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!