

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [3]

Hold on to Jesus. Do not abandon Him. With Him you are destined to overcome the world.

[1] 1 Timothy 4:16-18
[2] Acts 14:22
[3] John 16:33

Father Abraham And His Son Isaac

The Lord said to Abraham, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” [1]

This son was the long-awaited one. He was the promised son. Abraham and Sarah had waited many years for him to come. Now that he is here, he is to be sacrificed. In this story, Isaac is a type of Christ.

“So, Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.’” [2]

Abraham had faith that even if he sacrificed Isaac, that he would still come back with a living Isaac. He said to the two men, “We will come back to you.” “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.” [3]

God had promised to give Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars through Isaac. Abraham believed God. He knew that Isaac had to have children before he would die.

Before the sacrifice began, Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father! Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham replied, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” [4]

“Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham! Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now, I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” [5]

“Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So, Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide…” [6] Then, the Lord repeated His promise to Abraham, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” [7]

Isaac represents Christ in this story because it is through Christ (a descendant of Abraham and Isaac) that all the nations on earth are blessed. The ram also represents Christ because God’s Son was sacrificed for the sins of all people. God forgives the sins of all who receive His Son as their Savior. Abraham represents God in this story because he was willing to give up his son.

Now, the question for us is, in what ways is Christ revealing Himself through OUR lives?

[1] Genesis 22:2
[2] Genesis 22:3-5
[3] Hebrews 11:17-19
[4] Genesis 22:7-8
[5] Genesis 22:9-12
[6] Genesis 22:13-14
[7] Genesis 22:18

Holy Spirit Fillings

In what city did the Holy Spirit first fill followers of Jesus?

“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” [1]

The answer is Jerusalem. This miracle happened on the Day of Pentecost. [2]

The Holy Spirit also filled followers of Jesus at Samaria. [3]

The Holy Spirit filled Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. [4]

The Holy Spirit filled Gentile believers in Caesarea. [5]

The Holy Spirit filled twelve men who believed in Jesus in Ephesus. [6]

I praise God that the Holy Spirit is still at work all over this earth filling followers of Jesus today.

The miracle I enjoy every Sunday is the miracle of fellowship with other followers of Jesus who are filled with His Spirit.

“Thank You Heavenly Father, Risen Son of God and Comforting Holy Spirit for Your presence in our lives.”

[1] Luke 24:49
[2] Acts 2:1-18
[3] Acts 8:14-19
[4] Acts 9:17
[5] Acts 10:44-48
[6] Acts 19:5-6

Jesus Knows our Pain

Jesus knows our pain

He is merciful

He is gracious

Jesus responds to our needs

When we bring needs to Him

“Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, ‘Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?’ And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.” [1]

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [2]

[1] Luke 22:63-65

[2] Hebrews 4:14-16

Preaching The Gospel

“Now it happened on one of those days, as He (Jesus) taught the people in the temple and preached the Gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him.” [1]

The Gospel was preached. Confrontation occurred. The devil does not want human souls rescued from their lost estate. Who did the devil use to oppose Christ? It was religious leaders: chief priests, scribes of God’s Word and elders of the people.

Jesus told a parable aimed at these religious leaders. The parable was of men who were entrusted by the owner (God) to take care of His Vineyard (God’s people). These men seized control of the Vineyard and refused to give its fruit to God. They beat and killed God’s servants and they killed His Son. They wanted to be God. They did not want God in the picture. [2]

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. He did so by telling lost people that He was the way, the truth, and the life. [3]

People need to believe in Christ. He alone is the Savior of the world. “There is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” [4]

Good leaders lead people to Christ. A good leader depends on Christ to help Him. “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” [5]

Let us pray for the preaching of the Gospel to lost souls.

[1] Luke 20:1
[2] Luke 20:9-19
[3] John 14:6
[4] 1 Timothy 2:5
[5] Psalm 124:8

The Just Shall Live by Faith

“Behold the proud,

His soul is not upright in him;

But the just shall live by his faith.”

[1]

The question of justification came up this season

It happened due to poor results from great effort

It is expected to do poorly if a person does not try

But if someone puts forth diligent effort…

And still does poorly, questions do arise

So, I prayed

I questioned

I waited

I asked the Lord to forgive me

I asked Him to help me

The Lord forgave me

He helped me

He reminded me…

“By grace…

You have been saved…

Through faith,

That not of yourselves;

It is the gift of God,

Not of works,

Lest anyone should boast.”

[2]

Trust in superior human effort and wisdom...

Fails

Trust in the One who made all things…

Trust in the One who sustains all things

Trust in the Redeemer…

Trust in the Savior Jesus Christ…

Prevails

When I was proud…

I was not upright

By faith in God…

I am just

God turns the tide…

In the battle, I fight…

He does miracles…

Of grace

He sends His angels…

He helps me

He provides…

Abundantly

God is glorified…

When I confess HIM

When I trust in HIM!

“Behold the proud,

His soul is not upright in him;

But the just shall live by his faith.”

[1] Habakkuk 2:4

[2] Ephesians 2:8-9

The Gift of Praise-of-God Language

“Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.” [1] Marvelous! Miraculous! Amazing! A man opened his mouth, and his tongue brought forth words of praise for God!

My prayer is that all humanity (including me) would be graciously granted the gift of praise-of-God language. And that we would sing heartily unto God in this extraordinary dialect.

Of all my human experiences, praising God in Spirit and truth and in the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, has been one of God's greatest gifts to me.

Was the night Jesus was born silent? What does the Bible say? “’This will be the sign to you: you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” [2] No, there was a host of angels praising and worshiping God.

“Thank You dear Lord Jesus for the gift of worship. You always fill our lives with songs of deliverance. Blessed be Your holy Name.”

[1] Luke 1:64
[2] Luke 2:12-14

The Thoughts of Hearts Revealed

Mary’s child was destined for the fall and rising of many…

He would be a sign spoken against…

A sword would pierce through her own soul.

The thoughts of many hearts would be revealed through her Son.

[1]

Jesus was crucified between two robbers…

He stole nothing from no one…

Yet was considered a transgressor by humanity.

[2]

The chief priests and scribes mocked Him,

“He saved others; Himself He cannot save.”

[3]

The Savior refused to save Himself…

To save us

How far will we go?

To rescue others?

Some saw a transgressor

Some saw an impostor

Some saw a failure

A Roman Centurion saw the Son of God

“So, when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this Man was the Son of God!’” [4]

[1] Luke 2:34-35

[2] Mark 15:27-28

[3] Mark 15:31

[4] Mark 15:39

Our Suffering Savior Understands Our Suffering

“Going a little farther, He (Jesus) fell to the ground

and prayed, that if possible the hour might pass from Him.

‘Abba, Father,’ He said,

‘everything is possible for You.

Take this cup from Me.

Yet not what I will, but what You will…’”

(After Jesus was arrested)

“everyone deserted Him and fled.”

(While on trial)

“some began to spit at Him;

they blindfolded Him,

struck Him with their fists,

and said, ‘Prophesy!’

And the guards took Him and beat Him.”

[1]

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest…

who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

For we do not have a high priest…

who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,

but we have one who has been tempted in every way,

just as we are—yet He did not sin.”

[2]

[1] Mark 14:35-36, 50, 65

[2] Hebrews 4:14-15

Prepared to Meet Your Maker

Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord.

He is GOD and we are not.

You need God's forgiveness.

You need God's power to live right.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

A broken and contrite heart

You, God, will not despise.”

[1]

Talk with God.

Ask God to help and deliver you.

Seek to glorify God and not yourself.

“Call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

[2]

Anticipate with blessed assurance that the Savior, Jesus Christ, will save you as you trust in Him.

“People will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” [3]

[1] Psalm 51:17

[2] Psalm 50:15

[3] Mark 13:26-27

The Eye Of The Needle

A camel with too many things…

Could not…

Enter the city

Once the city gate was closed

He had to enter the smaller door

The eye of the needle

He needed help

“Master, remove these things

I carry on my back.”

Then, down he went…

Humbly, he entered in…

His master helped him

We people need God’s help

To enter His kingdom

Will we humble ourselves?

Get on our knees?

Confess our need for God?

Allow God to remove what hinders?

“Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples,

‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…

than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’

And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves,

‘Who then can be saved?’

But Jesus looked at them and said,

‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’”

“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.

And 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.”

Mark 10:23, 25-27, 43-45

O Come Let Us Adore Him - Christ the King

Help Us To Love You As You Love Us

“...The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

[1]

“And those who passed by blasphemed Him,

wagging their heads and saying, ‘Aha!

You who destroy the temple

and build it in three days,

save Yourself,

and come down from the cross!’

Likewise, the chief priests also,

mocking among themselves…

with the scribes, said,

‘He saved others;
Himself He cannot save.

Let the Christ, the King of Israel,

descend now from the cross,

that we may see and believe.’

Even those who were crucified with Him...
reviled Him.”

[2]

I am thankful that JESUS did not quit HIS mission to pay for humanity’s sins, when people rejected, mocked, and reviled HIM.

“Thank YOU, JESUS, for demonstrating God’s love for us.

No one ever loved humanity as much as you did JESUS…

No one ever paid a greater price to save us…

Help US dear LORD to love YOU as YOU love US…

In our lives… BE GLORIFIED.”

[1] Mark 12:10

[2] Mark 15:29-32

Telling What the Lord has Done

“As JESUS was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with Him. JESUS did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.’ So the man went away and began to tell in ten cities how much JESUS had done for him. And all the people were amazed.” [1]

JESUS has done so much for me throughout my life. I want to be a faithful teller of how-much-JESUS-had-done-for-me. I want thoughts of the Savior’s mercy to fill my thoughts and my speech.

“Dear Lord Jesus, please grant me, my spouse, my children and my children’s children mindsets and speaking-ability to tell the amazing things You have done for us. And then, I pray for my friends, and for my race, the human race, that we would ALL bring YOU glory and honor... for YOU are worthy.”

[1] Mark 5:18-20

The Best Thanksgiving Banquet

“Lord Jesus, may we partake of Your anointing and Word around our banqueting tables today. For it is in Your Name I pray. Amen.”

Today is Thanksgiving, and guess what! Two of my four Bible reading portions this morning cast a negative light on gluttony. I was surprised, but then, the Lord set before me a wonderful feast from His Word.

“When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; and put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.” [1]

“Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in the presence of the thousand.” [2] That same night Belshazzar’s kingdom fell to the Medes and Persians, and he was put to death.

Let us feast on the Word of God anointed by the Holy Spirit!

The Lord says, “…The yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.” [3]

The Hebrew word Messiah means “Anointed One” and the Greek word “Christ” has the same meaning. It is Christ who breaks the yoke of oppression from sin, Satan and death from our lives. In fact, the Lord urges us to be anointed with oil by the elders of the church when we are feeling sick. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” [4]

The Holy Spirit anoints to understand the true meaning of the Scripture, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” [5]

Jesus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit: “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee…” [6] “…With authority and power, He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” [7] “…And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” [8] “The whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.” [9]

Jesus gave power to His disciples to overcome the works of the evil one: “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.” [10] “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [11]

This power is none other than the Holy Spirit whom Jesus gives to those who believe in Him and want to obey and serve Him: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” [12] “We are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [13]

Jesus provides a better Thanksgiving feast than turkey, taters and stuffing. He provides spiritual food that energizes His servants to cast out demons and heal the sick. The side-effects of the food Jesus gives are abundant life on earth and eternal life in the age to come.

Jesus urges us, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” [14]

What kind of food does Jesus delight in? “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.’” [15]

“Lord Jesus, thank You for giving to us the feast of Your Word anointed by Your Spirit. Thank You for gracing us with an array of spiritual fruits on our banqueting tables today.”

[1] Proverbs 23:1-3
[2] Daniel 5:1
[3] Isaiah 10:27
[4] James 5:14
[5] 1 John 2:27
[6] Luke 4:14
[7] Luke 4:36
[8] Luke 5:17
[9] Luke 6:19
[10] Luke 9:1
[11] Luke 10:19
[12] Luke 24:49
[13] Acts 5:32
[14] John 6:27
[15] John 4:34

Forgiveness And Healing

JESUS has the power…

And the will…

To forgive our sins

And heal our bodies…

If we ask Him to forgive us…

And make us whole.

“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!’

And 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.’”

Mark 2:9-12, 16-17

The Messiah’s Ministry

“And he (John the Baptist) preached, saying,

‘There comes One after me…

who is mightier than I,

whose sandal strap…

I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

I indeed baptized you with water,

but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

Now after John was put in prison,

Jesus came to Galilee,

preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God,

and saying,

‘The time is fulfilled,

and the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent,

and believe in the Gospel.”

At evening,

when the sun had set,

they brought to Him all who were sick

and those who were demon-possessed.

And the whole city…

was gathered together at the door.

Then He healed many…

who were sick with various diseases,

and cast out many demons…”

Mark 1:7-8, 14-15, 32-34

Don’t Wait Another Day

“This Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” [1]

The Gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection, His ascension into heaven, and His promise to return for those love His appearing has and is going out to the whole world as a witness to the nations. Millions have embraced Christ as Messiah. He is the Anointed One of God who saves all who believe in Him. This is good news.

Have you believed in and confessed Christ as your Lord and Savior? He gives eternal life in paradise to all who believe in Him. Don’t wait another day. Ask Christ to save you, transform you and make you a new person. Enter the Ark of God (Jesus Christ) before the last day and be saved today.

“Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [2]

[1] Matthew 24:14
[2] Matthew 24:44

BC - AC

BC – Before Christ – Dry bones and a stony heart

AC – After Christ – A Great Army

“The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in-the-midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed, they were very dry.

And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So, I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know.’ Again, He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord!’

So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly GREAT ARMY.” [1]

“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.

I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again… bear the reproach of famine among the nations.

Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.” [2]

[1] Ezekiel 37:1-4, 10
[2] Ezekiel 36:26, 30, 36

Victory In Jesus

“The Lord is on my side;

I will not fear.

What can man do to me?”

[1]

“It is better to trust in the Lord

Than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord

Than to put confidence in princes.”

[2]

“The Lord is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation.

The voice of rejoicing and salvation

Is in the tents of the righteous;

The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”

[3]

“I shall not die, but live,

And declare the works of the Lord.”

[4]

“The stone (Christ) which the builders rejected

Has become the chief cornerstone.

This was the Lord’s doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

[5]

Christ is better than TV:

“T-urn away mine eyes from beholding V-anity;

And quicken (revive) Thou me in Thy way.”

[6]

(T = Turn away… V = Vanity)

God’s Word gives life when afflicted:

“This is my comfort in my affliction,

For Your word has given me life.”

[7]

God’s Word is better than silver and gold:

“The law of Your mouth is better to me

Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”

[8]

God’s Word turns the light on for people:

“The entrance of Your Word gives light;

It gives understanding to the simple.”

[9]

Christ is merciful to those who love Him:

“Look upon me and be merciful to me,

As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.”

[10]

Christ gives us victory over sin through His Word:

“Direct my steps by Your Word,

And let no iniquity have dominion over me.”

[11]

[1] Psalm 118:6

[2] Psalm 118:8-9

[3] Psalm 118:14-15

[4] Psalm 118:17

[5] Psalm 118:22-24

[6] Psalm 119:37

[7] Psalm 119:50

[8] Psalm 119:72

[9] Psalm 119:130

[10] Psalm 119:132

[11] Psalm 119:13

Embrace Understanding

Biblical Proverbs personify wisdom and understanding as a woman to be embraced. Proverbs is a book of divinely inspired sayings passed down from a father and a mother to their son. In essence they are saying, “My son, if you want to embrace a woman that will bless you, embrace understanding. Love her like you would a wife.” “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. and in all your getting, get understanding.” [1]

Understand God and people. Ask the Spirit of Christ to help you see God and humanity through the eyes of divine love.

“In all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” [2]

[1] Proverbs 4:7
[2] Proverbs 4:8-9

Jesus regards the prayer of the destitute...

“Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there.

Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them.

So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” [1]

“For the Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory! He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer.” [2]

[1] Matthew 15:29-31
[2] Psalm 102:16-17

Thirty, Sixty & One Hundredfold Fruit

Our Heavenly Father blesses those who embrace and follow Him according to His instruction in the Bible.

Jesus taught, “He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word (the Bible) and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” [1]

The Holy Spirit makes the Word of God understandable. He empowers us to do it. Therefore, we should ask our Heavenly Father to forgive our sins. To place our sin under the atoning blood of Jesus, and to help us by the power of the Holy Spirit to read and apply the Word of God correctly to our lives and to the lives of others.

“Lord Jesus, please grant us the grace to follow You even as You followed the leading of Your Heavenly Father. Please place our sins under Your atoning blood and graciously anoint us with the power and leading of Your Holy Spirit. For Your glory, and for the sake of others who need You in their lives, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Matthew 13:23

Hope Amid Hardships

Hope in the Lord!

He pleads for the redemption of the eternal salvation of our souls.

“This I recall to my mind,

Therefore, I have hope.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,

‘Therefore, I hope in Him!’

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,

To the soul who seeks Him.

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly

For the salvation of the Lord.

Let us search out and examine our ways,

And turn back to the Lord;

Let us lift our hearts and hands

To God in heaven.

O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul;

You have redeemed my life.”

Lamentations 3:21-26, 40-41, 58