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!

Mercy Has Dominion Over Judgment

 “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded, “Stop judging based on the superficial. First you must embrace the standards of mercy and truth.”  Jesus clearly asks us to not cloud righteous judgment with our own biased opinions and traditions.  Let’s not judge because hypocrites wear masks!  Jesus had just healed the lame man on the Sabbath which the Pharisees took umbrage at.  They were really no one to judge Jesus because they themselves never practiced what they preached.  Here Jesus teaches that the law of mercy (healing the lame man), overrides the law of Moses (regulations of the Sabbath).  Seeing situations and people with the lens of mercy gives us true discernment.  It is good to remember that judgment is merciless for the one who judges others without mercy. So by showing mercy, you take dominion over judgment!  The Lord Jesus showed us mercy when He took the sins of mankind upon the Cross when He was judged by God Almighty and it was there that mercy triumphed over judgment.  Now through faith in the finished work of Jesus at the Cross, we receive mercy. And have dominion over judgment.  Thank You Jesus!

Christ the Wisdom and the Power of God to Us

 “I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭25‬, ‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s wisdom says, “I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness. But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.”  We thank God today that through Jesus Christ we have received the Holy Spirit Who brings us the wisdom of God.  Today, we live in times where man has discovered how to replicate natural human processes with the artificial intelligence of machines.  This is the idea of humans to create a super intelligent AI that does what humans are meant to do by using their bodies and minds.  In the end human beings are made obsolete.  What a rebellious folly and madness to believe that! Nevertheless, the wisdom of God will be proven true by the expressions of godliness in everyone who follows Christ Who is made to us the wisdom of God.  The Church has the manifold wisdom of God which to unbelievers is a mystery, but to us believers it is the power of God.  Our part is to walk in the wisdom of God as we live before the unbelievers, and make it our duty to make Christ known.  Let the glorious Gospel be preached by the Church for it is the power of God to salvation.  Amen!

The Living Bread gives Abundant Life

 “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded, “Jesus then took the barley loaves and the fish and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to the disciples to distribute to the people. Miraculously, the food multiplied, with everyone eating as much as they wanted!”  Barley is the first crop to harvest in Israel as God told Moses, ““Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops, bring the priest a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest.”  It is a picture of the resurrected Christ.  A barley loaf becomes a picture of Christ given to us in resurrection life.  He is the firstfruit of resurrection life.  When tempted by the devil, Jesus refused to turn stones into bread to satisfy His own hunger.  Yet here Jesus multiplied bread to satisfy the hunger of others.  Philip was hoping to give each one a little to eat, but Jesus’s supply is always abundant to satisfy the hunger of all.  Jesus is the Living Bread that came down from heaven and when we eat Him, we live forever.  Amen!

The Exceeding Great Riches of Our Lord Jesus Christ

 “a man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV

Solomon’s wisdom says, “God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want, but then He doesn’t give them the chance to enjoy these things. They die, and someone else, even a stranger, ends up enjoying their wealth! This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy.”  This was Solomon’s tragedy, and all those who put their trust in the riches and systems of this world.  The prophets of the old covenant kept reminding the children of Israel to be separate from the idols of this world particularly the love of money and coveting it.  They prophesied of the Messiah Who would come to save.  “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.”  In the new covenant, we have experienced the extravagant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although He was infinitely rich, He impoverished Himself for our sake, so that by His poverty, we become rich beyond measure.  Let’s put our trust in the exceedingly great riches of our Lord Jesus Christ rather than the riches of this world.  Amen!

Belief in Christ’s Resurrection Gave Us Our New Identity

 “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple writes what Jesus spoke, ““Don’t be amazed when I tell you these things, for there is a day coming when everyone who has ever died will hear My voice calling them back to life, and they will come out of their graves! Those who have done what is good will experience a resurrection to eternal life. And those who have practiced evil will taste the resurrection of judgment!”  When we know our identity in Christ, we are used to hearing God’s voice for we are His sheep.  The day is coming when all shall hear His voice and will turn to the LORD and worship Him.  All those who didn’t follow Him will be judged whereas all those who heard His voice and followed Him were judged when judgment fell on Jesus at the Cross and will reign with Him forever.  This is so because our old identity has been co-crucified with Christ and no longer lives. And now the essence of this new life is no longer ours, for the Anointed One lives His life through us - we live in union as one! Our new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves us so much that He gave Himself for us, dispensing His life into ours!  Hallelujah!

The Word of God Written in Our Heart

 “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s wisdom says, “Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool.”  Jesus spoke about certain people who spoke many words and cautioned them from talking with many words.  People who talk a lot don’t achieve much.  Many think that making long prayers is pleasing to God.  But Jesus taught that when you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. In fact Jesus called such people hypocrites.  Within earshot of all the people, Jesus warned His disciples, “Don’t follow the example of these pretentious experts of the law! They love to parade around in their religious garments so that people honor them wherever they go. They like to sit right up front in every meeting and push their way to the head table at every banquet. And for an offering they will pray long religious prayers at the homes of widows, cheating them out of their very livelihood. Beware of them all, because one day the Judge will strip them of honor, and judge them severely.”  In the ‘guru’ culture that we live in, it is better to heed the words of Jesus.  Let’s not just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception. So always let His Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by our life!  Amen!

The Living Well Gives His Living Water

 “Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)”

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple writes, “Wearied by His long journey, He sat on the edge of Jacob’s well, and sent His disciples into the village to buy food, for it was already afternoon. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”  The well was a “spring-fed well”.  This becomes a picture of the “spring” of the Jacob-life inside of every one of us.  Fed by Adam’s fall, this spring has flowed through all of humanity.  But Jesus sat as a “lid” to Jacob’s well, sealing its polluted stream.  In Christ, Jacob’s clever striving has ended.  The Living Well became a lid to Jacob’s well as Jesus sat there ready to give His Living Water to all who would come and drink.  A Well sitting upon a well.  The “water” Jesus wanted was the refreshing, satisfying pleasure of her devotion.  He says to each of us, “Nothing satisfies Me except you.”  The sinner drank of the Saviour and the Saviour drank of the sinner and both were satisfied.  Neither ate or drank, but both were satisfied.  Therefore with joy we will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day we will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.  Amen!

The Church, the Gospel and the Kingdom of God

 “So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s wisdom says, “Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless.”  When we see nations where poverty is continuing for generations and led by oppressive governments and politicians, our hearts are cut with compassion.  This is why the Church was born two thousand years ago, when our God rose victorious from the dead and sent His Holy Spirit to empower the Church.  The Church is here to bring the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.  The Church has the Gospel for the Spirit of the Lord God has taken control of all those who believe the Word.  The Lord has chosen and sent us to tell the oppressed the Gospel, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners who are captive to wrong beliefs; to console those who mourn, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.  May the true Church recognise the responsibility God has placed on us to bring the Gospel to all, for God loves all mankind.  Amen!

Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places

 “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.even”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As John the beloved disciple recorded Jesus’s words, “No one has risen into the heavenly realm except the Son of Man Who also exists in heaven.”  Jesus shares a mystery with Nicodemus.  While He was on earth ministering, Jesus was also in heaven in the spirit realm.  Being in the two places at the same time is also the privilege given to every believer.  We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realm and living our earthly life to please Him.  This is what it means to be “in Christ”.  He raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory”, Paul writes.  In the realm of the Spirit, heaven and earth is one.  Jesus is telling Nicodemus that only those who are seated in the heavenly realm will understand spiritual truths.  May we understand the depth of what Jesus tells us personally through His Word.  Amen!

God’s Seaon, God’s Time, God’s Purpose

 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s wisdom says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”  Paul said when he preached at Athens that “God had made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation;” God’s plans and seasons are appointed, for He had appointed for His Son to come in the flesh at the right time.  At God’s right season, the Word was sowed into this planet and the Gospel preached.  At the appointed time God judged Jesus on the Cross and Jesus conquered death through His resurrection and opened the way for mankind to have the opportunity to be born again by the Spirit into a new life in Christ.  Now at His appointed season He has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to all His disciples by the command of God our Saviour this wonderful Gospel.  This is the purpose of God, to restore humanity to His image and likeness which was lost by Adam and bring His family back to Himself through the power of His love.  Thank You Father!

Faith in Christ’s Resurrection Makes Our Body His Temple

 “But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”

‭‭John‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John, the beloved disciple wrote, “But they failed to understand that Jesus was speaking of the “temple” of His body. The disciples remembered His prophecy after Jesus rose from the dead, and believed both the Scripture and what Jesus had said.”  Resurrection power would be the sign of Jesus’s supreme authority.  Jesus’s death and resurrection effectively dismantled the need for the temple, for now His powerful Gospel of the Kingdom of God builds us into a holy temple not made with hands.  As Paul said, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”  This symbolic form of speaking was so different from the teachings of the Pharisees, as it is to the understanding of many Christians today.  The God Who was once worshipped by animal sacrifices is now to be worshipped in spirit and truth with every believer as a priest. Have you forgotten that your body is now the sacred temple of the Spirit of Holiness, Who lives in you? You don’t belong to yourself any longer, for the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, lives inside your sanctuary. You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God!  God had chosen us to serve our God and formed us into a kingdom of priests who reign on the earth.  Amen!

This Life is Brief in the Light of Eternity

 “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon’s wisdom says, “I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.”  Solomon concluded that pleasure and the good things of life, our comfort zones, comedy and cheering oneself with wine and liquor are all vanity and meaningless.  The God Who has created everything has not made it for vanity or meaninglessness.  He has given Life with a purpose.  When mankind lost that purpose through sin, God sent His Son to redeem mankind so we would get the purpose back.  That is why Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.”  What is our purpose then?  As Jesus said, “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Let’s do our purpose which is to be part of God’s Kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven; and doing His on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen!

Crossing Into New Life

 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John the beloved disciple recorded, “The very next day, John saw Jesus coming to him to be baptized, and John cried out, “Look! There He is—God’s Lamb! He takes away the sin of the entire world!” This was the place chosen by God for John to baptise Jesus as thousands of years ago the children of Israel crossed into the promised land when the Jordan River parted and they passed through on dry land.  This is a powerful reminder of crossing into the new life.  As the Lamb of God, Jesus was publicly washed and proven to be without flaw or blemish, ready to become the sacrifice for all the world.  Although He would rise as the Lion of Judah in resurrection power, here He is the meek Lamb, a willing sacrifice for us as He broke sin’s grip from humanity, taking away its guilt and power from those who believe.  We join with those singing with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  Amen!

The Spirit of Wisdom

 “And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon, the king of Israel wrote, “I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.”  This king was given wisdom and understanding to manage his affairs of this world, it was the natural wisdom and understanding he got.  He was much admired and felicitated by rulers of other nations.  Solomon came to the conclusion that it was all meaningless.  Depending on worldly wisdom was a tragic existence for mankind because it takes one away from God.  That was Solomon’s life for in his old age, his many wives turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, and broke the covenant with God.  But thanks be to God that through the Blood sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, the new covenant came into being and the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, the Spirit of Wisdom.  This supernatural wisdom now enables all believers to know that friendship with the world is enmity with God.  Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  Worldly wisdom is friendship with the world. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  Let’s surrender to the Holy Spirit and walk in wisdom from above.  Amen!

To Know Jesus is to Know the Word Personally

 “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets He carefully unveiled to them the revelation of Himself throughout the Scriptures.”  Jesus, risen from the dead, was walking alongside two disciples and they weren’t aware of Who was walking next to them.  The disciples were astounded at what Jesus taught them.  A similar story was of Jesus as a young boy talking with Jewish scholars at the temple and they were astounded as to how a young boy could have such wisdom.  This is because in the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him.  The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s One and Only Son.  To know Jesus is to know the Word personally.  Let the Word be our inspiration, motivation and action.  Let’s be doers of the Word.  Amen!

Preparing as Christ’s Bride

 “She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Wisdom from above says, “Even her works of righteousness she does for the benefit of her enemies. Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days. Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instruction pours from her lips.”  Linen is a symbol of righteousness.  Linen was worn by the priests in the tabernacle and temple and the curtains of the tabernacle were linen, signifying God’s righteousness.  This virtuous woman knew to deal with merchants righteously as she clothed herself with strength and honour, speaking wisdom and kindness, the fruits of righteousness.  In the new covenant the gift of righteousness has been given through the Cross when Jesus was judged on our behalf.  Today, the Bride of Christ is making herself ready with fine linen, shining bright and clear, which has been given to her to wear, and the fine linen represents the righteous deeds of His holy believers.  As we prepare ourselves as Christ’s Bride, let our prayer be that our love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that we may approve the things that are excellent, that we may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.  Amen!

Forgiveness

 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “While they were nailing Jesus to the Cross, He prayed over and over, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” The soldiers, after they crucified Him, gambled over His clothing.”  Even in extreme distress, Jesus prayed intensely, “forgive them”.  He didn’t pray “forgive me” but continuously prayed “forgive them”.  As the centurion crushed Him to the ground and tied His arms to the crossbeam, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them”.  When the spikes tore through each quivering palm, He prayed again, “Father, forgive them”.  When the soldiers parted His garments and gambled for the seamless robe, again Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them”.  Only heaven knows how many times that prayer was spoken.  This is our God Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek”.  Jesus continues to pray for us as we learn to trust Him every day.  Amen!

Only Christ Ascended Up to Heaven

 “Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, If thou canst tell?”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Wisdom from above says, “Who is it that travels back and forth from the heavenly realm to the earth? Who controls the wind as it blows and holds it in His fists? Who tucks the rain into the cloak of His clouds? Who stretches out the skyline from one vista to the other? What is His name? And what is the name of His Son? Who can tell me?”  Jesus solved this riddle when He said, “No one has risen into the heavenly realm except the Son of Man Who also exists in heaven.”  Only Jesus Christ is the Master of heavenly knowledge and wisdom.    Paul was revealed this mystery, “And He has generously given each one of us supernatural grace, according to the size of the gift of Christ. This is why He says: “He ascends into the heavenly heights taking His many captured ones with Him, and gifts were given to men.” He “ascended” means that He returned to heaven, after He had first descended from the heights of heaven, even to the lower regions, namely, the earth. The same One Who descended is also the One Who ascended above the heights of heaven, in order to begin the restoration and fulfillment of all things.”  The ‘wind’ means ‘ruach’ Who is the Holy Spirit.  May we know the revelation of the Word as the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us.  Amen!

Honour Jesus by Serving Others in His Name

 “But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “But this is not your calling. You will lead by a different model. The greatest one among you will live as one called to serve others without honor. The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant heart.  In Hebrew culture in the days of Jesus, the firstborn of the household had honour, while the youngest accepted the role of menial service to all the others of the house.  In the Kingdom of God, as Paul tells us, Jesus is the Head of the Body, the Church, Who is the Beginning, the Firstborn  from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  Jesus has the place of honour in our hearts where we enthrone Him.  He came to serve and having done that through the Cross, He is the only One Who gets the honour.  Jesus was responding, at that time, to the disciples argument of who of them is the greatest.  His response was unexpected for the disciples and for those Christians today who expect honour to their status!  Jesus’s response is the same today as it was then.  Serve others if you expect to be honoured.  Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him Who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own Blood.  Let’s honour the Lord Jesus, by serving others.  Amen!

Be Quick to Forgive

 “An angry man stirreth up strife, And a furious man aboundeth in transgression. A man's pride shall bring him low: But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Wisdom from above says, “The source of strife is found in an angry heart, for sin surrounds the life of a furious man. Lift yourself up with pride and you will soon be brought low, but a meek and humble spirit will add to your honor.”  Strife is the work of the flesh when we don’t give importance to our relationships and take offence and harbour grudges.  Pride and ego keep us from either seeking forgiveness or forgiving others.  If we want to live honourably, meekness and humility is key to our behaviour pattern.  When we remember that God made Jesus Who knew no sin, to become sin for us so that we in Christ would become the righteousness of God, we are in awe of the humility of Jesus our Lord.  Grace is the power of God to enable us to release the faith of Jesus Christ to overcome our challenges, instead of taking offence or harbouring grudges.  We who believe in the Lord Jesus know that we are crucified with Christ, nevertheless we live; yet not we but Christ lives in us and the life we live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God Who loves us and gave Himself for us.  Let’s be quick to forgive, quick not to take offence, and to not harbour grudges in our heart.  Thank You Jesus!

Persevering in Our Passion for Christ

 “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, Jesus saying - “And at last, when you see how the Son of Man comes—surrounded with a cloud, with great power and miracles, in the radiance of His splendour, and with great glory and praises—it will make you jump for joy! For the time of your full transformation has arrived.”  Jesus is the Son of God Who became a Man.  It is our privilege to believe even when we can’t see, that the Lord Jesus is always surrounded with the radiance of His splendour, in great glory and praises.  It is our faith as those belonging to Christ, who are redeemed and liberated by the Blood of Jesus, from the shackles of deception, sin and the enemy of our souls to believe in the majesty of our risen Lord.  As we persevere in our passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, we are coming into the total transformation of our body, soul and spirit, when we see Him as He is.  May the God of peace and harmony set us apart, making us completely holy. And may our entire being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept completely flawless in the appearing of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.  Amen!

The Church Releases the Victory of the Cross

 “As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; So is a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Wisdom from above says, “Ruthless rulers can only be compared to raging lions and roaming bears. Abusive leaders fail to employ wisdom, but leaders who despise corruption will enjoy a long and full life.”  David, before he killed Goliath, went after the lion and the bear and dealt soundly with them!  These beasts represented demonic forces of evil over the land   Daniel also mentions ruthless world leaders as lions and bears.  “Daniel spoke, saying, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. “And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’ “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.”  Abusive leaders devour like a hungry lion and unjust leaders will trample like a bear.  But thank God that He has given the Church to release the victory of the Cross, this exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.  Amen!

David’s Son & David’s Lord

 “And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭43‬-‭44‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, ““Haven’t you read in the Psalms where David himself wrote: The Lord Yahweh said to My Lord, ‘Sit near Me in the place of authority until I subdue all Your enemies under Your feet!’ ” Jesus explained, “If David calls this One ‘my Lord,’ how can He be his son?””  In Hebrew translation, David wrote “Yahweh said to my Adonai” which paraphrased reads “The LORD God said to my protecting Lord Messiah”.  Jesus is quoting from David’s psalm and He was yet to make all God’s enemies become a footstool under His Feet, by dying on the Cross and rising again the third day.  Jesus was challenging the people to know that the Christ is both God and Man, David’s Son and David’s Lord.  Jesus as the Son of Man, made a public spectacle of all the powers and principalities of darkness, stripping away from them every weapon and all their spiritual authority and power to accuse mankind.  And by the Power of the Cross, Jesus led them around as prisoners in a procession of triumph. He was not their prisoner; they were His!  This is the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all.  Jesus is the Son of Man and the Son of God, David’s Son and David’s Lord.  Hallelujah!

The Word of God our Only Opinion

 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬

Wisdom from above says, “You can trust a friend who wounds you with his honesty, but your enemy’s pretended flattery comes from insincerity. When your soul is full, you turn down even the sweetest honey. But when your soul is starving, every bitter thing becomes sweet.”  Wounds by a loved one are long lasting, effective and faithful.  Whereas flatterers are hollow, even when they kiss you - you never know where you stand with them and it’s dangerous to take their words and kisses to heart.  When we are full of many things and many opinions, the sweet Word of God, like revelation honey, is spurned.  Instead, we eat and fill our souls with things that can never satisfy.  For our spiritual growth and maturity, we all need to be corrected by the Word of God as it is God speaking to us. Remember, when our human parents disciplined us, we respected them. If that was true, shouldn't we respect and live under the correction of the Father of all spirits even more? Our earthly fathers trained us for a few brief years, doing the best for us that they knew how, but God's correction is always right and for our best good, that we may share His holiness.  Let’s make the Word of God our only opinion and speak it forth to others as well as to ourselves.  Amen!

Be the Temple of God and Reveal Christ in You

 “And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭45‬-‭46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke writes, “Jesus entered the temple area and forcibly threw out all the merchants from their stalls. He rebuked them, saying, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Father’s house is to be filled with prayer—a house of prayer, not a cave of bandits!’ ”  The Gospel of the Lord Jesus can never be traded for money.  Freely we have received and freely we give.  The only time when Jesus used force was when people mixed the goodness of God with money.  It was prophesied, Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, “Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord.  “And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”  Our personal relationship with Almighty God can never be misused.  Through the defeat of sin and death, our Lord Jesus has sent His mighty Holy Spirit to make us the temple of God.  As the apostle told, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”  Let’s walk in the consciousness that the Holy Spirit dwells in us to show Jesus to the world around us, let’s reveal Jesus through us.  Amen!

Christ is our Wisdom

 “As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honour is not seemly for a fool.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Wisdom from above says, “It is totally out of place to promote and honor a fool, just like it’s out of place to have snow in the summer and rain at harvest time.”  Both snow and rain are good in their proper season but harmful in the wrong season.  So is it harmful for a fool if you affirm him and honour him prematurely.  The Scripture has defined fools as, ‘The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”’  Only the withering soul would say to himself, “There’s no God for me!” Anyone who thinks like that is corrupt and callous; depraved and detestable, they are devoid of what is good. In today’s world such people are honoured, but according to the Word the one who fooled first was the father of lies and since then has been fooling people that there is no God.  Such people have tried to fool others. These people have gone out into the world. They don't agree that Jesus Christ came in a human body. People like this try to trick others. These people are like the great enemy of Christ. Eventually, the devil who fooled all of them will be thrown into the lake of fire and burning sulfur. He will be there with the beast and the false prophet, and they will be in pain day and night forever and ever.  Let’s live in the faith that overcomes, which is our victory - the victory that Jesus won for us at the Cross.  Let’s live to honour God in Christ because Christ has become to us the wisdom of God.  Amen! 

How Much More the Blood of Christ

 “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.are I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke writes, The religious leader stood apart from the others and prayed, ‘How I thank You, O God, that I’m not wicked like everyone else. They’re cheaters, swindlers, and crooks—like that tax collector over there. God, You know that I never cheat or commit adultery; I fast from food twice a week and I give You a tenth of all I earn.’  The tax collector stood alone in a corner, away from the Holy Place, and covered his face in his hands, feeling that he was unworthy even to look up to God. Beating his breast, he sobbed with brokenness and tears saying, ‘God, please, in Your mercy and because of the blood sacrifice, forgive me, for I am nothing but the most miserable of all sinners!’  The LORD God Almighty hates self righteousness, the pride that makes you feel superior to others - it was the same pride that led to Lucifer’s fall to become satan.  The tax collector’s humility in prayer led to him scourging his breast in genuine repentance, as he said to God, “Look at me as you look at the blood-sprinkled mercy seat.”  Today, how much more shall the Blood of Christ, Who  through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  Let’s cast aside self-righteousness and come before God in genuine sorrow, looking at the Blood Sacrifice of the Lamb of God that takes away our sin, and receive grace at heaven’s Mercy Seat.  Amen!

Anointed by the Anointed One

 “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift Is like clouds and wind without rain.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Wisdom from above says, “Clouds that carry no water and a wind that brings no refreshing rain — that’s what you’re like when you boast of a gift that you don’t have.”  The symbols of clouds, wind and rain are significant.  Clouds are often a metaphor for the people of God filled with glory. The writer of Hebrews says, “As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds”.  Wind is an emblem of the Holy Spirit bringing new life, as John explains, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”  Rain often points to teaching the revelation-truths that refresh and water the seeds of spiritual growth.  That’s how Isaiah tells, ““For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”  God’s anointed people are to be clouds carried by the wind of the Holy Spirit that bring refreshing truths to His people.  When we are empty and false, we are clouds without rain.  As Peter puts it, “These people are dried-up riverbeds, waterless clouds pushed along by stormy winds—the deepest darkness of gloom has been prepared for them.”  Let’s be God’s anointed people instead, those who have the Anointed One dwelling in us, like clouds carried by the wind of the Holy Spirit that bring revelation truths to refresh others.  Amen!

The Kingdom of gos is Within Us

 “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke writes, Jesus was once asked by the Jewish religious leaders, “When will God’s Kingdom come?” Jesus responded, “God’s Kingdom does not come simply by obeying principles or waiting for signs. The Kingdom is not discovered in one place or another, for God’s Kingdom realm is already expanding within some of you.” The Pharisees thought that by every Jew perfectly observing the law and keeping people under their leadership, the Kingdom of God will come as Israel will overthrow the Roman conqueror and the Messiah will be in power.  Many Christians feel like that today that by keeping the Ten Commandments perfectly, we are entering into God’s Kingdom.  But what does Jesus say? That the Kingdom of God is within us.  In the New Covenant, the Kingdom of God is the Person of Jesus Christ, within us, by faith.  When people see Jesus in us, and the power of His love, they desire Him.  All self righteousness, our performance works, indeed our self-centredness and self-consciousness disappear, as we are only conscious of Christ within us. And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, Who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Let many people hear this Gospel and invite the Lord Jesus Christ to dwell within them and the Kingdom of God increase.  Hallelujah!