Repent of Unbelief

 “He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭147‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A Hallelujah psalm written to commemorate the rebuilding of the temple.  “He heals the wounds of every shattered heart. He sets His stars in place, calling them all by their names. How great is our God! There’s absolutely nothing His power cannot accomplish, and He has infinite understanding of everything.”  This is how the old covenant psalmist saw God, as One Who is great and Who heals the broken-hearted.  The God Who knows every precise movement of the stars in the universe, is our God Who loves us and redeemed us.  It is our unbelief that stops us from knowing God in His power.  Jesus said clearly, “The world's sin is unbelief in Me.”  Let’s fix our gaze on the simultaneous kindness and strict justice of God. How severely He treated those who fell into unbelief! Yet how tender and kind is His relationship with us. Let’s keep on trusting in His kindness; otherwise, we also will be cut off. Let us labour therefore to enter into the rest that Christ won for us through the Cross, and let’s repent of every form of unbelief.  Amen!

He Is El Elyon - God Most High

 “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, and cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Mark recorded, “When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran to Him and threw himself down before Him, shouting at the top of his lungs, “Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! Swear in God’s name that You won’t torture me!” (For Jesus had already said to him, “Come out of that man, you demon spirit!”) Jesus said to him, “What is your name?” “Mob,” he answered. “They call me Mob because there are thousands of us in his body!” The demons always recognised Jesus as God’s Son.  God is the Most High as Melchizedek the priest of El Elyon blessed Abram, “He spoke over him a special blessing, saying, “Blessed is Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, whose power delivered your enemies into your hands!”  There is no one higher than our God. Knowing this the devil tried hard to get Jesus to worship him, ““All of these kingdoms I will give to You,” the accuser said, “if only You will kneel down before me and worship me.” But Jesus said, “Go away, satan! For the Scriptures say: Kneel before the Lord your God and worship only Him.” At once the accuser left Him, and angels suddenly gathered around Jesus to minister to Him. Jesus made a public spectacle of all the powers and principalities of darkness, stripping away from them every weapon and all their spiritual authority and power to accuse us. And by the power of the Cross, Jesus led them around as prisoners in a procession of triumph. He was not their prisoner; they were His!  Hallelujah!

Let the Church Do What the Lord Jesus Christ Does

 “The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: The LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: The LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; He relieveth the fatherless and widow: But the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭146‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is the first of the Hallelujah psalms and is attributed to the prophets Haggai and Zechariah at the dedication of the second temple after the return from exile, completing the last five psalms of the book of psalms in Scripture.  “You open the eyes of the blind, and You fully restore those bent over with shame. You love those who love and honor You. You watch over strangers and immigrants and support the fatherless and widows. But You subvert the plans of the ungodly.”  The Lord Jesus had spoken this at the synagogue, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”  This is the mandate to the Church today to fulfil what the Lord Jesus spoke then and take the help of the Holy Spirit for this.  Let’s do it.  Amen!

Revelations in Our Quiet Time with Christ

 “but when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬-‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Mark wrote, “yet when it springs up and grows, it becomes the largest plant in the garden, with so many large spreading branches, even birds can nest in its shade.” Jesus used many parables such as these as He taught the people, and they learned according to their ability to understand. He never spoke to them without using parables, but would wait until He was alone with His  disciples to explain to them their meanings.”  This parable describes the growth of God’s Kingdom.  It may appear in the beginning as small and insignificant, but it will grow until it becomes the greatest Kingdom of all.  God’s Kingdom is growing on the earth and not diminishing.  God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel, “Lord Yahweh says: “I will take the highest branch from a cedar tree. I will break off from the very top a tender shoot and plant it Myself on a high and lofty mountain. I will plant it on the highest mountain in Israel, where it will put out branches and bear fruit and grow into a stately cedar tree. Every kind of bird will find a home in it. Yes, in the shade of its branches the birds will make their nests. And all the trees of the field will know that I, Yahweh, Am the One Who brings the tall tree low and raises the low tree high, Who withers the green tree and makes the withered tree sprout again. I, Yahweh, have spoken.”  Jesus still delights to mystify those who follow Him, but He waits until we are alone with Him, and then He reveals the wonders of His grace and truth to our hearts.  Let’s spend time alone with our Lord Jesus to receive the mysteries of His Kingdom.  Amen!

His Mighty Power to Raise Christ from the Dead

 “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The LORD upholdeth all that fall, And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭145‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David wrote on the greatness of God, “You are the Lord who reigns over your never-ending kingdom through all the ages of time and eternity! You are faithful to fulfill every promise you’ve made. You manifest yourself as kindness in all you do. Weak and feeble ones you will sustain. Those bent over with burdens of shame you will lift up.”  David lived centuries before the Gospel of grace was revealed yet he had a personal revelation of the greatness of God’s grace because of his relationship with Him.  Even though David was king, he knew that it was God Who ruled Israel through him.  When he made mistakes and fell, David repented and turned to God Who picked him up and raised him.  David recognised that it was only the greatness of God Who raised him up from a shepherd boy to being the king of Israel.  In the new covenant, Paul explains the greatness of God, “I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! This is the mighty power that was released when God raised Christ from the dead and exalted Him to the place of highest honor and supreme authority in the heavenly realm!”  May we never downgrade the greatness of God revealed to us believers through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!

God’s Love Brings Purpose to Our Existence

 “and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: and Simon he surnamed Peter;”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Mark recorded, “and have authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons. He appointed his Twelve and gave Simon the nickname Peter the Rock.”  These twelve disciples served God’s Kingdom, became apostles or “sent ones” and the Jesus chose seventy more to preach the Gospel.  None of them were fully mature or equipped for the Holy Spirit had not yet come to empower them.  Disciples are raised that they may walk continuously with Jesus; preaching with the genuine love for others preaching the truth of God’s Word and walking in the power to heal and cast out demons.  Today, this is the same that the Lord Jesus requires from His disciples.   Leaders today need to raise up others and not centre their ministry around themselves. The legacy of a spiritual leader is made up of those whom he or she has released and sent forth to proclaim Christ.  Following Jesus means living out the purpose for which He created each one.  By giving Simon the new name “Peter”, Jesus gave him the purpose of his existence, having a strong, rock-like faith, even though He knew Peter would deny Him later!  Such is the love that Jesus has for each one of us that He puts His confidence in us.  Thank You, Lord!

God Always Leads Us Triumphantly in Christ

 “I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: Upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: Who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭144‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David sang this song as he came to face Goliath the giant.  “My God, I will sing You a brand-new song! The harp inside my heart will make music to You! I will sing of You, the One Who gives victory to kings— the One Who rescues David, Your loving servant, from the fatal sword. Deliver me and save me from these dark powers who speak nothing but lies. Their words are pure deceit, and you can’t trust anything they say.”  David had such confidence in God because of his relationship with Him and He remembered God’s deliverance with a thankful heart and declared it.  In the new covenant, the Lord Jesus has told us to be of good cheer because He has conquered through the Cross the evil that besets us and now thanks be to God, He always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  This 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, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all.  Thanks be to God, Who always gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s defeat every evil giant in our life.  Hallelujah!

Following Christ & Joining Him

 “And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Mark recorded, “As He walked along, He found Levi, the son of Alphæus, sitting at a tax booth, collecting taxes. He approached him and said, “Come follow Me.”  Immediately he got up from his booth and began to follow Jesus.”  The name Levi means “joined”, “united” and Levi is the same person as Matthew, who wrote the Gospel bearing his name.  Alphæus means “changing”.  It is obvious that Matthew’s allegiance is changing from being a servant of Rome to being joined to Jesus as His future apostle.  Jesus came that we will change from being servants of sin to becoming children of God in the new life His death, burial and resurrection brought us and thus being joined to Him.  When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father.  Those who are joined to the Lord are one spirit with Him.  This was Matthew’s destiny and so it is of all who choose to follow Christ.  Amen!

Christ’s Will be Done

 “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: For thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭143‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David wrote this psalm when his son Absalom chased him after usurping his throne.  “Save me from all my enemies, for I hide myself in You. I just want to obey all You ask of me. So teach me, Lord, for You are my God. Your gracious Spirit is all I need, so lead me on good paths that are pleasing to You, my One and Only God! Lord, if You rescue me, it will bring You more glory, for You are true to Your promises. Bring me out of these troubles!”  We live in an age where the younger generation is impatient with the older generation and honour and care for parents and the elderly is a forgotten value.  However, it is as old as Scripture when David’s son Absalom was impatient and usurped his father’s throne.  Absalom’s end was quite sad and so it is with those who dishonour their parents and disregard their elderly.  David, nevertheless, turned to the LORD and trusted Him to rescue him.  Because of David’s faith in God, his prayer was answered.  In the new covenant and because of Christ’s finished work on the Cross, we have God’s faith in us to believe in all His promises.  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.  I live by Christ’s faith, not mine.  Amen!

Through Faith We have Resurrection & Holy Spirit Power

 “And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Mark a spiritual son of Peter the apostle, wrote this Gospel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  “The moment Jesus rose up out of the water, John saw the heavenly realm split open, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. At the same time, a voice spoke from heaven, saying: “You are My Son, My cherished One, and My greatest delight is in You!” Immediately after this He was compelled by the Holy Spirit to go into an uninhabited desert region.”  The Lord Jesus was buried in baptism, symbolically into death (the Jordan) so that He might minister not in the natural way of men, but in the way of resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The dove, an emblem of the Holy Spirit, pictures both meekness and purity.  The implication is that the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus and never left Him.  David had prophesied of the Messiah, ““I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.”  God is affirming it now as the Lord Jesus came up out of the waters of Jordan.  Then, the mighty Holy Spirit compelled the Lord Jesus to go into the desert wilderness for forty days, just as Moses, David, Elijah had done before - the great champions of Israel’s history.  The Lord Jesus is our example to face the trials and testings of our life in the resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen!

Being in Christ is Being Beloved

 “I cried unto the LORD with my voice; With my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭142‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David prayed this psalm from hiding in the cave, “God, I’m crying out to You! I lift up my voice boldly to beg for Your mercy. I spill out my heart to You and tell You all my troubles.”  David knew this secret of focusing on Yahweh in the midst of being overwhelmed by his troubles.  He was confident that when he came to God for mercy he would receive it.  David means “beloved” and he had that intimacy with Yahweh where he knew that his requests to God would be answered and dealt with.  The Son of David, our Lord Jesus, was transfigured on the mount and there was a cloud that overshadowed Him with Peter, James & John; and a Voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him.”  The Son of the beloved is the Beloved Son of God, Who through His shed Blood has made a way for all mankind to have an intimate relationship and has called them beloved.  He has sent us His Holy Spirit Who comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.  God hears and answers us even today and calls us beloved because we are in Christ, the Beloved Son of God.  Amen!

Obedience Precedes Authority in Christ

 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, Then Jesus came close to them and said, “All authority of the universe has been given to Me. Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I Am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.”  There is this sentence missing but is there in the Aramaic, “As My Father has sent Me, so I send you.”  Jesus showed by example that authority is preceded by obedience from a free will.  God never compelled Adam and Eve to obey when the snake deceived them.  But they lost the righteousness, authority and dominion God had given them.  It took Jesus’s obedience to God by dying on the Cross for mankind’s disobedience to restore that righteousness, authority and dominion back to us.  Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell everyone everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His Name.  Let’s know our authority in Christ by obeying Him, and bringing glory to His Name.  Amen!

Humbly Take Correction & Pray for Them

 “Let the righteous smite me; It shall be a kindness: And let him reprove me; It shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. When their judges are overthrown in stony places, They shall hear my words; for they are sweet.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭141‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David wrote this poetic psalm, “When one of your godly ones corrects me or one of your faithful ones rebukes me, I will accept it like an honor I cannot refuse. It will be as healing medicine that I swallow without an offended heart. Even if they are mistaken, I will continue to pray. When the leaders and judges are condemned, falling upon the rocks of justice, then they’ll know my words to them were true!”  This was David, the king of Israel, willing to take correction without taking offence.  But the King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ, took our punishment on the Cross so that by faith we would be set free.  He did this with joy in His heart, knowing that His creation - all of mankind - would be liberated.  After His resurrection, He sent His Holy Spirit, to convict us and make us more like our Lord Jesus.  The Holy Spirit, through the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, equips all believers for works of service, to build the Body of Christ, the Church.  Together, these ministries help in growth and maturity so that every member of the Body of Christ discovers and operates in their own God-given gifts by working in harmony and unity to help the Church fulfil its mission and become more like Christ.  Let’s be humble to take correction and pray for others even when they’re wrong or unkind, just as David did.  Amen!

God the Saviour Bled to Death for You

 “and set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Matthew wrote the Gospel in Hebrew but Hebrew ceased to be the spoken language of the Jews on their return from exile in Babylon around 450 BC. “Above His head they placed a sign that read, “This is Jesus of Nazareth, King of Israel.” Two criminals were also crucified with Jesus, one on each side of Him.”  This sign was written in Aramaic (the language of the common people), Latin (the official language of the Roman Empire), and in Greek (the language of the visiting Alexandrian Jews).  The first letter of each of the four words written were Y-H-W-H (Y’shua Hanozri Wumelech a Yehudim).  To write these letters YHWH (also known as the Tetragrammaton), was the Hebrew form of writing the sacred Name “Yahweh”.  No wonder the chief priests were so offended by this sign and insisted that Pilate change it.  This was a sign given to Israel, for over Jesus’s head on the Cross was written “Y-H-W-H!  God the Saviour bled to death for you.”  The prophet had said, “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.”  That’s our God Who bled to death for us who were transgressors and set us free, dead to sin and alive to righteousness.  Amen!

Relationships are Important to God

 “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And the right of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: The upright shall dwell in thy presence.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭140‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David wrote this psalm when he was hiding from king Saul.  “For I know, Lord, that You will be the hero of all those they persecute, and You will secure justice for the poor. Your godly ones will thank You no matter what happens. For they choose and cherish Your  Presence above everything else!”  We learn from David how to cope with jealousy, which is to turn to God and trust Him through the tough times, without the ill-will that results from it.  Our Lord had to face this too from the religious establishment.  Even Pilate knew that it was because of jealousy that the chief priests and elders had handed Jesus over to him.  Instead of allowing the negativity of being jealous, we can of our own free will turn it to being jealous for the Lord’s Presence.  That’s the godly jealousy that Paul talked about when he said “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”  Instead of gossiping, denigrating, creating an ill-will scenario, or even being self-righteous, self-centred, proud, and inflating the ego, let’s change the negativity to building up people so that they too can enjoy God’s Presence like we do.  Relationships are important to God and we co-labour with Him to build people up to have a relationship with Him.  Amen!

Union & Communion

 “for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “For this is the blood that seals the new covenant. It will be poured out for many for the complete forgiveness of sins. The next time we drink this, I will be with you and we will drink it together with a new understanding in the Kingdom realm of My Father.”  This was the renewed covenant which had been earlier prophesied.  After each disciple took the cup and drank from it, they passed it to the next one.  This was a love covenant between Jesus and each of His disciples, and it sealed the affection they had for one another.  We are now in the realm of the Kingdom of God.  The Holy Spirit brings us into the Body of Christ and into the reality of the Kingdom of God.  It is growing and increasing in scope, and every time believers drink of the cup of communion, Jesus is present with us.  It is the Lord’s table, not ours.  This was a prophecy of what would happen in just a matter of days from then, as believers would break bread together in remembrance of what Jesus did for them.  Jesus now drinks with us in a new way, and not just once a year at Passover, but every time we worship Him by taking communion.  Amen!

The Wonderful Knowledge of God’s Power

 “Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David wrote this psalm, “You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid Your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.”  David calls the Yahweh as all-knowing and omniscient, Who besieged him before and behind.  David knew the experience of God protecting him from what may come in the future and what has happened in the past.  Our God is powerful and it was His power that raised Jesus from the dead and has given us this same resurrection power for eternity.  Jesus says: "My grace is all you need, for My power is greatest when you are weak." In order to feel the protection of Christ's power which is in His shed Blood, let’s depend on His grace.  In all our weakness it is the leading of the Holy Spirit that reveals Christ’s power in our weakness.  The knowledge of God is too wonderful but it is through Christ’s grace and Holy Spirit leading that we can lead victorious life in spite of our weakness.  Amen!

Our Highest Place is at Christ’s Feet

 “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded when Jesus gave this parable on the judgment of the multitudes, “When the Son of Man appears in His majestic glory, with all His angels by His side, He will take His seat on His throne of splendor, and all the nations will be gathered together before Him. And like a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats, He will separate all the people.”  Jesus gave the fulfilment of the prophet Daniel’s vision which will happen at the second coming of Jesus.  ““I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a Kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His Kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.”  This is the reality that every individual human being from the first to the last, from kings to servants, from the most to the least, will come before Him in the final judgment.  Those who believed in Him and His work on the Cross, who followed Him, will become part of His Kingdom.  Those who did not, will be turned away into eternal torment.  We rejoice that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Hallelujah!

All Will Rise Before the Lamb of God to Praise Him

 “All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, When they hear the words of thy mouth. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: For great is the glory of the LORD. Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: But the proud he knoweth afar off.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭138‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm attributed to David, “One day all the kings of the earth will rise to give You thanks when they hear the living words that I have heard You speak. They too will sing of Your  wonderful ways, for Your ineffable glory is great! For though You are lofty and exalted, You stoop to embrace the lowly. Yet You keep Your distance from those filled with pride.”  That day is coming soon, as David said, when all kings and leaders of the earth will rise to give God thanks in the midst of His glorious Presence.  Scripture tells us that the enemies of God shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.  He is all powerful and all shall rise in His Presence and give glory to Him.  But those who are proud and who scorn the Word of God, treating it as a myth or fairy tale, will spend eternity in torment, sadly.  But David experienced the Living Word of God in his relationship with Him, so he could prophesy.  We, who have the Living Word in us and have a confident relationship with the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, overcome and proclaim the victory we have in Christ.  Amen!

Enduring to the End

 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “There will be such an increase of the sin of lawlessness that those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others will grow cold. But hold your hope firmly to the end and you will experience life and deliverance. “Yet through it all, the good news of heaven’s kingdom will be proclaimed all over the world, providing every nation with a demonstration of the reality of God. And after that the end of this age will arrive.”  The disciples asked Jesus when the end of the age will come and He gave them many signs.  He told of the lawlessness when people do what is right in their own eyes, disregarding rules, values, principles and the laws to govern peacefully.  This is beginning to happen even now and the life of compromise is being followed even in many churches.  For those of us who believe, we are to have an intimate relationship with our God Who forgave our sin to have a relationship with Him; also to dwell and abide in the Word of God, meditating on it day and night and obeying it; and being taught, guided, led by the mighty Holy Spirit dwelling in us.  This will protect us from the deception that is coming into the world in a greater measure now than ever before.  The other important point that Jesus made was to preach and witness to all even to the ends of the earth the glorious Gospel of the Kingdom and eagerly await for the coming of our King of kings - our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Zion - Where God Dwells with Us

 “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, When we remembered Zion.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭137‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV

This psalm was written by an unknown after Jerusalem was destroyed during the Babylonian captivity or it may be attributed to Jeremiah.  “Along the banks of Babylon’s rivers we sat as exiles, mourning our captivity, and wept with great love for Zion.”  The Jews in captivity yearned for the majestic temple that Solomon built where the Ark of the Covenant was in the Holy of Holies signifying the Presence of God.  Inspite of that, the Jews turned to false gods and even turned the temple a place of worship to idols and the Presence of God left the temple.  That is why God used Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, to destroy the temple and the Jews taken into captivity.  Later, it was rebuilt and when Jesus came in the flesh, He was presented at the temple and later referred to it as His Father’s house.  During one Passover, Jesus cleansed the temple of money-changers and merchants selling sacrificial animals.  He used it as a place of teaching and once while talking to Pharisees and scribes, Jesus prophesied that the physical temple would be destroyed and that His body would be destroyed to make a new temple in three days, which will be the Presence of God.  That was fulfilled at the death and resurrection of Jesus.  When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, and disciples were filled, God’s Presence filled their bodies.  Today, all disciples who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and invite the Holy Spirit in them, carry the Presence of God.  Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”  Amen!

A Relationship with Christ Without Pretensions

 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, ““Great sorrow awaits you religious scholars and Pharisees—frauds and pretenders! For you are obsessed with peripheral issues, like insisting on paying meticulous tithes on the smallest herbs that grow in your gardens. These matters are fine, yet you ignore the most important duties of all: to walk in the love of God, to display mercy to others, and to live with integrity. Readjust your values and place first things first. What blind guides! Nitpickers! You will spoon out a gnat from your drink, yet at the same time you’ve gulped down a camel without realizing it!”  The law of Moses only obligated tithing on grain, wine and oil.  The religious scholars added to the law their interpretation, which added vegetables and herbs to their list of what should be tithed.  Justice, grace which is loving kindnesses and faith and truth is what Jesus talked about.  The Aramaic for gnat and camel is similar and gnat becomes a metaphor for what is least and insignificant - swallowing a gnat will not hurt you.  But the camel becomes a picture of self-righteousness. To swallow a camel would indeed kill you.  Let’s not focus on insignificant things in our relationship with Christ but remove the huge block of those hindrances that stop us from being effective and fruitful.  Amen!

Sound Wisdom Found in God’s Mercy Endures Forever

 “To him who alone doeth great wonders: For his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: For his mercy endureth for ever.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭136‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬

This psalm is traditionally attributed to king David and was sung at the dedication of Solomon’s temple and also by the armies of king Jehoshaphat.  “Give thanks to the only miracle-working God! His tender love for us continues on forever! Give thanks to the Creator Who made the heavens with wisdom! His tender love for us continues on forever!”  It tells of our God of mercy and wisdom.  Job prophesied the secrets of the two sides of God’s sound wisdom found in His mercy and justice in creation.  It was made visible in the new creation when Christ died in the flesh and rose again - victorious over sin and death.  The secret is of God’s wisdom found in His mercy and justice by becoming sin for humanity and giving us His righteousness in exchange, reconciling us to the holy God Who is our Father.  What mercy!  What grace!  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  Let’s give thanks to our miracle working Creator God Who in His mercy, wisdom and justice, erases our sin to make us a new creation in Christ.  Thank You, Jesus!

Change Into the Garment of Righteousness

 “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “Now, when the king entered the banquet hall, he looked with glee over all his guests. But then he noticed a guest who was not wearing the wedding robe provided for him.”  This was the parable of the wedding feast which Jesus gave.  This explains that God is the King Who prepares His Kingdom feast for His Son, Jesus Christ.  The servants who invited guests to the wedding are the prophets God sends to summon the people to enter into the love feast of Jesus, the wedding of the Lamb to the Bride of Christ.  Those invited to come from the streets had no opportunity to buy wedding clothes.  This wedding robe is a picture of the garment of righteousness that grace provides for us.  The man without the wedding garment had one provided, but he didn’t want to change into new clothes.  A change is necessary, for our King provides garments of white linen for us to wear, our wedding garments.  As the prophet said, “Wake up! Open your eyes! Beautiful Zion, put on your majestic strength! Jerusalem, the sacred city, put on your glory garments! Never again will the unclean enter your gates!”  As John the beloved disciple saw, “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready!”  Amen!

True Worship of the True God

 “The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭135‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is a psalm written after the Babylonian exile.  “The unbelieving nations worship what they make. They worship their wealth and their work. They idolize what they own and what they do.”  Worshipping what is made by man is a deception.  True worship is of the true God, Who loves us so much that He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ to remove our sins and blessed all who believe in Him and set us free to worship Him.  Worship involves thanksgiving as a deliberate act even when we don’t “feel” like it in a challenging situation, and is about thanking God in advance, a sacrifice of thanksgiving!  With profound gratitude we lift our hands in worship making a public acknowledgment of God’s character and deeds and at times kneeling and blessing Him.  At times loudly raising our voice in loud adoration and sometimes with instruments of music; at other times boasting about our God with dancing and swaying, sometimes spontaneously making outbursts of joy with a total lack of self-consciousness.  True worship is our devotion to God based on a personal relationship with Him, loving and adoring Him.  Therefore, in view of the mercies of God, let’s present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is our true worship.  Let’s worship God with all our heart, soul and body for He alone is worthy of all our worship.  Amen!

Victory Comes After Resurrection

 “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “Jesus rode in the center of the procession—crowds going before Him and crowds coming behind Him, and they all shouted, “Bring the victory, Lord, Son of David! He is the blessed One sent from the Lord Yahweh! We celebrate with praises to God in the highest!”  This was taken from a psalm attributed to David, “Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.”  Hosanna, an Aramaic word which means “O save, bring the victory, O Lord!”  The crowds recognised Jesus as Yahweh’s Messiah.  By shouting out, “Son of David,” they were clearly expecting Jesus to immediately overthrow the Roman oppression and set the nation free.  Many want victory before the Cross, but true victory comes after resurrection!  Jesus was crucified in the flesh and when we, who are born again and new creatures in Christ, crucify our flesh, that is our old man, we become stronger and stronger. When our old man is crucified with Christ, the body of sin is destroyed, and we come out victorious. Amen!

Night Time Worship

 “Behold, bless ye the LORD, All ye servants of the LORD, Which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and earth Bless thee out of Zion.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭134‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Traditionally this psalm is attributed to king David when he appointed Levites as the Ark was brought to Zion for bringing worship for the night watch duties and it is the final song of ascent.  “All His loving priests who serve and sing, come and sing your song of blessing to God. Come and stand before Him in the house of God throughout the night watch, lifting up your hands in holy worship; come and bless the Lord! May the Lord, Whom you worship, the mighty Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion’s glory!”  There is always a blessing from Yahweh when we worship by night.  Great miracles happen when we worship in the night time.  This is what happened to Paul and Silas, beaten mercilessly and imprisoned in stocks.  Yet, undaunted, they prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship.  Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose. Startled, the jailer awoke and saw every cell door standing open. Assuming that all the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself when Paul shouted in the darkness, “Stop! Don’t hurt yourself. We’re all still here.” The jailer called for a light. When he saw that they were still in their cells, he rushed in and fell trembling at their feet. Then he led Paul and Silas outside and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all your family.” Then they prophesied the word of the Lord over him and all his family.  The worst case scenario changes into victory when we worship and sing praises to God even at night.  Amen!

Selfless Humility

 “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭25‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Matthew wrote, “Jesus, knowing their thoughts, called them to His side and said, “Kings and those with great authority in this world rule oppressively over their subjects, like tyrants. But this is not your calling. You will lead by a completely different model. The greatest one among you will live as the one who is called to serve others, because the greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one with the heart of a servant. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served but to serve and give his life in exchange for the salvation of many.”  This happened after James and John, because of their personal ambition asked to be enthroned with Jesus on His right and left in the hereafter.  Jesus told them that self promotion and ambition for power leads to jealousy, competition and oppression, which is quite the opposite of the Kingdom of God pattern.  It is a servant’s heart that God appreciates and showed it by example.  That’s why Paul, once the Pharisee of Pharisees, said, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”  Let this same attitude be in us which was in Christ Jesus of selfless humility.  Amen!

Unity in the Body of Christ

 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm by king David, “How truly wonderful and delightful it is to see brothers and sisters living together in sweet unity!”  Jesus prayed just before He endured the Cross, for this unity in the Body of Christ, the Church. “Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of Your Name, the Name that You gave Me, so that their unity may be like Ours.”  This is the purpose of our God that all who believe in Him will come to the unity.  We endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. God’s purpose is that we all come in 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 fulness of Christ.  Let’s enjoy this unity that God desires and be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm our cherished unity.  We don’t allow self-promotion to hide in our hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than ourselves. Let’s put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  This is good and pleasant for our God - let’s be happy in unity with our God.  Amen!

Be God’s Friend Rather Than His Enemy

 “The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Moses recorded, “The Pharisees were intent on putting Jesus to the test with difficult questions, so they approached Him and asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” “Haven’t you read the Scriptures about creation?” Jesus replied. “The Creator made us male and female from the very beginning, and ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and live with his wife. And the two will become one flesh.’ From then on, they are no longer two, but united as one. So what God unites let no one divide!”  This was a clever test by the Pharisees as Jesus was in Judea and under Herod Antipas’ jurisdiction who had beheaded John for challenging his divorce. The Pharisees wanted Jesus beheaded too.  In a fallen world, divorce had been permitted by Mosaic law for adulterous immorality which breaks the bond of marriage.  Jesus reminded them the real reason for marriage as God had said at the creation of mankind even highlighting gender difference in the context of marriage.  The counterculture of the world today is against God.  Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  Let’s be a friend of God instead.  Amen!

Zion - God’s Chosen Dwelling Place

 “For the LORD hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: Here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: And her saints shall shout aloud for joy.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭132‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is one of the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple.     “Lord, you have chosen Zion as Your dwelling place, for Your pleasure is fulfilled in making it Your home. I hear You say, “I will make this place My eternal dwelling, for I have loved and desired it as My very own! I will make Zion prosper and satisfy her poor with My provision. I will cover My priests with salvation’s power, and all My righteous ones will shout for joy!”  Zion was a Jebusite fortress which King David captured and came to be called the city of David.  In David’s time mount Zion had the Ark of the Covenant which in the old covenant was the Presence of Yahweh.  That’s why the psalmist prophesied that Yahweh has chosen Zion for His habitation.  This was the fulfilment of prophecy as God made the new covenant with all who follow Him in this same place during the last supper.  Zion was also fulfilment of prophecy as Pentecost happened here when the Holy Spirit came down with fire.  Zion is the place where Yahweh dwells as God the Father where the Ark of the Covenant was; as God the Son when He made the new covenant with all who follow Him; and as God the Holy Spirit when the power of God first came upon the disciples.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever!  Zion is a foreshadow of God’s dwelling place with His people in heaven - that’s the forever Zion.  Amen!

The Power of Agreement in Prayer

 “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “Receive this truth: Whatever you forbid on earth will be considered to be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will be considered to be released in heaven. Again, I give you an eternal truth: If two of you agree to ask God for something in a symphony of prayer, My heavenly Father will do it for you. For wherever two or three come together in honor of My Name, I Am right there with them!”  This is the authority God has given us, that whatever we permit on earth must be that which is already permitted in heaven.  But before that, we have to come into agreement with each other and agreement with Christ in the midst of us through His Word.  It is a perfect symphony of agreement bound with God’s Word.  If we are not in agreement then we are not ready for it because we haven’t come into perfect unity.  Unbelief, doubt, double mindedness spoils that perfect unity.  Let’s trust God and His promises being “Yes” and “Amen”.  Let the words of our mouth and the thoughts and intents of our heart be in perfect agreement with God’s Word to fulfil heaven on earth. Amen!

See the Humility of the Lord Jesus Christ

 “LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor mine eyes lofty: Neither do I exercise myself in Great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, As a child that is weaned of his mother: My soul is even as a weaned child.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭131‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

King David wrote this psalm, “Lord, my heart is meek before You. I don’t consider myself better than others. I’m content to not pursue matters that are over my head— such as Your  complex mysteries and wonders— that I’m not yet ready to understand. I am humbled and quieted in Your presence. Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap, I’m Your resting child and my soul is content in You.”  What the Lord loved about David was his humility.  He opened his heart to the Lord with all humility, hiding nothing.  David remembered where he came from and where God placed him - from a shepherd boy to the king of Israel.  That is because God Himself is humble and David knew that.  Jesus, God’s Son, came not to do His own will but the Father’s.  Just see His humility - He was born in a humble manger and He had nowhere to lay His head because He came not for His own comfort; He came to serve and not to be served; He said He is gentle and lowly; He rode on a humble donkey; He washed His disciples feet; though rich, He became poor for our sake.  At the Cross, Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness, and humbling Himself to death, even the death of a criminal.  Where can man’s ego and pride stand before our God.  It is humility that attracts God’s grace to us - let’s remember that.  Amen!

God Always Keeps His Word

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “But so that we don’t offend them, go to the lake and throw out your hook, and the first fish that rises up will have a coin in its mouth. It will be the exact amount you need to pay the temple tax for both of us.”  This miracle is a picture of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  The depth of the sea speaks to us of the depth of suffering Jesus passed through for us on the Cross.  The fish rose to the surface on its own and wasn’t “caught”.  In the mouth of our Lord Jesus is the full price of our sin debt, for He has declared the work of redemption finished, and our “tax” has been paid in full.  Now we have the same message in our mouth!  Peter had presumptuously told the tax collectors that Jesus would pay the temple tax, without asking Jesus first.  But Jesus backed up Peter’s word and performed a miracle to pay the tax.  Jesus got Peter “off the hook” by having him hook a fish with the exact amount of the tax for both Jesus and Peter!  Today we realise that God always keeps His Word - He has made us holy as His inner sanctuary for we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Amen!

Forgiveness of Sins through Christ Alone

 “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, That thou mayest be feared. Let Israel hope in the LORD: For with the LORD there is mercy, And with him is plenteous redemption.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭130‬:‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This psalm is attributed to David, “Lord, if You measured us and marked us with our sins, who would ever have their prayers answered? But Your forgiving love is what makes you so wonderful. No wonder You are loved and worshiped! He Himself will redeem you; He will ransom you from the cruel slavery of your sins!”  This was the cry of humanity in the old covenant.  The reason why Jesus had to be born as a Man, was because God’s wrath and judgment against mankind came upon Jesus.  God’s justice and righteousness never changed as only Jesus could be at the receiving end of God’s wrath at the Cross.  Who can stand before a holy God covered with sin?  Only Jesus, for He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.  There is no one else who has the power to save us, for there is only One Name to Whom God has given authority by which we must experience salvation: the Name of Jesus.  In Christ alone we have redemption through His Blood, even the forgiveness of sins.  Amen!

We Believe in Christ by Faith - It’s a Free-Will Choice

 “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “One day some of the Pharisees and those of the Jewish sect known as the Sadducees approached Jesus, insisting that He prove to them that He was the Messiah. “Show us a supernatural sign from heaven,” they demanded. A wicked and wayward generation always asks for signs, but the only sign I provide for you will be the sign of Jonah the prophet.” Then He turned away and left them.”  Of the three major sects of Judaism of that day - Pharisees, Essenes and Sadducees - the Sadducees were a small but influential group that philosophically denied the supernatural and gravitated instead toward political control of the people.  Jesus reminds these religious people from Scripture itself, of the “sign of Jonah” which was supernatural and pointed towards Himself!  Jonah was thrown into the sea and this points to Christ’s death.  Being swallowed by the fish for three days points to Christ’s burial.  Being expelled from the fish speaks of Christ’s Resurrection and triumph over death, which is the greatest “sign” God could ever give.  The Resurrected Jesus is the eternal sign that our sins are forgiven.  We can never stop thanking our supernatural God for Jesus forgiving every human being’s sin through the Cross.  It’s a free will choice to believe Him as God never forces any to believe Him - it is entirely by faith.  Amen!

Proclaim the Victory of the Word

 “The plowers plowed upon my back: They made long their furrows. The LORD is righteous: He hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭129‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬

This is one of the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple.        “They have hurt us more than can be expressed, ripping us to shreds, cutting deeply into our souls. But no matter what, the Lord is good to us. He is a righteous God who stood to defend us, breaking the chains of the evil ones that bound us.”  This was the experience of the Jews in Babylonian captivity where they endured great suffering.  But the writer of this psalm in Babylonian exile made this messianic prophecy telling us of how the Roman soldiers hurt and ripped Jesus’s back as a plower plows his field, making long furrows.  All this Jesus endured to bring mankind back to become His family with the same Father.  The sin of Adam brought humanity to follow the father of lies, that is the devil.  But Jesus rescued us so that as many as received Him became the children of God.  God’s plan will always prevail no matter whatever deception comes into the world.  That is why it is vital that God’s family dwells and abides in the Word to discern the wiles of the devil and proclaim the truth of the victory of the Cross instead.  Amen!

Jesus Came for the Whole World

 “And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “He encountered there a Canaanite woman who shouted out to Him, “Lord, Son of David, show mercy to me! My daughter is horribly afflicted by a demon that torments her.” But Jesus never answered her. So His disciples said to Him, “Why do you ignore this woman who is crying out to us?”  Canaan is modern day Lebanon and here refers to non-Jewish people.  Jesus was first sent for the chosen people, and then after His Resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church, to the non-Jewish people.  This Canaanite woman recognised that Jesus is the Messiah and wanted her daughter delivered of demonic torment.  Jesus set the woman’s daughter free but first told her that He had come for the chosen people.  The goodness of God is such that Jesus not only delivered the daughter but brought the woman to the true worship of God.  The disciples wanted Jesus only for the Jews.  But here is the way 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 goodness of God endures forever.  Amen!

The Joy of Obedience to God

 “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; That walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭128‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is one of the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple.      “How joyous are those who love the Lord and bow low before God, ready to obey Him! Your reward will be prosperity, happiness, and well-being.”  David too had experienced the joy of obedience when he sang “I have proclaimed good news of righteousness and the joy that comes from obedience to You in the great assembly; Behold, I will not restrain my lips from proclaiming Your righteousness, As You know, O LORD.”  Jesus knew the blessings of obedience when He went to the Cross. It was for the joy that was set before Him that He endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Since He conquered death through the Cross, the door has been opened for all mankind to enter the Kingdom of God for all eternity.  This is the love that caused Jesus to endure the Cross.  All He asks is for us to believe in what He did.  As many as receive Him, to them He gives the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His Name.  Let’s believe in the death destroying power of the Cross.  Amen!

By Faith, Christ’s Power Works Through Us

 “and besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “So they brought Him all their sick, begging Him to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And everyone who touched it was instantly healed!”  Jesus had calmed the storm just before this; the disciples confessed that He is the Son of God.  As He landed on the shore and word had gone around that He was there, multitudes crowded to Him.  The power of God exuded from Jesus so incredibly that merely touching His prayer shawl or cloak was bringing instant healing.  This same power is available to the Church today, for Christ, the Healer, lives in every believer just as He did with Peter and Paul when their handkerchiefs, pieces of cloth and even their shadows healed and delivered people.  Let every believer walk in the authority of Christ Himself.  Amen!

Children Are A Blessing

 “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; So are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon wrote this psalm. “Children born to a young couple will one day rise to protect and provide for their parents. Happy will be the couple who has many of them! A household full of children will not bring shame on your name but victory when you face your enemies, for your offspring will have influence and honor to prevail on your behalf!”  Children are as arrows in the hands of a warrior, it says in Hebrew, which means that our children will be our future protection and provision - so the more the merrier!  In that context, they are a blessing to parents in their old age.  That’s what God said when He created Adam and Eve.  God gave them His blessing and said: “Have a lot of children! Fill the earth with people and bring it under your control. Rule over the fish in the ocean, the birds in the sky, and every animal on the earth.”  The blessings of God have sustained those who acknowledge God and are His chosen people.  Therefore, each generation must tell their children about the good things the Lord has done through the finished work of the Cross of Christ and the new covenant He has made with us, and let’s all be a thankful people.  Amen!

Kingdom of God Mysteries

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Matthew wrote Jesus’s words, “He explained, “You’ve been given the intimate experience of insight into the hidden mysteries of the realm of heaven’s kingdom, but they have not.”  The mysteries of the Kingdom of God are spiritual insights into the nature and ways of God.  Jesus Christ can only be understood by the spirit and not by the intellect of man.  Jesus taught His disciples through parables to move them beyond intellectual abilities and engage the spirit.  If the listener had a hunger to learn with an open, teachable heart, then Jesus’s words brought life and understanding.  Let’s be those who push aside our opinions and traditions to glean the deepest meaning of all that Jesus did or taught.  Someone living on an entirely human level rejects the revelations of God’s Spirit, for they make no sense to him. He can’t understand the revelations of the Spirit because they are only discovered by the illumination of the Spirit.  God’s great mystery is Christ and only the Holy Spirit gives us access to all the riches of God as we experience the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Sowing to Reap a Harvest

 “Turn again our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the south. They that sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭126‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬

Traditionally this psalm is attributed to Ezra.  “Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory! May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again. Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee. They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow, but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!”  As God had spoken through earlier prophets, the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivity and Jerusalem was rebuilt as was the temple.  Sowing with tears their seed with what little they have is a picture of sacrificial giving for the joy of the harvest to come.  We are living in dark times but God has chosen us to sow the seed of the Word of God, for the harvest of souls that is happening even now around the world.  What can we give to the Giver of all good things, except for bringing souls to salvation.  The Lord has promised that He will return and He is not late!  But rather, His “delay” simply reveals His loving patience toward us, because He does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance.  So our responsibility is to win souls for Christ with a fervour and to arise, shine; for our light has come! The glory of the Lord is risen upon us.  Amen!

Mercy & Compassion through Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “But I say to you, there is One here Who is even greater than the temple. If only you could learn the meaning of the words ‘I want compassion more than a sacrifice,’ you wouldn’t be condemning My innocent disciples. For the Son of Man exercises His Lordship over the Sabbath.”  Jesus stunned His hearers when He said He’s greater than the temple; that God wants mercy not sacrifices; and that He the Messiah is the Lord of the Sabbath.  Many times the Church, which is the Body of Christ, makes their denomination, their property, their events and management of their affairs, etc. greater than the Lord Jesus Christ, quenching and grieving the Holy Spirit.  Let’s repent of this.  The prophet had said that Yahweh desires mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.  Compassion and mercy comes in our heart when we release the love of God, knowing the horrors of the wrath of God in judgment.  In Jesus’s own words, “So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”  That’s why with mercy we preach the Gospel for it is the power of God to salvation.  Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and as Creator and Son of Man, has the authority to define, interpret, and govern the day of rest, prioritizing mercy and human need over rigid legalistic restrictions. Let’s believe in Who Jesus Christ is. Let’s rejoice that our names are in the Book of Life.  Amen!

The New Covenant Gift of Righteousness

 “For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; Lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Do good, O LORD, Unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭125‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬. 

This is one of the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple.    “The wicked will not always rule over the godly, provoking them to do what is evil. God, let your goodness be given away to your good people, to all your righteous ones!”  In the new covenant, the righteous are those whose sins have been forgiven by the Blood sacrifice of Jesus.  For God made Jesus His Son, Who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  Indeed, without the shedding of Christ’s Blood there is no forgiveness of sins and therefore no righteousness.  We need the protection from evil and it comes only through the Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  For if by the one man’s (Adam’s) offence death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Experiencing Personally the Passion of the Cross of Christ

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded it, “From the moment John stepped onto the scene until now, the realm of heaven’s kingdom is bursting forth, and passionate people have taken hold of its power.”  John the Baptist knew the prophecies of the coming Messiah and he thought that it was particularly for the Jews.  As Micah, who was a contemporary of Isaiah, had prophesied, “I will regather the tribes of Jacob. Yes, I will regather the remnant of Israel. I will bring you together like sheep in a fold, like a flock within their pasture, a noisy, excited multitude. The Barrier-Breaker will lead them out into freedom. They will all break out, passing through the enemy’s gates. Their King will advance before their eyes with Yahweh Himself leading the way!”  But here as Jesus spoke with John the Baptist, He is referring to the Kingdom of God which included the non-Jews or gentiles.  Those who have a living encounter with the resurrected Christ, through the finished work of the Cross, and know first-hand the forgiveness of sins, will, with passionate forcefulness, enter the Kingdom of God.  May we know the power of the Cross as we enjoy the Presence of God in us and with us.  Amen!

God is For Us Who Believe in Christ’s Resurrection

 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, When their wrath was kindled against us: Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭124‬:‭2‬-‭3‬, ‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is one of David’s psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple. “What if God had not been there for us? Our enemies, in their violent anger, would have swallowed us up alive! For the same God Who made everything, our Creator and our mighty maker, He Himself is our Helper and Defender!”  The children of Israel cried out to God for His help every time they faced the enemy and God heard their cry and rescued them.  But now, after the victory of the Cross and Christ’s resurrection, the mighty God has promised He will never leave nor forsake us, and has come to dwell in us by His Holy Spirit.  He is our Helper.  If God is for us, who can be against us? He Who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God Who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also makes intercession for us. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Let’s believe God’s promise to us.  Amen!

Trust God for Everything

“nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Matthew recorded what Jesus taught, “Travel light, and don’t even pack an extra change of clothes in your backpack. Trust God for everything, because the one who works for Him deserves to be provided for.”  The reason Jesus told His disciples to leave their things behind is that they already had what was most important.  Our “money” or wealth is in the Kingdom of God.  Our “clothing” is the garment of righteousness we wear in Christ.  Our “backpack” points to our past experiences, which we tend to carry as weights on our backs.  We leave our past behind since it no longer exists in Christ.  Our “shoes” become a picture of the good news we walk in as we experience His continual peace.  Our “staff” is a symbol of authority, and we take no other authority but Christ’s.  We can leave it all behind since we take it all with us in Christ.  Jesus said, “All authority of the universe has been given to Me.  Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I Am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.”  Christ’s authority to all His disciples remains the same today.  Amen!

Jesus Christ is Our Sufficiency

 “Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: For we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, And with the contempt of the proud.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭123‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is one of the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple.       “For we’ve had more than our fill of this scoffing and scorn— this mistreatment by the wealthy elite. Lord, show us your mercy! Lord, show us your grace!”  How thankful we are that we have come to Jesus, Who arranged the new covenant, and to the sprinkled Blood that promises much better things than does the blood of Abel.  So we are well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when we are weak then we are strong, truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength.  Unfortunately the system of the world deems it essential that the focus is success through the love of money.  The Kingdom of God is the exact opposite, for when we’re weak, then we’re strong in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Because of the new covenant, in our weakness, the strength of our God is perfected.  This is a matter of scoffing and scorn to the worldly elite but those of us who have experienced the grace of God, we look to the resurrected Christ and Him alone for all that we need.  Christ is our sufficiency!  “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”  Amen!

Enjoying the Newness of Life

 “Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬

Matthew records Jesus’s teaching, “And who would pour fresh, new wine into an old wineskin? Eventually the wine will ferment and make the wineskin burst, losing everything—the wine is spilled and the wineskin ruined. Instead, new wine is always poured into a new wineskin so that both are preserved.”  Here Jesus taught of the new wine and the new cloth, that we cannot patch the old religious system with the new; nor contain old worn-out traditions in new wine skins.  The new that Jesus taught is exhilarating and powerful and must be poured into a heart made new.  The new and the old are not meant to be together.  Jesus makes all things new to form a twice-born company of people, and not to reform the old ways.  “Jesus said, “..unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”  These were new things Jesus taught, and they can't be reconciled with old habits.  Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away and new things have come.  Let’s break away from doing things in the old ways and let’s be led by the Holy Spirit, for He helps us to live in newness of life, enjoying every moment to the fullest!  Amen!

Gladly Praying for Jerusalem’s Peace

 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭122‬:‭1‬, ‭6‬, ‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David wrote this song for the people to sing for the feasts.  It was sung when the worshipers entered the gates of the city Jerusalem.  “I was overjoyed when they said, “Let’s go up to the house of the Lord.” Pray and seek for Jerusalem’s peace, for all who love her will prosper! I intercede for the sake of my family and friends who dwell there, that they may all live in peace. For the sake of Your house, Yahweh our God, I will seek the welfare and prosperity of Jerusalem.”  This is the city where God’s Presence was and man worshipped.  When God’s glory departed from Jerusalem, the city was destroyed and rebuilt when Jesus, the Son of God came to earth.  After Jesus, the modern city of Jerusalem came about in the twentieth century, in preparation of the second coming of Jesus to rule over the earth from here for a thousand years.  All believers whose sins have been forgiven through the finished work of the Cross, await Christ’s second coming and we continuously pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seek the good of the city.  Amen!

The Lord Jesus is Head Over All Things to the Church

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Matthew recorded this phenomenal miracle.  “Jesus commanded, “Then go!” And at once the demons came out of the men and went into the pigs. Then the entire herd of crazed pigs stampeded down the steep slope and fell into the water and drowned.”  If Jesus answered the demons’ prayer request, how much more will He answer the prayers of those who are heirs of salvation!  This astonishing miracle demonstrates Jesus’s authority and power.  The One Who can deliver two men from demonic power can also deliver a city.  Sadly, the people of the town didn’t ask Jesus to remain with them to know more of our awesome God.  May we know today 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, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.  Let’s walk in the authority Christ has given to us, the Church.  Amen!

God Chooses to Protect those Who Trust Him

 “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth, and even for evermore.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭121‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is one of the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple.    “He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as He continuously watches over you. You will be guarded by God Himself. You will be safe when you leave your home, and safely you will return. He will protect you now, and He’ll protect you forevermore!”  David, in other psalms also said, You, God, are my shield, the protector of everyone whose heart is right.  The many blessings that are on those who are God’s people, who believe in the powerful work of the Cross, experience His protection from every form of judgment.  This is God’s unfailing love for us, that through the Blood of Jesus, He speaks forth His powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in my sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God.”  The wrath of God is on those who have chosen rebellion against God and the finished work of the Cross of the Son of God.  God chooses to protect those who put their trust in Him and sends angels who are spirit-messengers sent by God to serve the heirs of salvation.  Hallelujah!

The Word of God is Our Authority

 “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew wrote, “You’re being hypercritical and a hypocrite! First acknowledge and deal with your own ‘blind spots,’ and then you’ll be capable of dealing with the ‘blind spot’ of your friend. “Who would hang earrings on a dog’s ear or throw pearls in front of wild pigs? They’ll only trample them under their feet and then turn around and tear you to pieces!”  Jesus is clearly teaching that our blind spots  prevent us from accurately evaluating the needs of others.  The value of wisdom is not appreciated by those who have no ears to hear it, just like dogs being given consecrated meat.  Pearls of wisdom are not to be regarded lightly or shared with those whose hearts are closed, it’s like being thrown at wild pigs.  Spiritual truths are heard by the beautiful ears who value it like pearls.  The value of wisdom is for those who have ears to hear it.  Jesus spoke with such power and authority, like thunderbolts hitting their hearts that the people were dazed - no one had spoken like this before!  May we receive God’s Word daily as He speaks to us when we meditate on His Word.  The Word of God is powerful and quick as it was when Jesus spoke it and now when we meditate on it today. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.  Amen!

God Hears Our Prayers Because of Jesus

 “In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, And from a deceitful tongue.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭120‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is the first of fifteen psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps leading worshippers into the entrance into the temple. “I was desperate for you to help me in my struggles, and you did! So come and deliver me now from this treachery and false accusation.”  We may be assured that God hears every distress and desperate cry made to Him.  The only time He didn’t was when at about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”  There were so many lying lips and deceitful tongues that accused Him and even betrayed Him. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.  Jesus took the place of all humanity so that each of us would be reconciled to God and be heard personally by Him and He would answer us.  God hears all those who believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf.  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all who believe.  Thank You, Jesus!

God’s Word Brings Light

 “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬-‭24 KJV

As Matthew recorded, “But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter! “How could you worship two gods at the same time? You will have to hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t worship the true God while enslaved to the god of money!”  The entrance of God’s Word into our hearts brings revelation light.  So if our eye has been made healthy by the Word of God, the whole body will become full of light.  The love of money is darkness.  The Word is truth and the darkness is lies.  The world is full of darkness and if you do not fast from the world, you will never discover the Kingdom of God.  The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Light. May we be made strong with all the strength which comes from God’s glorious power, so that we may be able to endure everything with patience. May we with joy give thanks to the Father, Who has made us fit to have our share of what God has reserved for His people in the Kingdom of Light.  Amen!

God’s Word brings Life and Preservation

 “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; And quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word Unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: For thy judgments are good.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The acrostic poetic style of this psalm is unique to David.  “Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true; drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths. Reassure me of your promises, for I am your beloved, your servant who bows before you. Defend me from the criticism I face for keeping your beautiful words.”  The Lord not only gives life through His word but He preserves our life according to His word.  Jesus said that the words that He speaks to us are spirit and life. Because He loves us personally and deeply, His word is His promise to us to reassure us.  When we choose to keep His word, He protects us from every criticism and accusation.  For 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.  Let the word of God be foundational in our thought life, in our speech, in our deeds and in our intercession.  Amen!

The True Way to Enjoy Life

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV

As Matthew recorded the Beatitudes, ““What happiness comes to you when you feel your spiritual poverty! For yours is the realm of heaven’s kingdom. “What delight comes to you when you wait upon the Lord! For you will find what you long for. “What blessing comes to you when gentleness lives in you! For you will inherit the earth.”  Jesus gives the superior way to live than the law of the Ten Commandments, by giving the promises of power to fulfil all that He asks for.  Jesus gives us the capacity to enjoy union and communion with God as we do what He says in full surrender.  The poor in spirit have only one remedy and that is trusting and totally relying on God - this is the doorway to His Kingdom.  To be totally dependent upon God for everything means we possess nothing and our delight is complete surrender to Him.  When we mourn, we wait upon the Lord and receive comfort from Him.  Our meekness is the contentment that nothing is ours but everything we receive with gratitude is from Him.  This is how we are enriched with happiness and blessings.  This is the true way to live a blessed and enjoyable life.  Amen!

Thank God for Our Helper - the Holy Spirit

 “I called upon the LORD in distress: The LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭5‬-‭6‬, ‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David, tradition says, wrote this psalm, “Out of my deep anguish and pain I prayed, and God, You helped me as a Father. You came to my rescue and broke open the way into a beautiful and broad place. Now I know, Lord, that You are for me, and I will never fear what man can do to me. Lord, it is so much better to trust in You to save me than to put my confidence in someone else. Yes, it is so much better to trust in the Lord to save me than to put my confidence in celebrities.”  This was likely sung by Jesus after the Passover supper with His disciples, before making His way to Gethsemane and Calvary.  No human intelligence or even artificial intelligence can help mankind as the Holy Spirit, our Helper, given to us who believe in the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and whose sins are forgiven by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.  The Lord is our Helper, we will not fear, what can man do to us.  Amen!

Jesus Christ - the Living Bread

 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Matthew records that when Jesus was tempted by the devil, He responded with the Word, He answered, “The Scriptures say: Bread alone will not satisfy, but true life is found in every word that constantly goes forth from God’s mouth.”  The Son of Man will not live by bread alone.  Jesus quoted from Moses’ law.  God had not given permission to turn stones to bread, and Jesus would not be pushed into prematurely demonstrating His power.  He was content with the timing of His Father.  He refused to turn stones into bread to feed Himself, but He multiplied bread for His hungry followers.  Today He is still turning hearts of stone into living bread that will feed the nations with truth.  Jesus said, “I alone am this living Bread that has come to you from heaven. Eat this Bread and you will live forever. The living Bread I give you is My body, which I will offer as a sacrifice so that all may live.”  Let’s not live to eat but partake of the  living Bread so that we may forever live with Him.  Amen!

Shout Out Praises to Our Lord Jesus

 “O praise the LORD, All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭117‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This psalm was sung in the temple worship and is the shortest psalm and chapter in the whole Bible, in fact it is exactly in the middle of it! “Let everyone everywhere shine with praise to Yahweh! Let it all out! Go ahead and praise Him! For He has conquered us with His great love, and His kindness has melted our hearts. His faithfulness lasts forever, and He will never fail you. So go ahead, let it all out! Praise Yah! O Yah!”  The base word for praise here is “shine”.  The Name Yah is not an abbreviation of Yahweh but is the Name of God as He displays His power.  We are called, as people of God, to remember God’s loving kindness, mercy and faithfulness personally to us and with inspiration from the Holy Spirit praise Him.  The Cross is how Jesus has conquered us with His love and we are not satisfied with polite praise.  Indeed we want to shout it all out.  Hallelujah!

The Lamb of God Presented for Sacrifice

 “And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew recorded, “Jesus replied, “It is only right to do all that God requires.” Then John baptized Jesus.”  Jesus would have been about thirty years old which was the age when Leviticus priests were ordained to serve.  This was Jesus’s ordination as the High Priest over the household of faith.  John being the real high priest of that time now dedicates to God the Temple of Jesus’s Body and was ordaining his replacement. Jesus was not repenting, but offering Himself as God’s sinless Lamb.  This was the presentation of the Lamb of God as the sacrifice for sins.  It was important that John publicly wash the Lamb of God and fulfill the requirements of the law, proving to Israel that the Lamb that was soon to be offered was spotless and without blemish.  There are four baptisms in this chapter: 1) John baptising with water, 2) Father God baptising Jesus with the power of heaven, 3) Jesus will baptise believers with the same Holy Spirit, 4) the baptism of fire.  The Lord Jesus has fulfilled every righteousness for us to be face to face in His glory, as the Lamb of God.  Amen!

Humbly Worshipping our Gracious Lord Jesus Christ

 “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭116‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This psalm is traditionally attributed to king David, “He was so kind, so gracious to me. Because of His passion toward me, He made everything right and He restored me. So I’ve learned from my experience that God protects the vulnerable. For I was broken and brought low, but He answered me and came to my rescue! Now I can say to myself and to all, “Relax and rest, be confident and serene, for the Lord rewards fully those who simply trust in Him.”  David’s experience was of a loving and merciful God Who was kind and gracious to him.  Because of God’s passion for him, David humbly worshipped God with psalms and songs.  Christ’s finished work on the Cross enables us to experience God’s love personally for us.  Paul advised us who are in Christ that our hearts overflow with a joyful song to the Lord; to keep speaking to each other with words of Scripture, singing the Psalms with praises and spontaneous songs given by the Spirit.   God wants to let the word of Christ live in us richly, flooding us with all wisdom. Let’s apply the Scriptures as we teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to us spontaneously by the Spirit, and let’s sing to God with all our hearts. Let this be our experience of our gracious God.  Amen!

Jesus - the Victorious Branch of Nazareth

 “and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Matthew testified of the Messiah, confirming the prophecies of old.  “So He settled His family in the village of Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be known as the “Branch.””  The prophecy of Jeremiah among others, ““Listen to me! I, the Lord, promise you that a time is coming when I will raise up a righteous Branch, who will sprout from David’s lineage. He will rule as their King, and his reign will prosper with wisdom and understanding. He will succeed in bringing justice and righteousness to all.”  The Branch of the Lord is symbolic of being from the Tree of Life, and the seven branches of the Lampstand, Jesus is the Scion, Heir of a powerful family, the Victorious One, a Branch that can be transplanted and grafted into a human life.  Jesus was raised in the village of the Branch (Nazareth).  Jesus is called the “Victorious Branch of Nazareth”.   Jesus is also the Vine, calling us His branches.  Those who are in Christ, connected to Him, are the fruitful branches of the Vine.  Amen!

We Praise & Bless our God

 “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's: But the earth hath he given to the children of men. The dead praise not the LORD, Neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD From this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭115‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This psalm sung at Passover is attributed to Moses traditionally sung after the Passover meal.  “The heavens belong to our God; they are his alone, but He has given us the earth and put us in charge. Dead people cannot praise the Lord, but we can! Those who sink to the silence of the grave can no longer give glory to God, but we can! So let’s praise the Lord and let it go on forever. Hallelujah, and praise the Lord!”  As noted by Mark in his Gospel, that on the night that Jesus was betrayed, He and His disciples, “they sang a psalm and afterwards left for the Mount of Olives.”  All mankind is in bondage to sin, but Jesus left the heaven of heavens to release us from this slavery to sin, death and hell and restore to us the dominion of putting us in charge.  Salvation is only through Jesus Christ.  All those who believe in Jesus Christ receive eternal Life, and have passed from death to Life in Christ.  That’s why we praise Him.  The dead whose sins have not been removed, cannot praise Christ.  We who are redeemed, praise and bless the Lord.  Amen!