Discipline of Behaviour in the Church

 “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “So call a meeting, and when you gather together in the Name of our Lord Jesus, and you know my spirit is present with you in the infinite power of our Lord Jesus, release this man over to satan for the destruction of his rebellious flesh, in hope that his spirit may be rescued and restored in the day of the Lord.”  God had given Paul the exceptional ability to have his spirit present, along with the power of God, in their meetings together.  The meaning of satan is the “accusing adversary”.  When a person is put out of the fellowship of the church family, the accuser has access to harass and oppress.  There is a blessed protection in the fellowship of God’s people, for the Lord is present with us when we gather in His Name.  This man who was delivered to the accuser suffered the consequences of his actions to learn the lesson the hard way.  It is not a light thing to be handed over to satan.  We learn from a later letter that the man did repent and the church forgave and comforted him.  Discipline and correction is necessary in the church so that we are purified to live holy.  God chastens those whom He loves.  Amen!

The Precise Prophetic Word for Christ

 “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭50‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied about the Lord Jesus Christ seven hundred years before, with complete precision.  “The Lord YAHWEH has equipped Me with the anointed, skillful tongue of a teacher — to know how to speak a timely word to the weary. Morning by morning, He awakens My heart. He opens My ears to hear His voice, to be trained to teach. The Lord YAHWEH has opened My ear, and I did not resist; I did not rebel. I offered My back to those who flogged Me and My cheek to those who tore out My beard. I never hid My face from demeaning insults or from those who spit on Me.”  The Lord Jesus Christ while on earth, repeatedly said that He spoke only what the Father gave Him to say.  What is easier - to put our trust in hand-made idols to save us, or to believe in the God Who came down from heaven to die so that He would rise again and set mankind free from sin through His Own Blood Sacrifice?   Let’s believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, Living God.  Amen!

The Reward of Eternity

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

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “So resist the temptation to pronounce premature judgment on anything before the appointed time when all will be fully revealed. Instead, wait until the Lord makes his appearance, for he will bring all that is hidden in darkness to light and unveil every secret motive of everyone’s heart. Then, when the whole truth is known, each will receive praise from God.”  God will bring to light the secret motives of love, faithfulness, righteousness, kindness etc. - not only evil motives but pure motives of believers.  When the Lord judges His godly lovers, their secret devotion and sacrifices will all be brought into the light and God will praise them for their faithful love.  The reward of eternity will be that God affirms them.  The word “praise” is “thanks from God” when God praises His faithful servants. By living in God, love has been brought to its full expression in us so that we may fearlessly face the day of judgment, because all that Jesus now is, so are we in this world. Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love’s perfection. Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us.  Amen!

The Fulfilment of Prophecy in Christ

 “Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Listen to what I have to say, you islands. Pay attention to Me, you who live in distant lands. YAHWEH called Me as His Own before I was born and named Me while I was still in My mother’s womb. He gives Me words that pierce and penetrate. He hid Me and protected Me in the shadow of His  Hand. He prepared Me like a polished arrow and concealed Me in His quiver. And He said to Me, “Israel, You are My special Servant; in You I will be glorified.” who says: “Is it too small a thing for You, My servant, to restore greatness to Jacob’s tribes and the survivors of Israel? I will make You to be a Light to the nations and to bring the Light of My salvation to the ends of the earth!”  Although Israel is named, the fulfilment is Jesus Christ, the true Servant of the Lord, called and named from the womb, equipped and prepared, appointed and commissioned as God’s Servant.  He is highly favoured in the sight of God, finding His strength in His Father and doing only what pleased Him.  He still is the Light and Salvation to the gentiles.  Amen!

Doing God’s Work in God’s Way

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

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “The quality of materials used by anyone building on this foundation will soon be made apparent, whether it has been built with gold, silver, and costly stones, or wood, hay, and straw. Their work will soon become evident, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by blazing fire! And the fire will test and prove the workmanship of each builder.”  The Church is God’s true temple.  The temple of Solomon was built using gold, silver and costly stones.  Wisdom will build her house with divine substance (gold), redemption’s fruit (silver), and transformed lives (costly stones).  Wood, hay and straw are emblems of the work of the flesh, the building materials of men, not of God.  They grow up from the ground, which God cursed.  It is both quality and durability that God commends.  Fire will cause the better material to glow brighter, but the inferior material will be consumed.  How we build and what we build matters to God.  It is possible to build on the true foundation of Christ but with wrong materials.  We need God’s work done in God’s way.  So whether we live or die we make it our life’s passion to live our lives pleasing to Him.  For one day we will all be openly revealed before Christ on His  throne so that each of us will be duly recompensed for our actions done in life, whether good or worthless.  Let’s seek to do God’s will every moment so that we bring heaven down to earth while we live here.  Amen!

God Delivers & Rescues Believers

 “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭48‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “See, I have purified you in the furnace of adversity, but not like silver—I have refined you in the fire. For My Own sake alone I will do it, so My Name will not be dishonored. I will not yield My glory to another.”  If God had left them in the fire to melt down all their dross, they would still be there in the fire with nothing left of them.  God limits the intensity and the timing of our every trial and uses the furnace of adversity to make us more like Christ. We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust Him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.  Because of Christ’s sufferings on the Cross for all mankind, God promises to deliver, refine and rescue His people who have believed Him, so that His Own Name and Identity as God Most High is not defamed.  Rescue is as sure as God’s identity for believers in Christ.  Amen!

Possessing Christ’s Mind by the Holy Spirit

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

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The revelation to Paul, “For Who has ever intimately known the mind of the Lord YAHWEH well enough to become His counselor? Christ has, and we possess Christ’s perceptions.”  We believers who possess the Holy Spirit, are revealed the thoughts and purposes of Christ.  The revelation of the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached, was not understood by the intellect of men but by those who welcomed His truth.  Humanly speaking, no one can understand the mysteries of God without the Holy Spirit.  As Isaiah prophesied, “Who fully understands the Spirit of YAHWEH or is wise enough to counsel Him?  Whom does He consult to be enlightened? Who teaches Him the ways of justice? Who imparts knowledge to Him or shows Him the true path of wisdom? Even the nations are to Him like a drop in a bucket, regarded as nothing more than dust on a scale.”  These mysteries are revealed to those who have the Holy Spirit and now possess the perceptions of Christ’s mind and can implement His purposes on the earth.  The quickening of the Word of God by the Holy Spirit reveals to us the mind of Christ.  Amen!

Demolish Deceptions with God’s Truth

 “Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭47‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Take off your pretty veil; take two millstones and grind grain. Lift your skirt, bare your legs, and wade through the rivers. Your humiliating nakedness will be uncovered, your shame exposed and seen by all. I will take vengeance and let no one intercede for you.”  This was a prophecy of the fall of Babylon as seen by the prophet that this pampered and spoiled Babylon with flowing tresses is now considered to do the lowest of menial work of grinding the millstones which was done by slaves.  It is true that Babylon fell but we can understand that the “Babylonian system” in the Church is also falling.  Old concepts are crumbling and being swept away as God exposes the impurity that has crept into the Church.  Yet the Redeemer stands ready to restore and revive those with hungry, passionate hearts for God.  For although we live in the natural realm, we don’t wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. Since we are armed with such dynamic weaponry, we stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion, as soon as you choose complete obedience.  Amen!

Christ is God’s True Power & Wisdom to Us

 “but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “But for those who have been chosen to follow Him, both Jews and Greeks, He is God’s mighty power, God’s true wisdom, and our Messiah. For the “foolish” things of God have proven to be wiser than human wisdom. And the “feeble” things of God have proven to be far more powerful than any human ability.”  Christ is the supreme manifestation of God’s power to save us from sin, to work miracles and to defeat evil.  Christ is the supreme manifestation of wisdom, for He carries out the eternal plan of God and brings it to completion.  Although the Cross seems to be the foolish of God, it reveals His transcendent wisdom.  Though God the Son was crucified in weakness, He has risen through the divine power that transforms lives today.  God has no weakness or foolishness whatsoever.  Yet what looks like weakness is actually His strength, and what looks like foolishness is actually His wisdom.  If we have received this, we are the most blessed of the Lord.  Praise be to God Most High!  Amen!

God Our Maker, Saviour, Deliverer, Caregiver

 “They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: and even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “They both stoop and bow down, and they are powerless to rescue their own images. There they go—carried off into captivity! “Listen to Me, O Jacob’s tribes, all the remnant of Israel. You never had to carry Me, but I have carried you from birth. I supported you from the moment you left the womb. Even as you grow old and your hair turns gray, I’ll keep carrying you! I Am your Maker and your Caregiver. I will carry you and be your Savior.”  These false gods and their idols are like captives carried off by their conquerors.  That is what God told them through Moses, “As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings, So the LORD alone led him, And there was no foreign god with him.”  God covers us with His feathers, and under His wings we hide. His truth is our shield and protection.  These promises are “Yes” and “Amen” to all those who choose to put our trust in Christ and the finished work of the Cross. God promises, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Amen!

The Mighty Victory of Christ’s Power and Holiness

 “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Paul was revealed, “I’m so happy when I think of you, because everyone knows the testimony of your deep commitment of faith. So I want you to become scholars of all that is good and beautiful, and stay pure and innocent when it comes to evil. And the God of peace will swiftly pound satan to a pulp under your feet! And the wonderful favor of our Lord Jesus will surround you.”  God’s holiness is powerful as the psalmist says, “Sing a new song to the Lord telling about His mighty deeds! For He has won a mighty victory by His power and holiness.” This victory came to us when God declared His Son our Lord Jesus Christ with power according to His Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.  For all those who believe in the finished sacrifice of Christ, through our God we will do valiantly, for it is He who treads down our enemies.  Let’s lead a life of the obedience of Christ that produces holiness in us that bruises satan under our feet.  May the grace of God bring us to that overcoming faith that brings us victory always.  Amen!

Jesus is Salvation Whose Fruit is Righteousness

 “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “I create light, and I make it dark. I make bliss, and I create adversity. I Am YAHWEH Who does all these things.’ “Shower down righteousness, O heavens above. Let the clouds drip with deliverance! Let earth’s womb open and bear salvation’s fruit, with righteousness rising up beside it! I, YAHWEH, have created all of them!”  God is light and God is peace or ‘shalom’ which means so much more than calm and order - it is translated prosperity, bliss, wholeness, completeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.  Shalom comes from a root verb which means to be complete, perfect and paid in full.  Salvation is the same word as Yeshua or Jesus and its fruit is righteousness blossoming with mercy.  Let’s know the magnitude of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us.  “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross.”  Amen!

Let’s Glorify God Always

 “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul said, “And I will not be presumptuous to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me. For many non-Jewish people are coming into faith’s obedience by the power of the Spirit of God, which is displayed through mighty signs and amazing wonders, both in word and deed. Starting from Jerusalem I went from place to place as far as the distant Roman province of Illyricum, fully preaching the wonderful message of Christ.”  The apostle Paul thoroughly preached the good news with much evidence that God was working through him.  This resulted in many non-Jewish people coming to faith in Jesus Christ.  The signs and wonders were a part of the message, validating Paul’s apostolic mandate to evangelise and plant churches.  Paul zealously preached the Gospel all the way to Illyricum, the Roman province in part of the western Balkan Peninsula, now known as Croatia.  Paul knew that all glory belonged to God for the signs, wonders and miracles, and was not due to anything in him, in fact he asked for prayers for himself from the churches he had planted and the believers who had come to Christ through him.  He refused to be exalted in the eyes of others, that’s the nature of a true apostle.  Let’s not take the credit for what God is doing and how He is working but know to always give glory to God.  Amen!

Our Everlasting God

 “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭44‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “The words of YAHWEH, Israel’s true King and Kinsman-Redeemer, YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies, says: “I Am the Beginning and I Am the Ending, and I Am the only God there is. Who is like Me?  Go ahead, stand and speak up. I’ll wait for him to announce it and explain it all to Me!  Who else has announced from everlasting what is to come? Let him prophesy what is yet to be.”  God says that He is the First and He is the Last - the Everlasting.  This is the revelation that Isaiah got that this Everlasting God has made an Everlasting Covenant through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who through His Everlasting Kindness has given us Everlasting Salvation through the Cross, in His death, burial and resurrection.  Now He is seated in Everlasting Majesty having given Everlasting Joy to all who believe in Him.  His Everlasting Name is the Everlasting Sign of His Everlasting Light.  Let us rejoice in our God Who is forever and ever, and we His people will reign with Him forever.  Amen!

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Only Judge

 “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul explained, “Who do you think you are to sit in judgment of someone else’s household servant? His own master is the one to evaluate whether he succeeds or fails. And God’s servants will succeed, for God’s power supports them and enables them to stand. In the same way, one person regards a certain day as more sacred than another, and another person regards them all alike. There is nothing wrong with having different personal convictions about such matters.”  We are all “household servants” in the Body of Christ for we each belong to Him.  When believers begin to judge other believers over our opinions or preferences, we are taking the role that belongs only to Jesus.  Every human being justifies himself through his own perspective.  Jesus said clearly, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”  “Stop judging based on the superficial. First you must embrace the standards of mercy and truth.”  Paul explains, “So resist the temptation to pronounce premature judgment on anything before the appointed time when all will be fully revealed. Instead, wait until the Lord makes His appearance, for He will bring all that is hidden in darkness to light and unveil every secret motive of everyone’s heart. Then, when the whole truth is known, each will receive praise from God.”  Instead of judging, let’s learn to surrender to the Holy Spirit Who guides us into all truth and helps us make righteous judgments.  Amen!

Faith in Christ is Tested to Come Out as Gold

 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬-‭3‬a KJV‬‬

Isaiah gives God’s promise, “When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on Me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you, for I Am your Savior, YAHWEH, your mighty God, the Holy One of Israel!”  God’s method of deliverance is often not “out of” but “through”.  His Presence as we go through difficulties becomes our deliverance.  That was David’s experience as he sang psalms to God in worship, “Even when Your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for You already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of Your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for You are near.”  Although Isaiah spoke this from God to Israel, in the new covenant, God desires our faith in Him to be refined through our trials, tribulations and persecutions.  As Peter put it, “The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire tests how genuine gold is. Your faith is more precious than gold, and by passing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ appears again.”  May our faith come out as gold.  Amen!

Put On the Lord Jesus Christ

 “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬-‭11‬, ‭14‬. KJV

Paul’s revelation was, “Love makes it impossible to harm another, so love fulfills all that the law requires. To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Instead fully immerse yourselves into the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and don’t waste even a moment’s thought on your former identity to awaken its selfish desires.” God is love and no human can generate this love.  This love has come to mankind through the Cross of Jesus Christ and thereafter by the Holy Spirit, right into the human heart - that is true righteousness - and it only works by faith.  “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us.”  God’s love brings us to the perfect wholeness, which is the full salvation ready to be unveiled in the last days.  Let’s put on the Lord Jesus and be fully clothed with Him, being in God’s love - let’s practice this great and awesome love.  Amen!

Delighting in Our Servant-King

 “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” 

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah, “Take a good look at My Servant! I love Him dearly, for He is My Chosen One. I have taken hold of Him in My strength, and I have clothed Him with My Spirit. He will cause justice to spring up for the nations. He will be gentle and will not quarrel with others in public. He will not exalt His own Voice. He would never crush a broken heart nor disregard the weak and vulnerable. He will make sure justice comes to those who are wronged.”  Isaiah introduces the Lord Jesus as the Chosen Servant of God, sustained by Yahweh, sent on a divine mission to bring light and freedom to the hearts of His covenant people.  Jesus is God’s Faithful and Chosen Servant Who brings salvation to the nations and restores Israel; Whom God upholds by His strength and on Whom He has placed His Spirit.  God’s delight is in Him.  God said that of Jesus, “This is My Son—the Beloved! My greatest delight is in Him.”  Let’s delight in our Messiah.  Amen!

Our Proper Response to God’s Marvellous Mercies

 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.”  Out of all that God has created in the universe, the most intimate connection He has is with mankind who have chosen to be in Christ.  In the new covenant, the sacrificial system no longer involves dead animals, but living people.  We are not called to accommodate ourselves to the opinions, desires and interests of others because as a living sacrifice we died Christ’s death and are now alive to God.  We are called to be led by the Holy Spirit as we meditate on God’s Word because it reveals His will.  Let’s be obedient to God’s good, acceptable and perfect will.  Amen!

We Keep Our Gaze on the Risen & Victorious Christ

 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV

Isaiah prophesied God’s promise, “Do not yield to fear, for I Am always near. Never turn your gaze from Me, for I Am your faithful God. I will infuse you with My strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with My Victorious Right Hand.’”  The Hebrew for “Don’t be frightened” also means “to gaze”.  These are the same words that Moses said to Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”  In the new covenant, we gaze at Jesus risen and victorious in all His power and glory, ready to help us when we call upon Him because He loves us more than His Life.  Let’s receive His love.  Amen!

The Mystery of Israel’s Partial Blindness

 “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul was revealed, “My beloved brothers and sisters, I want to share with you a mystery concerning Israel’s future. For understanding this mystery will keep you from thinking you already know everything. A partial and temporary hardening to the Gospel has come over Israel, which will last until the full number of non-Jews have come into God’s family.”  This is a sacred secret revealed to Paul and therefore to us today as Paul very much wants us to know, something God has hidden from ancient times and can only be revealed by God.  Jesus taught us that these mysteries are meant for us to perceive as part of our Kingdom birthright, “He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” It is this mystery - the partial insensitivity of Israel that Jesus Christ is their Messiah and  salvation.  It is part of God’s eternal plan for the nations. This stubbornness and unwillingness to learn something new from God has kept Israel from recognising their Messiah.  “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”  Let’s keep praying for the peace of Jerusalem.  Amen!

Carrying the Gospel of Peace

 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “And how can the message be proclaimed if messengers have yet to be sent? That’s why the Scriptures say: How welcome is the arrival of those proclaiming the joyful news of peace and of good things to come! But not everyone welcomes the good news, as Isaiah said: Lord, is there anyone who hears and believes our message? Faith, then, is birthed in a heart that responds to God’s anointed utterance of the Anointed One.”  The arrival of anyone carrying good news, it is always at the right time!  The prophet Isaiah and other prophets of old, prophesied,  “What a beautiful sight to behold— the precious feet of the messenger coming over the mountains to announce good news! He comes to refresh us with wonderful news, announcing salvation to Zion and saying, “Your Mighty God reigns!”  The world is getting darker but the one carrying the Gospel brings the light.  The entrance of God’s Word, the Gospel, brings light to the simple whereas the intellectuals, the powerful and the rich will not believe the report of the Lord.  God is light and in Him there’s no darkness at all.  Let’s see God’s great desire of us carrying the Gospel of peace to the hungry and thirsty for righteousness, for they shall be filled.  Let’s obey God.  Amen!

Walking in God’s Favour with Humility - like Jesus

 “Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭39‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Isaiah recorded, “Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word YAHWEH has spoken through you is good and right.” For he thought, “At least for me, there will be peace and security in my lifetime.”  Hezekiah, the reformer, went from being a man who was favoured by God and divinely healed to one who thought only of himself.  Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him, for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem.  When people walk in the favour of God and become familiar with it, they treat it with that measure of entitlement that they deserve it because they’re superior to others!  This is plain and simple pride when the heart is lifted up, just like what happened to Lucifer when he wanted to become like the Most High God.  God said to him, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”  Pride goes before destruction.  Let’s walk in the favour of God with humility just like Jesus did, “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a Man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the Cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the  Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Let’s be like Jesus.  Amen!

Christ Our Precious Cornerstone

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

‭‭Romans‬ ‭9‬:‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation from Isaiah’s prophecy was, “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.”  To stand in faith is to stand on a Rock which is to stand in faith on the Gospel of salvation in Christ, rather than in the salvation of works.  Isaiah had warned the Jews, “The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread. He will be as a sanctuary, But a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble; They shall fall and be broken, Be snared and taken.”  Later Isaiah prophesied what Paul told to Jews and non-Jews alike, “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.’”  Even if a promise delays, we will not be disheartened but will remain steadfast in faith.  Amen!

It Is Finished

 “What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul. O Lord, by these things men live, And in all these things is the life of my spirit: So wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭38‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah recorded, “But what can I say? For He has spoken to me and told me that He is the One Who has done this. I can’t sleep a wink because I’m overwhelmed with grief. Lord, it is because of Your kindness that life is given. It is in You that my spirit lives. Now restore my health and give me life again!”  When Hezekiah was told by Isaiah that he would die soon, he wept and asked to be spared and God told Isaiah to turn back and tell Hezekiah that he would live fifteen years more.  So Hezekiah praised God in gratitude and said that God Himself had done it.  These words were the same as when Jesus spoke on the Cross, “It is finished”.  This was a shadow of God’s kindness, mercy and goodness of God shown in this act of gracious love that Christ took the sicknesses of all humanity on the Cross and finished it.  Those who believe, receive it but those who question it, it will pass them by. As Isaiah prophesied, “He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as One from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.”  This truth is still healing people today, two thousand years after this event, by those who simply believe it.  Amen!

Manifesting of the Sons of God

 “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Paul was given this revelation, “The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters!”  With such intense anticipation is this waiting, that it’s like craning your neck because it is about to happen!  The created universe is but a backdrop for the dramatic appearing of God’s sons and daughters unveiled with the glory of Jesus Christ upon them.  This “unveiling” is imminent, soon to happen, and destined to take place.  Christ’s glory will come to us, enter us, fill us, envelop us, and then be revealed through us as partakers of the glory.  Although God will not share His glory with any other, we are no longer “another”, for we are one with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through faith in Christ.  Jesus prayed, “I pray for them all to be joined together as one even as You and I, Father, are joined together as One. I pray for them to become One with us so that the world will recognize that You sent Me.  For the very glory You have given to Me I have given them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that We enjoy. You live fully in Me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that You have sent Me, for they will see that You love each one of them with the same passionate love that You have for Me.”  What a privilege to be one with God.  Amen!

God Is Forever True to His Word

 “And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭37‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah recorded, “They told him, “Here is Hezekiah’s message: ‘This is a day of great anguish, rebuke, and humiliation. We are desperate, as in the day a woman is in heavy labor but has no strength left to give birth.”  Hezekiah brought the situation to Isaiah’s notice of the Assyrian army surrounding Jerusalem and they were unprepared for the oncoming onslaught.  At that time Isaiah gave Hezekiah God’s comfort to not fear and the king believed God and shortly thereafter the Assyrian king and his army retreated and the Assyrian king was murdered by his own sons.  Isaiah went on to prophesy, “Who has ever seen or heard of such a wonder? Could a country be born in a day? Can a nation be birthed so suddenly? Yet no sooner does Zion go into labor than she gives birth to sons!”  Paul also said, “The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters! For against its will the universe itself has had to endure the empty futility resulting from the consequences of human sin. But now, with eager expectation, all creation longs for freedom from its slavery to decay and to experience with us the wonderful freedom coming to God’s children.”  God birthed His children through the Cross and the nation of Israel was birthed in one day in the twentieth century.  God is forever true to His Word, let’s just trust Him always.  Amen!

The Higher Law of Love Through Christ’s Cross

 “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “For we know that the law is divinely inspired and comes from the spiritual realm, but I am a human being made of flesh and trafficked as a slave under sin’s authority. I’m a mystery to myself, for I want to do what is right, but end up doing what my moral instincts condemn.”  Here Paul is identifying with the people of Israel under the law prior to receiving Christ, as the one delivered from the bondage of sin, but yet knowing the condemnation that law brings.  Though the law of God is spiritual and can never be changed but the Cross of Christ is the higher for it delivers us from condemnation.  Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  All those who come to the Cross and receive forgiveness are under no condemnation for the Blood of Christ eliminates sin and makes us righteous.  Amen!

Hearing God for Ourselves

 “Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you. Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭36‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah records, “for he has sent me with these words: ‘Don’t let Hezekiah mislead you, for there is nothing he can do to save you. Don’t be deceived when he tries to persuade you to trust in Yahweh, saying to you, “Yahweh will come to our rescue and our city will not be handed over to the king of Assyria.” The king of Assyria, Sennacherib, came to take possession of Jerusalem and send the military commander of his army to intimidate the people of Israel and their king Hezekiah.  The invading army knew the power of God Who protects Israel and that Hezekiah was a godly king.  This is really the desperation of satan, the father of lies, to put fear into people to disregard God, the true and Holy One. Hezekiah, however, listened to the prophet Isaiah and sought God’s help and obeyed God, so that the army of Sennacherib had to leave without invading.  Today, the pressures of culture, tradition, materialism, secularism etc. are such that people succumb to these lies of the devil.  So who do we listen to?  God has already reconciled us to Him through the Cross, given us the power of Jesus’s Name, the power of the Word of God, the power of the Blood Sacrifice, the Resurrection power and the power of the Holy Spirit Who activates this in us.  Let’s hear God for ourselves and overcome everything the adversary brings against us and proclaim the victory of Christ.  Amen!

Our Old Man Was Crucified With Christ

 “knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul had the revelation that, “Could it be any clearer that our former identity is now and forever deprived of its power? For we were co-crucified with him to dismantle the stronghold of sin within us, so that we would not continue to live one moment longer submitted to sin’s power.”  We have come to the realisation that our old son of Adam which was in the body of sin, no longer has dominion over us as it has been put out of business!  To beg God for victory over sin is a refusal to understand that we have already died to sin.  Our joyful task is to believe the good news, rather than  to “crucify ourselves”. Sin is not suppressed by the Cross - it is eliminated.  Upon this “water” God commands us to step out and walk upon it, for we are now in Him.  Let’s keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the Cross and crucified with Messiah. If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives.  Amen!

The True Church in the Last Days

 “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “The wilderness and dry land will be joyously glad! The desert will blossom like a rose and rejoice! Every dry and barren place will burst forth with abundant blossoms, dancing and spinning with delight! Lebanon’s lush splendor covers it, the magnificent beauty of Carmel and Sharon. My people will see the awesome glory of Yahweh, the beautiful grandeur of our God.”  This is a picture of the last-days Church rising up out of the wilderness to shine in all the radiance of its glory.  It is a picture of Eden restored as the Kingdom realm of God brings hope to the weak and struggling.  The “Sacred Way” is the way of life in Christ as we live in His power and virtue.  Blossoming it will blossom as it breaks forth and blooms as God’s people in the last days will spread wings and fly!  Once confined in the wilderness, they will break forth and blossom with beauty and glory as saints of the Most High, with delight and dancing.  Carmel is a mountain range near Israel’s Meditteranean coast and means “fruitful, plentiful orchard or vineyard”.  Sharon is a coastal plain in Israel and means “open, straight, pleasant and prosperous”.  Through our faith, the mighty power of God constantly guards us until our full salvation is ready to be revealed in the last days. Thank You, God, for the last-days Church, the true Church, the Body of Christ. Amen!

Reconciled to God and Living by His Grace

 “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul’s revelation says, “So if while we were still enemies, God fully reconciled us to Himself through the death of His Son, then something greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in His resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin’s dominion!”  Reconciled means exchanged - that is, Christ exchanged our sins for His righteousness and so reconciled us to God.  The reign of death is caused by the guilt of sin.  Jesus had explained to His disciples, “Soon I will leave this world and they will see Me no longer, but you will see Me, because I will live again, and you will come alive too.”  Christ is able to save fully from now throughout eternity, everyone who comes to God through Him, because He lives to pray continually for them.  Let’s ever be reconciled to God and enjoy the bliss of His grace living in us continually.  Amen!

Judgment is Sure for All the Enemies of the Cross

 “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭34‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “The heavenly powers will fade away to nothing, and the heavens will be rolled up like a scroll. All their mighty host will wither as leaves fall from a withered vine or fruit from a withering fig tree.”  This host of heaven are the demonic powers which are enemies of God.  These are the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.  The Lord Jesus defeated these powers on earth through the Cross and made an open shame of them.  Just before He returns, this is what will take place: ‘The sun will be darkened and the moon give no light. The stars will fall from the sky and all the cosmic powers will be shaken.  As John saw in his revelation, “The stars fell from heaven to the earth, as a fig tree shaken by a stormy wind sheds its unripe figs. The sky receded with a snap—as a scroll rolls itself up. And every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the kings of the earth and its great princes and generals, the rich and powerful, and everyone, whether they were slave or free, ran for cover and hid in the caves and among the mountain boulders. They called out to the mountains and the boulders, saying, “Fall on us at once! Hide us quickly from the glorious face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”  Judgment is sure for all the enemies of the Cross.  This is why we are to preach the Gospel of power as never before.  Amen!

Righteous by Faith through the Blood of Christ

 7 “saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 24 but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬

Paul’s revelation was, “Here’s what David says: What happy fulfillment is ahead for those whose rebellion has been forgiven and whose sins are covered by blood. What happy progress comes to them when they hear the Lord speak over them, “I will never hold your sins against you!” but also over us. For when we believe and embrace the one who brought our Lord Jesus back to life, perfect righteousness will be credited to our account as well. Jesus was handed over to be crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and was raised back to life to prove that he had made us right with God!”  David wrote this psalm when sin was covered by a blood sacrifice - today our sins are no longer covered but removed forever.  God has taken an inventory of the virtue of Christ, and through our faith in Him, His perfect righteousness is deposited in our account.  It is settled: we are declared righteous by faith.  The Blood of the Cross is the means of our justification and the resurrection is the proof that God now sees believers as righteous in His eyes.  That is our blessedness, our bliss, our joy unspeakable and full of glory.  May we walk in this every day of our life.  Amen!

We See the King of Glory

 “he shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “they will live safely on the heights and make their safe place the mountain strongholds, with bread in steady supply and water assured.” In this high place, your eyes will see the King in His stunning beauty and gaze upon His broad domain.”  This refers to those who are enthroned with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly realm. John the beloved disciple was told by Jesus that “And to the one who conquers I will give the privilege of sitting with Me on My throne, just as I conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne.”  Paul was given this revelation for the Church, “He raised us up with Christ the Exalted One, and we ascended with Him into the glorious perfection and authority of the heavenly realm, for we are now co-seated as one with Christ!”  We have received a supernatural supply of revelation-bread and living water and our eyes are fixed on our beautiful King, not on ourselves or our ministries.  We see the King of Glory, the King of kings.  No earthly king is in view here!  Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by God’s divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing Him Who has called us by name and invited us to come to Him through a glorious manifestation of His goodness. As a result of this, Christ has given us magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises we can experience partnership with the divine nature, by which we have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world.  Amen!

Justified Freely Through Faith in Christ’s Blood

 “being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “Yet through His  powerful declaration of acquittal, God freely gives away His righteousness. His gift of love and favor now cascades over us, all because Jesus, the Anointed One, has liberated us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin! Jesus’ God-given destiny was to be the sacrifice to take away sins, and now He is our mercy seat because of His death on the Cross. We come to Him for mercy, for God has made a provision for us to be forgiven by faith in the sacred Blood of Jesus. This is the perfect demonstration of God’s justice, because until now, He had been so patient—holding back His justice out of His tolerance for us. So He covered over the sins of those who lived prior to Jesus’ sacrifice. And when the season of tolerance came to an end, there was only one possible way for God to give away His righteousness and still be true to both His justice and His mercy—to offer up His Own Son. So now, because we stand on the faithfulness of Jesus, God declares us righteous in His eyes!”  Such stupendous legacy that God ordained in advance an atonement by faith in Jesus’s Blood for everyone who believes.  God gave mercy and by faith in Christ’s Blood we received God’s righteousness.  Hallelujah!

Grace and Peace to Us in Christ

 “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “The work of righteousness is peace, and the result of righteousness is quietness and confidence forever. My people will live free from worry in secure homes and quiet resting places.”  This peace that comes is not from the works of man but from the righteousness that Christ exchanged for us through the Cross.  Jesus said, “How joyful you are when you make peace! For then you will be recognized as a true child of God.”  Jesus is the quiet resting place for every lover of God.  Christ is our true peace and Paul understood that for he released God’s peace to everyone he wrote his epistles to - grace and peace from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, our Saviour.  May we know our identity in Christ and release God’s peace to everyone and every situation.  Amen!

By Faith We Please God in Obeying Him

 “to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation to the Church, “For those living in constant goodness and doing what pleases Him, seeking an unfading glory and honor and imperishable virtue, will experience eternal life.”  Doing what pleases God comes from faith.  We must first believe in Jesus, the Anointed One.  Then our life and works will bring honour to Him.  When we do what pleases God, we can expect unfading glory, true honor, and a continual peace to us.  When the disciples asked Jesus, “So what should we do if we want to do God’s work?” Jesus answered, “The work you can do for God starts with believing in the One He has sent.”  Without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that He is real and that He rewards the faith of those who passionately seek Him.  Let’s be those who believe and walk in the faith of our risen Lord Jesus Christ and preach Christ.  Amen!

The Power of the Cross of Christ

 “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭31‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Woe to those who run down to Egypt for help, trusting in the might of their multitude of cavalry, chariots, and riders. Their confident trust is not in the Holy One of Israel, nor do they consult with Yahweh. The Egyptians are not gods; they’re only human! Their horses are not supernatural; they’re only flesh! When Yahweh demonstrates His power, the helper will stumble and the helped will fall— both will perish together!”  Egypt is symbolised as the world and the systems of this world.  As it was then, so it is today, that God fought the battle.  For God’s chosen people, God has already won the victory through the Cross.  Our trust is not on the systems of this world, but on the power of the Cross of Christ. Let each believer - God’s chosen - know what the Cross of Christ has done for us, and made the exchange through the Cross personally.  God has already disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in the power of the Cross.  So we move in the power of the Cross of Christ to defeat the world system.  That’s how we proclaim the Kingdom of God to which we belong.  Amen!

Sharing the Gospel with God’s Love

 “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Paul was revealed, “Love obligates me to preach to everyone, to those who are among the elite and those who are among the outcasts, to those who are wise and educated as well as to those who are foolish and unlearned. This is why I am so excited about coming to preach the wonderful message of Jesus to you in Rome! I refuse to be ashamed of the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere!”  Paul recognised being obligated by God’s love to preach the Gospel to everyone, the rich, the poor, the indigenous and the foreigner, the cultured and the uncultured, to the successful and the unsuccessful - alike.  Infact Paul was eager to preach the Gospel to all, Jew, Greek, Roman etc. because it is the message of goodness and well-being.  The promised salvation message came historically to the Jews first and through the Jewish people in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Now our love obligation continues as we share the glorious Gospel without shame, to the Jews and to everyone unto the ends of the planet - this sweet message of Yeshua’s grace.  Amen!

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!