The Unshakeable Kingdom of God

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

New Life Now & for Eternity

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

God’s Dwelling Place

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Holy Spirit Leading in All our Acts

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Be a Harvester to bring Souls for God’s Kingdom

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Christ is the End of the Law for Righteousness

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬, ‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Pride Goes Before Destruction

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭16‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Passionate for Christ

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Saved from the Wrath of God by Christ’s Sacrifice

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Jesus Christ is Lord

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Reality of the Spiritual Realm for Believers in Christ

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬, ‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Fight the Good Fight

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Called Christians - To Whom Supernatural Revelation Comes

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬

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

Drinking with Joy the Water of Life

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Power of the Gospel all Across the World

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Spirit of Yahweh

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Anointing of Christ Teaches Us Everything

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Christ Magnified our Joy

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV

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

Jesus Stood to Welcome Stephen in Heaven

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭56‬, ‭58‬, ‭60‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Believe in the Risen Christ

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

God Resists the Proud

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Christ Our Immanuel

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Church is Being Built

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Be Holy for God is Holy

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬

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

The Absolute Standard of God’s Word

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

R storation & Fulfillment of All Things

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Fire of Love for Jesus our Lord

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Mature Believers, the Church & the Holy Spirit

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Righteous in Christ Do Well

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

The Resurrection Power of the Kingdom of God

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

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Hearing God Daily Through His Word

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

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

God Sent Christ to be Our Single Sacrifice

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Believe & Meditate on God’s Word to Receive

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

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Christ Loves Us Passionately & Personally

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

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬

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

Love Caused the Disciple to Witness Christ’s Crucifixion

 “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!”

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John, the beloved disciple recorded, “So when Jesus looked down and saw the disciple He loved standing with her, He said, “Mother, look—John will be a son to you.”  Although unnamed, this was most certainly John the apostle.  John, the apostle of love, was the only one of the Twelve, who stood near the Cross and witnessed the crucifixion.  Love doesn’t quit or run away, or hide from pain.  It endures all things, overcomes all things, and empowers us in all things.  John didn’t run from the suffering of the Saviour.  We must be those who will stand next to Jesus even if the entire world is against us. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance and love will last forever! Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.  Let’s receive this love that the Holy Spirit has shed abroad in our hearts and flow with God’s love, to love our Saviour and to love others with God’s love.  Amen!

Bearers of Good News

 “How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, The work of the hands of a cunning workman.”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s song says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the sandaled feet of this one bringing such good news. You are truly royalty! The way you walk so gracefully in my ways displays such dignity. You are truly the poetry of God—His very handiwork.”  All those who bring the good news of salvation in Christ are the true royalty, filled with grace and truth which comes from Jesus, with the Spirit of sonship received by faith.  Everyone in the Body of Christ who bring the Gospel to hungry hearts, are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and they bring with beautiful feet, the words of life.  As the prophet said, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”  Christ is reigning in our hearts and may we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness whilst on earth.  Amen!

The Victorious One, the Heir of a Powerful Family

 “They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.”

‭‭John‬ ‭18‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded, “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. (Now Judas, the traitor, was among them.) He replied, “I Am He.” And the moment Jesus spoke the words, “I Am He”, the mob fell backward to the ground!”  Jesus, the Nazarene and this came from “nussraya” which in Aramaic means “victorious one” or “heir of a powerful family” and Nazareth in Hebrew which means “branch”.  This truly was a powerful moment as the great I Am spoke His Name before those who sought to seize Him.  When He spoke these soldiers didn’t trip over each other in surprise but these strong men fell backward to the ground by the power of God.  Jesus was in charge that night as the Captain of the Host of the Lord.  They could not seize Him unless He permitted them to do so.  What a wonderful Saviour, Who willingly submitted to the hands of cruel men, to bring us the gift of salvation.  In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious!  Amen!

Our Sincere Devotion to Christ Helps Us Overcome

 “Turn away thine eyes from me, For they have overcome me: Thy hair is as a flock of goats That appear from Gilead.”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s song says, “Turn your eyes from me; I can’t take it anymore! I can’t resist the passion of these eyes that I adore. Overpowered by a glance, my ravished heart—undone. Held captive by your love, I am truly overcome! For your undying devotion to me is the most yielded sacrifice.”  The Hebrew word for “overcome” is Rahab.  Like the harlot, who was chosen, favoured, saved from Jericho’s destruction, and included in the genealogy of Jesus, so we have “overcome” His heart.  No one would have thought Rahab would be so honoured - and many say that about us today.  We have overcome many things but to overcome His heart is love’s delight for we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of our testimony.  Hair in Scripture is a picture of our devotion to Christ like Mary.  It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Let’s obey with fear and trembling and with sincere devotion to Christ, and enjoy Him delighting in us.  Amen!

The Fullness of Christ in Believers is Imperative

 “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.”

‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple records, “So with deep love, I pray for My disciples. I’m not asking on behalf of the unbelieving world, but for those who belong to You, those You have given Me.”  How could it be that Jesus loves the world and gave Himself for the sin of the world, yet emphasises that He is praying for His disciples and not praying for the world?  Jesus’ coming into the world brings life to those who believe and judgment to those who do not.  The implication is that the key to reaching the world is the life, maturity, unity and love of the disciples.  This does not mean that Jesus doesn’t love the world, but that the world will only be reached when the disciples come into the fullness of Christ and in unity of the faith.  This is what consumes the heart of Jesus as He prays for them, before He went to the Cross.  The glory of God is revealed through the surrendered lives of all God’s disciples even today!  Amen!

Put On the Garment of Righteousness

 “I sleep, but my heart waketh: It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, My dove, my undefiled: For my head is filled with dew, And my locks with the drops of the night. I have put off my coat; How shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; How shall I defile them?”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s song says, “After this I let my devotion slumber, but my heart for him stayed awake. I had a dream. I dreamed of my beloved— he was coming to me in the darkness of night. The melody of the man I love awakened me. I heard his knock at my heart’s door as he pleaded with me: I have already laid aside my own garments for you. How could I take them up again since I’ve yielded my righteousness to yours? You have cleansed my life and taken me so far. Isn’t that enough?”  In Hebrew this means “My head is filled with dew and my hair with the drops of the night.”  This is the picture of Jesus as the Gethsemane Man, the One Who prayed all night for us.  Garments are used as a picture of righteousness.  Filthy garments are a symbol of unrighteousness or self-righteousness.  Clean white garments are a picture of the righteousness of Christ.  The Shulamite laying aside her coat or garments is symbolic of what happens when we come to know Jesus as Saviour - we lay aside our self-righteousness and take up His garments of true righteousness.  That’s why many who are so filled with self-righteousness are weak in declaring with confidence the true Gospel of righteousness that we have which comes from knowing Christ, the power of His  resurrection, and the participation in His sufferings. It includes being conformed to His  death.  Let’s nail to the Cross every self-righteousness in us prophesy “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”  Amen!

Passed from Judgment & Embraced Christ’s Righteousness

 “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded Jesus’s words, “And when He comes, He will expose sin and prove that the world is wrong about God’s righteousness and His judgments. ‘Sin,’ because they refuse to believe in Who I Am.  God’s ‘righteousness,’ because I Am going back to join the Father and you’ll see Me no longer. And ‘judgment’ because the ruler of this dark world has already received his sentence.”  Sin, righteousness and judgment are related to three.  Sin is related to Adam for it was through Adam sin entered humanity.  “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—”. Righteousness is related to Christ because it comes through Him and He has become our righteousness.  Judgment is related to satan, for the pure works of Christ bring judgment to the works of satan.  If we do not embrace Christ’s righteousness, we will share satan’s judgment.  For God made the only One Who  did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through our union with Him.  We are so blessed to have passed from judgment because we have embraced the righteousness of God in Christ.  Amen!

The Resurrected Christ Reflected in the Sacred Spices & Fruit

 “Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, With pleasant fruits; Camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; Calamus and cinnamon, With all trees of frankincense; Myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s song says, “Your inward life is now sprouting, bringing forth fruit.  What a beautiful paradise unfolds within you.  When I’m near you, I smell aromas of the finest spice, for many clusters of my exquisite fruit now grow within your inner garden. Here are the nine: pomegranates of passion, henna from heaven, spikenard so sweet, saffron shining, fragrant calamus from the cross, sacred cinnamon, branches of scented woods, myrrh, like tears from a tree, and aloe as eagles ascending.”  Every fruit and spice reflects the resurrected Christ.  Pomegranate is taken from a word that means “exalted”.  Solomon’s temple had pillars adorned with pomegranates.  Henna’s root word is “ransom price” or “redemption” - this fruit of mercy is seen in Christ’s maturing Bride.  Spikenard’s root word is “light” and Christ’s Bride is walking in the Light as He is the Light.  Saffron is the crocus, the lover’s perfume, costly and fragrant.  Calamus is a marsh plant known as “sweet flag” which produces fragrant oil and its root word is “purchased” or “redeemed”. Cinnamon emits a fragrance that is holiness to the Lord and was used in the sacred anointing oil of the priests and the tabernacle, an incense burned on the golden altar of the Holy Place.  Myrrh is a resin spice formed by cutting a tree, known as “tears from a tree” - it is a picture of the suffering love of Christ dripping down from Calvary’s tree.  Aloe is considered a healing balm - the Presence of the Lord in the Bride is released as a healing balm.  Jesus’s robes smelled of aloes.  Another name for aloes is “eagle wood” and like eagles we fly above our wounds, free from the past as we walk in intimacy with Him.  Amen! ‎

Chosen by Our God for Such a Time as This

 “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.that”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As John the beloved disciple recorded, “You show that you are My intimate friends when you obey all that I command you. I have never called you ‘servants,’ because a master doesn’t confide in his servants, and servants don’t always understand what the master is doing. But I call you My most intimate and cherished friends, for I reveal to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father. You didn’t choose Me, but I’ve chosen and commissioned you to go into the world to bear fruit. And your fruit will last, because whatever you ask of My Father, for My sake, He will give it to you!”  When our obedience to our Lord Jesus becomes a habit, we will find intimacy in our personal relationship with Him.  No longer will we be guilty or ashamed, feeling condemned like a slave, but our emotions will be able to accept that we are chosen and beloved of God.  Actually, the Lord has cared for us from our mother’s womb.  We are more than a friend to Him for we are born again from His wounded side.  We grow into maturity and character, going into our calling and ministry, according to the will of the Father.  Amen!

Prayers of God’s People as Incense before God

 “Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness Like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all powders of the merchant?”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV

Solomon’s song says, “Who is this one ascending from the wilderness in the pillar of the glory cloud? He is fragrant with the anointing oils of myrrh and frankincense — more fragrant than all the spices of the merchant.”  These spices  were the ingredients of the sacred anointing oil used by the high priest in the temple, as Scripture tells us.  Myrrh points to the suffering and death of Christ, while frankincense reveals the fragrance of His perfect life and ministry.  When the high priest burnt these spices before the ark of the covenant, the Presence of God came down there.  But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the One Who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.    As John the revelator saw in his vision, our prayers are taken by the angel with a gold incense burner who came and stood at the altar, and a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne.  Today, in the new covenant we are called as priests and our prayers go up to our God as incense.  May our prayers be according to God’s will always.  Amen!

God Makes Believers His Dwelling Place

 “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.it wereso”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John, the beloved disciple recorded what Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you.”  Jesus says there are many homes and resting places in His Father’s household.  He had mentioned His Father’s house earlier when He had driven the money collectors out of the temple in Jerusalem, as He told the merchants, “Get these things out of here! Don’t you dare commercialize My Father’s house!”  The temple was God’s dwelling place on earth, among His people.  Today, in the new covenant, His dwelling place is the Body of Christ, the Church, and there is ample room for people from every nation and ethnicity and room to spare!  As Paul says so aptly, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in Whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in Whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”  Every believer is now one of the many dwelling places that make up God’s house.  Let’s believe what Jesus said, “Loving Me empowers you to obey My Word. And My Father will love you so deeply that We will come to you and make you Our dwelling place.”  Amen!

Christ is Our Beloved and We are His

 “Take us the foxes, The little foxes, That spoil the vines: For our vines have tender grapes. My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth among the lilies.”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬

Solomon’s song says, “You must catch the troubling foxes, those sly little foxes that hinder our relationship. For they raid our budding vineyard of love to ruin what I’ve planted within you. Will you catch them and remove them for me? We will do it together. I know my lover is mine and I have everything in you, for we delight ourselves in each other.” These “foxes” are the compromises that are hidden deep in our hearts.  These are areas of our lives where we have not yet allowed the victory of Christ to shine into.  The foxes keep the fruit of His Spirit from growing within us.  He “feedeth among the lilies” means He takes delight to be a special Friend. That’s what Jesus said just before He was crucified.  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”  Let’s simply believe Jesus and have a relationship with Him as of our Friend to lead the fruitful life He wants us to so that He delights in us.  Amen!

Our True Inheritance in Christ

 “Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”

‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As John the beloved disciple recorded, “Jesus replied, “You don’t understand yet the meaning of what I’m doing, but soon it will be clear to you.”  Jesus had asked His disciples to remove their sandals so He would wash their feet.  By removing their sandals and washing their feet, Jesus was showing them that He was granting them a new inheritance - His own.  The sandal is often used in covenants of inheritance in Hebrew culture.  Every defilement would be removed so that they could “place the sole of their feet” upon the new covenant inheritance.  God told Moses to remove his sandals, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”  This was because Moses was about to receive a new inheritance - the holiness of God and the authority that came with it.  God told Joshua, “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.”  After Jesus had washed the disciples feet, and taken His garments, He sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I Am.  If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”  Let’s as believers and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ know our inheritance and when the world calls us “rice bag Christians”, we should be able to give them the glorious Gospel of their true inheritance in Christ.  Amen!

Let Go and Let God

 “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: For thy love is better than wine.”

‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s song says, “Let him smother me with kisses—his Spirit-kiss divine. So kind are your caresses, I drink them in like the sweetest wine!”  The name Solomon and Shulamite have the same meaning except that one is masculine and the other is feminine.  Solomon points us to the Perfect King, Jesus Christ.  We, who are born of the Spirit, are one spirit with our King, united with Him.  To enter the door of Jesus’s heart, we begin by saying “let Him”.  We only bring Him a yielded heart and let Him do the rest, for God’s loving grace means that Jesus is enough for us.  We don’t begin by doing, but by yielding.  The Spirit kiss is what made Adam, the man of clay, into the living expression of God.  Dust and Deity met when the Maker kissed His Spirit wind into Adam.  The Word of God is the kiss from the mouth of our Beloved, breathing upon us the revelation of His love.  His love is saving love, keeping love, forgiving love and embracing love.  We are intoxicated with His love as He breathes His Word into us as kisses.  So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these Three are One.  That’s why we are empowered to be equipped to overcome any situation in our life.  Amen!

Jesus Laid Down His Life for Us

 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV

John the beloved disciple recorded Jesus’s words, “Let me make this clear: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.”  The “one grain” is Jesus Christ, Who will within days be offered as the Sacrifice for sin on Calvary’s Cross.  He will “drop” into the ground as “a grain of wheat” and bring forth a great “harvest” of “seeds”.  Some non-Jewish seekers requested to see Jesus through Philip and Andrew and Jesus gave this parable in answer.  Jesus was telling His disciples that the non-Jewish will see Jesus through those who follow Him as they too experience the dying and birthing experience.  The harvest among the nations will come when we disciples follow Jesus where He goes. For since we have become one with Him in dying as He did, in the same way we shall be one with Him by being raised to life as He was. We know what real love is from Christ's example in dying for us. And so we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers.  Amen!

Reverent Awe of Our Majestic Holy God

 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon ends Ecclesiastes by saying, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”  The fear of the LORD is a deep, reverent awe and wonder toward God.  Rather than terror or dread, it is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—inspiring profound love, obedience, and a desire to honor God's majesty.  As the psalmist said that the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endures for ever.  When Jesus was despised on the Cross, it was in obedience to His Father so that humanity’s sin was erased altogether through His Blood sacrifice; and then through Christ’s conquering death, the eternal life of God became ours by faith.  Now when Christ comes again, it will be with majesty, splendour, magnificence and glory and all will bow down in the fear of God.  It’s through knowing the fear of the LORD, that we persuade others to this glorious Gospel.  Let’s not take God’s love for granted but worship Him in reverent awe.  Amen!

Jesus, Our Resurrection and Life, Personally and as the Church

 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded, “Martha,” Jesus said, “You don’t have to wait until then.  I Am the Resurrection, and I Am Life Eternal. Anyone who clings to Me in faith, even though he dies, will live forever. And the one who lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”  Jesus is God as His statement clearly says.  Resurrection is superior to life, for life can be defeated and ended.  But resurrection overcomes.  Life is the power to exist, but resurrection is the power to conquer all, even death itself.  We, who believe in Christ, must learn to live in Christ our Life, but also Christ our Resurrection, to conquer all things.  Paul said it so clearly, “And I continually long to know the wonders of Jesus and to experience the overflowing power of His Resurrection working in me. I will be one with Him in His sufferings and become like Him in His death.”  As believers we never die forever!  John recorded as an eye-witness that Jesus is our great Saviour Who saved us from our sins and also from death.  Jesus is our Resurrection and our Life, on a personal level and also as the Church, His Body.  Amen!

Be Generous in Giving

 “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Solomon says, “Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.”  Solomon told thousands of years ago, what many billionaires do today!  Which is to donate generously!  In our times, people will do anything to acquire money because they worship it - mammon is idolised!  To part with money is impossible for such people as everything, every relationship, every communication is transactional based on money.  Jesus said, “Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of your generosity becomes the measurement of your return.”  Giving generously delivers us not only from the love of money but also from covetousness.  Jesus is so clear when He says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”    Those who persist in covetousness, and the love of money and cowardliness will have a sad end.  But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly, lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars (those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed)–all of these shall have their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.  Let’s learn to do things in God’s way by being generous, not only with money, but with kindness, mercy and love.  Amen!

True Children of God in Christ by Faith

 “This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple says, “Jesus told the Pharisees this parable even though they didn’t understand a word of what He meant. So Jesus went over it again, “I speak to you eternal truth: I am the Gate for the flock. All those who broke in before Me are thieves who came to steal, but the sheep never listened to them.”  The hearers didn’t understand the allegory of the old covenant law that the sheepfold had become their religion, like a pen that confined the people.  Christ is the Gate that not only allowed everyone in, but He let them out into the new covenant, to enjoy all the riches of the pasture.  The Holy Spirit is the Gatekeeper.  The false prophets and the Pharisees are the thieves and robbers.  All this happened after Jesus healed the blind man who was cast out of the “sheep pen” but accepted in Christ.  Jesus is the Shepherd, the Gate and the pasture.  As the Gate, He brings us to the Father and His Kingdom; as a Shepherd He cares for us and shows us His loving heart.  Until the revelation of faith for salvation was released, the law was a jailer, holding us as prisoners under lock and key until the “faith,” which was destined to be revealed, would set us free. The law was our guardian until Christ came so that we would be saved by faith. But now that faith has come we are no longer under the guardianship of the law. So now we have become true children of God by faith in Jesus Christ!  Amen!

Money, the Currency of the World - Faith, the Currency of God’s Kingdom

 “A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s wisdom says, “A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!”  Money is the currency of this world we live in.  The Lord Jesus Christ clearly taught, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”  Even the apostles taught, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  For us who belong to the Kingdom of God, we are clear that we serve the Living God and the currency of God’s Kingdom is faith.  For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.  Today, people are lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, enjoying the feasting, wine and mirth in this life.  Unfortunately, none of this will stand them after this life.  Only the eternal life God has offered through Christ will endure forever.  Money is to be used wisely in this world to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, so that in Christ all things are added to us.  Let’s bless others and use money to give the Good News of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation.  Amen!

Seeing the Apostle of our Faith - the Lord Jesus in All we Do

 “and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”

‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple records, “And He said to the blind man, “Now go and wash the clay from your eyes in the ritual pool of Siloam.” So he went and washed his face and as he came back, he could see for the first time in his life!”  Siloam means “to be sent” or “to be commissioned” - and is the same meaning of “apostle”.  The Apostle of our faith is the Lord Jesus Christ Who was sent from the Father.  To wash in the Pool of Apostleship is to recognise the healing that flows from the One Who was sent from heaven.  Jesus had just taught that He is the Light of the world and had came to dispel the darkness of mankind, so this miracle of giving sight to the blind man is a powerful proof of Jesus’s words.  Christ, in His birth, became a man of clay.  When He applies this clay  over our eyes and we wash in the water of His Word, our spiritual sight is restored.  Then we are sent to testify of God’s goodness in our lives.  We who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are all apostles commissioned by Him.  Therefore, as partakers of the heavenly calling, let’s keep continuously considering the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.  Amen!

Marriage is Honourable

 “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬

Solomon says, “Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.”  Solomon spouted God’s truth but never practiced it.  However, it is the truth of God.  Marriage didn’t come by evolution, or by man’s doing, it came to be because God instituted it.  The marriage covenant was established as a foundational, "one-flesh" union, for a permanent joining of a man and a woman.  For the reason of marriage, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  The Lord Jesus Christ affirmed this truth when questioned about marriage.  In the liberal culture that is happening where sexual immorality, gender transition etc are increasing, we are to honour the sanctity of marriage as God has instituted, and keep our vows of purity to one another, for God will judge sexual immorality in any form, whether single or married.  Let’s be happy in our marriage and those who are not married, be happy in being single and being devoted to God even more. Marriage is honourable and godliness with contentment is great wealth.  Amen!

Be Conscious of God’s Presence

 “And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded, “And then He bent over again and wrote some more words in the dust.”  The prophet had prophesied hundreds of years ago, “Yahweh..all who forsake You will be covered with shame. Those who turn away from You will be written in the dirt. To forsake You, Yahweh, is to forsake the Fountain of Living Waters.”  Jesus wrote in the dust to fulfil this prophecy that those who forsake God are in spiritual adultery and will be written in the dust.  All of Jesus’s accusers were and are guilty of forsaking God, the Fountain of Living Waters.  At that time, the accusers were so anxious to stone this woman to death.  The same Finger that wrote the Ten Commandments in stone also wrote the names of each of the accusers in the dust in front of their eyes, pointing to their hypocrisy.  The ones to leave this place first were the priests!  The Presence of God will either make hypocrisy leave us or we will leave His Presence, the choice is ours!  So let’s put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander from our lives and fervently love one another.  Let’s not be those who spout God’s Word from our mouth but our lives don’t proclaim it.  Let’s drink from the Fountain of Living Waters and be satisfied with the Presence of God in our life.  Amen!

The Spirit of Sonship in Christ

 “Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s wisdom says, “the king can do whatever he wants; his command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right”.  The prophet said, “But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! The whole earth trembles at His anger. The nations cannot stand up to His wrath.”  This God put His anger and wrath on His Son Jesus on the Cross when Jesus freed us from bondage to sin.  Through faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection, we have received the Spirit of Sonship.  As the King’s sons we are led by His Holy Spirit to obey Him and His power is in us.  So that we would know that we are His true children, God released the Spirit of Sonship into our hearts—moving us to cry out intimately, “My Father! My true Father!” Now we’re no longer living like slaves under the law, but we enjoy being God’s very own sons and daughters! And because we’re His, we can access everything our Father has—for we are heirs because of what God has done!  In the new covenant God has made with us, we are made heirs, kings and princes in God’s Kingdom.  The wise by faith move in this knowledge to win souls into God’s Kingdom and make disciples with the power and authority God has given us.  This is in preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus when He comes in glory as our Heavenly Father commands Him. For His is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen!