The In Christ Freedom

 “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

For truly, if you are called to a life-union with the Lord, you are already a free man! And those who were called to follow Jesus when they were free are now the Messiah’s slaves. Since a great price was paid for your redemption, stop having the mind-set of a slave.  Society might label you as low caste or in bondage to karma, but Christ reveals how free you really are.  Then again, you might be a so called high caste person in society, but in Christ you are a bond servant!  You are not for sale, neither are you boxed into a caste, nor are you in bondage to past sins as in karma!  The ransom God paid for your freedom now binds you to the lordship of His love.  The sign over your life says, Sold!  You are not for sale to the religious system of the law of works and performance based approval.  Let’s enjoy every benefit of freedom that comes from being in Christ which God has purchased for us.  Amen!

What is Repentance?

 “Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:”

‭‭Job‬ ‭34‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Elihu continues talking to Job, “So why don’t you simply confess to God? Say, ‘I sinned, but I’ll sin no more. Teach me to see what I still don’t see. Whatever evil I’ve done, I’ll do it no more’..  True repentance from the heart is always acceptable to God and opens the way for forgiveness, course correction and the better things to come.  The Word of God teaches us that fools mock at sin and repentance, but among the upright there is favor.  Jesus started His ministry on earth by saying, “Repent, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  We are not to despise the riches of God’s goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, because through the goodness of God we are led to repentance.  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.  Course correction is necessary for all of us. So let’s humble  ourselves with an attitude of repentance and insignificance in the Presence of the Lord, and He will exalt and lift us up, He will give us purpose.  Amen!

The Glory of God

 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul reveals an awesome mystery to the Ekklesia, “Have you forgotten that your body is now the sacred temple of the Spirit of Holiness, who lives in you? You don’t belong to yourself any longer, for the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, lives inside your sanctuary”.  Do we not realise that Pentecost changed the whole scenario for us, who believe and have identified with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection!  Now our body is the sacred sanctuary of the Spirit of God Who has come to dwell in us permanently.  The Spirit of God was in the Holy of holies in the tabernacle in the wilderness and the glory of the LORD would come upon it.  The Spirit of God was in Solomon’s temple and the Spirit of God came bringing the glory of the LORD on it.  In the second temple, the Presence of God came when Jesus went to the temple.  After His Resurrection, Christ went as High Priest into the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, with His own Blood and He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Now the Blood of Christ, through the eternal Spirit has been offered without spot to God, and sent the Spirit of God to all believers to let the glory of the LORD dwell in our body.  Hallelujah!

Choice to Believe

 “The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭33‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV

Elihu continues speaking to Job, “The Spirit of God made me what I am, the breath of God Almighty gave me life!”  All mankind is alive because of the Breath of God. The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  In the culture we live in today, the belief is that man evolved.  Human evolution is the process by which humans, or  homosapiens, developed from apelike ancestors over millions of years.  The prophet Isaiah said that God the Lord is He Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And Spirit to those who walk on it”.  This same Spirit of God raised Jesus to life! Since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in those of us who believe, He will also raise our dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into us!  It is the free will choice, given to mankind by God, to believe that either mankind evolved from apes or the Breath of God gave you life.  God will never force you to believe.  It is your free will choice to believe.  It is better to believe in the loving God Who breathed life into us.  Amen!

Discipline in the Church

 “to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul is teaching discipline in the Church by putting out a man indulging in incest and to release this man over to satan for the destruction of his rebellious flesh, in hope that his spirit may be rescued and restored in the day of the Lord.  When a person is put out of the fellowship of the Church family, satan the accuser has access to harass and oppress.  The local church has the authority to discipline erring believers who persist in sin.  Under the old covenant that discipline was physical (execution by stoning), but under the new covenant, church discipline is spiritual.  It is not a light thing to be handed over to satan.  The accuser’s accusations consume the flesh of the erring person, until the light of the day, the revelation of Jesus Christ rises for him or her again to rescue the person from the deceit of the sin he or she have indulged in.  We do not give satan any platform to operate from and not allow our mindset to be fallen.  We are not ignorant of satan’s designs.  Let’s walk in the victory of the Cross of Christ.  Amen!

The Spirit of Wisdom

 “I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.  But there is a spirit in man: And the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

‘The longer you live, the wiser you become.’ But I see I was wrong—it’s God’s Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible.  Elihu suddenly makes an appearance, a descendant of Abraham’s brother Nahor’s son Buz.  Elihu starts by saying quite rightly that wisdom doesn’t come with age, but the Spirit of God gives understanding of true wisdom.  In the old covenant, God Almighty chose to give the Spirit of wisdom to the children of Israel whom He had chosen out of all the people in the world.  Moses and Joshua were notable in operating in the Spirit of Wisdom.  Through the new covenant, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, has given to us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened; that we may know our inheritance and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.  Hallelujah!

Included in Christ’s Death & Resurrection by Faith

 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul teaches, “So resist the temptation to pronounce premature judgment on anything before the appointed time when all will be fully revealed. Instead, wait until the Lord makes His appearance, for He will bring all that is hidden in darkness to light and unveil every secret motive of everyone’s heart. Then, when the whole truth is known, each will receive praise from God.”  Any judgment prior to the Cross of Christ is out of context!  The days of performance based judgment are over.  His coming brings to light all the hidden mysteries concerning mankind’s inclusion in the death and resurrection of Christ, and unveils the deepest desire of a person.  In His appearing, through the proclamation of the Gospel, shall everyone be commended by God.  Christ is the Desire of all nations.  All nations long for the redemption of their true identity and their true innocence.  We voice the word of wisdom that was hidden in silence for timeless ages - a mystery upholding God’s awesome plan where He would redeem His glory in man!  Hallelujah to our Redeemer!

Nailing Sin to the Cross of Christ

 “If I covered my transgressions as Adam, By hiding mine iniquity in my bosom: Did I fear a great multitude, Or did the contempt of families terrify me, That I kept silence, and went not out of the door? Oh that one would hear me! Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, And that mine adversary had written a book.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭31‬:‭33‬-‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job starts ending his speech, “Did I hide my sin the way Adam did, or conceal my guilt behind closed doors Because I was afraid what people would say, fearing the gossip of the neighbors so much that I turned myself into a recluse? You know good and well that I didn’t. Oh, if only someone would give me a hearing! I’ve signed my name to my defense—let the Almighty One answer! I want to see my indictment in writing”. Job was not hiding his sin but the law had not yet been given to expose sin. In fact, the law was introduced into God’s plan to bring the reality of human sinfulness out of hiding. And yet, wherever sin increased, there was more than enough of God’s grace to triumph all the more!  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the sin of mankind and took the punishment of our sin, thank God!  Our old man is crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Hallelujah!

Doing God’s Work in God’s Way

 “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The quality of materials used by anyone building on this foundation will soon be made apparent, whether it has been built with gold, silver, and costly stones, or wood, hay, and straw. Their work will soon become evident, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by blazing fire! Fire will test and prove the workmanship of each builder.  Solomon’s temple was built using gold, silver and costly stones.  The Church is God’s true temple.  Wisdom will build her house with divine substance (gold), redemption’s fruit (silver), and transformed lives (costly stones).  Wood, hay and straw are the works of the flesh, the building materials of men, not of God.  They grow up from the ground, which God cursed.  It is both quality and durability that God commends.  Fire will cause the better material to glow brighter, but the inferior material will be consumed.  How we build and what we build, matters to God.  It is possible to build on the true foundation of Christ but with wrong materials.  We need God’s work done in God’s way.  Amen!

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

 “I am a brother to dragons, And a companion to owls. My skin is black upon me, And my bones are burned with heat. My harp also is turned to mourning, And my organ into the voice of them that weep.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭30‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I howl with the jackals, I hoot with the owls. I’m black-and-blue all over, burning up with fever. My fiddle plays nothing but the blues; my mouth harp wails laments.”  Job was in the throes of depression unable to stop speaking, as he compared the old days with his present circumstances.  The psalmist echoed Job’s voice: “Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don't turn away from me, or I will die”.  It was only when Christ came that He gave this wonderful invitation “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  On the Cross, Christ took the whole world’s depression and exchanged it for His love.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen!

Having the Mind of Christ

 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

For who has ever intimately known the mind of the Lord Yahweh well enough to become His counselor? Christ has, and we possess Christ’s perceptions.  Believers who possess the Holy Spirit are revealed the thoughts and purposes of Christ.  The revelation of the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached was not understood by the intellect of man but by those who welcomed this truth.  Humanly speaking, no one can understand the mysteries of God without the Holy Spirit.  Those who have the Holy Spirit now possess the perceptions of Christ’s mind and can implement His purposes on the earth.  This is our responsibility to co-labour with our Lord and Master and bring His will on earth as it is in heaven.  His Kingdom come.  Amen!

Receive Christ’s Righteousness by Faith Every Moment

 “Oh that I were as in months past, As in the days when God preserved me; When his candle shined upon my head, And when by his light I walked through darkness;”

‭‭Job‬ ‭29‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job says: “Oh, how I long for the good old days, when God took such very good care of me. He always held a lamp before me and I walked through the dark by its light”.   Job had known and walked in the blessings of the LORD and enjoyed His favour.  Though he knew the righteousness of God on his life, it shifted to self righteousness which is like filthy rags before God as the prophet said later.  Many believers today, slip into this mindset of justifying their own righteousness before God.  Jesus’ Cross has demolished self righteousness which produced death. Death once held us in its grip, and by the blunder of one man, death reigned as king over humanity. But now, we are held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the One and Only Jesus, the Messiah!  It’s Christ’s gift of perfect righteousness that causes us to reign in life.  Let’s come out of every form of self righteousness and each moment humbly receive Christ’s gift of perfect righteousness by faith.  Amen!

Fellowship with Christ Passionately

 “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul teaches, “God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for He has invited you to co-share the life of His Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King!”  This is the co-participation, communion and fellowship with the Son.  All believers who have identified with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, are called to share in the sonship of Jesus.  By God’s grace, we will share in the Son’s standing and position before the Father.  We are not only blameless, but made holy by the co-sharing of the life of God’s Son.  We are surnamed by God - this is our true lineage.  He is faithful and fully persuaded about our co-participation in the fellowship of sonship.  We are included in everything that our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father enjoy.  God’s faithfulness is the basis of this union.  Let’s trust in God’s faithfulness and co-participate with God’s Son passionately.  Amen!

Wisdom of God in Christ

 “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭28‬:‭28‬ ‭KJV‬

Job struggled to make sense of his predicament and then concludes, “God alone knows the way to Wisdom, He knows the exact place to find it. He knows where everything is on earth, but the Fear-of-the-Lord—that’s Wisdom, and Insight means shunning evil.’”  The psalmist, much later proclaims that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.  The wise king said, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”  We cannot cease thanking God for Jesus and all who believe in the risen Christ for He is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption, forever.  For us who are the called, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.  Hallelujah!

Joyful Resurrection Day

 “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For He gave His Life for us, and even more than that, He has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at His right hand. So how could He possibly condemn us since He is continually praying for our triumph?  What further ground can there possibly be to condemn mankind?  In His death, He faced our judgment; in His Resurrection He reveals our righteousness; the implications cannot be undone!  Jesus Christ now occupies the highest seat of authority as the Executive of our Redemption in the Throne Room of God.  Hallelujah!

Helping One Another

 “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul writes, “Now, let me introduce to you our dear and beloved sister in the faith, Phoebe, a shining minister of the church in Cenchrea. I am sending her with this letter and ask that you shower her with your hospitality when she arrives. Embrace her with honor, as is fitting for one who belongs to the Lord and is set apart for Him. So provide her whatever she may need, for she’s been a great leader and champion for many—I know, for she’s been that for even me! Give my love to Prisca and Aquila, my partners in ministry serving the Anointed One, Jesus”.  Phoebe was considered a leader of a high position in the Church and she carried this important letter containing the wealth of our faith in God.  Priscilla and Aquila originally came from Rome and they returned here to strengthen the Church with a strong team of believers to scatter several home-fellowships throughout the city.  Paul asks for warm hospitality and practical help from the Church in Rome for Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila. Thank God for the Body of Christ that helps one another.  Amen!

Christ - Our Passover Lamb

 “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭4-6 KJV‬‬

Yet He was the one who carried our sicknesses and endured the torment of our sufferings. We viewed Him as one who was being punished for something He Himself had done, as one who was struck down by God and brought low. But it was because of our rebellious deeds that He was pierced and because of our sins that He was crushed. He endured the punishment that made us completely whole, and in His wounding we found our healing. Yahweh laid the guilt of our every sin upon Him. But it was our sins that did that to Him, that ripped and tore and crushed Him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through His bruises we get healed.  And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on Him.  He was beaten, He was tortured, but He didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, He took it all in silence.  His sinless Blood made Christ our Passover Lamb!  Amen!

Only Christ’s Blood

 “The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: He openeth his eyes, and he is not.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭27‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job says of the rich, “They go to bed wealthy and wake up poor”.  The Lord Jesus Christ said that it is next to impossible for those who trust in their riches to find their way into God’s Kingdom.  As the psalmist said, “They trust in their treasures and boast in their riches, yet not one could rescue his own brother from the guilt of his sins. No one could give God the ransom price for the soul of another, let alone for himself. A soul’s redemption is too costly and precious for anyone to pay with earthly wealth. The price to pay is never enough to purchase eternal life for even one, to keep them out of hell. The brightest and best, along with the foolish and senseless, God sees that they all will die one day, leaving their houses and wealth to others. Even though they name streets and lands after themselves, hoping to have their memory endure beyond the grave, becoming legends in their own minds, their home address is now the cemetery! The honor of man is short-lived and fleeting. There’s little difference between man and beast, for both will one day perish. Such is the path of foolish men and those who quote everything they say, for they are here today and gone tomorrow!”  Thank God for the redemption we have in Christ Jesus.  Amen!

Being Likeminded Toward Each Other in Christ

 “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now may God, the source of great endurance and comfort, grace you with unity among yourselves, which flows from your relationship with Jesus, the Anointed One.  Paul explains that in the Body of Christ, we may value one another equally in Jesus, our Messiah.  God’s patience and reflection of who we really are transmits in us like-mindedness toward one another according to the pattern of Christ Jesus.  Too often in Church and among believers, there is back-biting and critical condemnation, which is definitely not according to our Lord Jesus. Or else, we have people-pleasers who desire the acceptance of other people  rather than being God-pleasers who choose to obey His Word above all else.  Jesus always encouraged the weak in faith to believe and receive.  The ones He rebuked were those who were self righteous and hardened of heart, desiring the admiration of others.  In our relationship with our Lord, let’s learn to receive the love of Christ for our own personal selves and then to show that love to others, being like-minded with others just as Christ is.  Amen!

The Word of God - Our Treasure

 “He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, And hangeth the earth upon nothing.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭26‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job continues replying to his friends, “He spreads the skies over unformed space, hangs the earth out in empty space.”  This is our awe-inspiring Creator God, Who has power and control over the universe.  God has filled the vast and empty heavens with stars and galaxies.  The earth is suspended in space, seemingly unsupported, yet held securely by God’s power.  God is sovereign over creation and maintains the universe in its place, even though it seems to hang precariously in space.  God’s Word is true and everlasting.  When we meditate on the depth of God’s Word, we find that science discovers it eventually because for many years it was believed that the earth was flat!  The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.  When we meditate on the Word of God day and night and observe to do according to all that is written in it, then we make our way prosperous, and then we have good success.  Amen!

God is No Respector of Persons

 “Let not then your good be evil spoken of:”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So don’t give people the opportunity to slander what you know to be good.  Even today in many cultures of the world, there are two things that cause divisions and spark debates among religious people - the observance of special days and dietary restrictions.  In every culture there are religious traditions that are observed in varying degrees, and they can divide us.  As believers, disciples, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, our one tradition must be to love and not offend by deliberate actions that demonstrate insensitivity to others.  We are obligated to walk in love and not put our preferences above love’s calling to honour others.  These principles are to be applied in every cultural distinction in the Body of Christ.  Let’s not bring shame on Christ in any way.  Amen!

Christ Never Condemned the World but Saved It

 “How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?”

‭‭Job‬ ‭25‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Bildad the Shuhite again held Job to account, though he asked a pertinent question, “How can a mere mortal presume to stand up to God? How can an ordinary person pretend to be guiltless?”  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that all mankind is without excuse to know that God is the righteous and true God.  No one can justify or be self righteous before holy God.  However Bildad was accusing Job and hypocritically judging and condemning Job; for in passing judgment on another person, he was condemning himself, because those who judge from a position of arrogance or self-righteousness are habitually practicing the very same things which they denounce.  That is why all humanity must thank God for He did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. For God made Jesus Christ Who  knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  Hallelujah!

The Christ Life in Us

 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Night’s darkness is dissolving away as a new day of destiny dawns. So we must once and for all strip away what is done in the shadows of darkness, removing it like filthy clothes. And once and for all we clothe ourselves with the radiance of light as our weapon. We must live honorably, surrounded by the light of this new day, not in the darkness of drunkenness and debauchery, not in promiscuity and sensuality, not being argumentative or jealous of others. Instead fully immerse yourselves into the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and don’t waste even a moment’s thought on your former identity to awaken its selfish desires. The darkness is disappearing and the True Light which is Jesus Christ our Lord, is already blazing.  Let’s be fully immersed in the Christ-life in us.  Amen!

The World is Passing Away but God’s Kingdom is Forever

 “They are exalted for a little while, but are gone And brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, And cut off as the tops of the ears of corn. And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, And make my speech nothing worth?”

Job 24:24-25 KJV

Job denounces Eliphaz’s and his other two friends’ accusations, “They may have an illusion of security, but God has His eye on them. They may get their brief successes, but then it’s over, nothing to show for it. Like yesterday’s newspaper, they’re used to wrap up the garbage. You’re free to try to prove me a liar, but you won’t be able to do it.”  Job says that God sees the wicked and their deeds, and they will get their just desserts, but the deeds that Job’s friends are attributing to him, they will find it difficult to prove.  Many times we judge and criticise people.  We are all held to account when we break the laws of our nation.  Through His crucifixion, Jesus took the punishment for all humanity and destroyed sin’s dominion over us, so that all will come into the Kingdom of God.  This world is passing away but as the psalmist said, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of Your Kingdom is a scepter of uprightness”.  That’s why Jesus said that God so loves the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Christ our Redeemer.  Amen!

Heaping Coals of Fire on our Enemies

 “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If your enemy is hungry, buy him lunch! Win him over with kindness. For your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience, and God will reward you with favor.  These acts of kindness will be like heaping coals of fire on his head and certainly rid him of the dross in his mind and win him as a friend.    A refiner would melt metal in a crucible and intensify the process by heaping coals of fire on it.  This is good strategy, to be sensitive to the needs of our enemies.  God sees gold in every person.  Hostility cannot hide our true value.  Christ won us while we were yet hostile towards Him.  His kindness led us to the radical awakening of our minds.  Let’s desire riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, for it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.  Amen!

Sterling Core of God’s Faith in Us Who Believe

 “But he knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now Job responds and tells of his relationship with God, “But He knows where I am and what I’ve done. He can cross-examine me all He wants, and I’ll pass the test with honours”.  Job had established his relationship with God and knew His voice.  But now he can’t experience God’s Presence like he used to.  Yet one must commend his faith as he confesses that when God has tried him, he’ll come forth as gold.  Now that God has given us His faith by the new covenant, through these trials will reveal the sterling core of our faith, which is far more valuable than gold that perishes, for even gold is refined by fire. Our authentic God kind of faith will result in even more praise, glory, and honor when Jesus the Anointed One is revealed.  That’s why we count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  Amen!

Know and Experience God as the Only True God

 “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Who could ever wrap their minds around the riches of God, the depth of His wisdom, and the marvel of His perfect knowledge? Who could ever explain the wonder of His decisions or search out the mysterious way He carries out His plans?  As the prophet said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it”.  God coming in the flesh as Jesus Christ, is the key to understanding God’s thoughts and His ways.  The mystery of Eternal life means to know and experience God as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son Whom God has sent.  Amen!

Bless Those Who Wringfully Accuse You

 “Thou hast sent widows away empty, And the arms of the fatherless have been broken. Therefore snares are round about thee, And sudden fear troubleth thee;”

‭‭Job‬ ‭22‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now comes Eliphaz the Temanite to accuse Job once again, “You turned poor widows away from your door; heartless, you crushed orphans. Now you’re the one trapped in terror, paralyzed by fear”.  Job is amazed that those he calls his friends should so wrongfully accuse and revile him.  What does one do when you are reviled?  Now consider Jesus, for Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.  May we follow Jesus in all our behaviour and attitude.  Amen!

Running Victoriously with the Gospel

 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul quoting from Isaiah and Nahum, talks about good news carriers or Gospel givers, “And how can the message be proclaimed if messengers have yet to be sent? That’s why the Scriptures say: How welcome is the arrival of those proclaiming the joyful news of peace and of good things to come!”  What gives someone the urgency to declare these things - How lovely on the mountains, where the watchmen were stationed to witness the outcome of war, are the feet of them leaping with the exciting news of victory!  Christ has soundly defeated satan, for He has destroyed all the works of the enemy.  For us who have the eyewitness encounter of Christ’s victory in our lives, we are qualified to run with the Gospel of peace, and announce the consequent glad tidings of good things that will benefit everyone.  Let’s run victoriously with the Gospel.  Amen!

To See As God Sees

 “Suffer me that I may speak; And after that I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint to man? And if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?”

‭‭Job‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job replied: “It’s not you I’m complaining to—it’s God. Is it any wonder I’m getting fed up with His silence? Take a good look at me. Aren’t you appalled by what’s happened?”  All Job wants is sympathy and compassion and all Job’s friends do is criticise and condemn him.  We see life through negative lens and open our mouth and spew it out!  God is calling us to be the design that He has created us to be! We are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image and likeness and when we lost our identity through sin, Christ redeemed us and sealed us with the precious Blood of Jesus.  God is loving, compassionate, merciful, kind, tenderhearted, righteous and holy just as much as He is just, wise, perfect, powerful, almighty, majestic and full of glory!  Let’s see as God sees, as Jesus said, “I speak to you eternal truth. The Son is unable to do anything from Himself or through His own initiative. I only do the works that I see the Father doing, for the Son does the same works as His Father.”  Amen!

Steadfastly Standing on the Rock

 “as it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: And whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭9‬:‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah: “Be careful! I am setting in Zion a stone that will cause people to stumble, a rock of offense that will make them fall, but believers in him will not experience shame.”  The conclusion of the prophetic reference, points towards the Rock as the spiritual identity of human life.  In Christ, God has placed His testimony of mankind’s identity in front of their eyes, in Zion, the centre of their religious focus, yet blinded by their own efforts to justify themselves, they tripped over Him.  But those who recognise Him by faith, as the Rock from which they were hewn, are freed from the shame of their sense of failure and inferiority.  When you stand in the Rock, steadfast in faith, even if the promise is delayed, you will not be disheartened.  May that be our testimony.  Amen!

Our Responsibility to Intercede for Others

 “The increase of his house shall depart, And his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, And the heritage appointed unto him by God.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭20‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job’s friend Zophar the Namaathite took it upon himself to speak against the wicked as he called Job, “God will strip them of their sin-soaked clothes and hang their dirty laundry out for all to see. Life is a complete wipeout for them, nothing surviving God’s wrath. There! That’s God’s blueprint for the wicked— what they have to look forward to.”  Instead of interceding for his friend, Zophar was accusing Job.  The prophet Daniel was a true intercessor who knew to intercede appropriately, ““O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away..”  Jesus prayed for those crucifying for Him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”  Our great High Priest Jesus, is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.  May we agree with our Intercessor.  Amen!

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!