Only Believe that Jesus Rose from the Dead

 “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV

Jesus gave the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the poor beggar, when both died and the rich man was in hell and Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom.  Abraham said to the rich man, ‘If they wouldn’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither would they be convinced if someone were raised from the dead!’  That “Someone” is Jesus, Who rose from the grave, yet many will still not listen and believe.  Jesus removed the sin of the whole world and yet many find it hard to believe.  A child will believe but the older ones find it difficult.  Jesus said, “Mark this: Unless you accept God’s Kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”  There is only one life, and after that is the judgment.  Those who believe and are in Christ, have passed from judgment.  Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him Who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”  Amen!

Rejoicing in Restoration

 “And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV

This was a time of restoration in Judah as the temple and the land was corrupted all over by ungodly man-made images.  There was cleansing as the unclean was removed.  Everybody celebrated the event. And the city was safe and undisturbed—Athaliah had been killed; no more Athaliah terror.  When God created, He blessed day seven and made it special-an open time for pause and restoration, a sacred zone of Sabbath-keeping, because God rested from all the work He had done in creation that day.  The children of Israel went far away from God.  But God had the marvellous plan of sending His Son Jesus to bring the perfect restoration through His sacrifice.  Jesus Christ Who descended is also the One Who ascended above the heights of heaven, in order to begin the restoration and fulfillment of all things.  Our part is to rejoice, and aim for restoration by comforting one another, agreeing with one another, living in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with us.  Let’s bow down and worship Him for He is worthy.  Amen!

Each Repentant Heart is a Celebration to God

 “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This was a parable of the woman who lost one of her ten silver coins.  Jesus used the woman in the parable as a metaphor for God.  Jesus shows the extraordinary value He places on every lost soul. Although the coin was lost, it never lost its value.  That’s the way God responds every time one lost sinner repents and turns to Him. He says to all His angels, ‘Let’s have a joyous celebration, for the one who was lost, I have found!’”  The silver coin had an image of Roman authority on it.  We have been stamped with the image of God.  Even when we are “lost” that image is still present, needing only to be “found” by grace and redeemed.  There is a glorious celebration in heaven over the rescue of one lost sinner who repents and turns to God through the Blood sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.  Hallelujah!

The Devil’s Future is in the Lake of Fire

 “And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭22‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬

Jehu, already at work, executing doom on the dynasty of Ahab, came upon the captains of Judah and Ahaziah’s nephews, part of the Ahaziah delegation, and killed them outright.  Jehu was Ahab’s army captain, an unlikely candidate whom God would choose to anoint through a prophet to fulfil God’s plan and destroy satan’s schemes.  God raised Jehu to restore order and execute vengeance on Ahab's house, even though Jehu came from within a corrupt system.  God is sovereign and omnipotent, provident in His Kingship, to reveal His freedom, goodness, righteousness, holiness, and impeccability, when He exercises His ruling power over creation.  The devil tries to stop God’s will to be done.  It was for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.  Jesus destroyed the works of the devil and then gave the authority to the Church to continue to proclaim the victory of the Cross through the preaching of the Gospel which is the power of God to salvation.  The devil is a defeated enemy whose end is in the lake of fire.  Amen!

Putting Jesus Above All

 “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus taught, “When you follow Me as My disciple, you must put aside your father, your mother, your wife, your sisters, your brothers; it will even seem as though you hate your own life. This is the price you’ll pay to be considered one of My followers.”    Many are offended by this, but this is an Aramaic and Hebrew metaphor for putting Jesus above every other relationship.  Can the God of love, Who is love, ever ask to hate?  Jesus, the King of Love, here is not saying to hate, but to put aside every other relationship into second place. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and they who abide in love abide in God, and God in them.  Let’s know and believe the love that God has for us.  Amen!

Light & Darkness Are Never Together

 “Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jehoshaphat died and was buried in the family cemetery in the City of David. Jehoram his son was the next king.  After Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram became king with his sad life of turning away from God and worshipping other gods.  Jehoram was the king of Israel, Ahab’s son-in-law.  Jehoram’s wife turned his heart away from God.  In the new covenant, Scripture says, “Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives... Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for Myself.” That’s the Word of God.  Incase you married when you were not a believer, and then came to know Christ, God says, “..the unbelieving husband has been made holy by his believing wife. And the unbelieving wife has been made holy by her believing husband by virtue of his or her sacred union to a believer.”   Let’s take the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all these matters.  Amen!

Influencing Society & Culture for Christ

 “It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus taught the parable, “God’s kingdom is like the smallest seed that one might plant in a garden. When it grows to a huge tree, with so many spreading branches that various birds make nests there.  To describe God’s kingdom, it is like something as small as yeast that a woman kneads into a large amount of dough. It works unseen until it permeates the entire batch and the loaf rises high.”  Jesus explains that God’s Kingdom begins small but it will expand, grow and mature.  People from every nation will come and “nest” in God’s Kingdom.  The prophet Ezekiel had already prophesied that God will plant the seed which will grow and put out branches and bear fruit and become a stately cedar tree. Every kind of bird will find a home in its branches and will make their nests.”  Something that is so small can impact and penetrate something great.  God’s Kingdom influence of virtue and truth brings transformation and impacts every culture and society around us. Amen!

The Battle Was Won at the Cross

 “and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not your's, but God's.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then Jahaziel, the Levite of the Asaph clan, was moved by the Spirit of God to speak from the midst of the congregation. He said, “Attention everyone—all of you from out of town, all you from Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat—God’s word: Don’t be afraid; don’t pay any mind to this vandal horde. This is God’s war, not yours”.  This happened in the old covenant, when the Spirit of God moved a person to prophesy.  Jehoshaphat believed God as spoken through Jahaziel, and led his army to victory.  In the new covenant, Jesus Christ has already defeated evil through the Cross. The battle has already been won.  For those who believe and have faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work, we are called to overcome evil with good and declare the victory of the Cross every time. For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.  Amen!

You Are Valuable to the Almighty God

 “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus was teaching to the multitudes, ‘What is the value of your soul to God? Could your worth be defined by any amount of money? God doesn’t abandon or forget even the small sparrow He has made. How then could He forget or abandon you? What about the seemingly minor issues of your life? Do they matter to God? Of course they do! So you never need to worry, for you are more valuable to God than anything else in this world.  The value that God places on each human is the Blood sacrifice of His Son by which we are redeemed.  God knows everything about every human being and yet He loves us.  All He wants is for us to believe in what Jesus did on the Cross.  Through His Blood, Christ redeemed us from the hands of satan; our sins are forgiven; He cleanses us now & continually from all sin; we have been justified before God; we have been made sanctified, holy & set apart for God; the devil is overcome and we are delivered from the power of darkness.  Amen!

Salvation is a Free Gift for All Mankind

 “Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

After the seer Jehu told king Jehoshaphat not to side with the ungodly, but to do what God says, “Live in the fear of God—be most careful, for God hates dishonesty, partiality, and bribery”, he heeded Jehu’s prophecy and did wisely by treating all his people justly and God blessed him.  The blessing of salvation and righteousness towards God is now given to all mankind, through Jesus Christ, and not just for the Jews.  God offers the opportunity to receive blessings through salvation to all people, regardless of social status or nationality.  Let’s give this awesome good news to all, for God sees us all without partiality.  Let’s not keep it only to ourselves.  All spiritual blessings in heavenly places are for everybody.  Amen!

Unconditional Love Changes Hard Hearts

 “The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭32‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus spoke to the crowd, “Yes, the people of Nineveh will also rise up on the day of judgment to accuse and condemn this generation. For they all repented when they heard the preaching of Jonah, but you refuse to repent. Yet there is one greater than Jonah who is preaching to you today.”  Jonah was reluctant to speak to Israel’s enemies but just one sentence from him - to repent for in forty days they would all die - was enough to cause them to repent.  From the king to the least of them, even their animals, repented and were not destroyed!  The Ninevites were of Semitic origin, and though they were pagans, after the preaching of one prophet they converted.  The people of Israel had many prophets throughout their history, and the greatest Prophet of all was now preaching to them, yet they refused to listen.  Jesus says to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully treat us.  It is the power of unconditional love that changes hearts and not vengeance.  Let’s practice the teachings of Jesus for in His words there is life.  Amen!

Building Others Up

 “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But even though Jehoshaphat was very rich and much honoured, he made a marriage alliance with Ahab of Israel. Some time later he paid a visit to Ahab at Samaria. Ahab celebrated his visit with a feast—a huge barbecue with all the lamb and beef you could eat. But Ahab had a hidden agenda; he wanted Jehoshaphat’s support in attacking Ramoth Gilead.  The trouble with riches and honour is that pride and selfishness are not far behind.  Jehoshaphat aligned himself with rebellious Ahab and that war ended with Ahab’s death and Jehoshaphat retreating.  In the new covenant agreeing with the Word of God and doing it, is true humility.  In the Body of Christ, Paul exhorts that nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Jesus showed this by His Life.  Amen!

Christ Stooped Down to Lift Us Up

 “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭33‬-‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Finally, another man, a Samaritan, came upon the bleeding man and was moved with tender compassion for him. He stooped down and gave him first aid, pouring olive oil on his wounds, disinfecting them with wine, and bandaging them to stop the bleeding. Lifting him up, he placed him on his own donkey and brought him to an inn. Then he took him from his donkey and carried him to a room for the night. The next morning he took his own money and gave it to the innkeeper with these words: ‘Take care of him until I come back from my journey. If it costs more than this, I will repay you when I return.’  Jews looked down on Samaritans as mixed racially.  So it was unlikely that a Samaritan would stop to help a Jew.  Jesus is our Good Samaritan Who stoops down to touch, heal, lift us up, carry us on our journey, and pay our debts.  He promises to return and reward those who do His will.  Amen!

The Riches of Christ’s Grace & Glory

 “And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; but sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God was on Jehoshaphat’s side because he stuck to the ways of his father Asa’s early years. He didn’t fool around with the popular Baal religion—he was a seeker and follower of the God of his father and was obedient to him; he wasn’t like Israel. And God secured the kingdom under his rule, gave him a firm grip on it. And everyone in Judah showed their appreciation by bringing gifts. Jehoshaphat ended up very rich and much honored.  In the new covenant, because we have received redemption through Jesus’s Blood and the forgiveness of sins, we now have the riches of His grace.  Also, we receive according to the riches of His  glory, strength with might by His Spirit in our inner being.  Our God meets all our needs according to the riches of His  glory in Christ Jesus.  Hallelujah!

Christ Our Sin-Bearer and Redeemer

 “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭51‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus let nothing distract Him from departing for Jerusalem because the time for Him to be lifted up drew near, and He was full of passion to complete His mission there.  This refers to the Cross, where Jesus was lifted up on a tree to bear the sins of all humankind.  His exaltation into glory was through the sacrifice of His life on Calvary’s Cross.  Nothing would turn Him aside from being our Sin-Bearer and Redeemer.  For the mystery of righteousness is beyond all question! He was revealed as a human being, and as our great High Priest in the Spirit! Angels gazed upon Him as a Man and the glorious message of His Kingly rulership is being preached to the nations! Many have believed in Him and He has been taken back to heaven, and has ascended into the place of exalted glory in the heavenly realm. Yes, great is this mystery of righteousness!  Amen!

Surrendering to God is Trusting Him

 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Asa the king of Judah had depended on the LORD till he started relying on the king of Syria.  So the LORD sent the prophet Hanani to give Asa a message from God, “God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to Him.  You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help. Now you’re in trouble—one round of war after another.”  Trusting in the LORD with all our heart is what He requires, and not to lean on our own understanding.  In the new covenant, because of the salvation received through Christ, we know from the holy Scriptures that we have been given the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.  The Holy Spirit helps us to surrender to Him, so that the victory of the Cross is manifest through our lives.  Today our enemies are the spirit world that is defiant towards God, and our flesh. But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ to overcome and be more than conquerors.  Amen!

Overcoming by the Power of the Cross

 “And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭55‬-‭56‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Instantly her spirit returned to her body and she stood up. Jesus directed her stunned parents to give her something to eat and ordered them to tell no one what just happened.  In this chapter alone are Jesus’s four great miracles.  The first is over nature, for He stilled the wind and the waves.  The second is over demons, for He cast out a legion of evil spirits.  The third is over disease, for He healed a haemorrhaging woman.  Lastly, over death, for He restored the life of this twelve year old girl.  Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, all have received the power of a forgiven and righteous life; the power to be delivered of demonic strongholds; the power of being healed from disease; and the power of the resurrection life within us.  By faith in this God-given power, we can move mountains, please and delight our God, and be overcomers through this victory that is given to us.  Amen!

Prophecy is for the Earthly Age

 “And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Asa heard the prophecy of Azariah son of Obed, took a deep breath, then rolled up his sleeves, and went to work: He cleaned out the obscene and polluting sacred shrines from the whole country of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had taken in the hill country of Ephraim. He spruced up the Altar of God that was in front of The Temple porch.  Jesus fulfilled prophecy.  Whenever Jesus addressed the crowds, He always spoke in allegories. He never spoke without using parables. He did this to fulfill the prophecy: I will speak to you in allegories. I will reveal secrets that have been concealed since before the foundation of the world.  God has given prophets along with the fivefold ministry, to the Church, the Body of Christ, to equip and perfect it so that the fullness of Christ may dwell in it.  This is only for the earthly age of our time. Our present knowledge and our prophecies are but partial, but when love’s perfection arrives, the partial will fade away.  Love never fails nor passes away.  Amen!

Life & Immortality Came When Death was Abolished

 “And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬, ‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Shortly afterward, Jesus left on a journey to the village of Nain, with a massive crowd of people following him, and His disciples. When the Lord saw the grieving mother, His heart broke for her. With great tenderness He said to her, “Please don’t cry.” Then He stepped up to the coffin and touched it. When the pallbearers came to a halt, Jesus spoke directly to the corpse, “Young man, I say to you, arise and live!” Immediately, the young man moved, sat up, and Jesus presented the son to his mother, alive!  The Prince of Life was about to enter the gate of Nain when death came out.  There at the gates where life and death meet, life wins and death is defeated.  Just outside of Jerusalem one day, death and life meet again, and life won forevermore.  Jesus felt the deepest compassion for this widow at the loss of her only son, identifying with her grief and carrying her sorrow. Death has been abolished and life and immortality have come to light through Christ.  Amen!

God Always Gives Us Victory Through Christ

 “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭14‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then Asa prayed to God, “O God, You aren’t impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once You decide to help: Help us, O God; we have come out to meet this huge army because we trust in You and Who You are. Don’t let mere mortals stand against You!” God defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah; the Ethiopians ran for their lives.  Asa, the king of Judah trusted in God and so he prayed and was not put to shame.  His ancestor David prayed such a prayer, “O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.” David triumphed over his enemies.  Paul also encouraged when he said, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”  This is about the Lord Jesus Christ when Isaiah prophesied “So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a Precious Cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”  Let’s give thanks to God Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.   Amen!

Apostolic Passion

 “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went into the high hills to spend the whole night in prayer to God. At daybreak, he called together all of his followers and selected twelve from among them, and he appointed them to be his apostles.  Before Jesus made important decisions and before great events in His life, it was His pattern to seek the Father.  Once He saw what the Father wanted, Jesus obeyed as the perfect Son.  So Jesus said, “I speak to you eternal truth. The Son is unable to do anything from Himself or through His own initiative. I only do the works that I see the Father doing, for the Son does the same works as His Father.”  Then He chose the twelve apostles who are the “sent ones”.  They were all different in their personalities and came from different backgrounds.  The people Jesus chooses today don’t all look, act or sound alike.  The first ministry that Jesus established was the apostolic.  May we seek our Father to see exactly what He wants and then to do it, with an apostolic passion.  Amen!

Trusting God Brings Victory

 “Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭13‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The army of Israel fell flat on its face—a humiliating defeat. The army of Judah won hands down because they trusted God, the God of their ancestors.  This was one people, one country under God who became divided.  Those who trusted in God and relied upon Him, defeated the others who trusted not in God.  Jesus, just before He was betrayed, comforted His disciples, “Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.”  That is why through Christ we have come to trust in God. And we have placed our faith and hope in God because He raised Christ from the dead and gave Him great glory.  We confess as the prophet Isaiah said, “I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory."  Amen!

Only Christ Has the Lawful Authority to Forgive Sins for all Mankind

 “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said, “To prove to you all that I, the Son of Man, have the lawful authority on earth to forgive sins, I say to you now, stand up! Carry your stretcher and go on home, for you are healed.”  Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man many times.  Daniel had a vision where he saw the Ancient of Days and walking before the Ancient of Days was One like the Son of Man Who would be given the right to judge the world.  “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.”  Calling Himself the Son of Man was Jesus’s claim to heavenly authority.  It was more of an exalted and heavenly concept than being a human, the “son of a man.”  When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, Am?”  Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Let that be our confession that Jesus, the Son of Man is the Son of God.  Amen!

Being Humble and Patient

 “Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The leaders of Israel and the king were repentant and said, “God is right.” When God saw that they were humbly repentant, the word of God came to Shemaiah: “Because they are humble, I’ll not destroy them—I’ll give them a break; I won’t use Shishak to express my wrath against Jerusalem.“  It is always good to learn patience and humility from a young age.  If Rehoboam had learned it young, he would have avoided the break up of Israel.  But learn humility, he did.  His own father had said that by humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.  Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to become the Son of Man.  He is our Cornerstone on which we are built to be His Temple.  Jesus told the haughty Pharisees, “Everyone who falls in humility upon that Stone will be broken. But if that Stone falls on you, it will grind you to pieces!”  Let’s be humble and repentant before God lest He grinds to pieces those who are proud before Him.  Amen!

Being Proved by Testing

 “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV

From the moment of His baptism, Jesus overflowed with the Holy Spirit. He was taken by the Spirit from the Jordan into the wilderness of Judea to experience for forty days the ordeal of testing by the accuser. He ate no food during this time and ended His forty-day fast very hungry.  The Holy Spirit’s leading is not always into comfort and ease.  The Spirit may lead us, as He did Jesus, into places where we will be proven, tested, and strengthened for our future ministry.  After Jesus’s greatest affirmation from heaven came a great time of testing.  This test was more than proving that Jesus could overcome this ordeal.  It proved that satan was defeated by Christ’s appearing.  Jesus’s baptism and the forty day of wilderness temptations that followed evoke parallels with the historical narrative of the Hebrew exodus through the Red Sea and the forty years of wilderness testing.  As the living Word used the written Word against satan, so we need the revelation of what has been written to stand against satan, the enemy of our soul.  Amen!

Love is Obeying God

 “Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam. And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The prophet told the king, “This is God’s word: Don’t march out; don’t fight against your brothers the Israelites. Go back home, every last one of you; I’m in charge here.” And they did it; they did what God said and went home.  Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem but built up a defense system for Judah all around.  After a haughty spirit comes the fall, and Rehoboam corrected himself by obeying God.  Jerusalem remained the capital and Rehoboam didn’t fight with the remaining tribes who separated themselves.  When there is true repentance and correction, the outcome is obedience to the Word of God.  The Lord Jesus Christ showed this by example that He was a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.  Because of that obedience, God exalted Him and multiplied His greatness! He has now been given the greatest Name of all!  Let’s love our brothers and sisters, the children of God, and have a passionate love for God by obedience to His commands.  And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands, which is that we walk in love.  Amen!

Repentance, Baptism & New Life

 “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the Baptist spoke to the multitudes who came to hear him, “Then turn away from your sins, turn to God, and let your changed life be proof. Don’t think for a moment that it’s enough to simply be the favored descendants of Abraham. That’s not enough to save you. I’m telling you, God could make more sons of Abraham out of stones if he chose to!”  God values reformation over ritual.  John’s ministry was to prepare people for the appearing of Jesus Christ through repentance and baptism.  Repentance breaks open the heart and changes our attitudes toward God.  Baptism was a burial of those who repented, preparing them for the germination of Christ coming to live within by the new birth.  Repentance and baptism was a prophetic fulfilment.  “I will sprinkle purifying water over you, and you will be cleansed from all the filth of your past. I will wash you clean from the defilement of worshiping false gods. I will graciously give you a new, tender heart and put a new, willing spirit inside you. I will remove your hard heart of stone and give you an obedient, responsive heart instead.”  Thank God for the new life it brings us to.  Amen!

Arrogance Fails but Love Wins Every Time

 “And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, and answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The king’s answer was harsh and rude. He spurned the counsel of the elders and went with the advice of the younger set: “If you think life under my father was hard, you haven’t seen the half of it: my father thrashed you with whips; I’ll beat you bloody with chains!”  Arrogance of those who govern always ends in hate and division.  The result of Rehoboam’s arrogance was that the kingdom was divided and broke into two.  Thankfully, in the new covenant, Jesus has destroyed this work of the devil, through the power of love.  That’s why love is patient, love is kind. Love isn't envious, doesn't boast, brag, or strut about. There's no arrogance in love.  Through the power of Jesus’s Blood, we are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  We are on the winning side and we speak the truth of Christ’s glorious Gospel in love.  Amen!

The Apostle and High Priest of our Confession

 “And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭42‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When Jesus turned twelve, his parents took him to Jerusalem to observe the Passover, as was their custom.  At the age of twelve, a boy was called by the Jews a “son of the law”.  The number twelve in Scripture is linked to God’s perfect administration and our human alignment to it.  God’s family of Israel was made up of twelve tribes, the twelve sons of Jacob.  Jesus chose twelve apostles.  There are twelve months in the yearly cycle.  There are twenty four (twelve times two) elders around God’s Throne.  Jesus coming into the house of God at age twelve points to the perfect alignment He had with His Father as the Apostle of our faith.  Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.  Amen!

Let All See Christ in Us

 “Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the Lord your God! Because your God has loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.””

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The queen of Sheba had heard of king Solomon’s splendour but when she came and saw for herself, she was awed with the majesty of everything and blessed the God of Israel, “And blessed be your God who has taken such a liking to you, making you king. Clearly, God’s love for Israel is behind this, making you king to keep a just order and nurture a God-pleasing people.”  Now the greater One than Solomon dwells in us Who is the King of kings and may everyone see Christ in us, the hope of glory.  There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within us is the Christ, the Perfect One, Who floods us with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ is a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for His  people, and God wants everyone to know it! Christ is our message to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. Let every one see that Christ dwells in us and magnify our God just as the queen of Sheba did.  Amen!

God Perfectly Expressed Himself in Christ

 “even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Luke says, “Several eyewitness biographies have already been written, using as their source material the good news preached among us by Christ’s early disciples, who were from the beginning loving servants of the Living Expression. Now I am passing on to you this accurate compilation of my own meticulous investigation based on numerous eyewitness interviews.”  Luke included the eyewitnesses who were the prophetic carriers of the promise.  Jesus Christ is the eternal Word, the creative Word and the Word made visible - the divine self-expression of all that God is, contains, and reveals in incarnated flesh.  Just as we express ourselves in words, God has perfectly expressed Himself in Christ.  God, Who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, through Whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, upholds all things by the Word of His power. Amen!

God’s Peace and Worldly Peace

 “As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel, but of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The remnants from the original inhabitants of the land (Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites—all non-Israelites), survivors of the holy wars, were rounded up by Solomon for his gangs of slave labor. The policy is in effect today.  Solomon was at peace with all his surrounding neighbours and allowed non-Israelites to stay in Israel, and they did peacefully.  True peace is only through the Lord Jesus Christ, Who said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.”    The peace that Jesus gives is the true, everlasting heart peace for those who believe in Christ’s death and resurrection.  This opens up for us to lead a victorious life.  The God of peace Who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the everlasting covenant, makes us complete in every good work to do His will, working in us what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen!

Walking in the Supernatural

 “they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus told His disciples before He ascended, that they were to bring the Gospel to everyone with signs and wonders in Jesus’s Name, “They will be supernaturally protected from snakes and from drinking anything poisonous. And they will lay hands on the sick and heal them.”  They will pick up snakes and be unharmed, and whatever poison they drink will not hurt them.  These are two Aramaic idioms.  To pick up snakes is a picture of overcoming one’s enemies (“snakes”), and drinking poison speaks of dealing with attack on one’s character (poisonous words).  As the psalmist says, “You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.”  Our immediate reaction to snakes and to drinking poison, in the natural, is to recoil.  But as we meditate on God’s Word and abide in it, we realise that we are supernatural.  We are not only a disciple of Christ, we are now in Christ by faith.  Just by believing, we are now supernatural as we put God’s Word into practice.  Help us Lord, to walk in the supernatural by faith that pleases You.  Amen!

Humility is Aligning Your Thoughts to the Word of God

 “if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”                  ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God told king Solomon, after he had finished consecrating the Temple, “and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.”  With God humility is so priority.  Humbling ourselves would be getting rid of our own opinions and aligning our thoughts with the Word of God.  Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour showed by example.  He existed in the form of God, yet He gave no thought to seizing equality with God as His supreme prize.  Instead He emptied Himself of His outward glory by reducing Himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled Himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in His death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion! Because of that obedience, God exalted Him and multiplied His greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names! The authority of the Name of Jesus causes every knee to bow in reverence! Amen!

The Cross Removed Sin for All Mankind

 “And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭15‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Because he wanted to please the people, Pilate released Barabbas to them. After he had Jesus severely beaten with a whip made of leather straps and embedded with metal, he sentenced Him to be crucified.  This was a tortuous beating with a leather whip that had sharp pieces of bone and metal at the end of its lashes, designed to inflict severe pain.  The Jewish death penalty was by stoning.  It was the Roman practice to crucify only rebellious slaves and the worst of criminals.  To have Jesus crucified was not only the fulfilment of prophecy but also of Jesus’s own words concerning the mode of His death, which would not have been fulfilled by stoning.  Jesus told His disciples, “From this moment on, everything in this world is about to change, for the ruler of this dark world will be overthrown. And I will do this when I am lifted up off the ground and when I draw the hearts of people to gather them to Me.”  It is the mercy and goodness of God that Jesus Christ took the punishment of sin for all humanity.  Through His crucifixion, sin that separates us from God, was obliterated.  Let’s believe the Word of God with all our heart.  Amen!

The Greatness of Christ in Us

 “Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.  But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬, 18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon prayed, “You’ll always have a descendant to represent my rule on Israel’s throne, on the one condition that your sons are as careful to live obediently in my presence as you have.” Why, the cosmos itself isn’t large enough to give you breathing room, let alone this Temple I’ve built.”  Solomon knew the greatness and wisdom of God, that nothing on earth can contain God.  Thank God for His Son Jesus, on David’s throne forever.  Because through the Cross He came to dwell in us.  We are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God, revealing His plan of salvation; and righteousness, making us acceptable to God; and sanctification, making us holy, setting us apart for God; and redemption, providing our ransom from the penalty for sin.  Greater wisdom and power than Solomon - Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God to us.  Amen!

We are Now in the Kingdom of God

 “Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the day comes when we drink it together in the kingdom feast of my Father.”  We are now in the realm of the Kingdom of God.  The Holy Spirit brings us into the Body of Christ and into the reality of God’s Kingdom realm.  It is growing and increasing in scope, and every time believers drink of the cup of communion, Jesus is present with us.  It is the Lord’s Table not ours.  This is a prophecy of what would happen in just a matter of days from then, as believers would break bread together in remembrance of what Jesus had done for them.  Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer.  Jesus now drinks it with us in a new way, and not just once a year at Passover, but every time we worship Him by taking communion.  Amen!

Carrying God’s Glory

 “so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When the priest finished dedicating, a billowing cloud filled The Temple of God. The priests couldn’t even carry out their duties because of the cloud—the glory of God!—that filled The Temple of God.  The glory of God is His Presence.  In the new covenant we, the believers - the Body of Christ - are the Temple of God and Christ dwells in us, the Spirit of glory and of God is on us. If anyone defiles the Temple of God, God will destroy him. For the Temple of God is holy, which Temple we are. The glory of God is so powerful that the priests couldn’t stand to minister.  Today, we carry the glory of God, for greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  As kings and priests we minister to those who need the power and glory of God.  Let every knee bow down to the glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Be Not Deceived

 “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The disciples asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what supernatural sign should we expect to signal your coming and the completion of this age?” Jesus answered, “At that time deception will run rampant. So beware that you’re not fooled! For many will appear on the scene claiming my authority or saying about themselves, ‘I am God’s Anointed,’ and they will lead many astray.”  In the Hebrew mindset, the end of days is a transition to the new age of the Messiah’s coming that would restore all things.  Jesus spoke this only to the disciples and not to the multitudes.  Those who have a relationship with the resurrected Christ, whose sins are forgiven; who walk in righteousness and holiness; who abide in His Word and are led by the Spirit of God, will not ever be deceived.  There is much deception, for the devil, a defeated foe, knows his limited time and he goes about deceiving many.  Let’s fight the good fight of faith proclaiming the truth of the Gospel that sets people free, and declaring the victory of the Cross of our Lord Jesus.  Amen!

Living In Genuine Heart Peace

 “And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Huram, king of Tyre, also made ash buckets, shovels, and bowls. And that about wrapped it up: Huram completed the work he had contracted to do for King Solomon.  Because of David’s friendship with him, Huram did for Solomon, David’s son, the best that he could.  The best of cedars and cypress trees were used, provided for by the Tyrians, made into rafts and sent by sea to where Solomon desired.  Such was the favour of God upon the building of the Temple of God, that there was much cooperation and peace.  When we work together for the work of God, there is genuine heart peace, not made through treaties or diplomatic negotiations.  Because of Jesus instituting the new covenant through His death, burial and resurrection, the Body of Christ, is called to live in peace.  This is the heart peace that comes from loving and obeying God our Father.  This peace comes from Christ ruling in our hearts. For as members of one Body we are called to live in peace, and to always be thankful. So, while we wait for the day of the Lord, let’s work hard to live in peace, without flaw or blemish.  Amen!

Anointed Truths of the Anointed One

 “And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When Jesus noticed how thoughtfully and sincerely the man answered, he said to him, “You’re not far from the reality of God’s kingdom.” After that, no one dared to question him again.  Jesus tells the man that God’s Kingdom realm is within reach.  It is a present reality, not just a far-off concept.  Here, the religious scholars (scribes) are mentioned a number of times.  Earlier, it was a religious scholar who questioned Jesus’s authority, and another religious scholar questioned Jesus’s interpretation of Scripture.  Here, Jesus shows that they had taught a theology without knowing the reality of Christ, the Messiah.  Each teaching needs to be weighed by the reality of Christ, not the traditions of men.  Let’s beware that no one distracts us or intimidates us in their attempt to lead us away from Christ’s fullness by pretending to be full of wisdom when they’re filled with endless arguments of human logic. For they operate with humanistic and clouded judgments based on the mindset of this world system, and not the anointed truths of the Anointed One.  Amen!

Pillars in the New Jerusalem Temple of God

 “And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭17 KJV

He placed the pillars in front of The Temple, one on the right, and the other on the left. The right pillar he named Jakin (Security) and the left pillar he named Boaz (Stability).  Our belief is in Christ Who is our Rock against Whom the gates of hell cannot prevail. The  Church of the living God is the pillar and foundation of this truth.  Jesus told John, “I Am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of My God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the Name of My God, and they will be citizens in the city of My God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from My God. And I will also write on them My new Name.”  Let’s overcome and be the pillars of the Church as we await Christ’s coming soon.  Amen!

God-like Faith

 “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus replied, “Let the faith of God be in you! Listen to the truth I speak to you: Whoever says to this mountain with great faith and does not doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done.”  God-like faith does not doubt or be divided in the heart.  Mountains in the Bible can refer to kingdoms, and the sea to the nations (sea of humanity).  Faith lifts up and brings with us the “mountain” of God’s Kingdom realm when we go into the nations.  This truth is what Jesus brings us, the active power of faith to take and carry the power and authority of the mountain - God’s Kingdom realm - with us wherever we go.  That’s why Jesus said that all authority has been given to Him and to go and make disciples.  Let’s believe and obey Jesus and make disciples.  Amen!

Wisdom is the Principal Thing

 “Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬

Huram, the king of Tyre wrote on, “Blessed be the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, and who gave King David a son so wise, so knowledgeable and shrewd, to build a temple for God and a palace for himself.”  This king was a friend of king David and he continued his friendship with David’s son, king Solomon.  Till Solomon chose to walk in godly wisdom, he succeeded so much that people admired him and came from all over to see this.  Today, the One greater than Solomon has come and made a new covenant with us giving us freely of the mighty Holy Spirit Who gives us wisdom from God.  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, let’s get wisdom; and with all our getting, get understanding.  So let’s be very careful how we live, not being like those with no understanding, but living honourably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Let’s take full advantage of every day as we spend our life for His purposes. Let’s not live foolishly for then we will have discernment to fully understand God’s will.  Amen!

God Perfects Praise Out of the Mouth of Babes

 “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The parents kept bringing their little children to Jesus so that He would lay His hands on them and bless them. But the disciples kept rebuking and scolding the people for doing it.  This displeased Jesus so much that He rebuked them.  Jesus touched them, as He blessed each one, for this laying on of His hands was an importation of blessing.  Jesus sees each child as important and individual.  Parents should always bring their children to be blessed by Jesus.  The disciples were unable to see people as Jesus sees them.  Jesus goes on to explain, “These children are at the very centre of life in the Kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s Kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”  As David said, “Yahweh, our Sovereign God, Your glory streams from the heavens above, filling the earth with the majesty of Your Name! People everywhere see Your splendor. You have built a stronghold by the songs of children. Strength rises up with the chorus of infants. This kind of praise has power to shut satan’s mouth. Childlike worship will silence the madness of those who oppose You.”  Let’s become as a child in loving and worshipping our Father in heaven.  Amen!

The Power of God’s Love in Christ

 “wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God told Solomon, “Because of this, you get what you asked for—wisdom and knowledge. And I’m presenting you the rest as a bonus—money, wealth, and fame beyond anything the kings before or after you had or will have.”  This is a shadow of what God’s will is for the Church.  As king, Solomon was given wisdom and knowledge to rule well; in addition he got riches, wealth and honour.  In the new covenant with the Church, through this covenant relationship, God has made us kings and priests of His Kingdom and by Christ’s Blood we are joint heirs with Jesus.  When the Church was birthed at Pentecost, the mighty Holy Spirit was given to the Church.  With Him, we received wisdom, knowledge and power for those who are led by the Holy Spirit.  All this is to establish God’s Kingdom realm on earth as it is in heaven.  This Kingdom is established in the power of love and not of hate and violence.  Our war is not against people, but against the spiritual evil enemy of God and his cohorts whom Jesus defeated through the Cross and destroyed his works.  We have victory through the Blood of Jesus Christ.  Hallelujah!

The Church Moving in Power to Establish God’s Kingdom

 “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, there are some standing here now who won’t experience death until they see God’s kingdom realm manifest with power!”  After six days, Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, Jacob and John, and hiked up a high mountain to be alone. And Jesus’ appearance was dramatically altered, for He was transfigured before their very eyes!  The manifestation of the power of God’s Kingdom realm could be seen in three dimensions.  First, the Kingdom power of God was seen in Jesus’s transfiguration and the appearing of Moses and Elijah on the mountain.  Then, Jesus’s resurrection and ascension into glory inaugurated a new era of God’s Kingdom power.  Thirdly, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which brought the birth of the Church of Jesus Christ, and extended God’s Kingdom realm to all the earth.  May we, the Church, move in God’s power to extend His Kingdom on earth.  Amen!

Bringing Our Best to God

 “even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal: the gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭29‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David said, “..my personal fortune of gold and silver for making this place of worship for my God…and for the gold and silver work by craftsmen and artisans. Now how about you? Who among you is ready and willing to join in the giving?”  David gave his best for the house of God.  Gold from Ophir was the purest which he got to build the holy things in the service of God.  Today, it is the Church of our Lord Jesus, of which He is the Head, that requires our best.  The Lord gave His best, His Own Blood, for our redemption.  For we know that God paid a ransom to save us from the empty life we inherited from our ancestors. It was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious Blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.  In the new covenant, like David in the old, let us bring our best to our God for the extension of His Kingdom on earth at every opportunity we get.  Amen!

The Suffering Death of the Messiah was Necessary for Resurrection

 “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

From then on, Jesus began to tell his disciples that He was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer great injustice from the elders, leading priests, and religious scholars. He also explained that He would be killed and three days later be raised to life again. Jesus opened His heart and spoke freely with His disciples, explaining all these things to them. Then Peter took him aside and rebuked him.  This great injustice refers to the beatings, mocking, rejection and illegal trial Jesus endured.  To have the Messiah suffer, was contrary to every belief system.  The Messiah was to be the King of Israel, surrounded with glory, not suffering.  Thrice Jesus prophesied His death and resurrection and each time His disciples were confused.  Peter, when he rebuked Jesus, had not understood the role of the Messiah-King, Who was going to suffer and die, but Who would rise to power and bring glory to all who believed.  Many times, like Peter, we also assume we have a better plan for our lives than God has.  Let’s always believe that God’s plans for us are awesome.  Amen!

The True Temple of God

 “Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

King David stood tall and spoke: “Listen to me, my people: I fully intended to build a permanent structure for the Ark of the Covenant of God, God’s footstool. I got ready to build it.”  It was David’s great desire but God’s will was for his son Solomon to build it because David was a man of war with blood on his hands.  Eventually God built His Temple by the Blood of His Son, Jesus.  We are rising like the perfectly fitted stones of the Temple; and our lives have been built up together upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, and best of all, we are connected to the Head Cornerstone of the building, the Anointed One, Jesus Christ Himself! This entire building is under construction and is continually growing under His supervision until it rises up completed as the Holy Temple of the Lord Himself. This means that God is transforming each one of us into the Holy of Holies, His dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us!  Hallelujah!

God Knows Our Inner Motives

 “but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said, “But your made-up rules allow a person to say to his parents, ‘I’ve decided to take the support you were counting on from me and make it my holy offering to God, and that will be your blessing instead.’”  Corban is an Aramaic word that implies that a person is pure, sincere and pious when he makes an offering to God.  In this case, people would simply speak the word “corban” over the money they were obligated to use in support of their aged parents, and that would exempt them from their duty to give it.  Jesus disapproved of this practice, as it nullified God’s commands.  Words themselves don’t count with God; He seeks justice and obedience from the heart.  In the new covenant, it is the Word of God that is powerful, penetrating to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts. There is not one person who can hide their thoughts from God, for nothing that we do remains a secret, and nothing created is concealed, but everything is exposed and defenseless before His eyes, to Whom we must render an account.  Glory to God!

God of Order not Confusion

 “Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000.  Service  to God and king was well organised.  In the new covenant it is the same because God is the author of order, not of confusion. This is how it is in all gatherings of the saints.  Even when the mighty Holy Spirit is moving, bringing deliverance and healing, the end result is always righteousness, peace and joy.  That’s the Kingdom of God which the Church has the responsibility to bring on earth as it is in heaven.  The manifestations of such deliverances and healing may sometimes be bizarre, but the end result is righteousness, peace and joy.  The Church is the gateway to heaven on earth.  Let’s all who believe in Christ’s finished work, be vessels of honour bringing heaven on earth.  Amen!

The Power & Authority Given to the Church

 “For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭52‬ ‭KJV‬

The disciples’ doubting hearts had not grasped his authority and power over all things in spite of just having witnessed the miraculous feeding.  They didn’t understand the miracle that was meant to teach them - that God has the power to deliver them, no matter what the limitation.  Just a short while back, in the miracle, the bread multiplied in their hands, so they likewise had the power to rebuke the stormy wind and sail through the other side, even if Jesus was to pass them.  He wanted them to see things in a new light and know the authority that they now carried.  The lessons learned  from the multiplied loaves were: that Jesus had all the power to meet every need; that the disciples carried this power with them, for the bread multiplied in their hands.  They were also part of the miracle.  The same God had parted the Red Sea when the children of Israel crossed it and later the manna, the bread, that fell from heaven, was multiplied to them!  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Let’s believe, as Christ’s disciples, the power and authority given to the Church to accomplish God’s will on the earth.  Amen!

Let’s Worship the King of Kings

 “And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭26‬:‭32‬ ‭KJV‬

According to the family tree of the Hebronites, Jeriah held pride of place. In the fortieth year of David’s reign (his last), the Hebron family tree was researched and outstanding men were found at Jazer in Gilead, namely, Jeriah and 2,700 men of his extended family: David the king made them responsible for administration of matters related to the worship of God and the work of the king in the territory east of the Jordan—the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.  At the end of his time, David went about setting in order service to YHWH and His tabernacle.  Worshipping and serving YHWH was priority with David.  Let it be our priority too.  Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakable Kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights His heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For our God is a holy, devouring fire! Amen!

Touching Scripture by Faith

 “And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus knew at once that someone had touched him, for he felt the power that always surged around him had passed through him for someone to be healed. He turned and spoke to the crowd, saying, “Who touched my clothes?”  There was a glorious power that kept going out around Jesus Christ, drawing others to Him and healing those He touched, and in this case, healing a woman who touched Him in faith.  Jesus knew that the power of God was always emanating around Him, yet it had flowed through Him to someone in the crowd.  Jesus already knew the answer to His question.  He wanted the woman to come forward and acknowledge her healing.  There were crowds around Jesus, the Living Word.  Many today crowd around the written Word.  But only those who “touch” the Scriptures in faith receive its promises, just like the sick woman who received her healing.  May we “touch” Jesus in faith in the written Scriptures.  Amen!

Worship in Spirit & in Truth

 “Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭25‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV

David selected worship leaders from the family of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for special service in preaching and music. From the family of Jeduthun there were six sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah; they were supervised by their father Jeduthun, who preached and accompanied himself with the harp—he was responsible for leading the thanks and praise to God.  Others were in charge of leading the singing and providing musical accompaniment in the work of worship in the sanctuary of God.  They were well-trained in the sacred music, all 288 of them skilful and masters.  Worship was priority in David’s tabernacle.  David had seen in the spirit when he worshipped as a young lad what heavenly worship was like.  He was only a teenager when he wrote the psalm  eulogising YHWH on his victory over Goliath.  In the new covenant worship includes singing, praying, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, studying the Word of God and giving generously and cheerfully for the extension of the Kingdom of God.  Let’s worship God this way in spirit and in truth.  Amen!

Wholehearted Obedience

 “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus told the parable of the seed that fell on the ground, and He says, “Are you listening to this? Really listening? If you understand this, then you need to respond”.  Or, “The one with ears to hear should use them.”  We usually apply portions of this parable to those who don’t believe, but Jesus instructs us to apply it to ourselves.  The four kinds of soils speak of four kinds of hearts: hard hearts, hollow hearts, half hearts, and whole hearts.  With the first soil we see the activity of satan; the second,  that of the flesh; and the third, that of the world.  Bearing fruit is not a problem with the seed but with the soil it falls upon.  May we allow the seed of the Word of God to fall upon the good and fruitful soil of our wholeheartedness.  Let’s with our whole heart pay attention to what God speaks to us through His Word and do what it says.  Amen!

Presenting Ourselves as a Living Sacrifice

 “But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭24‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Aaron’s sons were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu died before their father and left no sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar filled the office of priest.  Nadab and Abihu had given unacceptable sacrifice which God had not asked for and instantly the fire of God consumed them.  In the new covenant, God has arranged through Christ Jesus that we surrender ourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices, living in holiness, experiencing all that delights God’s heart. For this becomes our genuine expression of worship.  Anyone who continues to worship the detestable deception and refuses to accept the Blood Sacrifice of Christ for the forgiveness of sin, will in the age to come be tormented forever in the lake of fire.  This is God’s unchanging Word.  Amen!

The Sent Ones

 “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: and Simon he surnamed Peter;”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus appointed the Twelve, whom He named apostles. He wanted them to be continually at His side as His friends, and so that He could send them out to preach and have authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons. He appointed his Twelve and gave Simon the nickname Peter the Rock.  The apostles were the “sent ones” serving God’s Kingdom realm.  Jesus raised up twelve, and later seventy, whom He sent out to preach the message of God’s Kingdom.  None of them were fully mature or equipped, for the Holy Spirit had not yet come to empower them.  Leaders today need to raise up others and not centre their ministry around themselves.  The legacy of a spiritual leader is made up of those he or she has released and sent forth to proclaim Christ.  When Jesus gave the name to Peter, He was calling his purpose into existence.  Peter would be the strong rock of faith and a leader to the others.  May we live out the purpose God has called each of us to in Christ for His Kingdom.  Amen!

True Worship is Intimacy with God in Christ

 “moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David, in his old age, recorded,  “…four thousand are security guards; and four thousand are to serve in the orchestra, praising God with instruments that I have provided for praise.”  David knew the importance of worshipping God from as a child.  Through worship, David’s intimacy with YHWH grew.  Now in his old age, he organised how worship must come from God’s people to the Most High.  David worshipped from his heart yet Jesus is the One Who has enacted a new covenant with a new relationship with God so that those who accept the invitation will receive the eternal inheritance He has promised to His heirs. Because it is through the sacred Blood of Jesus our Messiah that we thoroughly cleanse our consciences! For by the power of the eternal Spirit Jesus has offered Himself to God as the perfect Sacrifice that now frees us from our dead works to worship and serve the living God.  He died to release us from the guilt of the violations committed under the first covenant.  Now, anyone who believes in Christ anywhere can be a true worshipper of Jesus, our Lord and our God only by faith in His Blood sacrifice.  Amen!

Enjoying Our Sabbath Rest in Christ

 “And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

One Sabbath, Jesus and his disciples were walking through a field of wheat. The disciples were hungry, so they plucked off some heads of grain to eat.  Sabbath is from the Hebrew shavat, which is the verb “to rest”.  What was designed to be a day of rest and intimacy with God and family was now complicated by a host of rules and traditions.  In the new covenant, through the finished work of the Cross of Christ, there is still a full and complete Sabbath-rest waiting for believers to experience.  As we enter into God’s faith-rest life we cease from our own works, just as God celebrates His finished works and rests in them. So then we must be eager to experience this faith-rest life, so that no one falls short by following the same pattern of doubt and unbelief.  Let our hearts be at rest in God’s Presence to enjoy our Sabbath rest in intimacy with Him.  Amen!

The Indestructible Temple of Christ’s Body

 “Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭22‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David prophesied and prayed over his son Solomon, to prepare Solomon to build a temple for God.  “So now, son, God be with you. God-speed as you build the sanctuary for your God, the job God has given you.”  God had given assurance to David, who greatly desired to build God’s sanctuary, that his son would build it.  David therefore prepared his son Solomon to do this service to God that he had so earnestly desired to do himself.  But the temple that Solomon built was destroyed, and the second temple that was built by those that returned from the Babylonian exile and which Herod enhanced was also destroyed.  Ultimately, it was Jesus Who said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” But He was speaking of the temple of His body.  When He rose again,  we who believe, rose with Him and now our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us, whom we have from God, and we are not our own, for we were bought at a price; therefore we glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are God’s.  Amen!

Receiving God’s Word with Meekness

 “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The people were awestruck by Jesus’s teaching, because He taught in a way that demonstrated God’s authority, which was quite unlike the religious scholars.  Jesus spoke with such glory and power emanating from Him that His words were like thunderbolts in the listeners’ hearts.  They were shocked and astonished because they had never heard anything like this before and they were shaken to the core of their hearts.  Jesus taught from an inner knowledge of God and His Word, for His teaching emphasised obedience to God from the heart, not just outwardly keeping of laws.  May we receive with meekness His implanted Word which is able to save our souls.  May we allow the Word to do a work in our hearts by the power of God the Holy Spirit.  Amen!

Overcomers

 “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now satan entered the scene and seduced David into taking a census of Israel.  What David as king of Israel did was against God as he showed dependency on man’s strength rather than on God.  So he and Israel had to bear the consequences.  Yahweh came as Jesus, the Son of Man, to experience the ordeal of testing in the wilderness, by the accuser that is satan, for all humanity.  In the new covenant, the Lamb of God has, through His shed Blood, taken every accusation that satan brings over us, who believe, before God.  Let it be that we believers know how to discern every accusation the adversary brings. When we are guilty of wrong-doing, it is better to agree with our  adversary and confess our sins and mistakes. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness by His precious Blood.  Let’s overcome satan by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.  Hallelujah!

All Believers are Christ’s Brothers and Sisters

 “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Along the way, Jesus suddenly appeared in front of them and said, “Rejoice!” They were so overwhelmed by seeing him that they bowed down and grasped his feet in adoring worship. Then Jesus said to them, “Throw off all your fears. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will find me there.”  Jesus told His disciples to be rejoicing.  What an incredible truth that all believers are now His brothers and sisters.  For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”  What a privilege and what  an honour!  Let us be rejoicing.  Hallelujah!

The Purpose of the Church

 “These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV

These came from the clan of giants and were killed by David and his men.  David kept defeating the Philistines, the ancestors of the Palestinians.  David and his men were giant slayers.  Today, in the new covenant, the Church is called to establish the Kingdom of God, not by fighting against people, but bringing God’s Kingdom into their hearts. The believers are to know the exceeding greatness of God’s  power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the Church.  We are in Christ, therefore, we are above the principalities and powers in the spiritual realm, which have been conquered and defeated by our Lord Jesus Christ through the Cross.  As believers, and as the Church, let’s do what God has purposed for us to do which is to declare the Victory of the Cross.  Amen!

God’s Clear Sign

 “and set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭37‬ ‭KJV‬

Above Jesus’s head they placed a sign that read, “This is Jesus of Nazareth, King of Israel.”  The sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.  Aramaic was the language of the common people in Israel as Hebrew had ceased to be their spoken language after 450 BC when the Jews returned from Babylon.    Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire.  The inscription was also in Greek, for the Alexandrian Jews who had come to observe the Passover in Jerusalem and were unable to read Aramaic.  The words were “Jesus, the Nazarene, King of the Jews”. The first letters of each of the four words written on the sign were Y-H-W-H _Y’shua Hanozri Wumelech a Yehudim.  _This was YHWH, the Tetragrammaton, the Hebrew form of writing the sacred Name “Yahweh”.  No wonder the chief priests were so offended by this sign and insisted that Pilate changed it.  This was a sign given to Israel, for over Jesus’s Head on the Cross was written “Y-H-W-H God, the Saviour, bled to death for you.”  Amen!

God’s Promises Surely Happen

 “And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭19 KJV

When all the kings who were vassals of Hadadezer saw that they had been routed by Israel, they made peace with David and served him. The Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites ever again.  God had promised David to establish him as king and God had promised Israel that He had chosen for His Presence to be with them.  God faithfully kept His promise even when Israel was not faithful to Him.  The enemies of Israel may gang up against it but God will preserve Israel because Jesus promised that He will come again.  He said, ““And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”  Let’s keep looking to Jesus our Lord.  Amen!

The Lord’s Table

 “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭29‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus said, “The next time we drink this, I will be with you and we will drink it together with a new understanding in the kingdom realm of my Father.”  We are now in the realm of the Kingdom of God.  The Holy Spirit brings us into the Body of Christ and into the reality of the Kingdom of God.  It is growing and increasing in scope, and every time believers drink of the cup of the communion, Jesus is present with us.  It is the Lord’s Table not ours.  This was a prophecy of what would happen in just a matter of days from then, as believers would break bread together in remembrance of what Jesus did for them.  Since that time, all believers continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Jesus now partakes with us in a new way, not just once a year at Passover, but every time we worship Him by taking communion.  Amen!

God’s Heavenly Kingdom on Earth

 “So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thus David ruled over all of Israel. He ruled well, fair and evenhanded in all his duties and relationships.  God helped David to establish the kingdom which God had given the children of Israel.  Jesus, the Son of David, came to bring God’s Kingdom on earth.  In the new covenant that Jesus came to establish, He said that the Kingdom of God cannot be entered in unless you are born of water and the Spirit and it is within us.  As we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all things will be added to us.  All those who put their trust in riches and in the systems of this world cannot enter the Kingdom of God.  It is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! The Kingdom realm of God comes with power, not simply impressive words.  Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, it is of the higher order - it is spiritual.  We have no fight against people, but against principalities and powers, against rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Through the Cross of Jesus Christ and His shed Blood, we have been given the power to bring the Kingdom of God on this planet, in the hearts of all people.  May God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen!

Kingdom of God Principle of Generosity

 “thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV

The master told the servant with the one talent he had buried, “Why didn’t you throw my money into the offering?  Then I would have returned to ask for what was mine together with its bounty.”  The money given in sacred offering to God will be returned with even more by God’s generosity.  God’s abundance is for us to give generously and generous gifts will be given back to us, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon us with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of our generosity becomes the measurement of our return.  Amen!

The Lord Jesus Rules His Kingdom Forever

 “And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God told prophet Nathan to speak His Word to David, “And now I’m telling you this: God Himself will build you a house! When your life is complete and you’re buried with your ancestors, then I’ll raise up your child to succeed you, a child from your own body, and I’ll firmly establish his rule. He will build a house to honor me, and I will guarantee his kingdom’s rule forever.”  Although the prophet spoke about Solomon who would succeed David but actually it is the prophecy of the Messiah Jesus Christ, Who as the Son of Man was a descendant of king David and Whose Throne is established in the heart of all believers who are in the Kingdom of God.  The  psalmist said, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.”  Many believe that there is no forever after death on planet earth, there is no reckoning, that’s it, finito, kaput! Only through repentance do we come into God’s Kingdom for the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Amen!

The Son of Man Coming in Power & Glory

 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said, “Then immediately this is what will take place: ‘The sun will be darkened and the moon will give no light. The stars will fall from the sky and all the cosmic powers will be shaken.’ Then the sign announcing the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn over Him. And they will see the Son of Man appearing in the clouds of heaven, revealed with mighty power, great splendor, and glory.”  The lights of the natural realm will be shut off and replaced by heaven’s glory - lights out on the old order.  Sun, moon and stars represent the governmental structures failing with great calamity.  A new order, a new glory, is coming to replace the fading glories of this world.  Many prophets have already prophesied this as did Isaiah here, “For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine.”  May we be sensitive to the Lord’s coming.  Amen!

Into the Holiest Place by the Blood of Christ

 “So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

They brought the Ark of God and placed it right in the center of the tent that David had pitched for it; then they worshiped by presenting burnt offerings and peace offerings to God.  The Ark represented the Presence of God in the Holy of Holies where the high priest went but once a year to atone for the sins of the Israelites.  David brought the Ark to Jerusalem and anyone who wanted to worship came to where the Ark was kept, until Solomon built the Temple.  But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own Blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption for all mankind.  What an awesome Saviour and what an awesome Atonement.  Hallelujah!

One Father and One Lord Jesus Christ

 “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said, “And you are not to be addressed as ‘father,’ for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Nor are you to be addressed as ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Anointed One.”  Jesus is emphasising the priority of God over titles of men and over all teachers, fathers and leaders, but that God must be in first place over all others.  When Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He is, Peter answered, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God Himself, let you in on this secret of Who I really Am.”  This is our priority, that God is our Father and Jesus is our Teacher and our Lord.  With this revelation we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere we go.  Let’s not undermine our own or others personal relationship with our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father and the revelation given to us.  Amen!

Surrendering in Worship

“Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭28‬ ‭KJV‬

On they came, all Israel on parade bringing up the Ark of the Covenant of God, shouting and cheering, playing every kind of brass and percussion and string instrument.  Worship for the Living God with David was never solemn!  It was accompanied by skilfully played instruments and a lot of noise.  Not a cacophony and definitely not a lament!  There was dancing in the Presence of God, which the Ark of the Covenant denoted in the old covenant.  Worshipping God with loud noise and dancing is a big “no, no” in many circles, it causes offence.  Those who enjoy being in the Presence of God know otherwise.  As another psalmist said, “What pleasure fills those who live every day in Your temple, enjoying You as they worship in Your presence!”  Surrendering in God’s Presence through worship is what delights our God.  Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender ourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes our genuine expression of worship.  Amen!

Our Wedding Garment

“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now, when the king entered the banquet hall, he looked with glee over all his guests. But then he noticed a guest who was not wearing the wedding robe provided for him.  Those invited to come from the streets had no opportunity to buy wedding clothes.  This wedding robe is a picture of the garment of righteousness that grace provides for us.  The man without the wedding garment had one provided, but he didn’t want to change into new clothes.  A change is necessary, for our King provides garments of white linen for us to wear, our wedding garments.  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.  To her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  May we be ready for our King.  Amen!

Christ’s Obedience is Our Victory

 “David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer. And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭14‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David did exactly as God commanded, slaughtering Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. David was soon famous all over the place, far and near; and God put the fear of God into the godless nations.  Because David chose to obey God and did exactly as God commanded him to, so YHWH made him famous and victorious.  The Son of David showed by example that even though He was a wonderful Son, He learned to listen and obey through all His sufferings. And after being proven perfect in this way He has now become the source of eternal salvation to all those who listen to Him and obey.  Because of that obedience, God exalted Jesus and multiplied His greatness! He has now been given the greatest Name of all names!  Scripture has subjected the whole world to sin’s power so that the faithful obedience of Jesus the Anointed might extend God’s promises to everyone who has faith. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  Amen!

True Victory!

 “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV

Jesus rode in the center of the procession—crowds going before Him and crowds coming behind Him, and they all shouted, “Bring the victory, Lord, Son of David! He is the Blessed One sent from the Lord Yahweh! We celebrate with praises to God in the highest!”  Hosanna means ‘O save and bring the victory, Lord!’  The crowds recognised Jesus as Yahweh’s Messiah.  By shouting out “Son of David”, the people were clearly expecting Jesus to immediately overthrow the Roman oppression and set the nation free.  Many want victory before they understand the Cross, but true victory comes after resurrection, when you identify with Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection.  At the Cross we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives, in Christ.  That’s true victory!  Now we can say from our hearts, Hosanna, blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!  Amen!