The Holy Spirit Sees & Celebrates Perfection

 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.  Earlier it was the creation which groans for the glorious freedom of God’s children.  We also groan for the fullness of our status as God’s children.  The Holy Spirit groans for our complete destiny to be fulfilled.  He sighs within us with words too deep for articulation, assisting us in our prayers when we struggle to know how to pray properly.  When we feel restricted in our flesh, He supersedes our clumsy efforts and hits bulls-eye every time!  He only sees and celebrates perfection.  Let’s agree with Him.  Amen!

Our Redeemer Lives

 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, Yet in my flesh shall I see God:”

‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job laments that his loved ones, friends and servants have given up on him, “Still, I know that God lives—the One Who gives me back my life— and eventually He’ll take His stand on earth. And I’ll see Him—even though I get skinned alive!— see God myself, with my very own eyes. Oh, how I long for that day!”  Being rejected in the greatest trial of his life by his loved ones, friends and servants, Job still made this confession that he knew his Redeemer lives and that he would see him.  What faith, and that too in the old covenant!  But now, our Redeemer came in the flesh, was crucified and rose again and we see Him by the Holy Spirit, in our relationship with Him and through His Word.  Jesus said “I promise that I will never leave you helpless or abandon you as orphans—I will come back to you! Soon I will leave this world and they will see Me no longer, but you will see Me, because I will live again, and you will come alive too.”  What an awesome promise, let’s believe it.  Amen!

Freed from the Laws of Sin & Death

 “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul explains, “What an agonizing situation I am in! So who has the power to rescue this miserable man from the unwelcome intruder of sin and death? I give all my thanks to God, for his mighty power has finally provided a way out through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! So if left to myself, the flesh is aligned with the law of sin, but now my renewed mind is fixed on and submitted to God’s righteous principles.”  Paul is saying that it doesn’t matter how he weighs himself by his own efforts, he just doesn’t measure up to expectations!  The situation is absolutely desperate for mankind; is there anyone who can deliver from this death-trap?  Thank God, this is exactly what He has done through Jesus Christ, our Leader: He has come to our rescue!  Mankind is finally freed from this conflict between the law of the mind and the law of sin in the body.  In the human body exactly like ours, Jesus balanced the scales!  He is the true measure of the life of our design - He revealed and redeemed the image and likeness of God in us as in a mirror!  Hallelujah!

Being Kind to the Unkind

 “Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, And this is the place of him that knoweth not God.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV

Bildad the Shuhite again comes forward and tries to indicate that Job is wicked, that’s why calamity came upon him, ending his speech with, “Oh no! So this is what happens to perverse people. This is how the God-ignorant end up!”  Many times, we offer explanations to our suffering friends as to why things have gone wrong for them, without giving any solution to their predicament.  Bildad was like that, quite apathetic towards Job.  For us in the new covenant, the solution is always Jesus and the finished work of the Cross, where the defeat of satan was nailed once and for all.  Let’s be kind, compassionate and merciful to others, especially those who are against us and despitefully use us, because we are the righteousness of God in Christ.  The right thing to do is to be merciful for we obtain mercy ourselves and we are blessed when we do that.  Vengeance belongs to God, He Alone is the Righteous Judge and we surrender to Him all wrongdoing done to us so that we receive His mercy.  Amen!

Enjoying Newness of Life through Baptism

 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul explains what water baptism means, “Or have you forgotten that all of us who were immersed into union with Jesus, the Anointed One, were immersed into union with His death? Sharing in His death by our baptism means that we were co-buried with Him, so that when the Father’s glory raised Christ from the dead, we were also raised with Him.  We have been co-resurrected with Him so that we could be empowered to walk in the freshness of new life.”  What are we saying then in baptism, if we are not declaring that we understand our union with Christ in His death?  Baptism pictures how we were co-buried together with Christ in His death; then it powerfully illustrates how in God’s mind we were co-raised with Christ into a new lifestyle.  The prophet Hosea had already declared it hundreds of years before Christ, “After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight.”  May we believe the Word and enjoy newness of life through baptism.  Amen!

We Have Wisdom in Christ

 “But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: For I cannot find one wise man among you.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭17‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV

Job continues his anger towards his three friends, “Maybe you’d all like to start over, to try it again, the bunch of you. So far I haven’t come across one scrap of wisdom in anything you’ve said.“. Job justified his own righteousness before God but he recognised the lack of wisdom in what his three friends were saying to him.  Today Christ is to us the power of God and the wisdom of God.  For the wisdom of this world is selfish and devilish. But the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.  May we always submit to the wisdom given to us in Christ!  Amen!

Law Reveals Sin; Gospel Reveals Righteousness

 “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The conclusion is clear - it took just one offence to condemn mankind; one act of righteousness declares the same mankind innocent.  The disobedience of the one exhibits mankind as sinners; the obedience of another exhibits mankind as righteous.  Just as all mankind became exceedingly sinful through one person’s disobedience but did not know it until the law revealed it, so all mankind became exceedingly righteous through one act of righteousness, but they did not know it until the Gospel revealed it.  The principle of faith is to see what God sees.  God calls things that seem not to be as though they were.  While we look not at the things that the senses observe, we look at the revelation of the unseen as it is unveiled in our understanding through the mirror revelation of the Gospel of Christ.  This is the obedience of faith unto righteousness.  Amen!

Christ Who Mediates for Us

 “My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. O that one might plead for a man with God, As a man pleadeth for his neighbour!”

‭‭Job‬ ‭16‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job now replies to Eliphaz, “Don’t muffle my cry! There must be Someone in heaven who knows the truth about me, in highest heaven, some Attorney who can clear my name— My Champion, my Friend, while I’m weeping my eyes out before God. I appeal to the One who represents mortals before God as a neighbor stands up for a neighbor..”. The heartfelt cry of Job for a mediator to speak on his behalf was the need of all in the old covenant.  Because Jesus was born on the earth as a man, identifying with every need of mankind, He can now speak for us. Jesus, as a man, lived for a short time lower than the angels and has now been crowned with glorious honor because of what He suffered in His death. For it was by God’s grace that He experienced death’s bitterness on behalf of everyone!  There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.  May we know the power of the Cross on an ongoing basis to allow our Mediator to represent us personally before our Holy God.  Amen!

Being Righteousness Conscious

 “saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul quotes David as he explains the perfect righteousness we have received through Christ, “What happy fulfillment is ahead for those whose rebellion has been forgiven and whose sins are covered by blood. What happy progress comes to them when they hear the Lord speak over them, I will never hold your sins against you!”  When David wrote this psalm, it was in the days of covering sin by the blood of sacrifice.  Today, in the new covenant, our sins are no longer simply covered, but removed forever.  Now when God takes an inventory and settles accounts, it’s not the blood of bulls, goats or lambs, but He takes inventory by virtue of Christ, the Blood Sacrifice of the Lamb of God at the Cross and the complete removal of our sins.  Through our faith in Him, Christ’s perfect righteousness is now deposited in our account.  It is settled, we are declared righteous by faith.  This is our continual happiness, bliss and blessedness.  May we be righteousness-conscious rather than sin-conscious, enjoying this status that God has graced us with.  Amen!

Our Great Friend Who Loves Us More than His Life

 “For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, And fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, And their belly prepareth deceit.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭15‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s now Job’s third friend Eliphaz the Temanite who answers him.  “The godless are fruitless—a barren crew; a life built on bribes goes up in smoke. They have sex with sin and give birth to evil. Their lives are wombs for breeding deceit.  Eliphaz calls Job a hypocrite and accuses him that his life is built on bribes so it has gone up in smoke.  What a sad commentary from a friend.  Thank God that He rebuked Job’s friends for speaking the wrong thing.  In the new covenant Jesus is our Friend, for He said, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.”  We can be real with Jesus and tell Him everything that is in our heart - the pain, the confusion, the grief - anything!  Christ will teach us the power of forgiveness and of letting go.  Let’s make Jesus our greatest Friend.  Amen!

Faith in Christ is Superior to Keeping the Law

 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Does emphasizing our faith invalidate the law? Absolutely not. Instead, our faith establishes the role the law should rightfully have.  Paul’s conviction was that faith in Christ is superior to keeping the law.  The rightful role of the law is to bring conviction of sin and to present God’s standard of holiness, now fulfilled in Christ.  As Paul later explains that now every righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled through the Anointed One living His life in us. And we are free to live, not according to our flesh, but by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit!  For Christ is the end of the law and because of Him, God has transferred His perfect righteousness to all who have faith to believe.  God has placed faith in us after we made the free-will choice to follow Christ and He enables us by His Holy Spirit to become like Christ in Whose image we are made.  It’s not about conversion, it’s about conviction of faith!  Amen!

Jesus Took God’s Wrath for Mankind on Himself

 “O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, That thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, That thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!”

‭‭Job‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV

Job continues his argument with God, “So mortals lie down and never get up, never wake up again—never. Why don’t you just bury me alive, get me out of the way until your anger cools? But don’t leave me there! Set a date when you’ll see me again..”. Job knew God’s wrath against sin and had the fear of God in him and he didn’t know that the Messiah would come to deliver mankind from God’s wrath. God had said through Moses “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”  The fear of God is a respect and honour towards God that causes us not to sin.  It was prophesied of the Messiah that  “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord”. Jesus took the wrath of God upon Him at the Cross for all mankind so that sin would not have dominion over us.  In the new covenant through faith in this Blood covenant, we are delivered from sin, just by believing in Christ.  Only believe.  Amen!

Don’t Judge - Live by the Holy Spirit

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul explains, “No matter who you are, before you judge the wickedness of others, you had better remember this: you are also without excuse, for you too are guilty of the same kind of things! When you judge others, and then do the same things they do, you condemn yourself.”  It can read as, “Because of this, O human, the Spirit is not speaking through you, as you judge another, for against what you judge, you will also revert.”  It is the carnal mindedness in mankind, operating through our flesh, that causes us to condemn others.  It is through the flesh that satan uses mankind to accuse and condemn one another as that is the accuser’s chosen role!  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that we do not do the things that we wish. When we sow to our flesh we of the flesh reap corruption, but when we who sow to the Spirit we of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  When we live according to the flesh we die; but by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body, we live.  God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Christ Who called us by glory and virtue.  Let’s receive it.  Amen!

Trusting God in the Midst of Calamity

 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: But I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭13‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job said, “Because even if he killed me, I’d keep on hoping. I’d defend my innocence to the very end.”  It is no wonder that God had put His reputation on Job’s integrity when He said to satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”  Job’s friends couldn’t do anything for him so he shut them up and said of God that he’d continue to ask God all his questions.  In the midst of his calamity, Job was still able to say that he trusted in God.  In the new covenant, Jesus has made us co-heirs with Him so that all in heaven belongs to us as He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  In the midst of distress and calamity, believers in Christ have the peace of God.  Let’s receive it and abide in it as our inheritance and our lifestyle.  Amen!

Mankind Lives Once - After That is the Judgment

 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV

For God in heaven unveils his holy anger breaking forth against every form of sin, both toward ungodliness that lives in hearts and evil actions. For the wickedness of humanity deliberately smothers the truth and keeps people from acknowledging the truth about God.  God’s wrath is His action in punishing evil, a holy disapproval of all that is wicked in the eyes of His holiness.  Righteousness is revealed in the Gospel, through faith in Christ Who became sin for us that we might be the righteousness of God in Him.  Wrath is revealed on all those who reject Christ and is an activity God takes to uphold His glory.  Christ is the propitiation for sins, the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at mankind because of the sinful nature—the worldliness and lifestyle; and for the sins of all the whole world. Every human being is appointed to die once, and then to face God’s judgment.  Let’s give the good news of Christ now more than ever.  Amen!

Through Christ Come Power & Wisdom

 “With him is strength and wisdom: The deceived and the deceiver are his.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Strength and success belong to God; both deceived and deceiver must answer to him.  Job replies to Zophar the Namaathite and challenges his words.  Job has had a relationship with Yahweh and knows the nature of God better than his three friends!  So he scorns Zophar’s clumsy comfort.  Job, Daniel and many other prophets and kings recognised that God is mighty, and despises not any: He is mighty in strength and wisdom.  In the new covenant, this has come to us through Jesus Christ.  As Paul put it that for those who are the called, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.  The whole of heaven resounds with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  We echo this sound on earth.  Hallelujah!

Holy Spirit Power Works through Every Surrendered Disciple

 “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭28‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul lived two more years in Rome, in his own rented quarters, welcoming all who came to visit. He continued to proclaim to all the truths of God’s kingdom realm, teaching them about the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, speaking triumphantly and without any restriction.  Tradition says that Paul was eventually released from house arrest and travelled to Spain.  But the book of Acts ends here with Paul ministering to all who came to him.  This completes the Acts of the Holy Spirit as recorded by Luke, but the acts of our living and resurrected God continue to be accomplished through the surrendered disciples and lovers of God.  Every believer has the same Holy Spirit and can do the works of Jesus on the earth today.  Surrender to the Holy Spirit if you believe in Jesus Christ and His power working through you.  Amen!

God Made Us Righteous in Christ

 “But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee;”

‭‭Job‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now it was the turn of Job’s third friend, Zophar from Naamath: “How I wish God would give you a piece of His mind, and tell you what’s what!”  Zophar accused Job that if God would speak, He would scold Job.  This is the deception that the world practices, that God is against mankind and ready to speak against human beings.  They cannot accept that God is good and His mercy endures forever and He’s never going to change!  The world cannot seem to accept that God loved the world—He gave His only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in Him will never perish but experience everlasting life.  The world finds it hard to accept that God made Christ Who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  Let’s just believe in Christ.  Amen!

True Authority Given To Us In Christ

 “But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul, who was being taken as a prisoner on the ship to Rome, was encouraging the crew of the storm battered ship. After being without food for a long time, Paul stepped before them all and said, “Men, you should have obeyed me and avoided all of this pain and suffering by not leaving Crete”.  Paul was the true captain of the ship being in authority as he told them that they should have obeyed him.  True authority comes when we are in Christ and led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells all disciples, “I've given you true authority. You can smash vipers and scorpions under your feet. You can walk all over the power of the enemy. You can't be harmed”.  As believers, who are righteous by the Blood of Jesus and are walking in holiness, in relationship with the living God, must release the true authority that is in Christ!  This is the true authority of the Kingdom of God on earth.  Paul went on to feed with bread the whole hungry crew who hadn’t eaten for days and then to lead every one of them to swim to safety on the shore when the ship was battered and sank. Let’s walk in the true authority given to us in Christ.  Amen!

In Christ We are No Longer Condemned

 “My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; Shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job continued his diatribe against God, “I can’t stand my life—I hate it! I’m putting it all out on the table, all the bitterness of my life—I’m holding back nothing. Here’s what I want to say: Don’t, God, bring in a verdict of guilty without letting me know the charges you’re bringing”.  Sometimes there are so many questions one has towards God that it creates a bitterness of soul.  Job was able to talk directly to God of his dilemma.  How blessed we are in the new covenant to be free from a guilty conscience through the Blood of Jesus Christ. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  The Blood of Christ, through the eternal Spirit offered without spot to God, cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.  May we believe it.  Amen!

Our Destiny is Our Victorious Christ Jesus

 “And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Saul as he was then, asked, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ “And the Lord replied, ‘I Am Jesus, the One you are persecuting. Get up and stand to your feet, for I have appeared to you to reveal your destiny and to commission you as My assistant. You will be a witness to what you have seen and to the things I will reveal whenever I appear to you.”  In the Hebrew, Jesus said, “I Am Jesus, the Victorious..”.   Jesus promised Paul not only his destiny but that He would appear to him in future appearances also.  As the prophet spoke of the Messiah, “Look! Here comes Lord Yahweh as a victorious warrior; He triumphs with His awesome power. Watch as He brings with Him His reward and the spoils of victory to give to His people.”  Jesus’s victory on the Cross was complete and He promises the same to us, His people, in our relationship with Him, that He will appear to us like He did with Paul.  Our destiny is in our Victorious Christ.  Amen!

God Hears & Answers Us

 “Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, But I would make supplication to my judge. If I had called, and he had answered me; Yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬-‭16 KJV 

Job replied to his friend Bildad the Shuhite, “Even though I’m innocent I could never prove it; I can only throw myself on the Judge’s mercy. If I called on God and He Himself answered me, then, and only then, would I believe that He’d heard me”.  Job knew the greatness of God and in this hurting and grieving moment, he sought a comforting word.  Unfortunately for Job, his friends didn’t seem to empathise with him and he thought that God was too high and lofty, too distant and wouldn’t answer him.  We know how God did answer him later!  But we identify with Job’s need for comfort and we thank God that He spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for us all through the Cross and the new covenant He made with us.  So now we have God the Holy Spirit Who comforts, guides and leads us.  We talk to Him, we unburden our heart to Him because He hears us and answers us.  God said, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”  Thank You, Father, for loving us.  Amen!

Christ Gave Us His Overcoming Power

 “And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬

Festus, the new proconsul for Judæa, invited the Jewish leaders who came from Jerusalem encircled Paul  and leveled against him many serious charges, which they were unable to substantiate.  When the enemies of the Cross of Jesus persecute and accuse you, they cannot prove charges against you but have to resort to manipulation of justice to prove these accusations.  It happened then and it happens now.  The devil hates what Jesus did on the Cross and knows its power.  So be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour.  Intimidation and manipulation are the devil’s old tactics because he is like a roaring lion.  But the real Lion of Judah says, “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  Christ gives us His overcoming power to remain in the peace of God and to vanquish every plan of the wicked one.  Let’s enjoy God’s peace forever and be victorious in Christ!  Amen!

Grace is that God Cancelled Your Sins in Christ

 “Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, Neither will he help the evil doers:”

‭‭Job‬ ‭8‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yet another friend, Bildad the Shuhite, tries to comfort Job, “There’s no way that God will reject a good person, and there is no way He’ll help a bad one.”  Bildad straightaway accuses that Job must have done something wrong and therefore is having to suffer.  Even today, self righteous people afflict others instead of comforting, by saying that God has brought calamity because some evil must be there in your past.  Such thinking is based on your action, works or deeds and its effect or consequences in your life.  Bildad didn’t really know God and His goodness but tried to comfort Job in this uncomfortable way!  The God Who loves all humanity, says the opposite of Bildad’s philosophy!  Jesus says, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Jesus died on the Cross to take the penalty of sin for humanity. This shows God's love and forgiveness, and that believers in Christ will not be condemned by death. Christ suffered and died for sins once and for all—the innocent for the guilty —to bring you near to God by His body being put to death and by being raised to life by the Spirit.  That is why Jesus suffered, so that mankind would receive salvation.  This is the Gospel.  Let’s believe it.  Amen!

Forgiveness from Christ Clears the Conscience

 “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Several days later, Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. They sent for Paul and listened as he shared with them about faith in Jesus, the Anointed One. As Paul spoke about true righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became terrified and said, “Leave me for now. I’ll send for you later when it’s more convenient.”  Drusilla was the sister of Agrippa II. As a Jewess, she was the source of Felix’s understanding of the Way.  Felix, was known for his cruelty and for taking bribes.  When Paul spoke in the power of the Holy Spirit about God’s righteousness through Christ, Felix trembled with terror and told Paul, “When my conscience is clear I will call you”.  The convenient opportunity for Felix to repent never came. Two years later, the Jews in Cæsarea brought an accusation against him before Nero and he was dismissed with a sharp rebuke. Some historians believe that Felix later died of tuberculosis.  May all repent and receive the forgiveness of sins through Christ.  Amen!

Sin Has Been Given A Death Blow on Calvary’s Cross

 “And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, And take away mine iniquity? For now shall I sleep in the dust; And thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job had a relationship with Almighty God and walked in His blessings, knowing that God forgives sins.  Here Job cries out to God, “Why don’t you just forgive my sins and start me off with a clean slate? The way things are going, I’ll soon be dead. You’ll look high and low, but I won’t be around.”  Sin is such a death burden on humanity that Job felt a dire need for forgiveness.  Mankind was created to live in the blessings of God.  When God created man in His own image, in the image of God created; male and female He created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” However, satan enticed  mankind to sin and through the entrance of sin, the free will choice was made to give the dominion of earth to satan.  So satan thought he had the superiority over Almighty God.  But Jesus, the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.  Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, God’s sacrifice to  cleanse our sins.  Hallelujah!

Christ the Firstborn from the Dead

 “But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV

Just then Paul realized that part of the council were Sadducees, who deny the resurrection of the dead, and others were of the separated ones. So he shouted, “My fellow Jews, I am a separated one, and the son of a separated one. That’s why I’m on trial here. It’s because of the hope I have that the dead will rise to live again.”  The Pharisees and Sadducees were major Jewish sects in Jesus’s time.  The Sadducees, though a small group, were influential and denied  the supernatural, including the resurrection of the dead or angels and spirits; but they believed in the political control of the people.  The Pharisees were the separated ones who strictly kept the law and believed in angels and the hope of the resurrection from the dead.  Such was Paul’s desire for the Gospel to reach the Pharisees and Sadducees that he identified with the resurrection of the dead.  Jesus Christ is our Living Hope and He is the Head of the Body, the Church, Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  Through Christ alone we have the hope of being resurrected from the dead.  Amen!

Christ’s Friendship

 “To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; But he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, And as the stream of brooks they pass away;”

‭‭Job‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job replied to his friend Eliphaz, “When desperate people give up on God Almighty, their friends, at least, should stick with them. But my brothers are fickle as a gulch in the desert—”.   This was how Job responded to his friend.  Love overlooks the mistakes of others, but dwelling on the failures of others devastates friendships. Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s Presence. Jesus told us, “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. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”  Look at how much encouragement we’ve found in our relationship with the Anointed One! We are filled to overflowing with His comforting love. We have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt His tender affection and mercy.  Let’s receive Christ’s Friendship. Amen!

Gospel is For All and To All

 “And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; and saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭22‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then Paul returned to Jerusalem, and while he was  praying in the temple, he entered another realm and saw the Lord Jesus Who said to Paul, ‘Hurry and depart from Jerusalem quickly, for the people here will not receive the truths you share about Me.’  Paul was in a trance and in Greek trance is ekstasis from which we get ecstasy which means taken to another state or realm.  He was actually taken to another realm as a trance came over him.  The more revelation Paul received, the more humble he became - let it be for us too!  Jesus tells us all to follow Him and make disciples.  When we obey Him, we will find that we are sharing the Gospel with those who don’t believe what we’re telling them.  Jesus gave the good news and even though many believed yet many turned away from Him.  The same happened to Paul and we may be sure it happens to us as well.  People’s responses should not stop us from giving the good news to all!  That’s our purpose on planet earth, to give the Gospel to all.  Amen!

God’s Goodness is Forever

 “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and his hands make whole.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Eliphaz, Job’s friend continues to comfort Job, “So, what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you! Mind you, don’t despise the discipline of Almighty God! True, he wounds, but he also dresses the wound; the same hand that hurts you, heals you”..  This lie is the misunderstanding that many in the world have about God, that God teaches us lessons by piling disasters on to mankind.  Neither Job nor his friends knew that satan took permission from God to bring calamity to Job, because God said that Job will not turn against God inspite of the disasters.  So the devil attacks mankind so they would never believe the goodness of God.  God’s love, mercy and His goodness are the same yesterday, today and forever.  That’s God’s character, but satan wants everyone to believe otherwise.  Of course God, our Father, corrects us  as any loving Father does for His children. Even Jesus, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered, so that all mankind would become righteous before God through faith in Christ.  Let’s always believe in God’s goodness and not in satan’s lies.  Amen!

Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord

 “And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭40‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When the commander gave his permission, Paul stood on the steps and gestured with his hands for the people to listen. When the crowd quieted down, Paul addressed them in Aramaic.  Just a while back Paul spoke in Greek to the Roman commander, but now he addressed the Jews in Hebrew or Aramaic which had replaced Hebrew during the Babylonian captivity.  He did not address the Jews in Greek!  Paul knew how to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Jews as well as to the Gentiles.  His love for his fellow Jews to receive Jesus as their Messiah was so intense that he said, “I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh”.  Because of Jesus, Paul had such an intense desire for the Jews to accept Christ.  Jesus prophesied to the Jews, “Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see Me until you say, 'Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!'"  Our prayer is for Israel today to believe and confess this.  Amen!

The Only Comforter Who Helps Us

 “Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair of my flesh stood up: It stood still, But I could not discern the form thereof: An image was before mine eyes, There was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker?”

‭‭Job‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Eliphaz, Job’s friend, had come with two others to comfort Job. He tells of his vision or a dream, “A spirit glided right in front of me— the hair on my head stood on end. I couldn’t tell what it was that appeared there— a blur. . . and then I heard a muffled voice: “‘How can mere mortals be more righteous than God? How can humans be purer than their Creator?”..  It seemed a scary vision or dream and it indicated that Eliphaz did not have the kind of relationship with God as Job had.  Yet Eliphaz wanted to comfort Job.  Many times as friends we want to comfort our friends in a well meaning way but we can’t empathise with what they’re going through and we aren’t able to get through to them.  Through Jesus coming as the Son of Man, and being our great High Priest, He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin.  Now He has given us the Holy Spirit, our Comforter to comfort us just in the way we need it.  Let’s believe and receive.  Amen!

All of Christ, Nothing Of Myself

 “save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul said, “Yet I know that the Holy Spirit warns me in town after town, saying, ‘Chains and afflictions are prepared for you.’ “But whether I live or die is not important, for I don’t esteem my life as indispensable. It’s more important for me to fulfill my destiny and to finish the ministry my Lord Jesus has assigned to me, which is to faithfully preach the wonderful news of God’s grace”.  This warning may have come to Paul through prophecies, dreams, visions or the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking within him.  Paul did not consider his life at all but viewed it as not worth mentioning.  We don’t need to see our lives as precious in our own eyes, for they are precious in the eyes of our Lord Jesus, and that must be enough.  That is true sonship as we’re led by the Holy Spirit.  Amen!

Christ’s Righteousness Nullifies Self-Righteousness

 “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, And that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; Yet trouble came.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job cried, “The worst of my fears has come true, what I’ve dreaded most has happened. My repose is shattered, my peace destroyed. No rest for me, ever—death has invaded life.”  God had Himself pointed out to satan of the uprightness of Job.  Job had lived in the fear of God and done everything to maintain his righteousness before God.  Ultimately what Job feared came upon him.  None of his righteousness helped him as he faced the onslaught of all that satan brought upon him.  Though he cried, maintaining his righteousness before God, yet he questioned God in the midst of his grief and suffering.   

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. In the new covenant, it is through the gift of righteousness that we receive through faith, what Jesus did on the Cross and we get God’s deliverance and protection, not by our own righteousness.  For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ.  Let’s believe and receive Christ’s gift of righteousness.  Amen!

Authority that Comes with Intimacy with God

 “And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭19‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬

One day, when they said those words, the demon in the man replied, “I know about Jesus, and I recognize Paul, but who do you think you are?” Then the demonized man jumped on them and threw them to the ground, beating them mercilessly. He overpowered the seven exorcists until they all ran out of the house naked and badly bruised.  True authority comes from relationship with Jesus Christ, not just using formulas and techniques.  Evil spirits know about the depth of our relationship with God.  The reason Jesus saved us is so now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.  The spirit realm sees how we relate to God and based on that they respond to us.  Hypocrisy gives demons power over us but intimacy with God and our confident identity in Christ gives us the authority we need to contend with darkness.  May we enjoy intimacy with our God.  Amen!

Jesus Restores All Things

 “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job’s wife said, “Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it!”  Here was Job smitten with boils from the sole of his feet to the crown of his head, soon after the death of all his children and destruction and loss of all his wealth.  His wife, unable to take all the sorrow wanted Job to die cursing God, but Job did not listen to her.  Yet Job didn’t curse God and later said, “God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with Him”, which he did because there was no Mediator at that time.  We know that it was satan who brought all the calamity and sorrow albeit he took permission from God.  Instead God restored to Job twice as much as he had before and children from the same wife who told Job to curse God and die.  God sent His Son to be our Mediator and to restore all things to fulfilment.  Scripture says that Jesus descended and He also is the One Who  ascended above the heights of heaven, in order to begin the restoration and fulfillment of all things.  Thank You Jesus, You restore all things.  Let’s believe it.  Amen!

The Great I AM Assures Us of His Presence

 “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭18‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV

One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a supernatural vision and said, “Don’t ever be afraid. Speak the words that I give you and don’t be intimidated, because I AM with you. No one will be able to hurt you, for there are many in this city whom I call My own.”  Preaching to the Jews, the apostle Paul had faced such a strong resistance that the Great I AM appeared to him and assured him of His Presence.  Paul went on to preaching to the non-Jews as well.  Jesus clearly told Paul to preach the words that He gave Paul to speak.  Because Paul was obedient to the vision, he had success in preaching the Gospel of Christ and planting the many churches that he did, as well as writing the epistles that he did.  Today, in the secular and humanistic culture of activism that we live in, it is only listening to the great I AM speaking directly to us and we being obedient to Him, being assured of His Presence, that we can bring the light of the glorious Gospel to the perishing.  Amen!

Those Hid in Christ Cannot be Accused

 “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him or his family or his possessions, bless everything he does—he can’t lose!”  Here God pointed out Job to satan as one who feared God to walk in an upright manner before Him.  The quick retort came from satan that God especially protected Job.  This was before God became the Son of Man to become sin for mankind and give in exchange His righteousness on the Cross.  Because of this He has wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the Cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.  Now satan cannot accuse those of us who have put our faith on what Christ has done for us on the Cross.  Let’s give this wonderful news to all the world.  Amen!

Boldness to Preach the Resurrection of Christ

 “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV

Philosophers of the teachings of Epicurus, and others called Stoics, debated with Paul. When they heard him speak about Jesus and His resurrection, they said, “What strange ideas is this babbler trying to present?” Others said, “He’s peddling some kind of foreign religion”.  Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who espoused a radical materialism that claimed people should live for pleasure and materialistic gain, denying an afterlife as the gods had little interest in or concern for humanity.  Stoicism in contrast, is a passive determinism of emotional indifference that focuses on self control, mastering emotions and passions to realise peace within oneself.  Stoics believe you realise your full potential by living by sheer reason and divine principle which they call logos.  But Paul was bold and preached the Gospel of Jesus’s resurrection.  The Gospel has stood the test of time because almost every university and college founded in the west, originated in a Christian setting.  May we continue preaching the Gospel like Paul did, boldly.  Amen!

Seeking Peace, Prosperity & the Good of All People

 “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.”

Esther 10:3. KJV

Mordecai the Jew ranked second in command to King Xerxes. He was popular among the Jews and greatly respected by them. He worked hard for the good of his people; he cared for the peace and prosperity of his race.  The essence of good leadership is to work for good, prosperity and peace for all the people under the leader, as Mordecai did.  In the world system we live in, the good of all people is a far cry from what God requires of good leadership.  As Scripture tells us, leaders are to be compassionate shepherds who tenderly care for God’s flock and who feed them well, for they are given the responsibility to guide, protect, and oversee. Let leaders consider it a joyous pleasure and not merely a religious duty, leading from the heart under God’s leadership—not as a way to gain finances dishonestly but as a way to eagerly and cheerfully serve.  Let’s learn to be servant leaders as our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is and pray for the Kingdom of God to increase in our planet today under our Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for us.  Amen!

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!