Be Teachable

 “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Even though the Lord may allow you to go through a season of hardship and difficulty, he himself will be there with you. He will not hide himself from you, for your eyes will constantly see him as your Teacher. When you turn to the right or turn to the left, you will hear his voice behind you to guide you, saying, “This is the right path; follow it.”  The gift of teachers in the Body of Christ are those led by our heavenly Teacher, the Holy Spirit and they water our hearts with the rain of the Spirit and the rain of Truth.  When God teaches our hearts, it is the spring rain falling, refreshing and renewing our spirits.  We learn from the Holy Spirit that God is with us in our troubles and does not hide Himself from us when we pass through hard times.  God Himself teaches us lessons in our trials, as we set our eyes on Him no matter what is happening around us.  His voice leads us into making good decisions.  We have His promise of constant guidance as we listen to His voice.  The voice of the Lord and the Word of God are our faithful guides throughout our lives.  Amen!

Preach the Gospel in Obedience to Christ

 “And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭28‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke recorded, “His father lay sick in bed, suffering from fits of high fever and dysentery. So Paul went into his room, and after praying, placed his hands on him. He was instantly healed. When the people of the island heard about this miracle, they brought all the sick to Paul, and they were also healed.”  Publius was the chief Roman officer of the island and Paul went to see his sick father.  After healing Publius’s father, others sick also came and Paul healed them all.  Although technically, Paul was a prisoner, he was the one setting everyone free.  He boldly preached the Gospel with signs and wonders and left the island healed in more ways than one. No matter what our status, preaching the Gospel in obedience to Christ, is the only power of God to salvation.  Matthew has recorded that all who came to Jesus were healed.  Jesus said to His disciples, “As you go into all the world, preach openly the wonderful news of the gospel to the entire human race! Whoever believes the good news and is baptized will be saved, and whoever does not believe the good news will be condemned. And these miracle signs will accompany those who believe: They will drive out demons in the power of my name. They will speak in tongues. They will be supernaturally protected from snakes and from drinking anything poisonous. And they will lay hands on the sick and heal them.”  Let’s be obedient to Christ as Paul was and let the power of the Gospel flow through us.  Amen!

Shout Jesus’s Praises

 “For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭29‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “For the terrible one will be no more, the scornful jester will not be found, and all the lovers of evil will be cut off.”  Isaiah told about the woes of Jerusalem and the blindness of disobedience and ultimately the future hope for mankind which rests on the meek who will inherit the earth.  All believers who are dead to sin and alive to righteousness will overflow with the joy of the Lord and the poor in spirit to whom the Kingdom of God belongs, will shout their praises to our Lord Jesus Christ.  For it has been prophesied that those who do wrong and are diligent to do evil including those in political power and influence who harm others will receive their judgment.  “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God…you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”  Let’s continue to look at Jesus and shout His praises.  Amen!

Giving Thanks in the Storm

 “And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭35‬-‭37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “Then Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them, broke it and began to eat. There were 276 people who ate until they were filled, and were strengthened and encouraged.”  Giving thanks is really glorifying God, even after going through the stormy weather.  With the lack of food to eat, Paul gave thanks and fed every one of the passengers and crew members, all two hundred and seventy six of them.  It is likely that God multiplied the bread because no one had eaten for fourteen days being battered about on the storm tossed sea. Paul confidently gave thanks and ate, and all the others had good cheer and ate as well.  Paul lived in the Kingdom of God which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, regardless of outward circumstances.  This is the challenge for all believers in what Christ did on the Cross for each of us, that we should live in the Kingdom of God, whatever be our circumstances.  God has the power to change our sorrow into joy as we learn to surrender to the Holy Spirit.  Thank You, Jesus!

Our Faith Firmly Set on Our Chief Cornerstone

 “therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭28‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Here’s what the Lord God says: “Behold, I set in place in Zion a Foundation Stone, fully tested and proven to be faithful and secure. And written upon this precious cornerstone is this: ‘Those who trust in Him will not act in haste.’”  The Foundation Stone is Christ, set in place in the councils of eternity.  God’s Foundation Stone is His Son, just as it is written: “Be careful! I Am setting in Zion a Stone that will cause people to stumble, a Rock of offense that will make them fall, but believers in Him will not experience shame.””  Now the Son/Stone has become many, as Peter pointed out, “Come and be His “living stones” who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices that He readily accepts through Jesus Christ.”  From these sons/stones, the Father is building us into His holy temple.  Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone on which we rest our faith, because we are those who dwell in Zion’s realm.  Believers, throughout all time, have proven that He is faithful so we will never run away in fear.  Our faith is firmly set upon Christ, is patient and never rushes, for faith leaves the timings of all things in God’s hands.  As Peter said, “Whoever believes in Him will certainly not be disappointed.”  Let’s keep a firm faith on our Chief Cornerstone, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Living a God-Conscious Life

 “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “But in spite of all this, I have experienced the supernatural help of God up to this very moment. So I’m standing here saying the same thing that I’ve shared with everyone, from the least to the greatest. For I teach nothing but what Moses and the prophets have said was destined to happen: that our Messiah had to suffer and die and be the first to rise from the dead, to release the bright light of truth both to our people and to the non-Jewish nations.” Festus interrupted Paul’s defense, blurting out, “You’re out of your mind! All this great learning of yours is driving you crazy.”  Paul lived a God-conscious life, knowing and having experience of God’s supernatural help, because he trusted God.  So he was bold to declare that Christ is the origin of the resurrection of the dead.  Along with the prophets of old, Simeon too prophesied of Jesus when He was brought to the temple as a baby.  As the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul, Festus interrupted and told him that so much Scripture had made Paul crazy.  The more we speak the wisdom of God, the more people mock with unbelief.  However they couldn’t prove the charges against Paul and Festus and Agrippa agreed that Paul would go to Caeser.  Let’s surrender to the Holy Spirit in our personal relationship with God and be bold in our witness.  Amen!

The Sword of the Lord out of our Mouth

 “In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “In that day, the Lord Yahweh will mercilessly wield his massive, mighty sword and punish leviathan, the swift, slithering serpent. He will slay the dragon of the sea — leviathan, the twisting serpent.”  Leviathan means “coiled” or “contorted” or the crooked serpent, the serpent of confusion which is satan, whose attempt is to always twist and distort God’s Word to deceive humanity.  This massive, mighty and strong sword of the Lord is merciless to the enemies of Christ and is the message of the Cross, which is mighty to save and will thwart every principality and power.  As John the beloved disciple saw, “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a Name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His Name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”  This is our Lord Jesus Christ, our God with His great and strong sword - the Word of God - which He has given us to come out of our mouth, and be victorious.  Hallelujah!

Standing Before the King of kings

 8 “While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all. 25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭8‬, ‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “In his defense, Paul said by the Holy Spirit, “I have done nothing wrong. I’ve committed no offense against Jewish law, or against the temple, or against Caesar.” Yet upon investigation I couldn’t find one thing that he has done to deserve the death penalty. When he appealed to His Majesty the emperor, I determined to send him.”  Paul was so filled by the Holy Spirit that even after being in prison for two years, he was able to answer the new governor Festus in place of Felix.  The favour of God was so evident on Paul, that the Roman authorities found nothing to charge him against.  Scripture says “If you are uniquely gifted in your work, you will rise and be promoted. You won’t be held back— you’ll stand before kings!”  Paul was uniquely gifted as an apostle bringing the  revelation of the Word of God with clarity and power and stood before kings because he learned to stand before the King of kings and receive from Him.  Jesus said that those who are His disciples will face persecutions - “But before all these things happen, people will arrest you and do bad things to you. They will judge you in their synagogues and put you in jail. You will be forced to stand before kings and governors. They will do all these things to you because you follow me.“ Let’s know how to conduct ourselves before all manner of authorities because we stand before the King of kings.  Amen!

Absolute Peace for those Whose Imagination is Christ

 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with You; they confidently trust in You. Yes, trust in the Lord Yahweh forever and ever! For Yah, the Lord God, is your Rock of Ages!”  That mind which is stayed on the Lord Jesus Christ, is the imagination that forms and frames what Christ has done personally for us.  Imagination frames up one’s reality.  It is unfortunate that many today have rejected the God-created imagination that each of us possesses.  Our imagination must be set apart for God and continually made holy.  The imagination, both good and evil, is a frequent concept in Scripture.  The concept of God being our Rock speaks of the enduring protection, safety and security we have in Him.  We plant our feet on the Rock and find boldness and confidence.  Throughout every age and season of our lives, God remains the faithful Rock of all Ages!  Let’s cast down vain imaginations, and every high and arrogant thought that raises itself against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought in line with the Word of God and to the obedience of Christ.  Amen!

Believing in Our Resurrection from the Dead in Christ

 “and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “And my hope is in God, the same hope that even my accusers have embraced, the hope of a resurrection from the dead of both the righteous and the unrighteous. That’s why I seek with all my heart to have a clean conscience toward God and toward others. “After being away from Jerusalem for several years, I returned to bring to my people gifts for the poor.” Paul was giving his defence before Felix, the Roman governor in Caesarea, telling of his hope in the resurrection of the dead, which the Jewish high priests were accusing him about of his faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul believed as do we today that Christ is risen from the dead, as the Firstfruits of a great resurrection harvest of those who have died.  Christ, the Firstfruits, then those who belong to Christ in His Presence.  As the mighty Son of God Christ was raised from the dead and miraculously set apart with a display of triumphant power supplied by the Spirit of Holiness. And now Jesus is our Lord and our Messiah.  Paul’s desire, as is ours today, that he might attain the resurrection of the dead.  For this he worked towards a clear conscience as do we believers in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and it is through the sacred Blood of the Messiah that thoroughly cleanse our consciences! For by the power of the eternal Spirit Christ has offered Himself to God as the perfect Sacrifice that now frees us from our dead works to worship and serve the living God.  Hallelujah!

Death is Defeated in Christ Forever

 “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭25‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV

Isaiah prophesied, “It is the gloom of death! He will swallow it up in victory forever! And God, Lord Yahweh, will wipe away every tear from every face. He will remove every trace of disgrace that His  people have suffered throughout the world, for the Lord Yahweh has promised it!”  The gloom of death is like a shroud over every life.  The curse of death is defeated in Christ so that all may come to the rich, joyous feast of the Lord. As Paul said, “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.”  Jesus’s death, burial, resurrection and ascension have brought an endless victory, endless life and the conquest of every enemy.  Now He waits for His sons and daughters to arise and become the second witness to His eternal victory. Paul encourages so powerfully, “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”  Let’s believe it.  Hallelujah!

Growing In & Receiving From Christ in our Personal Relationship with Him

 “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “That night our Lord appeared to Paul and stood before him and said, “Receive miracle power. For just as you have spoken for Me in Jerusalem, you will also speak for Me in Rome.”  The Lord Jesus works with His servants and has appeared to them throughout Church history to encourage and give us direction for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.  Here Jesus tells Paul to have courage because it is Paul’s destiny to go to Rome and speak for Him.  Jesus has, through His Word, told us to go into all the world, and preach openly the wonderful news of the Gospel to the entire human race!  Paul took this seriously and obeyed it because his transformation from a Pharisee to an apostle brought him the passion for Christ to obey our Lord Jesus.  The Lord gave Paul many supernatural visions and revelations and Paul’s epistle to the Roman church is foundational in our walk with our Lord Jesus.  So it is that the Lord reveals Himself personally to each one of us who love Him with a passion and obey Him implicitly.  Let’s grow in our personal relationship with our God.  Amen!

The Lord Jesus Christ is Coming Again to Reign

 “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭24‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “In that day, the Lord Yahweh will punish heaven’s host and the kings of the earth. They will be gathered together and locked up in a prison like prisoners in a pit, and after many days, they will be punished. Then the sun and moon will hang their heads in shame, for Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies, will reign! He will manifest his glory on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, before all her elders!”  Here the high ones are the dark powers in the spirit realm that operate in rebellion to God, who along with the kings of the earth in rebellion to God, will be punished.  When the Lord Jesus Christ our God is unveiled in His Glory-Light, the sun and the moon are nothing compared to Him.  Let’s root out every rebellion against God in our lives and ask Him to teach us His way, and walk and live in His truth.  Let’s ask our heart to fear His Name with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder.  The Lord Jesus is worthy of all glory, honour and praise.  He is coming again to reign as the LORD of Hosts, in Mount Zion in Jerusalem.  Amen!

The Presence of the Victorious One in Believers

 “And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭22‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬

Dr. Luke records, “I answered, ‘Who are you, my Lord?’ “He said to me, ‘I Am Jesus, the Victorious. I Am the One you are persecuting.’ Those who were with me saw the Brilliant Light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the One Who spoke to me.”  Victorious comes from Nazarene, the Scion or Heir of a Powerful Family Who is Victorious.  Those who are believers in Christ are the grafted branches of  this Family Tree and are victorious in Christ.  Such is the Presence of the Victorious One that people come into the fear of God and are convicted.  That same Brilliant Light is in us believers.  Let’s be clear of our identity, for those of us who are in Christ, and the grafted branches of the Victorious One.  If we walk in relationship with the Victorious One, we would not lead defeated lives, constantly prey to sickness, disease, worries, fears, confusion, impatience and anger.  We would know Whom we have believed in and trusted.  We would be constantly thanking our God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  Let’s know and manifest the victory of our Lord Jesus everywhere we go.  Amen!

Receiving God’s Promises by Faith

 “And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭23‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “But her merchandise and earnings will be set apart as holy to the Lord Yahweh. They will neither be stored nor hoarded, but they will supply abundant food and splendid garments for those who live in the Presence of the Lord Yahweh!”  Isaiah prophesied this for the wealthy Phoenician port of Tyre that it will face destruction and that God will restore it.  With the devil there is always destruction but God brings restoration.  As Jesus said, “A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!”  Those who receive by faith God’s Word are set apart to live before the face of God and on whom His face shines.  Let’s believe God’s promises for His abundance is in every area of our life.  God calls us His beloved when He promises, “Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering.”  The ageing process is nothing to God for He says, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youth 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.”  Let’s receive God’s promises by faith and walk by faith and not by sight.  Amen!

Serving the Body of Christ

 “And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “Then we went on to Caesarea and stayed for several days in the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven deacons”.  An evangelist is simply a preacher of the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ, a preacher of the hope humanity has in the Blood Sacrifice of Jesus Christ which frees us from the bondage of sin.  Philip is described as both an evangelist and a deacon or a servant.  When the Church first began, there were so many new disciples and they had to continue.  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.  Every minister must become a servant.  Jesus Himself as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.  God wants order and the Church has been given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to serve the body of Christ as we surrender our will to His.  Amen!

Preach Christ and Him Crucified

 “Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say, What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭22‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Lord Yahweh directed Isaiah, “This is what the Lord Yahweh, the Commander of Angel Armies, has to say: “Go to Shebna, the treasurer of the palace, and say to him, ‘What right do you have to be here, and who gave you permission? And why do you chisel out a tomb for yourself here, carving out your royal burial place, a dwelling place in the rock?”  Shebna was King Hezekiah’s scribe, a high government official who because of his self-importance and corrupt ways, was removed and replaced by Eliakim, the son of the high priest and a man of integrity. Shebna is a picture of the self-centred Adam-life which is the spirit of anti-Christ that seeks self-promotion.  But God removes our Shebna and replaces it with Eliakim (the Christ-life within us) for those who believe in what the Lord Jesus did for us personally, on the Cross.  This principle of replacement is found throughout the Scriptures - Isaac for Ishmael, David for Saul, Esther for Vashti, Samuel for Eli, Matthias for Judas etc.).  Many rock-cut tombs have been discovered on an elevated cliff on the other side of Kidron Valley in the village of Silwan.  It seems that Shebna was hewing out his tomb on a cliff, meant for royalty, which was a gross display of self-promotion.  Paul’s attitude towards this was that those who preach Christ with ambition and competition are insincere.  However, whatever be the reason, preaching Christ with mixed motives or with genuine love, the message of Christ is still being preached and that’s a cause for rejoicing.  Amen!

Christ-Centered Instead of Self-Centred

 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, ““But whether I live or die is not important, for I don’t esteem my life as indispensable. It’s more important for me to fulfill my destiny and to finish the ministry my Lord Jesus has assigned to me, which is to faithfully preach the wonderful news of God’s grace.”  Paul did not consider his life worth a single word, for he viewed his life not worth mentioning.  We don’t need to see our lives as precious in our own eyes, for they are precious in the eyes of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that must be enough.  The reason why Paul did not consider his life, it is because his old identity had been co-crucified with Christ and he no longer lived. That’s what Paul encourages us with that now the essence of this new life is no longer ours who have been co-crucified with Christ, for the Anointed One lives His life through us - we live in union as one! Our new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God Who loves us so much that He gave Himself for us, dispensing His life into ours!  Let’s believe it.  Amen!

Interceding God’s Will

 “Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield. For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed: and he cried, A lion: My Lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “I see them prepare the table and spread their rugs, then they eat and they drink. Get up, you military officers! Anoint your shields for battle! For this is what the Lord said to me: “Go post a sentry and have him report what he sees. When he sees them come with chariots and advancing warriors riding on horses, donkeys, and camels, let him be alert—extremely alert!” Then the sentry cries out, “I continually stand on this watchtower day after day for you, O Lord. I’m stationed at my post throughout the night.”  This prophesy by Isaiah against Babylon was fulfilled two hundred and fifty years later.  It is as though Isaiah sees prophetically into the room where Belshazzar is feasting, and Belshazzar had no clue that his fall was imminent, as Daniel recorded later.  God has prepared the Body of Christ to have “watchman” as intercessors in this spiritual battle to intercede with the power of the Holy Spirit to decree the victory of the Cross.  It is important that every church and every city has intercessors to stand on this watchtower day after day.  The anointing on the shield of faith quenches every fiery dart of the enemy.  Let’s know how to intercede God’s will on every situation we face because the Greater One is in us.  Amen!

Holy Spirit’s Power Imparted to Believers

 “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭19‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “And when Paul laid his hands on each of the twelve, the Holy Spirit manifested and they immediately spoke in tongues and prophesied.”  The impartation of the Holy Spirit and His gifts transferred from Paul to these believers as they spoke tongue by tongue and gushed out prophecies. We can never minimize the powerful gift that operates in our life, for it was imparted to us by the laying on of hands of the elders and was activated through the prophecy they spoke over us. Let’s fan into a flame and rekindle the fire of the spiritual gift God imparted to us when hands were laid upon us.  For God never gave us the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit Who gives us mighty power, love, and self-control.  Jesus taught us that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, it is to impart power for our lives and ministries.  Amen!

Surrendering Our Will to do God’s Will

 “at the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭20‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “At that time the Lord Yahweh said to Isaiah, the son of Amoz, “Take off your clothes and sandals.” Isaiah did as he was told and walked about naked and barefoot. Then the Lord Yahweh said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a prophetic sign and a wonder as a warning of what is coming to Egypt and Cush,”. Isaiah was a walking parable, completely obedient to the LORD, and signifying Jesus Who stripped Himself of His glory in heaven and came down to earth to become human, as one of His creation.  Jesus’s ministry to preach and teach was also for three years.  Finally Jesus took the sin of all humanity and judgment came upon Him on the Cross, as His Blood was shed as the sacrifice for us.  That is why we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. And we do not become conformed to this world, but are transformed by the renewing of our  mind, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Let’s choose to surrender and do God’s will.  Amen!

Gospel of Hope and Peace

 “And when he had landed at Cæsarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭18‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “When he arrived there he traveled on to Jerusalem to visit the church and pray for them, then he left for Antioch. After spending some time there, Paul continued on through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia in central Turkey. And wherever he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers.”  Paul’s prayer life was worth emulating.  As a true spiritual father, Paul prayed for the peace of the congregation wherever he went.  He brought the believers a message of hope and peace.  Wherever Paul went, he made them all disciples of Christ.  The Lord Jesus said it so clearly, “If you truly desire to be My disciple, you must disown your life completely, embrace My ‘Cross’ as your own, and surrender to My ways. For if you choose self-sacrifice, giving up your lives for My glory, you will discover true life. But if you choose to keep your lives for yourselves, you will lose what you try to keep.”  This is what Paul did as he made disciples for Christ.  This is what we do, learning from Paul, to be a follower of Christ and to make disciples for Christ always bringing a message of hope and peace.  Amen!

The Unshakeable Kingdom of God

 “The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Isaiah prophesied, “A prophecy concerning Egypt: Behold! The Lord Yahweh is riding on a swift-soaring cloud! He is on His way to Egypt! The god-idols of Egypt will tremble at His Presence, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them!”  Egypt is a recognised symbol of the world and its temptations and snares.  Clouds are a metaphor for God’s glory with His sons and daughters in glory.  As the psalmist worshipping God, said, “He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.”  Our God has promised that He is coming to establish His Kingdom and we who believe in the God Who willingly laid down His life for us, are part of this glorious Kingdom.  “The earth was rocked at the sound of His Voice from the mountain, but now He has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!” Now this phrase “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old order, so only what is unshakable will remain. Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakable Kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights His heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For our God is a holy, devouring fire!”  Amen!

New Life Now & for Eternity

 “that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “He has done this so that every person would long for God, feel their way to Him, and find Him—for He is the God Who is easy to discover! It is through Him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your own poets have said, ‘Our lineage comes from Him.’”  God has given every human being the ability to seek Him and find Him.  We can all investigate God in His creation because He is not far from each one of us.  Even other Greek classical philosophers as early as 270 BC have quoted that mankind is God’s offspring and the nature comes from God.  Paul had this intellectual knowledge as he quoted these philosophers to the gathering in order to win them.  The account of creation is much older than the Greek philosophers where it says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Our identity is the image and likeness of God Himself which through sin was lost but was restored through the Blood Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God Who is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  Let’s preach the glorious Gospel of being buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.  Amen!

God’s Dwelling Place

 “For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Here is what the Lord Yahweh said to me: “I will rest calm and confident as I look from My dwelling place, serene as on a pleasant summer day or as a cool, refreshing cloud in the heat of harvest.”  The Body of Christ is now the dwelling place.  So, we are not foreigners or guests, but rather we are the children of the city of the holy ones, with all the rights as family members of the household of God. We are rising like the perfectly fitted stones of the temple; and our lives have been built up together upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, and best of all, we are connected to the Head Cornerstone of the building, the Anointed One, Jesus Christ Himself! This entire building is under construction and is continually growing under His supervision until it rises up completed as the holy temple of the Lord Himself. This means that God is transforming each one of us who believes in this, into the Holy of Holies, His dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us!  Let’s believe in what Christ did on the Cross for each one of us.  Amen!

Holy Spirit Leading in All our Acts

 “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “The Holy Spirit had forbidden Paul and his partners to preach the word in the southwestern provinces of Turkey, so they ministered throughout the region of central and west-central Turkey. When they got as far west as the borders of Mysia, they repeatedly attempted to go north into the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to enter.”  Today’s capital of Turkey is Ankara which is situated in the area known as Galatia.  We do not know how the Holy Spirit kept them from going into Bithynia, but it could have been through a warning given by means of a dream or vision.  In any case, it is obvious the Holy Spirit was guiding His missionaries.  He is the Lord of the  Harvest Who prepares, imparts, gifts, anoints, and sends out His servants to gather the nations to Jesus Christ.  The book of Acts is best understood as the book of Activities of the Holy Spirit.  Here He is the “Spirit of Jesus”.  True and lasting fruit in ministry comes through the work and leading of the Spirit of Jesus. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  Let’s be those who take the leading of the Holy Spirit seriously for that’s the only way to exalt Jesus through our life.  Amen!

Be a Harvester to bring Souls for God’s Kingdom

 “And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesies, “It will be as when a farmer harvests the standing grain and gathers armloads of grain, and as one gathers ears of grain in the Valley of Giants. Yet some gleanings will remain, as when an olive tree is shaken, leaving two or three olives in the highest branches and four or five on its fruitful branches,” declares Lord Yahweh, the God of Israel.”  The Jesus Life within us will soon reap a harvest of glory and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.  Through mighty men and women, armloads of grain, the spiritual harvest of powerful sons and daughters of God, will be seen in the coming days. Olive is harvested by shaking the olive tree.  The two or three olives at the top are those who know the power of agreement in prayer when two or three gather in Jesus’s Name.  The fruitful branches are those who know to abide in the Vine and bear much fruit.    Let’s be those who believe Jesus when He says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”  Amen!

Christ is the End of the Law for Righteousness

 “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬, ‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “But some of the believers who were of the religious group called “separated ones” were insistent, saying, “We must continue the custom of circumcision and require that the people keep the law of Moses.” God, who knows the hearts of every person, confirmed this when He gave them the Holy Spirit, just like He has given the Spirit to us.”  There are many who are bound by the old covenant law given by Moses, like the Pharisees. For they are ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, and have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.  Because we believe that Jesus became sin for us that we might be the righteousness of God in Him, that’s why we love and value others the same way we love and value ourselves and others for love makes it impossible to harm another, so love fulfills all that the law requires.  Let’s as believers be known for our cheerful generosity and love for others, so that people are drawn to Christ’s love through us.  Amen!

Pride Goes Before Destruction

 “Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭16‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Allow the Moabite fugitives to stay with you. Be a shelter for them from the destroyer!” One day the oppressor will be no more. The destroyer will come to an end, and the tyrant will vanish from the land. Then a government of unfailing love will be established, with a faithful king in the tabernacle of David, passionate for justice and swift to do what is right.”  Moab’s pride was its destruction and it disappeared as a nation.  Wisdom has repeatedly said that pride leads to destruction and humility leads to honor.  The perfect example is the Lord Jesus Christ Who left His glorious majesty in heaven and humbled Himself to put on humanity on earth to tell us about God’s love, to die on the Cross and to rise again in resurrection power to give us new life.  He has now established His Throne in the hearts of those who acknowledge His Lordship.  He is the Son of David Who is the Son of God.  His Church which is His Body, is bringing souls into His Kingdom on earth till every tongue should confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  The Church is not preaching about themselves. The Church’s message is that Jesus Christ is Lord and He has sent us to love and serve one another.  We are God’s sons and daughters sent to serve humanity and win souls for Christ.  Amen!

Passionate for Christ

 “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “When the apostles understood what was happening, they were mortified and tore their clothes as a sign of dismay. They rushed into the crowd and shouted, “People, what are you doing? We’re only weak human beings like everyone else. This is why we’ve come to tell you the good news, so that you would turn away from these worthless myths and turn to the living God. He is the Creator of all things: the earth, the heavens, the sea, and everything they contain.”  There were more than twelve apostles who were recognised by the Church.  Barnabas is described multiple times as an apostle.  Paul said that apostles and prophets minister and equip the Body of Christ until we are complete and restored into Christ’s fullness.  Preaching the Gospel is about exalting Jesus Christ as the Living God.  People follow other humans to give them importance and give them exaltation rather than - only Christ.  Otherwise the propensity is to exalt a denomination or pastor or church.  But as Paul and Barnabas passionately avoided such actions and only exalted the Living God Who made heaven and earth and sea and all things that are therein.  Let’s passionately love Jesus and glorify only Him.  Amen!

Saved from the Wrath of God by Christ’s Sacrifice

 “In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “They pour into the streets wearing sackcloth. In public and in private, they fall down sobbing.”  This was a prophecy of judgment on Moab, an enemy of the people of God.  Today, in the new covenant, Jesus has borne the judgment on all humanity at the Cross of Calvary and whoever believes in Him becomes a child of God and judgment has passed over from all believers.  This is the Gospel and it is the only power that saves us.  We are no longer enemies of God, living in rebellion, but we are the people of God, His children - sons and daughters - simply by faith in the Blood Sacrifice of Jesus. Paul was given this revelation, “Much more then, having now been justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”  The only way we are saved from the wrath of God is by being justified by the Blood of Jesus.  Let’s give this good news, this Gospel to everyone we meet.  Amen!

Co-Labouring as God’s Sons & Daughters in Christ

 “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “While they were worshiping as priests before the Lord in prayer and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “I have called Barnabas and Saul to do an important work for Me.  Now, release them to go and fulfill it.”  Here we see the Church was praying as priests to perform the work of the Lord. For the Lord of the harvest, the Holy Spirit, was sending out labourers into the harvest field. The Holy Spirit speaks in many different ways.  Perhaps He spoke a prophecy through one of the prophets in the Church, or a divine voice may have interrupted their worship.  God’s Spirit still speaks today in any way He chooses.  The true Church, the Church that is prepared to be the Bride of Christ, still speaks today, knowing and experiencing the Holy Spirit move powerfully and doing the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  Let’s move as led by the Spirit of God as sons and daughters of the living God to co-labour with Him to fulfil His work.  Amen!

Jesus Christ is Lord

 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven and exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will rule on the mountain of the congregation, on the highest place of the sacred mountain. I will rise past the tops of the clouds and rival the Most High God!’ Yet down to the underworld you go— into the depths of the pit!”  Although this was spoken to the king of Babylon but it is speaking of the fall of Lucifer to becoming satan.  This created being was closest to the Presence of God, but his attitude caused his fall.  When he spoke in his heart that he will ascend and exalt his throne above the stars of God, that he will rule on the highest place of the sacred mountain, that he will rival the Most High God, he thought God wouldn’t know what was in his heart.  He chose his free will to make these decisions and took a third of angels with him when he fell.  Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”  In our culture today there are many who imagine themselves to be gods and take worship from fellow humans.  The end of such is torment forever and ever, that has not been experienced by any.  All those in rebellion against the sovereignty of the True and Living Most High God and who do not have the fear of God in them, will end in this sad way for eternity.  Let those who have Jesus Christ as their Lord and the Light of the Glorious Gospel in them preach it fervently in these end times.  Amen!

The Reality of the Spiritual Realm for Believers in Christ

 “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬, ‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “when all at once an angel of the Lord appeared, filling his prison cell with a brilliant light. The angel struck Peter on the side to awaken him and said, “Hurry up! Let’s go!” Instantly the chains fell off his wrists. 23 Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, an infestation of worms, because he accepted the people’s worship and didn’t give the glory to God, and he died.”  The angel of the Lord here is as a rescuer from God to Peter who is persecuted for preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  This same word “struck” is the word used for Jesus being “struck” for our sins.  Jesus had spoken this to His disciples, “Along the way Jesus said to them, “Before the night is over, you will all desert Me.  This will fulfill the prophecy of the Scripture that says: I will strike down the shepherd and all the sheep will scatter far and wide!”  Jesus was pierced in His side to awaken hearts to God.  Peter was awakened from his sleep by the angel of the Lord who struck him on his side.  In the second instance, the angel of the Lord as an executioner brought God’s judgment on Herod who had persecuted the church and accepted worship due to God alone and did not give glory to God.  May the persecuted Church of today be awakened to the angels of God in the reality of the spiritual realm sent by God as ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation.  Amen!

Fight the Good Fight

 “The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Listen! A thunderous noise is heard on the mountain, like that of a massive multitude. Listen! Kingdoms are in an uproar; nations are assembling together. The almighty Lord Yahweh is mustering an army for war. They are coming from a faraway land, from the end of the heavens. Here comes Yahweh with His instruments of judgment, ready to ravage the entire earth.”  This was a prophesy Isaiah spoke against Babylon which happened some years later. In our time, it is for the Church to awake as Joel said, “Blow the shofar in Zion, sound the alarm on My mountain of holiness! Shake the people awake, for the day of Yahweh is coming. Yes, it is almost here.”  Paul also warns us of “the unveiling of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His messengers of power within a flame of fire. He will bring perfect and full justice to those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to embrace the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, banished from the Lord’s Presence and from the manifestation of His glorious power. This will happen on that day when He glorifies His holy ones, and they will be marveled at in all those who believed—including you, since in fact, you believed our message.”  Even Jude says, “He comes to execute judgment against them all and to convict each one of them for their ungodly deeds and for all the terrible words that ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”  The heavenly sons and daughters of God are also consecrated, mighty ones and warriors, who rejoice in Christ’s triumphant victory.  Today let’s fight the good fight of faith in our spiritual warfare for victory, to God’s glory.  Amen!

Called Christians - To Whom Supernatural Revelation Comes

 “and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬

Dr. Luke records, “Together Saul and Barnabas ministered there for a full year, equipping the growing church and teaching the vast number of new converts. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first revealed as “anointed ones”.  The meaning in Greek of Christians is “supernaturally revealed” which is much more than “called”. Supernatural revelation is to be valued by mankind because the God Who created mankind is supernatural and when He gives revelation, we must be honoured to receive it.  Jesus Christ became human, died and rose again and through faith in Christ’s sacrifice, we are now those anointed ones to whom supernatural revelation comes and we are privileged to receive it.  It is exclusive and not for the rest of the world who don’t believe.  God called us and simply through faith we become not only the called, but the chosen and the faithful.  As John the Revelator saw, “the Lamb will conquer them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings! Those who are with Him will also conquer them, and they are called ‘chosen ones’ and ‘faithful ones.’”  Let’s be privileged that we are recipients of supernatural revelation which is sacrosanct!  How glorious, how awesome is our God that He chooses to impart to us supernatural revelation of the mysteries of the glorious Gospel and that we are called Christians.  Amen!

Drinking with Joy the Water of Life

 “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “With triumphant joy you will drink deeply from the wells of salvation.”  These wells or springs or fountains are never ending because this Water of Life represents the Jesus Life in us.  That’s what Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “If you drink from Jacob’s well, you’ll be thirsty again, but if anyone drinks the Living Water I give them, they will never be thirsty again. For when you drink the Water I give you, it becomes a gushing Fountain of the Holy Spirit, flooding you with endless Life!”  John the beloved disciple saw this revelation “For the Lamb at the center of the Throne continuously shepherds them unto Life —guiding them to the Everlasting Fountain of the Water of Life”.  Today, every born again, born of the Spirit son and daughter of God, is a Living Well of Salvation, that container which brings the Water of Life to others.  Amen!

The Power of the Gospel all Across the World

 “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “So he instructed them to be baptized in the power of the Name of Jesus, the Anointed One. After their baptism, they asked Peter to stay with them for a few more days.”  At last the Gospel broke through and penetrated into the non-Jewish cultures and people groups.  The Holy Spirit is now uniting Jewish believers and non-Jewish believers into one mystical Body of Christ on the earth.  Because of this, there would no longer be a distinction between Jew and non-Jew, but one family of believers formed by faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul got this revelation that we have all become true children of God by faith in Jesus Christ! Faith immersed us into Christ, and now we are covered and clothed with His life and we no longer see each other in our former state—Jew or non-Jew, rich or poor, male or female—because we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ. And if we belong to Christ, then we are now Abraham’s “child” and a true heir of all his blessings because of the promise God made to Abraham!  The three conversions of: the Ethiopian (a descendant of Ham), Saul of Tarsus (Shem’s descendant) and Cornelius (Japheth’s descendant) - all the sons of Noah - they prove of the power of the Gospel of Christ our God - all were converted.  Still the Gospel’s power is the same today because our God is the same unchanging God.  People are coming to Christ among the Jews, in the Middle East, the Americans, the Chinese, the Africans, in India and all continents on the globe to the glory of God.  Amen!

The Spirit of Yahweh

 “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “the Spirit of Yahweh will rest upon Him, the Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom, the Spirit of Perfect Understanding, the Spirit of Wise Strategy, the Spirit of Mighty Power, the Spirit of Revelation, and the Spirit of the Fear of Yahweh.”  The Spirit of Yahweh is the Spirit of prophecy, the manifest Presence of God resting upon the Lord Jesus.  John the Baptist witnessed it, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him.”  The Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom brings skilfulness and equipping ability and wisdom for judicial decisions, creativity in music, art, business, writing and such which Paul prayed for churches, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened”. The Spirit of Perfect Understanding is that of intelligent insight imparting the ability to discern the truth, decipher parables and allegories, the meaning of riddles and puzzling dreams - the anointing of this was on Joseph and Daniel.  The Spirit of Wise Strategy is that of guidance, counsel, advice or purpose and is the anointing that imparts wisdom and counsel needed for spiritual leadership.  The Spirit of Mighty Power is what ensures our victory to overcome the enemy who accuses us all the time by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.  The Spirit of Revelation is the knowledge that comes from experiencing intimacy with God.  The Spirit of the Fear of Yahweh, is the absolute loyalty and obedience, reverence, wonder and awe that we have to our God that makes us shine with His Light.  The same Spirit of Yahweh is on us who have received our Pentecost.  Amen!

God’s Gracious Gift of Christ’s Fullness to Us

 “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records that, “The Lord said, “Go at once to the street called Abundance and look for a man from Tarsus named Saul. You will find him at Judah’s house. While he was praying, he saw in a supernatural vision a man named Ananias coming to lay hands upon him to restore his sight.”  The conversion of Saul the legalist into Paul the grace preacher is a lesson to us - we can be amazingly wrong while thinking we are doing right.  The Holy Spirit awakens our hearts to feast on Christ, our righteousness.  Religion has a deadening effect on our hearts.  Like Saul, we have to fall off our “high horse” and bite the dust before our blinded eyes can see.  Ananias, which means “God’s gracious gift” or “Yah is merciful”, was truly that to Paul, who was healed by God’s gracious gift.  God asked Ananias to live up to his name!  God has given us His gracious gift in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ to all of us who believe and are called His sons so we may be a blessing to others.  For we have all received from Christ’s fullness one gracious gift after another.  Amen!

The Anointing of Christ Teaches Us Everything

 “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “In that day the Lord will remove the heavy burden from your shoulders and break off the yoke of bondage from your necks because of the heavy anointing upon you!”  It says the yoke is destroyed because of oil (anointing).  Oil is the symbol of the anointing of God.  It is also the imagery of an ox who grew so fat that it shattered the yoke over his neck.  Isaiah prophesied that Assyria’s yoke of bondage will be broken off Judah because they will grow fat, heavy with the anointing of God’s restored favour.  Jesus is the Anointed One in the new covenant and His anointing is now available to all who believe in Him.  Jesus loves righteousness and hates wickedness; therefore God, our God, has set Jesus above His companions by anointing Him with the oil of joy.  This anointing has been given to us.  But the wonderful anointing we have received from God is so much greater than deception and now lives in us. There’s no need for anyone to keep teaching us. His anointing teaches us all that we need to know, for it will lead us into truth, not a counterfeit. So just as the anointing has taught us, let’s remain in Jesus the Anointed One.  Amen!

Genuine Change of Mind towards God’s True Power - Jesus Christ

 “saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “saying, “I want this power too. I’m willing to pay you for the anointing that you have, so that I also can lay my hands on everyone to receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter rebuked him and said, “Your money will go with you to destruction! How could you even think that you could purchase God’s supernatural gift with money? You will never have this gift or take part in this ministry, for your heart is not right with God. Repent this moment for allowing such wickedness to fill you. Plead with the Lord that perhaps He would forgive you the treachery of your heart. For I discern that jealous envy has poisoned you and binds you as a captive to sin.”  All the Samaritan believers were asking for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill them.  Even Simon the sorcerer wanted the same power and authority, offering money for it. Peter instantly told him that he had no portion in this faith for he was cursed since he operated in bitter anger and control, telling him to repent sincerely for such evil, pleading for mercy.  This is the message to all astrologers, sorcerers and divination gurus, to seek the true God and His true power available simply by genuine change of mind and faith in what Christ did on the Cross personally for each of them.  Amen!

Christ Magnified our Joy

 “Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV

As Isaiah prophesied, “Lord, you have multiplied the nation and given them overwhelming joy! They are ecstatic in your presence and rejoice like those who bring in a great harvest and those who divide up the spoils of victory!”  God has magnified joy to everyone who receives the Light.  As the Light  of Jesus shines on the earth, it will bring in a harvest of joy and rejoicing.  The people of God are about to arise and spoil the kingdom of darkness, even as Israel spoiled Egypt and went out rejoicing.  God will cause our joy to overflow like those distributing loot after a battle.  Great will be the conversions, the increase and our rejoicing.  Many sons will be brought into glory as the increasing Light of Dawn appears.  With both harvest and victory in battle, people rejoice in what God has done.  A sign of the moving of God among us to fulfil this promise, is an outbreak of joy!? He fills our mouths with laughter as a sign that the great ingathering of the harvest is here.  They joy before God and are ecstatic in His Presence because He has released a heart of worship today.  The Gospel brings joy and those who receive good news, rejoice.  This is the joy of the Feast of Tabernacles.  The two great joys of the human heart come at a time of harvest and a time of victory.  As the increase is brought in, victory is experienced.  What greater joy is there in heaven and earth when souls are saved?  Amen!

Jesus Stood to Welcome Stephen in Heaven

 “and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. and cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭56‬, ‭58‬, ‭60‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke recorded, ““Look!” Stephen said. “I can see the heavens opening and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God to welcome me home!” Then they pounced on him and threw him outside the city walls to stone him. His accusers, one by one, placed their outer garments at the feet of a young man named Saul of Tarsus. He crumpled to his knees and shouted in a loud voice, “Our Lord, don’t hold this sin against them.” And then he died.”  Jesus sits at the right hand of God, but when He saw Stephen give his last breath for the Gospel, He stood to welcome His martyr into his eternal reward.  Stephen’s graduation was Saul’s initiation who later would go on to become Paul the apostle after his conversion when he met with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.  As Stephen was about to die, the words that came out of him were the same which Jesus said to forgive His killers for they didn’t know what they were doing.  Let’s consider the example that Jesus, our Lord, has set before us. Let His mindset become our motivation. He existed in the form of God, yet He gave no thought to seizing equality with God as His supreme prize. Instead He emptied Himself of His outward glory by reducing Himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled Himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a Man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in His death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion! Because of that obedience, God exalted Him  and multiplied His greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names! The authority of the Name of Jesus causes every knee to bow in reverence!  Amen!

Believe in the Risen Christ

 “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Now, suppose someone says, “Consult mediums and spiritists who moan and mutter their incantations in their ritual pits; after all, isn’t it right for people to seek oracles from their gods by asking the dead about the destiny of the living?” You are to answer them: “Listen to the teaching and instruction of the Lord! If their speech does not line up with His word, they will have no light of dawn!”  In our culture today, there are many mediums and spiritists who offer knowledge of your personal future.  In fact they offer their services in hotels and resorts even!  Tell such people of the living God, Isaiah tells.  We are to tell everyone of the Risen Christ.  The light of dawn is the hope of Jesus Christ that grows inside of us.  The path of the righteous is like the light of a sunrise shining in the eastern sky.  It increases from dark to dim to bright - but the path of the righteous is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.    In times of calamity, let’s make sure we quiet our heart and seal up the Word of God in our soul.  The dawning of Christ’s glory is coming.  For us, the early rays of morning light are already shining.  Let’s believe in the Risen Christ.  Amen!

God Resists the Proud

 “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “Stephen, who was a man full of grace and supernatural power, performed many astonishing signs and wonders and mighty miracles among the people.”  Stephen was not a gentile but a Greek speaking Jewish believer, for later when he addressed the high priest and others in the temple, he said, “fellow Jews and fathers”.  Stephen is from the Hebrew Zephaniah which means “Yah has treasured him”.  Although he was a powerful minister of the Word, Stephen was humble to accept the task of serving as a deacon.  God used Stephen to work miracles of power through his ministry, even though he was a deacon and not an apostle.  The miraculous is not for the few but for the many.  God looks at the hidden motives, the thoughts and intents of our heart to see whether it is giving true glory to God or not.  Humility in the heart is what counts with God and if it’s anything else, it doesn’t work with God. The Word of God tells us to be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Let’s choose to have a servant’s heart of serving our true Master and giving all the glory to Him, not just in words but with all our heart and be ready to be used by Him for the miraculous.  Amen!

Christ Our Immanuel

 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “The Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold—the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son and will name Him God Among Us.”  There is nothing miraculous about a young woman having a baby, it happens every day.  However, the uniqueness is the prophecy of the virgin birth of the Messiah.  No child with a human father could be the fulfilment of Immanuel, “God among us”.  This prophecy was specifically the virgin Mary giving birth to the Son of David of the tribe of Judah.  Immanu El” is “God became One of us”.  A new nature is about to be planted in the soil of humanity.  It will begin as a Man but will soon become a company of men and women.  Immanuel is the partnership of heaven and earth, God and humanity.  This is also the prophecy of the virgin Bride of Christ of the last days.  Paul prophesied that God has betrothed us to One Husband, that we be presented as a chaste virgin to Christ.  This is the Father’s will for us who have Christ in us and have identified with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.  Amen!

The Church is Being Built

 “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke recorded, “The apostles performed many signs, wonders, and miracles among the people.”  These were the disciples who were now filled with the Holy Spirit and were doing all that Jesus had done.  Jesus had told His twelve disciple on the night that He was betrayed, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”  This was to build His Church for the Church is Jesus’s Body of which He is the Head.  Jesus had said that the gates of hell will not prevail against Him building His Church.  At this time when the Church began, through the apostles,  many believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.  Till today the gates of hell have not prevailed against the Church as down the ages many believers have continued to join the Church.  As Paul said, that God gave gifts to the Church, “And Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”.  Let’s believe in the miracles, signs and wonders God does through believers even today - who may be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers - to bring many souls into His Church for He is the Living God.  Amen!

Be Holy for God is Holy

 “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah saw God, “And one called out to another, saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, Commander of Angel Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!”  The seraphs in the very Presence of God make the threefold repetition of the word holy as a reference to the way God manifests His holiness: - in heaven; in this world; and in the ages to come.  Today we see the triune God being praised: Holy (Father), Holy (Son), Holy (Spirit).  This sacred chant has been heard down the ages in church history in worship.  God is known as the Holy One of Israel.  Isaiah saw the sinfulness of man and the seraphim saw the glory of God.  Today, because of the finished work of Christ on the Cross, because of the Name of Christ, we are greatly blessed, because the Spirit of glory and power, who is the Spirit of God, rests upon us.  God said that He is holy and called us to be holy.  The Blood of Jesus sanctifies us into holiness and we are to follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.  Let’s live godly and holy lives because we who are Christ’s disciples, carry the Presence of God.  Amen!

Our Personal Experience with the Life-Giver & the Covenant of Life

 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬

Dr. Luke records, “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.” The council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious training. Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with Him.”  Just a few days ago the disciples were hiding for their life from the authorities and even when Jesus had told them to tarry in Jerusalem till they were endued with power from on high, yet they disobeyed and went back to fishing in the lake at Galilee.  At this moment, after they received the power of the Holy Spirit, they were courageously withstanding the temple authorities and insisting there was no man who could claim to be the Messiah other than Jesus.  The coming of the Holy Spirit in power had made them experience the Life-Giver and they remembered the Covenant of Life Christ had made with them.  Unless each one of us who call ourselves the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have our own personal life experience with the mighty Holy Spirit, our preaching Bible verses has no power and will not bring the fruit God desires for us.  Let’s remember the Covenant of Life that Christ has made for us personally and receive the Holy Spirit power in our lives.  Amen!

The Absolute Standard of God’s Word

 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who replace darkness with light and light with darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and see themselves as clever and shrewd.”  In that time among the Israelites and in our culture today, the moral code is reversed.  Sin is accepted as something good and not content with abandoning what is good, they must label good as evil.  Those who abandon the absolute standards of God’s Word find a reversal of every true virtue.  Good is mocked and evil is embraced.  Light is ridiculed and darkness is worn like a cloak.  The sweetness of God is called bitter; the bitterness of sin is called sweet.  Who will outwit Eternal Wisdom and who can outsmart Infinite Wisdom?  God will resist the proud of heart.  The Wisdom that comes from above is without pride for Christ through the Cross became for us Wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”  Amen!

R storation & Fulfillment of All Things

 “whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Dr. Luke recorded, “For He must remain in heaven until the restoration of all things has taken place, fulfilling everything that God said long ago through His holy prophets.”  Restitution is the restoration of all creation to the state of existence before the fall.  Jesus had to be born as the Son of Man Who descended and He is also the One Who ascended above the heights of heaven, in order to begin the restoration and fulfillment of all things.  Jesus Himself had said, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory..” There is an appointed time of the restitution of all creation and that’s why God’s Word has been given to us, which is the very Breath of God.  All Scripture is God-breathed, given by divine inspiration and is profitable for instruction, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and restoration to obedience, for training in righteousness, learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage.  This is the heart restoration for us to be prepared with, so that we are an integral part of the restoration of all creation.  Let’s abide in God’s Word all the time.  Amen!

The Fire of Love for Jesus our Lord

 “when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “And the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem by a Spirit of justice and by a Spirit of burning.  Zion’s daughters are prophetically spoken for the churches of Christ. God’s people dwell in Zion which is the New Jerusalem.  Sadly, the daughters of Zion had become haughty, synonymous with filth which is translated as a drunkard’s vomit or human excrement.  The Lord is willing to cleanse them so they are humble and repentant and He does this by the Judging Spirit and by the Burning Spirit. The Spirit’s breath is the blast of justice and the blast of fire coming to cleanse God’s people.  The Spirit of Judgment releases holy vision to see things as God sees them.  Decisions will be made by the justice of God, not the prejudices of men.  It is not that He merely executes justice but that He demonstrates perfect discernment to see what is holy and what is not.  The Spirit of fire will thoroughly cleanse God’s remnant and make them holy by refining fire.  A fire of passionate love for Jesus Christ will cleanse the Church.  The fire of love as a seal over our hearts will keep us pure from temptation and end time distractions.  God will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.  Amen!

Mature Believers, the Church & the Holy Spirit

 “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke’s record of Pentecost is, “Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed each one of them.”  This is the pillar of fire that led Israel from bondage into the promised land.  The same pillar of fire manifested here to intimate a new beginning from dead religious structures into the powerful life of the Holy Spirit.  Each believer received an overpowering flame of fire, signified by the shaft of light that rested and engulfed them.  It was as though each one received how own personal pillar of fire that would empower him and lead him throughout his life.  This was the promise Jesus gave to His disciples of “the One like Me”, Who would be sent by the Father and never leave them.  Today every believer is indwelt by the Spirit of Christ.  This was the birthday of the Church of Jesus Christ.  As Paul explained, “But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. And if you are not joined to the Spirit of the Anointed One, you are not of Him.”  The Church has been called for newness of life, past the stage of repentance and now to be led by the mighty Holy Spirit through the powerful Word of God to speak righteousness into every situation.  “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.”  Let’s believe the Word of God and be the Church God wants us to be.  Amen!

The Righteous in Christ Do Well

 “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah’s prophetic word, “Yet reassure the righteous; it will go well with them! They will fully enjoy the reward of their deeds.” This was Isaiah who prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah, at a time when there were no signs of it, for it actually happened more than a century later through the Babylonian empire.  Through prophecies, God taught, that the lovers of God, even in a time of difficulty, can enjoy the sweet fruits of seeking God and serving His Kingdom.  They will reap the good seeds they planted, for seeds turn into fruit.  The fruit of their deeds is the holy confidence that God is with them, even in a season of judgment.  We can know it will go well with us, for the message of God is this: “Tell the righteous they can still be joyful and it will be well with them.  Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in Him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with His super-abundance until you radiate with hope.  Let’s sow words of encouragement to bring the fruit of joy!  The people in today’s world are fearful and anxious, and anxious hearts are very heavy, but a word of encouragement does wonders - may we be speakers of the good news, the Gospel of Christ our God of Hope.  Amen!

The Resurrection Power of the Kingdom of God

 “to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Luke’s record of Jesus’s disciples, “After the sufferings of His Cross, Jesus appeared alive many times to these same apostles over a forty-day period, proving to them with many convincing signs that He had been resurrected. During these encounters, He taught them the truths of God’s Kingdom.”  Jesus appeared to His followers at least eleven times an taught them the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.  For Jesus had told the disciples, “it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven”.  The number forty is significant for it speaks of transformation and completeness through testing.  Jesus was tempted for forty days; the deluge during Noah’s day lasted forty days and nights; Moses met with God for forty days on Sinai; Israel wandered for forty years; and Elijah fasted for forty days.  Jesus spent forty days appearing to His disciples to teach them that a day of completeness and transformation had arrived.  It took them forty days to comprehend that Christ’s Kingdom was spiritual, not political.  The world is still waiting to see “many convincing signs” from our lives signifying that we too have been raised from the dead.  Spiritual fruit and spiritual power provide these signs. Let’s  proclaim the Kingdom of God with power not just with words only.  Amen!

Every Knee Shall Bow & Every Tongue Confess that Jesus Christ is LORD

 “and upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. And the idols he shall utterly abolish.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied that God Almighty was, “against all the high mountains and all the lofty hills, against every high tower and every fortress wall, against all the trading ships of Tarshish and all the impressive sailing vessels. People’s arrogance will be conquered and brought low, and those proud of heart will be humiliated. Only One will be exalted in that day: Yahweh! Every worthless idol will utterly pass away.”  Governments and kingdoms of this earth are like hills and mountains.  Even the highest of human governmental authorities will bow to the One called Yahweh,  the LORD Almighty.  High towers represent the godless academia that towers intellectually above others; and the strongholds in the mind of humans, thoughts of self-importance that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.  Rebels against God built a tower in Babylon, seeking to be independent of God.  The ships of Tarshish were the largest of ships, able to take the longest voyages and the greatest cargoes.  They typify the great commercial empires built by humans.  The economic system, the commerce of earth, will be brought to the feet of Jesus as He establishes His eternal Kingdom where righteousness and justice rule.  Those who bow before idols will one day bow low before the Lord Jesus, the true God.  Idols are nothing for there is no god but One.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.  Amen!

Hearing God Daily Through His Word

 “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.”

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple records, “Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Peter heard him say that, he quickly wrapped his outer garment around him, and because he was athletic, he dove right into the lake to go to Jesus!”  It was John, the one whom Jesus loved, that recognised the voice of Jesus.  Perhaps it was Peter’s discouragement that prevented him from recognising the voice of the Master.  Peter’s name was Simon which means “he who hears”.  Our hearing Jesus’s voice is hindered when we are confused and filled with doubts.  Each one of us who are disciples of our Lord Jesus, cannot move in doubt and confusion.  Peter ran to Jesus even when he denied Jesus.  Only Jesus can remove our doubt, confusion and depression and build our faith in Him as Peter received this faith.  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.  Let’s run to the Word of God, be strong in our faith in Christ for every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and hear Him everyday.  Amen!

God Sent Christ to be Our Single Sacrifice

 “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied to Israel, “And Yahweh keeps saying: “Why such countless sacrifices—what use are they to Me?  I’ve had My fill of your burnt offerings of rams and your fattened animals. I find no delight in the blood of bulls, lambs, or goats! When you come before My face, who asked you to come trampling on My courtyards? Stop bringing your meaningless offerings. Your burning incense stinks! Your sin-stained celebrations, your new moon festivals, Sabbaths, your various pious meetings—I can’t stand them! With all My soul I hate your new moon festivals and your feasts; they are nothing but a burden that I’m sick and tired of carrying.”  Outward sacrifices are empty if there is no inward reality - God cannot be bought.  He looks at the heart and requires offerings given in holiness and truth.  God wants to kill that “fattened” part of us that is stuffed only with the letter of the Word but not the humility taught by the Word.  God has a soul with emotions and desires and He doesn’t associate with hypocrisy and being fake.  What should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender ourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes our genuine expression of worship.  Amen!

Believe & Meditate on God’s Word to Receive

 “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded, “For until then they hadn’t understood the Scriptures that prophesied that He was destined to rise from the dead.”  Some believers are in that situation of not understanding Scripture because they don’t bother to meditate on the Word of God and can’t understand it. David prophesied, “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.  I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.”  Also, “For You will not leave My soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”  Isaiah’s famous prophecy, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. 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.”  Hosea prophesied, “After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight.”  The disciples believed the Word.  Today, we just have to believe in Christ’s finished work and have our personal encounter with the Word to experience the risen Christ daily.  Amen!

Christ Loves Us Passionately & Personally

 “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, As a seal upon thine arm: For love is strong as death; Jealousy is cruel as the grave: The coals thereof are coals of fire, Which hath a most vehement flame.”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬

Solomon’s song says, “Fasten me upon your heart as a seal of fire forevermore. This living, consuming flame will seal you as my prisoner of love. My passion is stronger than the chains of death and the grave, all consuming as the very flashes of fire from the burning heart of God. Place this fierce, unrelenting fire over your entire being.”  Sealing us in His heart, is Christ making us His love prisoner in the cell of His eternal love.  Christ’s passion is a most vehement flame, a mighty flash of fire - it is the Mighty Flame of the Lord Most Passionate.  We must accept that Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly!  Let’s receive this love for it is Christ’s love that fuels our passion and holds us tightly, because we are convinced that He has given His life for all of us. This means all died with Him.  That’s why we are sealed in His heart and forever prisoners of His eternal love.  Let’s believe and receive His love personally.  Amen!