Blessings and Success

 “So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭27‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jotham was the next king after Uzziah and having learned his lesson well, he decided to govern according to God’s ways.  Jotham’s strength was rooted in his steady and determined life of obedience to God.  That’s why he was successful.  Jesus, our example, learned obedience through what He suffered, which is why He became the Victor for our salvation.  That’s why He said, “..blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!”  When Peter was stopped from preaching Jesus, he replied to the authorities, “We must obey God than men!”  For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. Those who obey God's Word truly show how completely we love Him.  That is how we know we are living in Him.  Let’s lead blessed, successful and happy lives led by the Holy Spirit Who helps us obey the Word of God.  Amen!

Jesus is Coming Again

 “And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

After they brought the colt to Jesus, they placed their prayer shawls on its back, and Jesus rode it as He descended the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. As He rode toward the city, people spontaneously threw their prayer shawls like a carpet on the path in front of Him.  This was done to signify Jesus was King.  This was how David had Solomon his son anointed as king, “Take Solomon my son to ride on my own mule, and take him down to Gihon. There let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel; and blow the horn, and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’  Prophecy, hundreds of years before when the Jews were in exile, was made about the Messiah Who would come, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.”  God fulfils what He says. Jesus Himself said about His coming back again, “For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”  He will come again, Amen!

The Pride of Life is not from God

 “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭26‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV

When Uzziah became king of Judah, he did what God said.  So God made him strong and he won his battles against his enemies.  But then the strength and success went to his head. Arrogant and proud, he fell. One day, contemptuous of God, he walked into The Temple of God like he owned it and took over, burning incense on the Incense Altar, and was instantly struck by leprosy.  It was pride that caused the devil to fall like lightening from heaven and that’s how he deceives people in the world for he claimed, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God..I will be like the Most High”.  Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.  The pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world from the devil. It is a warning to all the rich of this world, that they be not proud over their prosperity, or rely on their  wealth, for their riches are unreliable and nothing compared to the living God. Trust instead in the One Who lavishes upon us all good things, fulfilling our every need.  Let’s not glory in our pride; all such glorying is of the devil.  So let’s humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us in due time.  Amen!

The Mercy Seat of the Cross of Christ

 “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The tax collector stood alone in a corner, away from the Holy Place, and covered his face in his hands, feeling that he was unworthy even to look up to God. Beating his breast, he sobbed with brokenness and tears saying, ‘God, please, in your mercy and because of the blood sacrifice, forgive me, for I am nothing but the most miserable of all sinners!’  The publican was in the temple toward the mercy seat when he truly repented and smote his breast as if he was saying to God, “Look at me as You look at the blood-sprinkled mercy seat.”  The same word ‘smote’ was a violent term written of Jesus as He was scourged before He went for His crucifixion, “And the men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him”.  The mercy seat was the place of transference of sin for forgiveness, of reconciliation between God and His people. As long as the blood was there on the mercy seat, God saw only the blood and accepted the people.  As Jesus bore mankind’s sins on the Cross, God saw only the Blood of Jesus, and forgave.  Only God sees the true repentance from the heart.  Let’s learn to truly repent and receive mercy and grace for the forgiveness of our sins.  Amen!

God Protects His People

 “Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭25‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

During those last days, after Amaziah had defected from God, they cooked up a plot against Amaziah in Jerusalem, and he had to flee to Lachish. But they tracked him down in Lachish and killed him there.  Amaziah turned away from God and his end was tragic.  To those who trust God and are loyal to Him, He is our true help.  Our protection is only from the Lord, our Creator Who made the heavens and the earth. In the new covenant, our protection is to be in Christ because there is a war in the spiritual realm.  Though we live in the natural realm, we don’t wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought, insisting it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.  Christ alone is our protection and our victory.  Amen!

Have Faith in God

 “and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests…And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭13‬, 14 & 16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The lepers shouted to Him, “Mighty Lord, our wonderful Master! Won’t You have mercy on us and heal us?” When Jesus stopped to look at them, He spoke these words: “Go to be examined by the Jewish priests.” One of them, a Samaritan, when he discovered that he was completely healed, turned back and found Jesus, falling down at His feet and thanked Him over and over, saying to Him, “You are the Messiah.”  The lepers when they saw Jesus, addressed Him as “Master” for they saw that He had supernatural authority and power Who would heal them.  It was faith on their part to step out only on the word Jesus spoke to them.  They were to go to the priest, who would confirm their healing and declare them ceremonially clean and approved to go into the temple to worship God.  For a Samaritan man to return to give thanks to a Jew was indeed peculiar.  Since he likely had no “priest”, he turned to the only One he knew to be a priest for Him - Jesus Christ.  Let’s have faith in Jesus.  Amen!

Judgment Belongs to God Alone

 “And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭24‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then the Spirit of God moved Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest to speak up: “God’s word: Why have you deliberately walked away from God’s commandments? You can’t live this way! If you walk out on God, He’ll walk out on you.” But they worked out a plot against Zechariah, and with the complicity of the king—he actually gave the order!—they murdered him, pelting him with rocks, right in the court of The Temple of God.  Those who speak and act against God’s anointed servants and ministers come to a sad end.  Jesus spoke of the murder of Zechariah who served in God’s temple, “from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.”  Let’s speak peace and not judge God’s servants, for judgment belongs to God alone.  Amen!

Only Believe that Jesus Rose from the Dead

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV

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

Rejoicing in Restoration

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV

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

Each Repentant Heart is a Celebration to God

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Devil’s Future is in the Lake of Fire

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭22‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬

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

Putting Jesus Above All

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬

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

Light & Darkness Are Never Together

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Influencing Society & Culture for Christ

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Battle Was Won at the Cross

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

You Are Valuable to the Almighty God

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Salvation is a Free Gift for All Mankind

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Unconditional Love Changes Hard Hearts

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭32‬ ‭KJV‬

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

Building Others Up

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Christ Stooped Down to Lift Us Up

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭33‬-‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Riches of Christ’s Grace & Glory

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Christ Our Sin-Bearer and Redeemer

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭51‬ ‭KJV‬

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

Surrendering to God is Trusting Him

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Overcoming by the Power of the Cross

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭55‬-‭56‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Prophecy is for the Earthly Age

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Life & Immortality Came When Death was Abolished

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬, ‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

God Always Gives Us Victory Through Christ

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭14‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Apostolic Passion

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬

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

Trusting God Brings Victory

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

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭13‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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