The Leading of the Holy Spirit

 “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬

The Holy Spirit had forbidden Paul and his partners to preach the word in the southwestern provinces of Turkey, so they ministered throughout the region of central and west-central Turkey. When they got as far west as the borders of Mysia, they repeatedly attempted to go north into the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to enter.  Asia and these provinces are in Turkey and its capital Ankara is where the province Galatia was.  We don’t know how the Holy Spirit kept Paul and his partners from going to Bithynia, north west of Turkey.  It could have been a warning through a dream or a vision, but it was the Holy Spirit Who was guiding them.  He is the Lord of the Harvest Who prepares, imparts, gifts, anoints and sends out His servants to gather the nations to Jesus Christ.  Here He is “the Spirit of Christ”.  True and lasting fruit in ministry comes through the work and leading of the Spirit of Jesus.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  Amen!

The Church’s Intercession Releases God’s Sovereign Power

 “Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s order came into effect. This was the very day that the enemies of the Jews had planned to overpower them, but the tables were now turned: the Jews overpowered those who hated them!  Just when the oppressed feel that all is lost, our sovereign God overrules any authority.  The LORD is far from the wicked: but He hears the prayer of the righteous.  Today, the Church, the Body of Christ is called to pray for the oppressed because our sovereign LORD hears us and the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.  There are many oppressed in our land, our cities, our neighbourhood for whom the tables can be turned when the Church, the righteous ones in Christ, pray for this transformation to happen.  Let’s pray for this.  Amen!

Our Personal Relationship with the Risen Christ & Personal Meditation of His Word

 “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭32‬-‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then Judas and Silas, who were both prophets, spoke to them affirming words that strengthened the believers. After the four men spent some time there, the church sent them off in peace to return to the apostles in Jerusalem.  The ministry of the New Covenant prophet is to speak an abundant and a rich word whose sole purpose is to strengthen the Church.  After doing that Judas and Silas went back to the apostles in Jerusalem.  The Lord Jesus had said that towards the end of the age many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Therefore, by their fruit we will recognize the false prophets.  In this day of digital media there are so many prophetic voices coming forth.  The only way to discern is through our personal meditation of the Word of God and our personal relationship with the resurrected Christ.  May we hear Jesus talking directly to us.  Hallelujah!

Praying to the Lord of the Harvest

 “for how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬

Queen Esther pleaded with king Ahaseurus for the lives of the Jews condemned to death by the king’s decree.  “How can I stand to see this catastrophe wipe out my people? How can I bear to stand by and watch the massacre of my own relatives?”  Through Esther’s intercession the Jews survived and her testimony is included in the Scriptures of how God did the impossible.  Today, the Lord Jesus Christ has remitted the sin of all mankind on the Cross so that judgment has been taken away for those who believe in Christ and we have passed from eternal death to eternal life.  This good news awaits all people and God has ordained the Body of Christ, the Church, to make disciples of all the nations, preach the glorious Gospel to the nations.  As Esther interceded for her people, Jesus tells us to “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.”  That’s our intercession that the harvest in our nation will be plenty because the Lord of the harvest has raised many labourers to bring in the harvest.  Let’s join the labour force and seek for the end-time harvest in our nation.  Amen!

Equipping & Edifying the Church

 “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬

When the apostles understood what was happening, they were mortified and tore their clothes as a sign of dismay. They rushed into the crowd and shouted.  In the book of Acts, it clearly states that there were more than twelve apostles who were recognised by the Church.  Barnabas is described multiple times as an apostle.  Scripture says that apostles and prophets will minister and equip the Body of Christ until we are complete and restored into Christ’s fullness.  He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  What a privilege we have that through the knowledge of the Son of God, we reach the stature of the perfect man through the fullness of Christ.  Amen!

Saved From Wrath through Christ

 “So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai. And the king’s hot anger cooled.   Justice caught up quickly with Haman.  God is just and perfect in all His ways, that’s why we ascribe greatness to Him.  The more so in Christ because Jesus was judged and bore the punishment for all mankind’s sins. You see, in the good news, God's restorative justice is revealed. And as we will see, it begins with and ends in faith. As the Scripture declares, "By faith the just will obtain life." Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.  We can only understand the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the finished work of the Cross, if we understand that Christ was judged on our behalf personally for each sin of ours.  We have  now been justified by His blood, and we are now saved from wrath through Christ.  Amen!

Overcome Self-Life and Release God’s Life Within You

 “But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV

But Elymas, whose name means “sorcerer,” stood up against them and tried to prevent the governor from believing their message. Saul, also known as Paul, stared into his eyes and rebuked him. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he spoke.  From here onwards Saul is referred to as Paul.  Saul means “sought after”, and Paul means “little”.  This name change is descriptive of what happened within Paul, leaving behind greatness in his own eyes and being content to be insignificant.  This is a journey every believer must take.  Then only we can release the power of the Holy Spirit, as Paul did, when he spoke powerfully to Elymas the sorcerer who tried to prevent the governor from believing.  The governor believed when he saw the power coming from Paul.  Let’s yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, and abandon the cravings of our self-life.  Amen!

Be Humble, Agree with God’s Word & Do It

 “Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, “Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV

So Haman took the robe and horse; he robed Mordecai and led him through the city square, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king especially wants to honor!”  Here was Haman honouring Mordecai whom he hated, instead of hanging him on the gallows he had got made for Mordecai.  Haman could not believe that this was what was happening!  The power that Haman supposed he had seemed to have gone.  Now he had to honour Mordecai on behalf of the king.  Scripture is very clear on this issue that pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.  God’s grace is only available to those who turn to Him in meekness, knowing their need for Him.  Grace and truth came through the Lord Jesus Christ, and He said, “blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”  May we learn to agree with the Word of God and walk in humility and meekness to receive the blessings God has promised us.  Amen!

Awake to Righteousness

 “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

when all at once an angel of the Lord appeared, filling his prison cell with a brilliant light. The angel struck Peter on the side to awaken him and said, “Hurry up! Let’s go!” Instantly the chains fell off his wrists.  The word used “smote” or “struck” was used in prophecy for Christ going to the Cross, “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”  Jesus was pierced in His side to awaken hearts to God.  Peter was awakened from his sleep by an angel who struck him on his side.  As the Church prays, may hearts in our nation be awakened to Jesus, that our sins have already been paid for by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Sow to Life in God’s Spirit

 “Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said, “Build a gallows seventy-five feet high. First thing in the morning speak with the king; get him to order Mordecai hanged on it. Then happily go with the king to dinner.” Haman liked that. He had the gallows built.  Both the husband and wife together sowed into hate and death with self aggrandisement that they controlled their life and narrative.  Human beings very easily buy into that deception that they have the power in their lives to control everything.  Scripture clearly warns us not to be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever we sow, that shall we also reap.  For when we sow to the self, selfishness and self service, we reap corruption, but when we sow to the life of God’s Spirit, which is love, compassion and service to others, we reap everlasting life.  Let’s humble ourselves under the mighty Hand of God that He may exalt us in due time.  Amen!

Spread the Gospel

 “And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

However, some of the believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, who had come to Antioch in Syria, preached to the non-Jews living there, proclaiming the message of salvation in the Lord Jesus. The mighty power of the Lord was with them as they ministered, and a large number of people believed and turned their hearts to the Lord.  Antioch was a Roman military garrison and a commercial centre, as well as an art and culture place as the capital of the Syrian kingdom.  The early church prospered greatly here and was a headquarters for the apostles.  Antioch remained a strong witness for evangelisation for many centuries and sent missionaries to Persia and throughout the Roman empire.  Every believer in the early church was a missionary at the great cost of following Christ.  They lay down their lives to serve Him and make Him known among the nations.  Not just the apostles but all believers did their part in spreading the Gospel wherever they went.  May we, in our generation, know how imperative it is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Surrendering to God Your Free Will

 “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai: “Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I’ll go to the king, even though it’s forbidden. If I die, I die.”  In the time of crisis, Esther chose to trust God, surrendering her own will to God, even her own life as she laid it on the line to the breaking of the law of the land, because of her position as queen of Persia.  This was a foreshadow of how Jesus Who was the Son of God, surrendered His will to God the Father, in the garden of Gethsemane as He prayed.  He went away again, and prayed again the same prayer as before-pleading with God but surrendering to the Father’s will.  That’s why we look only at Jesus, the Originator and Perfector of the faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.  Let’s surrender our will to God for His will to be done in our lives.  Amen!

Receiving God’s Vision with Obedience

 “And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The voice spoke again. “Nothing is unclean if God declares it to be clean.” The vision was repeated three times. Then suddenly the linen sheet was snatched back up into heaven.  From this vision Peter understood that God has declared every human being to be of special worth and dignity.  The entire world needs the Gospel.  The four corners of the sheet are the four corners of our earth.  The clean animals represent the Jews, God’s people, and the unclean animals to Peter, were the gentile nations.  So Peter got the heavenly message that God was about to send him off with the men at the door of that house, even though they had been labelled “unclean” by the Jews.  Three times the vision was given to Peter to understand the will of God, just as three times he denied Christ and three times Jesus restored Peter’s love for Christ!  All of us disciples of Christ must be ready to receive visions from God that convey His will on earth and which jolt us out of our limited outlook!  The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth to understand cryptic messages from God through visions.  Amen!

Antisemitism brings a Curse

 “And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬

Haman then spoke with King Xerxes: “There is an odd set of people scattered through the provinces of your kingdom who don’t fit in. Their customs and ways are different from those of everybody else. Worse, they disregard the king’s laws. They’re an affront; the king shouldn’t put up with them. If it please the king, let orders be given that they be destroyed.  Haman sowed hate and division as he plotted the extermination of the Jews.  Antisemitism has been around since ages but God knows to keep His covenant to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  Israel has survived as a nation to this day!  No nation, no people group, no king, no government, can stand against the might, power and will of our Almighty God Who keeps His covenant of blessing and Who is just and perfect in all His ways.  Amen!

Limitless Grace for the Humble

 “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Lord Jesus said to Ananias, “Go at once to the street called Abundance and look for a man from Tarsus named Saul. You will find him at Judah’s house. While he was praying, he saw in a supernatural vision a man named Ananias coming to lay hands upon him to restore his sight.”  The conversion of Saul the legalistic to Paul the grace preacher is a significant lesson for us - we can be amazingly wrong while thinking we’re doing right.  The Holy Spirit awakens our hearts to feast on Christ, our righteousness.  Religion has a deadening effect on our hearts.  Like Saul, we have to fall off our “high horse” and bite the dust before our blinded eyes can see.   May we feast on the limitless grace that is in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit leads us to, as His sons and daughters.  Amen!

Reach Out to Orphans & Widows for Christ’s Sake

 “And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Mordecai raised his cousin Hadassah, later Esther, since she had no father or mother. The girl had a good figure and a beautiful face. After her parents died, Mordecai had adopted her.  God had told Moses when they prepared to live in the Promised Land that  He desired orphans and widows to receive justice. He showed love to the foreigners living among them and gave them food and clothing.  This promise God has kept with all who trust Him, down the generations.  Esther was no exception and God arranged that her relative Mordecai would adopt and raise her with the knowledge of the God of Israel.  In the new covenant, we are urged, “True spirituality that is pure in the eyes of our Father God is to make a difference in the lives of the orphans, and widows in their troubles, and to refuse to be corrupted by the world’s values.”  The favour of God upon Esther to become the queen of Persia, is nothing short of reverence and awe of our Heavenly Father.  Let’s reach out to make a difference for orphans and widows in our scope of influence.  Amen!

Faith is not Complicated

 “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Philip replied, “If you believe with all your heart, I’ll baptize you.” The man answered, “I believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God.” The Ethiopian stopped his chariot, and they went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, Philip was suddenly snatched up by the Spirit of the Lord and instantly carried away to the city of Ashdod, where he reappeared, preaching the gospel in that city. The man never saw Philip again. He returned to Ethiopia full of great joy.  This Ethiopian, a man of position, was drawn to read Scripture, believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and was baptised, which filled him with great joy.  So simple and yet we complicate and denominationalise it!  Let’s keep it simple!  Amen!

Every Tribe, Tongue & Nation to Bow to the King of kings

 “Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is the story of something that happened in the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled from India to Ethiopia—127 provinces in all way back from 486 to 465 BC.  India was so named because of the river Indus, quite far away geographically from the Jews.  Through the Jews came the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ and throughout history, the sovereign God impacted nations to know the Christ.  For this is how God loved the world: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.  So the Kingdom of God has come and the Gospel is being preached so that all believe and none perish and it continues to advance and the forceful take hold of it. We wait for the moment which the apostle John wrote in Revelation about Jesus, the Lamb of God, "Worthy are You..for You were slain, and by Your Blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”  We prepare for the moment when every tongue, every tribe, every nation will bow down and worship the King of kings and LORD of lords.  Amen!

God’s Timing is Perfect

 “Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭KJV‬

Stephen before the high priest recounted the history of the Jews.  “Are you going to kill me like you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ Shaken by this, Moses fled Egypt and lived as an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.  Moses missed God’s timing.  To know God’s will doesn’t mean you know God’s timing.  God made Moses a ruler and a judge, but it took forty years to prepare him.  Moses wanted the position forty years before he was ready.  No one can make himself ruler and judge - only God has authority to set leaders in place.  We cannot raise ourselves up with ministry responsibilities until God releases us.  God says, “By Me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.”  Today, through the finished work of the Cross of Christ, the mighty Holy Spirit has been given to all disciples to proclaim the resurrected Christ.  Let’s be led by the Holy Spirit to do that!  Amen!

Consecration of Priests to Represent God

 “Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭13‬:‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Nehemiah prayed to God after he found the corruption and desecration of the Levitical priests in Jerusalem.  “Remember them, O my God, how they defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priests and Levites.”  It was a serious offence before God Who is holy that His priests should represent Him wrongly.  In the new covenant, Paul said, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”  So did Peter corroborate Paul, “and consider..our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you…which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”  These days bishops and church leaders preach contrary to Scripture and the whole world watches it.  May they stop dishonouring God Almighty, repent and turn to Him for forgiveness while there is time.  Hell is a reality that the true Church doesn’t want for anyone.  Let’s preach the Gospel for it is the power of God to salvation.  Amen!

True Leadership

 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The proposal of choosing seven men to serve so that the apostles gave attention to prayer and preaching the Gospel was beautiful.  Everyone in the church loved this idea. So they chose seven men. One of them was Stephen, who was known as a man full of faith and overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Along with him they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas from Antioch, who had converted to Judaism.  Stephen was not a gentile but a Greek speaking Hebrew believer in Christ.  Stephen in English is Tzephaniah in Hebrew which means, “Yah has treasured”.  When he addressed his hearers when the Supreme Council confronted him, he said, “My fellow Jews and fathers”.  Although he was a powerful minister of the Word, Stephen was humble to accept the task that of serving.  True freedom in Christ is not to indulge the flesh, but rather, to serve one another humbly in love - that’s Christ-like leadership.  May we learn true leadership by being humbly willing to serve one another in love.  Amen!

Rejoice & Celebrate in Christ

 “and Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer. Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭12‬:‭42‬-‭43‬ ‭KJV

Also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam, and Ezer - the singers, directed by Jezrahiah, made the rafters ring. That day they offered great sacrifices, an exuberant celebration because God had filled them with great joy. The women and children raised their happy voices with all the rest. Jerusalem’s jubilation was heard far and wide.   The Jews were so happy that they’d returned to Jerusalem and had joy in celebrating as loud as they could!  Celebration and joy is the portion of everyone who has a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  It was with joy that He endured the Cross, despising the shame, to bring you and me into righteousness.  That’s why He said to be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow!  There’s every reason to rejoice because our names are written in the Book of Life.  Hallelujah!

Bringing Healing to Others

 “Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In fact, when people knew Peter was going to walk by, they carried the sick out to the streets and laid them down on cots and mats, knowing the incredible power emanating from him would overshadow them and heal them.  The overshadowing of the sick to be healed was the power of the Holy Spirit that came upon Mary when she conceived Jesus in her womb.  This overshadowing was also the cloud on Jesus when He was on the Mount of Transfiguration.  This wasn’t a natural shadow created by the light of the sun, but the supernatural overshadowing of God’s power coming upon the sick to bring healing.  A while back Peter had denied Christ but when he repented and turned back to Jesus, he experienced forgiveness and God’s power overshadowed him to heal the sick - what grace!  How much God loves mankind that He desires to heal us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus - Grace personified!  May we believe and follow Christ and as His disciples, be overshadowed with His power to bring healing to others.  Amen!

Overcomers Ready for New Jerusalem

 “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The leaders of the people were already living in Jerusalem, so the rest of the people drew lots to get one out of ten to move to Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine remained in their towns. The people applauded those who voluntarily offered to live in Jerusalem.  After returning from exile, the Jews populated Jerusalem.  As the psalmist said, “For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem; He has desired it for His home. “This is My resting place forever,” YHWH said. “I will live here, for this is the home I desired.”  This was king David’s Zion city.  Now, because of Jesus’s finished work on the Cross, there is a new Jerusalem in heaven being prepared in which all those who follow Christ shall dwell forever.  “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the Name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new Name.”  Jesus’s promise to all who overcome!  Let’s be overcomers ready for the New Jerusalem.  Amen!

The Heart & Earth Shaking Power of the Word of God

 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As they prayed the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to tremble. Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the word of God with unrestrained boldness.  There was an earthquake when they prayed together.  The prayer of the united believers involved more than confidence, it was unrestrained boldness.  As they spoke the Word, it was free-flowing, everything that was in their mind, from their heart with confidence.  They spoke frankly and honestly, hiding nothing, and speaking directly to the heart.  It was not the tailored speech of public speaking that makes everyone happy, but it was the courage to speak the truth, whatever it may cost.  This was the true freedom of speech that came from the Holy Spirit Who filled the believers with power.  This is what Jesus had said of the Holy Spirit, “But when the Helper comes, Whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth Who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me, and also will bear witness, because you have been with Me”.  Let us not quench the power of the Holy Spirit through us.  Amen!

Believers in Christ - Consecrated & Set Apart

 “And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭10‬:‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The rest of the people, priests, Levites, security guards, singers, Temple staff, and all who separated themselves from the foreign neighbors to keep The Revelation of God, together with their wives, sons, daughters—everyone old enough to understand—all joined their noble kinsmen in a binding oath to follow God.  They were separated and consecrated to follow the law but in the new covenant we now have boldness to enter the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.  We are now separated and consecrated to follow Christ in holiness.  Amen!

The Beautiful Gate of Christ in Us

 “And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As they came to the entrance called the Beautiful Gate, they were captured by the sight of a man crippled from birth being carried and placed at the entrance to the temple. He was often brought there to beg for money from those going in to worship.  In Aramaic it is “the gate called Wonderful”.  This is the Name of Jesus and this beautiful gate points to Jesus!  He is the entrance into the sheepfold of God.  In the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the temple, the river was flowing out from the threshold through the gateway of the temple.  This river was first measured to be ankle deep.  The man at the gate Beautiful was lame in his ankles and was healed by the spiritual “river” that flowed out of the “Beautiful Gate” of Christ.  The gateway opened up and the river poured out of Peter and John, bringing healing to the lame.  As disciples of Christ, the same river flows out of us to heal the sick.  It’s not magic but the love and compassion of Christ flowing through us.  Amen!

Confession & Assurance of Forgiveness

 “and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬

They turned a deaf ear, they refused to remember the miracles You had done for them; They turned stubborn, got it into their heads to return to their Egyptian slavery. And You, a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, Incredibly patient, with tons of love— You didn’t dump them.  The power of confessing sins before God is an important element in making our prayer life active and lively.  Seeking God’s forgiveness is key to our walk with God.  In the new covenant, because Jesus was judged on behalf of every human being’s sin on the Cross, we are now forgiven.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Thank God for forgiveness as we confess to Him and declare Him our Lord.  Amen!

In the Name of Lord YHWH Y’shua

 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭38‬ ‭KJV

Peter replied, “Repent and return to God, and each one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Anointed One, to have your sins removed. Then you may take hold of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  Repent means both “to change your mind and direction of your life” and “to turn back to God”.  Peter spoke these words from the steps of the temple and below him were immersion pools used by Jewish worshippers for ceremonial cleansing.  Peter was pointing them to the cleansing that comes through the Name and authority of Jesus Christ when he said, “Be immersed in the Name of Lord YHWH Y’shua”.  Peter clearly states that YHWH and Jesus are One and the Same.  It was the Holy Spirit Who spoke through Peter and the fruit of Peter’s anointed preaching was that three thousand believed and were saved.  Today we, the Church must grasp the anointing that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit as we preach, and may many be added to the Kingdom of God.  Amen!

Hear God’s Word from the Resurrected Christ

 “And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra the priest and scholar and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, “This day is holy to God, your God. Don’t weep and carry on.” They said this because all the people were weeping as they heard the words of The Revelation. He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”  The Word of God read under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, brings true repentance, freedom from bondage and the joy of the Lord.  May we hear the Word of God as if the risen Christ is speaking to us, and be transformed. Amen!

Spiritual Fruit & Spiritual Power in the Church

 “to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

After the sufferings of his cross, Jesus appeared alive many times to these same apostles over a forty-day period, proving to them with many convincing signs that He had been resurrected. During these encounters, He taught them the truths of God’s kingdom.  Jesus appeared to His followers at least eleven times and taught them the mysteries of God’s Kingdom realm.  The number forty is significant and speaks of transformation and completeness through testing.  Jesus was tempted for forty days; the deluge during Noah’s day lasted forty days and forty nights; Moses met with God for forty days on Sinai; Israel wandered for forty years; Elijah fasted for forty days.  Jesus spent forty days appearing to His disciples to teach them that a day of completeness and transformation had arrived.  It took them forty days to comprehend that Christ’s Kingdom was spiritual, not political.  The world is waiting to see many convincing signs from our lives signifying that we too have been raised from the dead.  Spiritual fruit and spiritual power provide these signs.  May this be visible in the Church and all believers.  Amen!

God’s Plans to Prosper Us in Christ

 “So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭7‬:‭73‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The priests, Levites, security guards, singers, and Temple support staff, along with some others, and the rest of the People of Israel, all found a place to live in their own towns.  God fulfilled the prophecy spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”  God’s Word is always fulfilled even today.  The Israelites for centuries were displaced from Israel and scattered but now have come back from all four corners of the earth to their own nation of Israel.  God’s plans for all who believe are to prosper us in Christ Jesus.  Amen!

Following Our Lord Jesus

 “Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.”

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV

So Peter waded into the water and helped pull the net to shore. It was full of many large fish, exactly one hundred and fifty-three, but even with so many fish, the net was not torn.  This speaks of the great redemption of Christ for all nations and all people.  One hundred and fifty three large fish points to a mighty harvest from among the people groups of the world.  This great catch of fish begins the process of inner healing for Peter and the guilt of his denial of Christ.  Peter began to follow Jesus because of a great catch of fish, so Jesus now repeats that miracle, inviting Peter to follow Him again.  Let’s be those who deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus.  Amen!

God’s Goodness Causes Fear in His Enemies

 “And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When all the enemies of Nehemiah heard the news of the completed wall and all the surrounding nations saw it, these  enemies totally lost their nerve. They knew that God was behind this work.  When the enemies of God see the goodness of God on display, they come under the fear of God. They can’t despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering,  because the goodness of God leads to repentance.  If that doesn’t change people’s heart to repentance with godly sorrow, then such hearts are hardened to sin wilfully.  After they have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour these adversaries.  Let us who believe, manifest the goodness of the sacrifice of Jesus’s Cross and His forgiveness so that people’s hearts are changed to believe in Him.  Amen!

Christ’s Breath of Life & the Power of the Holy Spirit

 “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then, taking a deep breath, Jesus blew on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. I send you to preach the forgiveness of sins—and people’s sins will be forgiven. But if you don’t proclaim the forgiveness of their sins, they will remain guilty.”  The word for ‘breathed’ is the same word for God breathing into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life.  The beginning of new creation came from the breath of Jesus.  The mighty wind of the Holy Spirit in the upper room was for power and the breath that Jesus breathed into His disciples was for life.  Jesus went on to say that if they forgave someone for their sins, their sins will be discharged, but if they retain someone’s sins, their sins will be retained.  Jesus was not giving absolute authority to forgive the guilt of sins, for God alone has that right.  The apostles at no point assumed that authority.  What He gave them is the authority of being His sent ones to proclaim the Gospel to the nations.  If they refuse to go and preach the good news, then people will have no opportunity to believe it.  Let’s be His disciples and give the Gospel to everyone.  Amen!

Servant Leadership in Christ

 “Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

From the time King Artaxerxes appointed me as their governor in the land of Judah—from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of his reign, twelve years—neither I nor my brothers used the governor’s food allowance. Governors who had preceded me had oppressed the people by taxing them forty shekels of silver a day for food and wine while their underlings bullied the people unmercifully. But out of fear of God I did none of that.  Nehemiah as governor had a heart for the Jews under him and interceded for them.  In Christ leaders are to shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor lording over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  When the Chief Shepherd appears, you’ll be crowned with unfading glory.  Amen!

Commit Your Way to God & Trust Him

 “And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.”

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV

From then on Pilate tried to find a way out of the situation and to set Jesus free, but the Jewish authorities shouted him down: “If you let this Man go, you’re no friend of Caesar! Anyone who declares Himself a king is an enemy of the emperor!”  In essence, these words were a form of blackmail as the Jewish authorities were reminding Pilate that it would ruin his career if he pardoned Jesus.  Pilate’s position was a political appointment due to his being a member of the elite class of Romans who took an oath of loyalty to Caesar.  The Jewish authorities were, in effect, threatening to inform Rome that Pilate was allowing treason in Caesar’s empire.  This blackmail would finish Pilate’s career and even his life.  This overruled Pilate’s desire to set Jesus free and he went on to condemn Jesus to His death.  To place your career over Jesus is never wise.  Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.  Amen!

Fulfill God’s Purposes

 “But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, and conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairs of the walls of Jerusalem were going so well—that the breaks in the wall were being fixed—they were absolutely furious. They put their heads together and decided to fight against Jerusalem and create as much trouble as they could.  When you come into faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and follow and serve Him, troubles come.  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  He also said “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  When we fulfill God’s purposes the enemy will have to stop.  We thank God that the devil is a defeated foe.  Amen!

The Great I AM

 “As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.”

‭‭John‬ ‭18‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV

The moment Jesus spoke the words, “I Am He,” the mob fell backward to the ground!”  This was a stunning event as the great I Am spoke His Name before those who sought to seize Him.  They were not tripping over each other in surprise, for every one of these strong men fell backward to the ground by the power of God.  Jesus was in charge that night as the Captain of the host of the Lord.  They could not seize Him unless He permitted them to do so.  What a wonderful Saviour Who willingly submitted to the hands of cruel men to bring us the gift of salvation.  When God named Himself to Moses, He said, “I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, ‘I-AM sent me to you.’”  Jesus is the great I AM!  Hallelujah!

Cooperating with God as He Builds His Church

 “Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests were up and at it: They went to work on the Sheep Gate; they repaired it and hung its doors, continuing on as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel.  Nehemiah got the Jews together to start the work on rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.  He divided them into  groups according to their tribes, and they each took responsibility for a part of the wall to rebuild it.  Everyone took their responsibility well and did it inspite of the threats and intimidation.  They succeeded in building the wall of Jerusalem.  In the new covenant, God is building His Church, the new Jerusalem; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. So then, let us aim for harmony in the Church and try to build each other up. The finished work of the Cross fully equips and perfects the saints, God’s people, for works of service, to build up the Body of Christ, the Church.  As new creatures in Christ, we have come to Mount Zion, the city where the living God resides - the invisible Jerusalem; we’ve come to Jesus.  Amen!

The Fullness of Christ in Unity of Faith

 “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.”

‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus prayed, “So with deep love, I pray for my disciples. I’m not asking on behalf of the unbelieving world, but for those who belong to you, those you have given me.”  How could it be that Jesus loves the world and gave Himself for the sin of the world, yet emphasises that He is praying for His disciples and not praying for the world?  Jesus coming into the world brings life to those who believe and judgment to those who do not.  The implication is that the key to reaching the world is the life, maturity, unity and the love of the disciples.  This does not mean that Jesus doesn’t love the world, but that the world will be reached when the disciples come into the fullness of Christ and in unity of the faith.  This is what consumes the heart of Jesus as He prays for them before the Cross.  As disciples, let’s come into the fullness of Christ with His life, love and unity of faith as we allow Him to manifest through us.  Amen!

Commit Your Way to God & Trust Him

 “Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The king then asked me, “So what do you want?” Praying under my breath to the God-of-Heaven, I said, “If it please the king, and if the king thinks well of me, send me to Judah, to the city where my family is buried, so that I can rebuild it.”  Nehemiah was in a place of influence with king Artaxerxes but yet he prayed to the LORD God Almighty for wisdom to place his request before the king.  Nehemiah was diligent being a cupbearer to the king so he had the king’s ear.  When Nehemiah prayed to God, the king's heart became like a stream of water directed by the Lord. Artaxerxes gave favour to Nehemiah’s request.  Even the thoughts and decisions of kings are influenced by God.  God directs the hearts of rulers according to His divine purposes, reminding us that earthly power is not autonomous. All things are of God, Who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and given us the ministry of reconciliation; to also pray for kings or anyone in high places.  Let’s pray for those in authority over our nation as the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Christ Became Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification & Redemption for Us

 “of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus said, “‘Sin,’ because they refuse to believe in who I am. “God’s ‘righteousness,’ because I’m going back to join the Father and you’ll see me no longer. “And ‘judgment’ because the ruler of this dark world has already received his sentence.”  Sin, righteousness and judgment are related to three persons.  Sin is related to Adam, for it is was through him sin came to humanity. When Adam sinned, the entire world was affected. Sin entered human experience, and death was the result. And so death followed this sin, casting its shadow over all humanity, because all have sinned.  Righteousness is related to Christ because it comes through Him and He has become our righteousness. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, Who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.  Judgment is related to satan, for the pure works of Christ bring judgment to the work of satan.  If we do not embrace Christ’s righteousness, we will share satan’s judgment.  Let’s believe that we who believe in Christ’s finished work on the Cross, are the righteousness of God in Christ.  Amen!

Effective Intercession

 “and said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬ 

Nehemiah prayed, “God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to His covenant and faithful to those who love Him and obey His commands: Pay attention to this prayer of Your servant that I’m praying day and night in intercession for Your servants, confessing their sins. I’m including myself, I and my ancestors, among those who have sinned against You.”  True intercession is identifying with sin, and repenting and confessing it.  Jesus on the Cross divided the spoil with the strong, as He poured out His soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors as He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.  In the new covenant, the Holy Spirit helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to intercede through us.  Amen!

Fruitful Branches of the Vine

 “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬

So this is My command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you.  Because we are all branches in one Vine, if we don’t love one another, it means that our fellowship with the Vine has been cut off.  To bear fruit must come from loving each other, for the same Christ-life lives within every believer.  We are not branches of many trees, but of one Vine.  Jesus said, “I Am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”  The Branch of the Lord is Christ living in His people branching out through them.  The Church is now His lampstand with seven branches.    The prophet Isaiah had already prophesied, “In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing For those of Israel who have escaped.”  Let’s be Christ’s fruitful branches on this earth.  Amen!

God’s Love - Our Perfect Bond of Unity

 “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Now get up, Ezra. Take charge—we’re behind you. Don’t back down.”  God helped Ezra get unity to do the work God had called him to do.  Getting the support to bring unity in the work God has called His people to do is also a key part in being fruitful.  This cooperation was accomplished by the finished work of the Cross.  Our reconciling “Peace” is Jesus! By dying as our sacrifice, He has broken down every wall of prejudice that separated us and has now made us equal through our union with Christ. Ethnic hatred has been dissolved by the crucifixion of His precious Body on the Cross.  That’s why, in the Body of Christ, we put aside our differences and agree to work together in the Lord.  Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!  It takes God’s love so let’s put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  Amen!

The Dwelling Place of Our God

 “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus comforts His disciples, “My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you.”  Jesus is saying there are many homes in His Father’s dwelling place.  On earth, the Church, the Body of Christ, the believers, are His dwelling place.  There is ample room for people from every nation and ethnicity in this dwelling place of God on earth.  Jesus said He has to “go”, and it was first to the Cross to die, and then to be resurrected, and then to ascend to the Father’s right hand.  Let’s come and be His “living stones” who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God, His very dwelling place.  Amen!

Godly Sorrow Brings Repentance

 “O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Ezra prayed to God when he found out that the exiled Jews now returning had intermingled marriages, “You are the righteous God of Israel. We are, right now, a small band of escapees. Look at us, openly standing here, guilty before you. No one can last long like this.”  Ezra knew the fear of God for who may stand in YHWH’s Presence When once He is angry?  But when we repent we long for the True God who lives and we can stand before Him and feel His comfort.  God’s judgement is to be feared but His mercy is for those who repent.  Ezra interceded with repentance and God was merciful to the exiled Jews who returned. Jesus asked forgiveness on behalf of all mankind on the Cross.  That’s why 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!’  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. Let’s choose to repent and receive God’s forgiveness.  Amen!

New Covenant Inheritance

 “Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus replied, “You don’t understand yet the meaning of what I’m doing, but soon it will be clear to you.” Peter looked at Jesus and said, “You’ll never wash my dirty feet—never!” “But Peter, if you don’t allow Me to wash your feet,” Jesus responded, “then you will not be able to share life with Me”.  By removing their sandals and washing their feet, Jesus was showing them that He was granting them a new inheritance  - His own.  The sandal is often used in covenants of inheritance in Hebrew culture.  Every defilement would be removed so that they could “place the sole of their feet” upon the new covenant inheritance.  God told Moses to remove his sandals, for he was about to receive a new inheritance - the holiness of God  and the authority that came with it.  Likewise God told Joshua, “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses”.  Let’s enjoy our new covenant inheritance and with boldness, the holiness and authority that come with it.  Amen!

Giving Sacrificially to God

 “Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭8‬:‭35‬ ‭KJV

When they arrived, the exiles, now returned from captivity, offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings to the God of Israel: 12 bulls, 96 rams 77 lambs 12 he-goats as a Whole-Burnt-Offering to God.  These were exiled Jews returning to Jerusalem who could not possibly have got much.  Yet out of their lack, they offered burnt offerings to the LORD.  They had confidence that God would be their Provider, YHWH YIREH!  When Jesus saw the widow who dropped in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny, He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given a larger offering than any of the wealthy. For the rich only gave out of their surplus, but she sacrificed out of her poverty and gave to God all that she had to live on, which was everything she had.”  Jesus would identify with our poverty at the Cross.  For we have experienced the extravagant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although He was infinitely rich, He impoverished Himself for our sake, so that by His poverty, we become rich beyond measure.  Thank You, Jesus!

The Costly Incense of the Prayers of God’s Lovers

 “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Mary picked up an alabaster jar filled with nearly a liter of extremely rare and costly perfume—the purest extract of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet. Then she wiped them dry with her long hair. And the fragrance of the costly oil filled the house.  Nard is an extremely expensive perfume taken from the root and spike of the nard plant found in northern India.  The Shulamite spoke this in the Song of Solomon, “As the king surrounded me at his table, the sweet fragrance of spikenard awakened the night.. spikenard so sweet”.  This fragrance, usually associated with a king, was found upon Jesus’s feet with a nail.  It is possible they would all have smelled the fragrance of this costly perfume.  It is also possible that this rare and expensive perfume taken could have been her family’s treasure or her inheritance.  John recorded in the revelation he wrote in the island of Patmos, “… the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures saw the Lamb..and they fell facedown at the feet of the Lamb…and their prayers were like bowls full of sweet fragrant incense—the prayers of God’s holy lovers.”  Let’s worship the Lamb with the costly incense of our prayers.  Amen!

Highest Value to the Word of God

 “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬

Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways.   Because Ezra had placed the highest value in studying the Word of God, he asked Artaxerxes, the king of Persia for permission to return to Jerusalem with the other exiled Jews, and he was given it.  This is the power of the Word of God in us.  It places us in positions of honour and influence and leadership to accomplish the will of our heavenly Father.  Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.  There is power in the word of God for it is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Jesus said that the word of God will never fail and blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.  He empowers us to speak the word of God freely and courageously, because He is the Word of God.  Let’s commit ourselves to abide in the Word and speak it.  Amen!