Praising God in the Midst of Betrayal

 “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: And I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭52‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David praised God through this psalm when Doeg the Edomite betrayed David to Saul.  “But I am like a flourishing olive tree, anointed in the house of God. I trust in the unending love of God; His passion toward me is forever and ever. Because it is finished, I will praise You forever and give You thanks. Before all Your godly lovers I will proclaim Your beautiful Name!”  The olive tree was the source of sacred anointing oil.  The words “Thou hast done it” can be translated as “it is finished”, which were Jesus’s last words on the Cross.  Although the completed work of salvation was finished on the Cross, He continues to work through His Church today to extend God’s Kingdom realm on the earth and glorify the Father through us.    He continues to work in us to accomplish all that His Cross and Resurrection have purchased for us, His Bride.  The Cross fulfilled and finished the prophecies of the Messiah’s first coming to the earth.  There was nothing written that was not fulfilled and now offered to His Bride.  Amen!

The Word of God is the Breath of God

 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s teaching for Timothy and all disciples of Christ who take the Word of God seriously, that, “God has transmitted His very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you.”  Jesus Christ and His work of salvation is the theme of Scripture and God’s revelation of righteousness in Christ.  This is what carries the breath of God and gives substance to what is accurately being taught.  That’s how we are thoroughly schooled in the word of righteousness and it equips us to be fully refreshed to walk in newness of life with renewed inspiration.  Thank You Lord for Your Breath of Scripture on us.  Amen!

True Repentance Receives Forgiveness from God First

 “Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭51‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV

This is a psalm of confession that has been sung for ages, written by David when his sins were exposed by the prophet of God.  “Hide my sins from your face; erase all my guilt by your saving grace.”  Imagine composing a song about your failure and making it public for all time.  David was not so much concerned about what the people thought but what God thought.  He wanted to be clean before God.  David was not just ashamed of what others would think but that he had been seen by God.  True remorse has no thought about reputation, but of righteousness.  After the finished work of the Cross and with true repentance we come to Jesus, the One Who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled Blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.  Thank God for the Blood of Jesus.  Amen!

Demonstrating God’s Power & Resurrection Life

 “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul is mentoring young Timothy, “But make Jesus, the Anointed One, your focus in life and ministry. For he came to earth as the descendant of David and rose from the dead, according to the revelation of the gospel that God has given me. This is the reason I am persecuted and imprisoned by evildoers, enduring the suffering of these chains—but the Word of God can never be chained!”  Paul was indeed martyred for his faith in Christ.  Let’s make the Gospel the focus of our thoughts.  It is evident that Jesus  completed the salvation of mankind by defeated death.  This Gospel is the Word of God that can never be chained.  Let the Gospel spoken through us be the demonstration of God’s power and His resurrection life.  Amen!

Zion - A Prepared Place for a Prepared People

 “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭50‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

One of the twelve psalms written by Asaph, a Levite chosen by king David along with two others, to lead the worship in the tabernacle of David.  This psalm has the prophecy of Zion, “God’s glory-light shines out of the Zion-realm with the radiance of perfect beauty.”  Although Zion was the hill on which David put the ark of the covenant in the tabernacle, here Asaph is prophesying about God’s holy dwelling place, which is a place of refuge for God’s people. For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame."  The Cornerstone of Zion is the Lord Jesus Christ and the perfection of His beauty and glory shines out of Zion.  We, who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, are being prepared for we are a prepared people for Zion, the prepared place for us.  Amen!

Christ Abolished Death & Redefined Life

 “who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul encouraging Timothy, “He gave us resurrection life and drew us to Himself by His holy calling on our lives. And it wasn’t because of any good we have done, but by His divine pleasure and marvelous grace that confirmed our union with the anointed Jesus, even before time began! This truth is now being unveiled by the revelation of the anointed Jesus, our life-giver, Who has dismantled death, obliterating all its effects on our lives, and has manifested His immortal life in us by the Gospel.”  Jesus unveils grace to be the eternal intent of God.  Grace celebrates our redeemed innocence and union with God in Christ Jesus.  Everything that grace pointed to is now realised in Jesus Christ and brought into clear view through the Gospel - Jesus is what grace reveals.  He took death out of the equation and redefines life.  Good news indeed, Amen!

Redeemed by the Precious Blood of the Lamb

 “They that trust in their wealth, And boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, And it ceaseth for ever:) “That he should still live for ever, And not see corruption.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭49‬:‭6‬-‭9 KJV‬

A psalm of the sons of Korah.  “They trust in their treasures and boast in their riches, yet not one of them, though rich as a king, 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.”  This is the error that many believe, that through gold, silver and wealth you have God’s favour on your life and He will definitely accept you.  The old covenant people knew this to be a lie from the pit of hell, nothing could be further from the truth.  In the new covenant we know that we were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from our aimless conduct received by tradition from our fathers, but with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot.  Hallelujah!

The Fear of God is the Beginning of Wisdom

 “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s teaching, “But if anyone spreads false teaching that does not agree with the healthy instruction of our Lord Jesus, teaching others that holy awe of God is not important, then they prove they know nothing at all! It’s obvious they don’t value or hold dear the healing words of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  This doctrine and teaching is that of the fear of God.  The fear of the LORD is one of the seven spirits of God.  To teach people that there is no fear of God would be leading them away from the Holy Spirit.  The fear of God is more than simply loving and respecting God.  There are over one hundred references in all of Scripture that speak of “the fear of God.” This is how Isaiah said when he prophesied about the Messiah, “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.”  The holy awe we experience in the Presence of God especially when we worship Him, is what makes us prostrate before Him.  He is worthy.  Amen!

In Christ We Are Forever Victorious

 “For, lo, the kings were assembled, They passed by together. They saw it, and so they marvelled; They were troubled, and hasted away. Fear took hold upon them there, And pain, as of a woman in travail.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭48‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is a psalm of Korah’s clan sung to commemorate the defeat of the Assyrian army in the days of king Hezekiah. “See how the mighty kings united to come against Zion, yet when they saw God manifest in front of their eyes, they were stunned. Trembling, they all fled away, gripped with fear. Seized with panic, they doubled up in frightful anguish, like a woman in the labor pains of childbirth.”  This refers to the night the Angel of the LORD descended into the ranks of the Assyrians and killed 1,85,000 men and Sennacherib the Assyrian king left, as recorded by the prophet Isaiah.  The LORD’s covenant with Israel will never be broken, even today, because the battle is the LORD’s!  For the Church in the new covenant, we cannot fear the defeated enemy because the power of the love of God has been victorious. So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us?  We are the victorious ones in the Body of Christ when He is the Head.  Amen!

Pure & Undefiled Religion

 “Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul teaching on the care of widows, “The church needs to honor and support the widows, especially those who are in dire need. But if they have children or grandchildren at home, then it is only proper to let them provide for the ones who raised them when they were children, for kindness begins at home and it pleases God.”  In some cultures like India, widows were dishonoured and segregated, but God’s heart is clear that they are to be cared for.  Children must needs take responsibility for their widowed mothers and honour them.  Many disrespect widows even with sons and daughters in families because of tradition. As Jesus asked, “Do you really think God will honor your traditions passed down to others, making up rules that nullify God’s Word?”  Paul reminded the Church to “Honour your father and your mother,” which was the first of the Ten Commandments with a promise attached: “You will prosper and live a long, full life if you honour your parents.”  This includes widows.  Let’s know to take care of widows just as we learn in Scripture. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.  Amen!

Shout and Clap for Joy - Your Sins are Forgiven

 “O clap your hands, all ye people; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, And the nations under our feet.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭47‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm of the sons of Korah - “Go ahead and celebrate! Come on and clap your hands, everyone! Shout to God with the raucous sounds of joy! The Lord God Most High is astonishing, awesome beyond words! He’s the formidable and powerful King over all the earth. He’s the one who conquered the nations before us and placed them all under our feet.”  Rejoicing with claps and shouts is how the psalmist asks the people to remember God’s goodness, in the old covenant.  It is unheard of in many churches today in the new covenant era we live in!  Yet, the victory of the Cross has not penetrated into the hearts of many, that all the works of the devil have been destroyed, and all accusations against mankind have been removed once and for all.  The Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world, and we are washed clean by the precious Blood of Christ.  We have been set free by the victory of the Lamb of God and therefore we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.  We rejoice forever with shouts and claps of joy.  Hallelujah!

Deception in the Latter Times

 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s warning, “The Holy Spirit has explicitly revealed: At the end of this age, many will depart from the true faith one after another, devoting themselves to spirits of deception and following demon-inspired revelations and theories.”  The Holy Spirit still speaks to His people today.  Those believers who have a close relationship with our Lord Jesus and have the heart to obey His Word, will hear from Him.  The Holy Spirit also speaks through the gifts which He has given to the Church, through prophecy, the gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues.  Discerning of spirits is another gift by which we know how deception is being spoken.  When we’re obedient to our God and listen to Him and do what He says, we’re sure that He protects us from deceiving and seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  Amen!

Living Waters that Make Us Glad

 “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm of the sons of Korah, “God has a constantly flowing river whose sparkling streams bring joy and delight to His people. His river flows right through the city of God Most High, into His holy dwelling places. God is in the midst of His city, secure and never shaken. At daybreak His help will be seen with the appearing of the dawn.”  This is one of the psalms that is known as the Songs of Zion which praise Jerusalem as God’s dwelling place.  In the new covenant, the dwelling places are the believers who know personally the finished work of the Cross on their behalf.  God’s river flows into and through such believers.  The Church is the “city” on a hill.  Jesus said, “Believe in Me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!”  May we believe in Jesus.  Amen!

The Mystery of Righteousness

 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV

Paul is praising God for the mystery of righteousness He has gifted to mankind. “For the mystery of righteousness is beyond all question! He was revealed as a human being, and as our great High Priest in the Spirit! Angels gazed upon Him as a Man and the glorious message of His kingly rulership is being preached to the nations! Many have believed in Him and He has been taken back to heaven, and has ascended into the place of exalted glory in the heavenly realm. Yes, great is this mystery of righteousness!”   In Hebrew, righteousness is connected to the priestly ministry and points to the High Priest of our faith.  Another meaning of righteousness in Hebrew is that of the King, which points to Melchizedek or the King of righteousness.  Great indeed is the mystery of righteousness, which Christ our Lord has gifted to all who believe.  Amen!

The Most High Deserves our Best Worship in Christ

 “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, Out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭45‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm by the singers of Korah referring to the Messiah.  “Your glory-kingdom, O God, endures forever, for You are enthroned to rule with a justice-scepter in Your hand! You are passionate for righteousness, and You hate lawlessness. This is why God, Your God, crowns You with bliss above Your fellow kings. He has anointed You, more than any other, with His oil of fervent joy, the very fragrance of heaven’s gladness. Your royal robes release the scent of suffering love for Your Bride; the odor of aromatic incense is upon You. From the pure and shining place, lovely music that makes You glad is played for Your pleasure. The daughters of kings, women of honor, are maidens in Your courts. And standing beside You, glistening in Your pure and golden glory, is the beautiful Bride-to-be!”  Myrrh was a thorny bush signifying suffering used along with aloes for embalming Jesus’s body when He died.  Cassia was used in the holy anointing oil in the tabernacle signifying sweetness.  All these spices and the gold of Ophir were probably from one of the places like India, scholars say, and signified richness, purity and majesty for supreme royalty.  Our God is the Most High, and deserves our best worship.  Amen!

We’re One Through Our Union with Christ

 “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul taught in the cultural context of that day and era. “Let the women who are new converts be willing to learn with all submission to their leaders and not speak out of turn. I don’t advocate that the newly converted women be the teachers in the church, assuming authority over the men, but to live in peace.”  In the context of the day, this referred to women arguing with their male congregational leaders.  In the temple worship of Diana, the goddess of the Ephesian people, it was most common to have female leadership.  For the women who converted to Christ, their only cultural context was that the women were the temple leaders and teachers of their goddess religion in Ephesus.  In the church however, it was the men who more commonly made up the leadership of the congregations.  Paul was telling the women to be “willing to learn” and to be respectful to all, in this new way of worshipping the true God.  This was the understanding of the early Christians in Ephesus.  To us in a different culture and another era, we submit to the consistent revelation of Scripture, to be respectful to all, whether male or female.  We no longer see each other in our former state—Jew or non-Jew, rich or poor, male or female—because we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Gratitude & Honour to our God through Christ

 “Through thee will we push down our enemies: Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, Neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, And hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, And praise thy name for ever. Selah.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭44‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm of the sons of Korah. “Through Your glorious Name and Your awesome power, we can push through to any victory and defeat every enemy. For I will not trust in the weapons of the world; I know they will never save me. Only You will be our Savior from all our enemies. All those who hate us You have brought to shame. So now I constantly boast in You. I can never thank You enough! Pause in His Presence!”  What we, the sons and daughters of God, learn from the mistakes of the children of Israel, is to stop complaining, grumbling, making excuses and being negative.  Instead we remember God’s goodness of how He saved us personally, and boast about  Him.  Let’s choose to be filled with gratitude, and honour for what Jesus did, making our life that gives Him praise and worship at all times.  That’s what our adversary satan hates!  May our lives be of worship to our LORD and our God through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Captured by Grace to Praise God

 “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul explaining his reason to rejoice, “Yet I was captured by grace, so that Jesus Christ could display through me the outpouring of his Spirit as a pattern to be seen for all those who would believe in him for eternal life. Because of this my praises rise to the King of all the universe who is indestructible, invisible, and full of glory, the only God who is worthy of the highest honors throughout all of time and throughout the eternity of eternities! Amen!”  Jesus displays His perfect patience for those who believe in Him.  This is why Paul’s heart is filled with rejoicing for the King of all ages.  Christ’s physical body didn’t decompose in the tomb but was raised in resurrection.  So Paul breaks into this doxology because of his own personal experience of God.  Those who know how much they’re forgiven will be captured by Jesus’s grace and continuously give God praise.  Let’s give Him glory, honour and praise forever and ever.  Amen!

Strengthened with Might by God’s Spirit

 “For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm by the sons of Korah, “For you are where my strength comes from and my protector, so why would you leave me now? Must I be covered with gloom while the enemy comes after me, gloating with glee?”  In the old covenant they knew that there strength  came from God but they doubted and confessed that God had cast them off!  In the new covenant, God has graced us by His Presence in us who believe in Christ that we may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  This is His grace that even when we didn’t deserve it, entirely through faith, He has become our strength and no power of the enemy can touch us.  Amen!

The Gospel of Power

 “not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul teaches, “It wasn’t because we don’t have the right to be supported, but we wanted to provide you an example to follow.”  Those who preach the Gospel have the right to be supported financially and deserve their wages.  However, it was Paul’s custom to earn his own way when he went into a city for the first time to show the truth of the Gospel without mixed motives.  Because there were believers in Thessalonica who were lazy and not working for a living, Paul gave up his right to have financial support from them and chose to work “night and day” to be an example to them.  Preaching the Gospel was so priceless to Paul, that when he sowed spiritual seed, he was sure it translated into material harvest as well, such was his faith in the Gospel.  May we sow seed cheerfully and liberally, both spiritual and material, knowing that our Lord is the Lord of the harvest.  Amen!

The Passion for Christ’s Presence

 “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This psalm was by the sons of Korah, who was the great grandson of Levi.  The sons of Korah were a family of Levitical singers, whom David chose to preside over the music of the tabernacle-tent on Mount Zion.  “I long to drink of You, O God, to drink deeply from the streams of pleasure flowing from Your Presence. My longings overwhelm me for more of You!”  The hunted deer that pants desperately at the water’s edge is the psalmist’s longing and passion that was yet unfulfilled.  What he didn’t have, we do, through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Through faith in His finished work, the Holy Spirit makes the resurrected Presence of the Living Christ real to us, by which He has granted to us His  precious and very great promises, that through these we may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become partakers of the divine nature.  God is passionate that the spirit He has placed within us should be faithful to Him.  Let’s be passionate for Him.  Amen!

Obtaining the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ

 “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul gives revelation to the Body of Christ, then and today.  “We always have to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, for you are dearly loved by the Lord. He proved it by choosing you from the beginning for salvation through the Spirit, who set you apart for holiness, and through your belief in the truth. To this end he handpicked you for salvation through the gospel so that you would have the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  He has chosen us believers as firstfruits in the harvest for salvation by sanctifying our spirits and convincing us of His truth.  We, believers, are brought within the perimeter of the glory of God through Jesus Christ.  This is our present enjoyment and participation in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and not a future event.  We rejoice in all that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit have done for us in the eternal love, the drawing work of the Holy Spirit, the sanctification of being set apart for holiness, faith in Jesus, and so much more.  The purpose of our salvation is more than being set free from guilt, it is that we share in and possess the glory of Christ.  Amen!

The Obedience of Christ

 “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭41‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David’s psalm prophesying Messiah’s betrayal. “Even my ally, my friend, has turned against Me. He was one I totally trusted with My life, sharing supper with him, and now he shows Me nothing but betrayal and treachery. He has sold Me as an enemy.”  In the culture of that day, sharing a meal together was a sign of covenant friendship.  The figure of speech “he lifted up his heel against me” meant that he was sold as an enemy and was treated treacherously.  Jesus quoted this Scripture when He said, “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’”  He spoke of Judas’ betrayal.  What God has written will be fulfilled.  Out of the obedience of Christ we have received abundance of grace.  After He was found in terms of His outward appearance as a Man for a divinely-appointed time, He humbled Himself still further by becoming obedient to the Father to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Even betrayal by His friend did not stop Jesus from being obedient to the Father.  We surrender our free will to God, and ask for help to be obedient to our Heavenly Father just as Jesus did.  Amen!

Grace Awakens Delight & Joy in Christ

 “grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul encouraging the Thessalonian church, “May God’s delightful grace and peace rest upon you. We feel a personal responsibility to continually be thanking God for you, our spiritual family, every time we pray. And we have every reason to do so because your faith is growing marvelously beyond measure. The unselfish love each of you share for one another is increasing and overflowing! We point to you as an example of unwavering faith for all the churches of God. We boast about how you continue to demonstrate unflinching endurance through all the persecutions and painful trials you are experiencing.”  Grace is something that awakens joy and pleasure and the Church needs to hear the encouraging word as it perseveres faithfully through trials as Paul lauds the Thessalonians for their faith, their love and their hope.  No matter what difficulty we may pass through, a growing faith in Christ, an increasing love for others, and unwavering hope are the keys to coming through it victoriously.  Amen!

Jesus Delighted to do God’s Will

 “I delight to do thy will, O my God: Yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A prophetic psalm by David, “I delight to fulfill Your will, My God, for Your  living words are written upon the pages of My heart.” I tell everyone everywhere the truth of Your righteousness. And You know I haven’t held back in telling the message to all.”  The writer of Hebrews wrote this prophecy of the Messiah, “God, I will be the One to go and do Your will.” So by being the sacrifice that removes sin, He abolishes animal sacrifices and replaces that entire system with the new covenant. By God’s will we have been purified and made holy once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah!”  This was God’s final plan for the Messiah to be the final, once and for all Sacrifice of the new covenant.  Jesus delighted to do God’s will.  Now we delight to do God’s will to preach the Gospel of righteousness only through the finished work of the Cross.  Amen!

Prophesying by the Fire of the Holy Spirit

 “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul teaches, “Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit. And don’t be one who scorns prophecies”.  We put out the Spirit’s fire when we scorn prophecy.  Prophecy is a valid gift of the Holy Spirit needed by the Church today.  There is no place in Scripture or in Church history that indicates the gift of prophecy has ceased or disappeared.  It is an active function of the Holy Spirit in the Church around the world.  We must not ignore, despise or scorn any true gift of the Holy Spirit.  Putting out the fire of the Holy Spirit is connected to the scorning of the prophetic ministry.  We need prophets and prophecy to keep the fire (inspiration) of the Holy Spirit burning in our hearts.  Let’s regard seriously what the Holy Spirit prophecies to the Church, knowing that all His plans are for the best.  Amen!

The Power of the Tongue

 “I said, I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, While the wicked is before me.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭39‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David’s psalm, “Here’s my life motto, the truth I live by: I will guard my ways for all my days. I will speak only what is right, guarding what I speak. Like a watchman guards against an attack of the enemy, I’ll guard and muzzle my mouth when the wicked are around me.”  David knew the power of the tongue to sin.  James, in the new covenant says, “And so the tongue is a small part of the body yet it carries great power! Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body and is a hellish flame! It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence…but the tongue is not able to be tamed. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison! We use our tongue to praise God our Father and then turn around and curse a person who was made in his very image! Out of the same mouth we pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next.”  Paul tells us to “Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around us, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how we think. This will empower us to discern God’s will as we live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in God’s eyes.”  Let’s renew our mind with meditating on the Word of God and obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit.  In this way, our tongue will speak renewed thoughts.  Amen!

Meeting the Lord in the Air

 “then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s awesome revelation, “Then we who are alive will join them, transported together in clouds to have an encounter with the Lord in the air, and we will be forever joined with the Lord.”  This is the moment of being caught up as the spiritual victory of Life swallowing death, for those who believe.  This is the Bride of Christ rising to be with Jesus.  In the wake of this rising, we will be gathered into a large, dense multitude of an innumerable throng of people, united as one, and we will encounter our Lord in the air and so continually celebrate our union with Him - the Bride and the Groom are forever united.  Hallelujah!

Jesus Christ Our Mercy Seat

 “O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, And thy hand presseth me sore. For I am ready to halt, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭38‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David’s lament, “O Lord, don’t punish me angrily for what I’ve done. Don’t let my sin inflame Your wrath against me. For the arrows of Your conviction have pierced me deeply. Your blows have struck my soul and crushed me.”  Here was David groaning before God for His mercy.  This was prophetic of what Jesus did when He as the Son of Man became a propitiation for the sin of all humanity and took God’s wrath of judgment upon Himself.  This is our new covenant that Jesus cut on the Cross with His own Blood.  Jesus’ God-given destiny was to be the sacrifice to take away sins, and now He is our mercy seat because of His death on the Cross. We come to Him for mercy, for God has made a provision for us to be forgiven by faith in the sacred Blood of Jesus. This is the perfect demonstration of God’s justice, because until now, He had been so patient—holding back His justice out of His tolerance for us. So He covered over the sins of those who lived prior to Jesus’ sacrifice. He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.  Amen!

No Greater Friend than Jesus

 “that no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul explaining about tribulations, “so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions, for you know that we are destined for this. In fact, when we were with you we forewarned you: “Suffering and persecution is coming.” And so it has happened, as you well know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I sent our brother to find out if your faith was still strong, for I was concerned that the tempter had somehow enticed you and our labor would have been in vain.”  The sufferings of persecution are included in God’s destined purpose for those who love God and faithfully follow Christ. The tempter is the harasser which is the obvious title of satan, our adversary.  We are not to be shaken by the pressures of our times, these fierce contradictions, that lie in our way. The religious and traditional systems of this world will always feel threatened by what the Gospel communicates.  We are no longer in fear and sin-consciousness with the liberty that we enjoy with unity in Christ.  Let’s enjoy our relationship with our greatest Friend, Jesus.  Amen!

Meekness Guarantees God’s Response

 “But the meek shall inherit the earth; And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David recognised that only humility is what God responds to. “But the humble of heart will inherit every promise and enjoy abundant peace.”  Micah the prophet exhorted “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”  Jesus put it this way, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”  Jesus showed by example when He said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I Am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.”  It is the inner man of the heart, which is not corruptible, where the beauty of a meek and quiet spirit is and that in the sight of God is of great price.  Grace, which is undeserved favour, is poured immeasurably out only to the meek.  Grace is Jesus’s part but meekness and belief is our part - that’s how we are in union with Christ.  Let’s learn humility and meekness which David learned so long ago.  Amen!