Praying in Agreement

 “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said, “Receive this truth: Whatever you forbid on earth will be considered to be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will be considered to be released in heaven. Again, I give you an eternal truth: If two of you agree to ask God for something in a symphony of prayer, my heavenly Father will do it for you.”  Whatever we forbid on earth must be that which is already forbidden in heaven and what we permit on earth must be that which is already permitted in heaven.  God will not give us what we’re not ready for, just like an earthly father would not give his eight year old a car to drive.  Let’s understand this principle as we learn heaven’s way to bring God’s Kingdom on earth.  This is Christ’s way Who taught us, “Thy Will be done on earth as it is heaven.”  Amen!

New Covenant of Grace

 “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; and enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Saul died in disobedience, disobedient to God. He didn’t obey God’s words. Instead of praying, he went to a witch to seek guidance. Because he didn’t go to God for help, God took his life and turned the kingdom over to David..  It was sad that Saul made the choices that he did, to his own detriment as the wrath of God came upon him.  We thank God for Jesus because anyone who believes in the Son of God has everlasting life; and those who do not believe in Jesus Christ, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on them.  Jesus, on the Cross through His Sacrifice, took the wrath of God on Himself. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  Thank You Jesus for the new covenant You made with all humanity, may everyone believe and receive You.  Amen!

The Finished Redemption of Christ

 “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said to Peter, “But so that we don’t offend them, go to the lake and throw out your hook, and the first fish that rises up will have a coin in its mouth. It will be the exact amount you need to pay the temple tax for both of us.”  Peter had made a presumptuous statement to the tax collectors that Jesus would pay the temple tax.  Peter hadn’t asked Jesus first, yet Jesus backed up Peter’s word and performed a miracle to pay the tax.  Jesus got Peter “off the hook” by having him hook a fish with the exact amount of the tax for both Jesus and Peter!  This miracle is a picture of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  The depth of the sea speaks to us of the depth of suffering Jesus passed through for us on the Cross.  The fish was not “caught” but rose to the surface on its own!  In the mouth of our Lord Jesus is the full price of our sin debt, for He has declared the work of redemption finished, and our “tax” has been paid in full.  May we believe in Christ’s finished redemption for each of us personally.  Amen!

Sure Word of Prophecy

 “Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The first Israelites to return from exile to their homes and cities were the priests, the Levites, and the temple support staff who returned to Jerusalem.  Jerusalem had been the capital of Israel since David’s time in 1000 BC.  David’s descendants turned away from the God Who loved them, so Israel and its kings went into captivity.  The Jews returned back from captivity at this point mentioned above.  When Christ was born the Romans ruled.  It was only in 1948 that Israel was declared a country again recognised by the UN, a fulfilment of Ezekiel’s prophecy, “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.”  Zechariah also prophesied that the Jewish people will turn to God through the Messiah only after returning to Israel.  We live in these times when the sure Word of  prophecy is fulfilled.  God is Eternal, mankind lives in time.  For God a thousand years are as a day!  Let’s believe God’s Word not only for Israel but for ourselves personally.  Heaven and earth will pass away but God’s Word will not.  Amen!

No Stopping the Church Increasing

 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said, “I give you the name Peter, a stone. And this rock will be the bedrock foundation on which I will build My Church—My legislative assembly, and the power of death will not be able to overpower it!”  It was Peter’s revelation from the Father and his confession of Jesus as the Son of God that becomes the bedrock foundation for the Church, the Rock is Jesus Christ.  The church is “ekklesia” and means legislative assembly or selected ones.  It’s not a religious but a political and governmental term of a group of people who are to govern the affairs of a city.  For Jesus to use this term means He gives the keys of governmental authority in His Kingdom to the Church.  The gates of hell is the power of death.  All the forces of hell will never have the power to win a victory over it.  There is no power of darkness that can stop the advancing Church that Jesus builds.  Let’s believe that God the Holy Spirit is still speaking to the Church to bring souls in!  Amen!

God’s Friendship

 “And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭8‬:‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Ner had Kish, Kish had Saul, and Saul had Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal.  Jonathan means “YHWH has gifted”.  He was the eldest son of king Saul of the kingdom of Israel and a close friend of David.  He was known for his great strength and swiftness, and excelled in archery and slinging.  Jonathan’s intrepidity and fidelity to his friend, the future king David, makes him an admired figure.  This loyalty came from Jonathan’s discernment that David would be the next king of Israel and he made a covenant with David.  After his death in defeat at the hand of the Philistines, David lamented in a moving eulogy and gave Jonathan and his father an honourable burial.  David also recognised Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s lame son and gave him a place at the king’s table.  The Lord Jesus Christ gave the true meaning of friendship.  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”  Jesus is our Friend and showed us how, by dying to remove our sins, and rising again to bring us into union with God.  Let’s believe in God’s Friendship with all who come into this relationship.  Amen!

True Worship

 “Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭25‬, ‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But she came and bowed down before Him and said, “Lord, help me!” “You’re right, Lord,” she replied. “But even puppies get to eat the crumbs that fall from the prince’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Dear woman, your faith is strong! What you desire will be done for you.” And at that very moment, her daughter was instantly set free from demonic torment.  This person was a Canaanite merchant woman and Canaan included the region of modern-day Lebanon.  Canaanite referred to the non-Jewish person who lived in that region.  It was here that Jezebel, the wife of king Ahab of Israel established Baal worship.  Now Jesus heals a woman and brings her to the true worship of God.  True worshippers are in Jesus’s Word “From now on, worshiping the Father will not be a matter of the right place but with a right heart. For God is a Spirit, and He longs to have sincere worshipers who adore Him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.”  May we worship with a sincere heart our Lord and our God.  Amen!

The Gifts of the Spirit to the Church

 “Now the sons of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimrom, four. And their brethren among all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, reckoned in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬, ‭5‬ ‭KJV‬

The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four sons. The extended families of Issachar accounted for 87,000 warriors—all of them listed in the family tree.  What was so special about the sons of Issachar?  They were distinguished from the ranks because of their unusual gift to discern the times. Their understanding made known to the king that the sons of Issachar knew what Israel ought to do. The gift of discernment is valuable in times of uncertainty.  In the new covenant, because of the redemption of all humanity through the Blood of the Cross, this gift of discernment has been given to the Church by the Holy Spirit.  All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick,  miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the One Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.  Let the Church move in the power given to us.  Amen!

The Power of God in the Church

 “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased. Then all the disciples bowed down before Him and worshiped Jesus. They said in adoration, “You are truly the Son of God!”  The disciples worshipped Jesus.  Worship means to bow, to kiss and to pay homage to.  The disciples did all three as they declared Jesus being the Son of God.  The power of God exuding from Jesus was incredible, that the raging wind ceased.  Earlier the same power multiplied the loaves and fishes.  Later the same power healed the woman who touched Jesus’s prayer shawl.  The same power is available to the Church today, for Christ, the Provider, the Deliverer, the Healer, lives in every believer.  As David believed, “You answer our prayers with amazing wonders and with awe-inspiring displays of power.”  Let the Church believe and move in that power.  Amen!

Restoring True Worship

 “And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

These are the persons David appointed to lead the singing in the house of God after the Ark was placed there.  The Ark had been in Kiriath Jearim when David, with great rejoicing, brought it to Jerusalem and set up the Tabernacle of David, where the Ark was kept till the Temple of Solomon was built where it was shifted.  The unique aspect of the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle of David was, that it was not kept in the Holy of Holies, but was in full view of everyone who came to worship there.  David organised nonstop worship before the Ark of the Covenant.  He was the uninhibited fullness of the power of God in a body. In the Tabernacle of David what existed was a tent to house the Ark of the Covenant, which was the representation of the Presence of God in Israel. Paul refers to our bodies as tents or houses.  James remembered the prophet Amos, “‘After these things I will return to you and raise up the Tabernacle of David that has fallen into ruin. I will restore and rebuild what David experienced so that all of humanity will be able to encounter the LORD including the gentiles whom I have called to be My very Own’, says the LORD.”  Let’s bring a lifestyle of worship to our God and move in His power in our day.  Amen!

Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven

 “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus explained, “You’ve been given the intimate experience of insight into the hidden mysteries of the realm of heaven’s kingdom, but they have not.”  The mysteries of heaven’s Kingdom realm are spiritual insights into the nature and ways of God.  Jesus Christ can only be fully understood by the spirit, not merely by the intellect of man.  Jesus taught His disciples using the cryptic language of parables to move them beyond intellectual abilities and engage the spirit.  If the listener had a hunger to learn with an open, teachable heart, then Jesus’s words brought life and understanding.  We must always be those who push aside our opinions and traditions to glean the deepest meaning of all that Jesus did and taught.  As Solomon wrote that the mysteries of God are with the righteous, who are true lovers of God.  Let’s hunger and thirst for the deep secrets of God because we love Him.  Amen!

God Kind Of Faithfulness

 “And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭5‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had a large population and occupied territories.  But they were not faithful to the God of their ancestors. They took up with the ungodly gods of the peoples of the land whom God had gotten rid of before they arrived. He deported them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan. They’ve been there ever since.  The result of unfaithfulness has consequences.  We thank God that He is faithful, by Whom we  were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.  Anyone who wanders away and does not remain faithful to the teaching of Christ has no relationship with God. But those who remain in the teaching of Christ have a wonderful relationship with both the Father and the Son.  Thank You Jesus that You love us, may we not risk Your faithfulness by losing eternity with You.  Amen!

Jesus Christ is LORD

 “But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When the religious leaders criticised Jesus’s disciples for rubbing the grain in their hands and eating it, as working on the Sabbath, Jesus responded, “But I say to you, there is One here Who is even greater than the temple. If only you could learn the meaning of the words ‘I want compassion more than a sacrifice,’ you wouldn’t be condemning my innocent disciples. For the Son of Man exercises his Lordship over the Sabbath.”  Jesus made these three startling statements that stunned all those who heard Him.  First, Jesus said He is greater than the temple.  Secondly, He said that God didn’t want sacrifices but mercy.    Third, that He, the Messiah, was the Lord of the Sabbath.  Hosea, the prophet, had already spoken on behalf of God, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”  Let’s not be surprised when Jesus shocks us with truth that is outside our understanding.  We receive every Word He speaks to us with gratitude, so that we will be changed into His likeness through His revealed truth.  Amen!

Celebrating Christ in the New Covenant

 “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: “Bless me, O bless me! Give me land, large tracts of land. And provide your personal protection—don’t let evil hurt me.” God gave him what he asked.  Jabez is mentioned in the sons of Judah and his mother bore him in pain when he was born and she named him ‘pain’.  Everyone called him ‘pain’, to his sorrow and Jabez did the one thing that would change his life - he turned to God and requested Him three things - to bless him; to enlarge his territory; and to protect him from evil.  Jabez recognised that God is the Owner of all that there is, and God alone would bless him and give him complete protection.  God answered - Judah, the tribe from which Jabez came, had the largest territory of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Jabez was blessed indeed in the old covenant.  The new covenant is even better - every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus—all because He sees us wrapped into Christ. This is why we celebrate Him with all our hearts!  Amen!

Passion For Christ

 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

From the moment John stepped onto the scene until now, the realm of heaven’s kingdom is bursting forth, and passionate people have taken hold of its power.  The era of the law and the prophets terminated with John and from then on the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is proclaimed.  Yet it seems that violence happens when the flesh clashes with the spirit.  Those, hungry for the truth of the born of the Spirit experience, take hold of the Kingdom of God forcefully!  Unless you are born again, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God.  Many who push themselves to be first will find themselves last; and those who are willing to be last will find themselves to be first.  Everyone is invited but few are chosen.  Let’s proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God with passion and win souls for Christ.  Amen!

Humility Brings Honour From God

 “These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David had these six sons while he was in Hebron; he was king there for seven years and six months. He went on to be king in Jerusalem for another thirty-three years.  When David became king in Hebron, it was the tribe of Judah and of Benjamin that made him to be king.  But it was seven years later that the other ten tribes invited David to be king over all the twelve tribes of Israel.  David was a man after God’s own heart who knew the power of worshipping YHWH in every circumstance.  Which is why David never allowed his personal ambition to stop him obeying and wholeheartedly following God.  Even when he sinned, he was quick to repent.  God honoured David by the coming Messiah to be from the house of David.  The prophecy was fulfilled, “And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David”.  Let’s be humble to receive prophecies spoken over our lives and also to prophesy over others as the Holy Spirit gives utterance, to build up the Body of Christ and let the Church be victorious in these end times, seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness. Amen!

True Freedom in Christ

 “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus instructs His disciples, “And as you go, preach this message: ‘Heaven’s kingdom realm is accessible, close enough to touch.’ You must continually bring healing to lepers and to those who are sick, and make it your habit to break off the demonic presence from people, and raise the dead back to life. Freely you have received the power of the kingdom, so freely release it to others. You won’t need a lot of money. Travel light, and don’t even pack an extra change of clothes.  Trust God for everything.”  Preaching the Gospel is the call to repentance to turn from sin and turn to God for the Kingdom of heaven approaches.  Cure the insane; don’t charge for preaching the Gospel; or for using God’s anointing.  Jesus wants us to be clothed with the garment of righteousness we wear in Christ; our shoes symbolise the good news we carry.  Our staff is the authority of Christ in us.  This is the mandate from Christ for all His followers.  This is true Independence!  Amen!

Being Bold to Receive Our Inheritance in Christ

 “She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah, and the father of Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb was Achsa.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭2‬:‭49‬ ‭KJV‬

She also bore Shaaph the father of Madmannah and Sheva the father of Macbenah and Gibea.  Caleb’s daughter was Acsah. These made up the Caleb branch of the family tree.  In all of the sons mentioned, the only daughter of Caleb, Acsah is written about in Scripture for a purpose.  Although the society was patriarchal but in God’s eyes, females are just as important as males.  Acsah was mentioned because she understood her inheritance.  When she was married, her father gave her land.  She asked for more and she got it!  In the new covenant with Christ, we no longer see each other in our former state—Jew or non-Jew, rich or poor, male or female—because we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ. And if we belong to Christ, then we are now Abraham’s “child” and a true heir of all his blessings because of the promise God made to Abraham!  Let’s not limit God by asking Him for a little, let’s understand our inheritance and ask Him for the limitless!  He’s our Heavenly Father!  How awesome is our God!  Amen!

Forgiveness & Healing Both Flow from Jesus Christ

 “For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus perceived what the religious scholars were saying in their hearts, so He addressed them, “Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Stand up and walk!’?”  It is easy for anyone to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, for that cannot be proven.  But if someone were to tell a paralysed man to stand up, and he didn’t stand up, that would prove the person is a fraud.  Jesus didn’t do the “easy thing” without accomplishing the hard thing, the miracle of healing.  Forgiveness and healing both flow from Jesus Christ.  Isaiah had already prophesied of when the Christ shall come, “They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing.”  All those who have Christ in them will do the same as Jesus did.  Hallelujah!

Unchanging God from Generation to Generation

 “Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The sons of Noah were Shem, Ham, and Japheth.  Shem survived the great flood along with his father, two brothers and all of their wives.  Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he had Arphaxad, through whom Abraham was born.  Shem was considered to be the ancestor of the peoples of Asia and Semites were the people of Western Asia.  Semitic peoples were those of the Middle East, including Jews, Arabs, Akkadians and Phoenicians. Luke named Shem in the lineage of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Jesus came to bring God to mankind and for us to know that God’s Throne endures to all generations.  God told Abraham, “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”  God is Eternal, Who was, Who is, and Who is to come, beyond time, the same yesterday, today and forever.  Thank You, LORD that You never change.  To God be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen!

Demonstrating Christ’s Authority for the Extension of His Kingdom

 “And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus commanded, “Then go!” And at once the demons came out of the men and went into the pigs. Then the entire herd of crazed pigs stampeded down the steep slope and fell into the water and drowned. How amazing that Jesus answered the request of the demons.  How much more will He answer our prayers.  This mass exorcism is an astonishing miracle demonstrating the authority and power of Jesus.  It is also amazing that the people of the town didn’t ask Jesus to remain with them.  The One Who can deliver two men from demonic power can also deliver a city.  Our God never compels or constrains anyone, neither does He want conversions in exchange for money.  He wants His followers “to feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind”.  Let’s win souls by the power of God, without compulsion but letting people have the freedom of exercising their free will.  Amen!

The Temple of God is Us - the Church

 “and he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭25‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV

The king of Babylon’s chief deputy, came and burned the Temple of God to the ground, went on to the royal palace, and then finished off the city—burned the whole place down.  For the Jews at that time, it was a horrendous occurrence that their temple was destroyed.  They had gone so far away from the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and worshipped other gods, thinking that nothing will happen to them and now it was too late - they were being exiled, taken over by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.  What a lamentation there was!  God seemed so far away!  But God had the best plan, when He sent the Messiah Jesus Christ, to be the Sacrifice to take away all sin.  Then Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower all those who believe in Christ’s Sacrifice, and to permanently dwell in such believers.  Scripture says, “Do you not know that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”  There is no building in heaven or earth where God will dwell, but He has chosen to dwell in the Church, the Body of Christ, in those who believe in Him!  Amen!

Demonstrate Christ’s Love by Caring for Others

 “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus taught, “You’re being hypercritical and a hypocrite! First acknowledge and deal with your own ‘blind spots,’ and then you’ll be capable of dealing with the ‘blind spot’ of your friend.”  Literally, Jesus says, “Why do you see a speck in your brother’s eye but fail to see the beam of wood sticking out of your own eye? Then you can see clearly to remove the small speck out of your brother’s eye.”  Jesus is clearly teaching that our blind spots prevent us from accurately evaluating the needs of others.  Every day people are bombarded by what’s wrong with others and what’s right with  themselves.  The need for personal aggrandisement has made us hardened to evaluating the needs of others.  But Christ brings us back to the correct perspective which is to see the needs of those around us, and to demonstrate the same love Christ has for us by loving one another.  That’s how everyone will know that we’re His true followers.  Let’s be humble and lift up Christ instead of ourselves so that we love others as ourselves and as Christ loves us.  Amen!

The Goodness of God in Not Sparing His Own Son

 “In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It was during his reign that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the country. Jehoiakim became his puppet. But after three years he had had enough and revolted. God dispatched a succession of raiding bands against him to destroy Judah. Through the preaching of His servants and prophets, God had said He would do this, and now He was doing it.  The Lord works everything together to accomplish His purpose. Even the wicked are included in His  plans— He sets them aside for the day of disaster.  We know that God’s purposes are good as we consider the injustice of wicked people crucifying Jesus on the Cross so that all mankind would come out of evil.  For God has proved His love by giving us His greatest treasure, the gift of His Son. And since God freely offered Him up as the sacrifice for us all, He certainly won’t withhold from us anything else He has to give.  Amen!

The Light of Truth & the Darkness of Deception

 “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus teaches here, “The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in! But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter!”  The teachings of Jesus are the “revelation light” referred to here.  “Healthy eyes” means being generous.  Also, our eye is like a lamp for our body.  An “evil” eye can be associated with being stingy and greedy.  If our eye is healthy and focused, our whole body is full of light, but if it is sick and evil, our body is full of darkness.  The “eye” is a metaphor for spiritual perception.  The “body” is our spirit.  The “light” is Jesus’s teachings.  The “darkness” is formed by the lies and opinions that blind us and make all our ways dark.  That’s why we meditate on Jesus’s teachings and do what it says. Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say, cultivating what is good; eagerly pursue peace in every relationship, making it our prize.  Amen!

Perilous Times & Christ Overcomers

 “And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭23‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He tore out the rooms of the male sacred prostitutes that had been set up in The Temple of God; women also used these rooms for weavings for Asherah.  Josiah was young when he became king but he was confronted with a decadent society, where the people of God had lost their moral bearings and were in decline.  He, with the help of the high priest and his officials, restored the sanctity of the temple and bringing back the words of the book of the covenant.  However, the land was defiled as were the people and they had to face the consequences of dispersion and exile, which came upon them in the following years.  When we cross the boundaries of what God has ordained from the beginning, society and culture will face a breakdown.  The decline in our times of the confusion of gender identity, of what marriage means, the mental health issues, hate crimes (the list goes on) - is the sign that society is going through a drastic decline.  Scripture tells us that in the last days perilous times will come.  Let’s prepare ourselves to be more in the Word, led by the Spirit, so we overcome victoriously the troubled times coming upon this world.  It’s only by the Blood of the Lamb of God.  Amen!

Salt that Keeps its Flavour

 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said, “Your lives are like salt among the people. But if you, like salt, become bland, how can your ‘saltiness’ be restored? Flavorless salt is good for nothing and will be thrown out and trampled on by others.”  Salt that has lost its flavour is foolish, it says both in Greek and Aramaic.  If salt that has lost its flavour is foolish, then salt that keeps its flavour is wise.  Rabbinical literature equates salt with wisdom.  After speaking about salt Jesus speaks of lighting a lamp.  It was a common practice in the time of Jesus to put salt on the wick of a lamp to increase its brightness.  The “salt” of wisdom will make our lights shine even brighter.  Light represents the Presence of God and brings enlightenment and revelation in the hearts of men.  May we with wisdom, know our responsibility to bring flavour into life.  Amen!

The Word of God Spoken through Prophets & Prophetesses

 “So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭22‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went straight to Huldah the prophetess. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, who was in charge of the palace wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter. It’s amazing that when Judah had become decadent and idolatrous, there was still a prophet in Jerusalem and that too a prophetess!  Someone to whom the high priest and senior priests, scribes and royal attendants, went to enquire what YHWH was saying.  The word of prophecy was given and it came to pass thereafter.  The Word of God when it is spoken through prophets never returns unfulfilled but performs God’s purpose and fulfills the mission it was sent out to accomplish.  In the Church today, of which Christ is the Head, there are prophets and prophetesses who still speak from God what they hear, to build the Kingdom of God on earth today.  Amen!

New Covenant Worship

 “and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Satan said to Jesus, “If you’re really God’s Son, jump, and the angels will catch you. For it is written in the Scriptures: He will command His angels to protect you and they will lift you up so that you won’t even bruise your foot on a rock.”  This was a temptation to capitalise on being the Son of God and to force God to protect Him as He jumped.  Jesus was being tested over restraining His power as the Anointed One and waiting until the timing of His Father in publicly releasing Him to work miracles and display His power.  He was not sent to throw Himself down from the temple, but to throw down the temple and establish a new order of worship - as a true relationship with God is internal, with every believer now becoming the Temple of God.  Let’s believe that we are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us.  If anyone defiles the Temple of God, God will destroy that one. For the Temple of God is holy, which Temple we are.  Amen!

Christ’s Sacrifice Cancels God’s Wrath

 “And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭21‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The final word on Manasseh was that he was an indiscriminate murderer. He drenched Jerusalem with the innocent blood of his victims. That’s on top of all the sins in which he involved his people. As far as God was concerned, he’d turned them into a nation of sinners.  Recorded in the old covenant and remembered with sorrow, was Manasseh as king of the Jews.  Thank God that in the new covenant, the King of kings, Jesus Christ was nailed on the Cross for all mankind’s sin.  Our God is holy, exalted, worthy of complete devotion, as One perfect in goodness and righteousness.  Sin separated mankind from God.  That’s why when the time was right, Christ the Anointed One came and died to demonstrate His love for sinners who were entirely helpless, weak, and powerless to save themselves. Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! This is His unfailing love for us, that through the Blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in My sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God.  How awesome is our God.  Hallelujah!

Sin Separates, Christ’s Blood Unites

 “and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the Baptist cried out loud and clear, “Heaven’s kingdom is about to appear—so you’d better keep turning away from evil and turn back to God!”  His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings.  John was preaching in Aramaic, the language of the day.  The word for “repent” means “to return to God and leave your sins behind.”  This is much more than simply changing your mind, it is a powerful term for turning your life around and coming back to the holy God.  God designed us to feel remorse over sin in order to produce repentance that leads to victory. This leaves us with no regrets. But the sorrow of the world works death.  Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.  Let’s purposefully repent and in Christ receive redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.  Amen!