“And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; and when I have a convenient time I will call for you’” (NKJV, Acts 24.24-25). 

Paul is under house arrest in Caesarea stemming from false charges that he was responsible for a seditious riot in the Temple of Jerusalem. Paul’s  imprisonment provided Him the opportunity to preach the gospel to the Roman procurator, Felix, who had “a more accurate knowledge of the Way” (24.22). 

The Bible provides clear evidence that we all face several types of temptation. One temptation is to proceed in a direction which is in complete violation of God’s will. We become persuaded to do what God has expressly forbidden. 

The other common temptation in obeying God’s will is to delay or procrastinate. During Paul’s gospel preaching and presentation, Felix became afraid. The preaching placed Felix under conviction. God’s Word is a two-edged sword. It’s interesting to note that as Drusilla sat beside Felix she was completely unmoved by the preaching. The pressure of this situation forced Felix to cut Paul’s presentation short by delaying his response toward the invitation for eternal salvation. 

Procrastination lulls us into a pattern of default and neglect. Putting off until tomorrow what you can do today is risky business in God’s economy.  As the people of God, let us rise and do what the Master requires. If you are seeing less and less of God’s divine activity in your life, could it be that you are procrastinating in doing what God requires of you? 

Beloved, obedience always brings blessings and deliverance. Today is the day of salvation. 

 

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (NKJV, 1 Corinthians 15.19). 

Considered foolishness to the Greek mind, Chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians is a lengthy discourse and defense about the message of Christ’s crucifixion. (See 1 Corinthians 1.23). The corollary doctrine of Christ’s resurrection from the dead was also coming under assault. There was a growing conviction in the Corinthian Church that the era represented the full consummation of God’s material blessings. In addition, indulgence in sexual immorality was an inconsequential matter. Paul writes defensively on a fundamental affirmation of the believer’s faith. 

Even in this modern era, there is perennial tension pertaining to whether the main purpose of Christ’s gospel has to do with this life or the life to come. In recent decades, the gospel’s presentation has placed much emphasis on the temporal and the material almost to the exclusion of the eternal. This is done by false means to make the gospel more palatable and relevant. 

As God’s children there are many spiritual and material blessings we will enjoy; however, many of us struggle with persistent trials, heartaches, and pressures in life. The Lord’s promise is that He will enable us to endure, persevere, and ultimately to come out victorious. As Paul states, “that I may know Him in the power of His resurrection” in the Philippian epistle. 

Let us keep in mind that the eternal prospects far exceed the present temporal circumstances. In dealing with the eternal, John, the Revelator, records, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (NKJV, Revelation 21.4). 



 

“Because thou has kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which will come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3.10, KJV). 

The Book of Revelation is filled with allegorical symbols and coded language. In our central text, the Lord forewarns the Church of Philadelphia in Asia Minor that a time of testing will come upon the world and specifically those that are “earth dwellers.”  The Lord’s words in Luke’s gospel attest to a time of world-wide testing when He prophesied “For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21.35, KJV). 

The phrase “those who dwell on earth” is used in several instances throughout the the Book of Revelation. This phrase conveys the idea that these people only hear and see the message that comes from this world. They are totally deaf to the salvation message that comes from the Spirit and heaven. 

Earth dwellers are impressed with strong displays of temporal governmental powers and propaganda tactics. They are totally absorbed with the ordinary affairs of life in eating, and drinking, marrying, and giving into marriage. They become dull in perception and fall prey to deception. 
See Revelation 13 verses 8, 12, and 14. 

Beloved, today is the day of salvation. Call on the Lord while there is still time. Ask the Lord to give you an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying. If you don’t know the Lord, open your heart and invite Him to come into your life today. He will forgive your sins, and place His Spirit within you. 

 

“The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted” (NKJV, Proverbs 10.24). 

The Book of Proverbs provides holy and reverential descriptions of God which give insight into human nature. Our central text presents a contrast between the wicked and the righteous. No matter how the wicked appear prosperous and benefitted by ungodly living, they experience continual haunting fears. The Lord allows these fears to consume them in due season. On the other hand, the righteous are granted their desires. In a general sense, it only the righteous who really obtain their desires. 

Providing the very best for His children is always God’s plan and purpose. God sent His only begotten Son into the world to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Those who receive God’s offer of eternal salvation through the precious shed blood of that Lamb, experience spiritual regeneration and are brought into His family. 

The Lord places His God-given desires by the Spirit within our inner-most being. The fulfillment of those desires require faith and patience.  For the righteous to seek anything other than His will and purpose means treading on a frustrating and disappointing path. Proverbs explains, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life” (13.12). 

I came across an intriguing quote from an old Scottish preacher, George MacDonald, who went home to be with our Lord over a century ago. MacDonald said, “Man finds it hard to get what he wants because he does not want the best; God finds it hard to give because He would give the best and man will not take it.”

The Lord loves you and desires to give you His very best!

 

“Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; They cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty. But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night, Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?’ There they cry out, but He does not answer, Because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not listen to empty talk …” (NKJV, Job 35.9-13).

The Book of Job contains lengthy discourses and dialogue between Job and his comforters as they grapple with life’s complex issues. The remarks of Elihu shed light on one complexity wherein God can appear indifferent to our struggle and oppressive circumstance. 

Elihu tells Job that God remains silent or passive for a just cause. In general, people cry out to God under oppressive circumstances to seek a way out of misery, but do not cry out to Him as their Maker. When pain is removed, people return to the selfish and sinful behavior that brought them trouble in the first place. When we are in right relationship with the Lord and turned away from known sin and rebellion, God will gives us songs of deliverance in the dark times. The joy of forgiveness and grace is reserved for those who fear the Lord. 

Elihu also notes that indifference from the Lord is occasioned by a lack of thanksgiving. The Lord teaches and counsels us in all of life’s problematic areas. He has given us more intelligence than beasts and birds. If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives liberally. (See James 1). 

Finally, God will not answer a prayer that is insincere or empty. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth,” (Psalm 145.18). 

Beloved, the Lord loves you. “Call unto Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me“ (Psalm 50.15). Have a blessed weekend. 

 

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’” (NKJV, Luke 17.15-18). 

On His way to Jerusalem, the Lord providentially arrives in a small village and encounters 10 lepers in desperate need of healing. Our central passage tells us that of the 10 cleansed, only one returned to give thanks to the Lord. The other nine simply went on their way. In response, the Lord poses three questions regarding the nine who lacked awareness and gratitude. Being impressed with the Samaritan’s prayer of thanksgiving, the Lord tells him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17.19). This Samaritan not only received physical healing, but the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. It is better to seek God with gratitude than with desperate demands. The other nine expressed their desperate demands and in His goodness, God relieved their distress; however, the Samaritan received abundantly more. “It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High” (Psalm 92.1). 

If we are not spiritually aware, each day we miss favorable, divine providential arrangements. When Paul preaches in the city of Athens he makes the statement, “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being ...” (Acts 17.27-28). 
 

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“The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (NKJV, Psalm 147.2–3). 

The Psalmist records the process the Lord used in bringing back a remnant of believers from exile in Babylon. Upon returning home, many of these survivors of invasion, captivity, and exile, discovered their homeland ruined. The bitter disappointment and hardship left these exiles brokenhearted; however, this remnant of repenting Israelites underwent a process much like the Lord accomplishes when bringing restoration in our lives. 

Luke records of the Lord, “And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: … ‘He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives …’” (Luke 4.17:18). 

The Greek derivation of “brokenhearted” describes people who have been walked on by others, or those who have been crushed, or feel that they have been smashed by life’s circumstances and relationships. The anointing of the Spirit on the Lord was there to procure healing for those in that condition. The Greek word used by Luke for healing, “ioamai,” in that verse refers to a progressive restoration that is designed to reverse emotional trauma. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines “ioamai” as to free from errors and sins and to bring salvation and deliverance. 

As we repent from known sin, read, study, and meditate on God’s word, the Holy Spirit will begin rebuilding and restoring life and bringing the desired breakthroughs we all need. The healing is a process! “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147.11). 

 

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“For you are the God of my strength; Why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? (NKJV, Psalm 43.2). 

Most commentators maintain that Psalm 43 is simply an extension of Psalm 42. Both chapters describe a saint’s season of heaviness or depression due to external hardships and internal spiritual oppression. Paradoxically, the central text illustrates how a saint takes refuge in God during affliction and concurrently feels cast off by Him. As believers in Christ, we may find ourselves opposed or oppressed by the enemy despite overwhelming evidence that Christ has won the ultimate victory for us at the cross. In Hebrews we read, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death, He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (2.14-15). Knowing that we are on the winning side, but seeing evidence to the contrary in our personal lives is perplexing. 

Often times our Bible reading is a search for answers to our personal difficulties and heartaches; however, a careful reading of Scripture can also give us the right spirit or attitude essential for perseverance until the Lord comes through with victory. 
Subsequently, the Psalmist declares, “Oh, send out Your light and your truth! Let them lead me …” (43.3). 

The Lord is Light, and there is no darkness in Him. His Presence is readily available to you today. He will comfort you in all your affliction. Have a blessed day in Jesus’ name. 

 

“Then after this He said to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judea again.’ The disciples said to Him, ‘Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?’” (NKJV, John 11.7-8). 

John records that Martha and Mary summoned the Lord to come to Bethany with haste, because Lazarus was critically ill. When the Lord heard this, He delayed His response to the urgent appeal two more days. In the select verses, the Lord reverses course by informing His disciples He will go to Judea. 

The disciples remind the Lord that He would place Himself at great risk of being stoned. In verses 9 and 10, the Lord speaks in veiled terms to illustrate it would be safe to journey to Bethany despite the apparent risk. No danger would come to Him nor His disciples, because they all would be preserved until the work was accomplished. To demonstrate He was the great “I AM,” the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead. This is an excellent representation of the life of faith. 

Divine guidance often times runs contrary to our human intuition and understanding. The Lord says that if anyone walks (lives) in the daylight, he does not stumble. But if one walks (lives) in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. The one who walks in the night is an apt description of any individual, even a believer, who walks in self-will. The absence of Divine guidance will put us at great risk and danger. “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways” (Psalm 118.2-3). 

Have a blessed day!

 

“And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there ….” (NKJV, Revelation 22.3-5). 

Much truth proceeds from this passage; however, our objective is to concentrate on the phrase, “and His name shall be on their foreheads.” John details that in the eternal state, all of God’s glorified saints will wear His name. Throughout the Bible, a person’s name suggests their character or true nature. For example, Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes that “A good name is better than a precious ointment … (7.1). In Proverbs, Solomon records that “the memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot” (10.7). 

In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas witnessed to the Jerusalem Council about how God was working miracles and wonders among the Gentiles and calling them to eternal salvation. Upon concluding their address, James acknowledged God was visiting the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name (14).

It is still God’s desire to take people from this present world and give them His Name and bring them into the blessedness of the eternal state. May the Lord work miracles and wonders again to bring lost souls to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!

Have a blessed weekend in Jesus Name! 
 

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he following Me will in no way walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life’” (The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament, John 8.12). 

Within John’s gospel there are several noted instances wherein the Lord reveals Himself as the great I AM. The Book of Genesis illuminates the subject of light and darkness. Symbolically, light stands for truth and righteousness, and darkness stands for deception and hatred. 
Satan, the prince of darkness, extends his kingdom in this world through deception and hatred. Satan effectively uses the world system to oppose the work of Christ on the earth. In the 44th verse of this 8th chapter, the Lord states that the Devil is a murderer from the beginning and abides not in the truth. The Greek word for darkness is “skotia”. Strong’s concordance defines skotia as a brand of moral or spiritual obscurity blocking God’s light when someone lacks faith. Metaphorically, skotia means one is ignorant of divine knowledge. 

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, the great “I AM,” extends His kingdom through truth and love. The promise of the great “I AM” is that as we follow Him, He will illuminate, guide, and demonstrate His love to us. As David, the psalmist, declared, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (KJV, 27.1). This conflict between light and dark will not last forever. John writes, “… the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining” (NKJV, 1 John 2.8). Christ has won, and Satan is defeated!


 

 

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise …” (NKJV,  Ephesians 5.16-17). 

In his day, Paul sensed persecution of the Church by the Roman government would increase. Thus, he forewarns the Ephesians that the days ahead would be evil. In similar measure today, we see the advances of an anti-Christian agenda in numerous spheres of society the likes of which we are unaccustomed. 

The Greek word for evil, “poneros,” is where we get our contemporary word for pornography. All of us are inundated with or exposed to material that is unfit for a believer’s consumption. It is important we do not allow impure thoughts to plant themselves as evil seeds in our soul’s soil.   Paul exhorts the Ephesians to redeem time. Simply translated, that phrase means to “buy up time and opportunity.”  We may not have power to alter the evil that lies ahead, but we can give ourselves over to the Lord’s work in witnessing and winning the lost, renewing our minds through His word, and working through the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

In many respects, time is our enemy. Regardless of what the future holds, our worldly lives are temporary and transitory. Our agendas might be full of many things we feel must be accomplished; however, the most important agenda is knowing and doing God’s daily will. In these early stages of 2023, the Lord desires for you to continually reach forward and not look back. The best is yet to come, because the Lord loves you and desires His very best for your life. 


 

 

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise …” (NKJV, Ephesians 5.15). 

 

Paul addresses the Ephesians using the word walk, “peripateo,” as a key word throughout the epistle to describe the entire activities of the believer’s life.” Starting in verse 15, Paul begins with a series of positive and negative exhortations while admonishing his reader about acting foolishly instead of carefully. 

 

The Greek word “arkibios” is translated as “circumspectly,” and is one of ten Greek synonyms conveying the idea of perfection. Obviously, none of us is perfect; however, the concept emphasizes how we can and must put forth the effort to align daily with the Holy Spirit. (See Galatians 5.16). Believers are to walk or live carefully, so as to be wise or skillful, and thus please the Lord. 

 

Much of our present day theology places no obligation nor duty on the believer; however, from a New Testament perspective this is untrue. We are living in a unique and peculiar season of God’s prophetic calendar. It is incumbent upon us to walk carefully, make wise decisions, and live skillfully no matter the present-day challenges. This is not a time for lazy Christianity. 

 

The Lord will not entrust wisdom to anyone who does not labor for it. “… Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you …” (NKJV, John 6.27).  “Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, since he has not heart for it?” (Proverbs 17.16). We must be willing to labor and learn as we navigate our way through 2023. 

 

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“As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” (NKJV, Psalm 103.12-13). 

 

Psalm 103 shows historically that God’s people are prone to waywardness, complaining, rebelliousness, and disobedience. It appears that man’s weakness appeals to God’s merciful compassion and consideration. In addition, the Lord pities those who fear Him. There are those who make every effort to live godly, yet find themselves encompassed by mysterious suffering and deprivation. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy, ”Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (3.12). 

 

In layman’s terms, the psalmist likens God’s endless compassion toward us as a human father watching his children struggle with life’s problematic conditions. 

 

Regardless of your spiritual condition, the Lord loves you with an everlasting love and demonstrates such by sacrificing His only begotten Son at Calvary’s cross to reconcile us back unto Himself. Too often we forget what God remembers; we were made from dust and to dust we will return, “[b]ut the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17). 

 

Have a blessed day. Praying for you all. 

 

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“But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’” (NKJV, Luke10.40-42). 

From our central text we note that Martha was distracted, worried, and troubled about many things, and had become contentious with her sister Mary. Martha’s appeal to the Lord to get Mary to help out is met with a gentle rebuke.  All of us struggle with worry and stress; there is no exception to the rule. It is part and parcel of living in a fallen environment; however, we must recognize that we have a spiritual adversary who seeks to prey upon minds that are torn apart through distraction and multiple worries. The mind is one of the primary battlegrounds in spiritual warfare. Satan can have his greatest successes against us when our minds are full of worry. He can successfully tempt us to act on impulse, whereby we give little consideration to our actions. Subsequently, we end up bringing trouble upon ourselves and becoming victimized. 

Overcoming worry and distraction are life’s greatest difficulties. Luke, the physician, uses this domestic scene to emphasize the importance of prayer and understanding the Word of God. The Lord tells Martha, that Mary has chosen the better part. “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit” (Proverbs 17.27). 

We must train and discipline ourselves to cultivate a calm mind. In Ephesians 4.23, Paul enjoins us to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. This requires effort on our part. It is not gratuitously imparted to us. A calm mind is one of the greatest assets in this life. God desires to give you understanding and a peace that surpasses all human understanding in Christ.

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“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …” (NKJV, Deuteronomy 30.19-20). 

Because of unbelief, the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness.  Moses addressed the nation at Kadesh Barnea as the Lord was about to do something altogether different than what the Israelites were accustomed to experiencing.  Moses passionately urged the nation to obey the Lord and His commands and set before them life and blessings or death and curses. He urged them to choose life. 

As we start another year with the cycle of common tasks and routines, this is an excellent time to  break the spirit of complacency. All men have been created in the image of God. Within that original creation, the Lord gave us the freedom and ability to make choices. Our destinies and destinations typically result from our choices. Recovery from complacency typically involves  personal repentance before the Lord and then a spiritual circumcision of the heart. See verse 6 of this chapter. 

For 2023, the Lord desires for us to love Him like never before, obey Him in whatever He calls us to do, and cleave to Him so nothing can separate us from His love. Obedience results in experientially attaining more knowledge of Him who died to save us from our sins and this world, because “anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own” (NLT, John 7.17). 


 

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him” (NKJV, Psalm 34.8-9). 

The Psalmist David, who was well acquainted with the sorrows and woes of this world, experimentally knew that God was always good. In chapter 52, David describes being persecuted and hounded by enemies. In verse 1, David writes, “… The goodness of God endures continually.” These writings emphasize that despite whatever we may face, the Lord is always benevolently inclined toward us. God’s goodness is made abundantly clear when Paul writes, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8.32). 

In our central text, David uses the Hebrew word “taam” for taste. The word signifies to taste, sense, perceive, or come into the knowledge of this goodness. In Proverbs 31, Solomon reflects on the virtuous woman by writing, “… She tastes whether her gain is good: her lamp does not go out by night” (The Interlinear Bible Hebrew/Greek, verse 18). Taam in this context means that she tests and tastes experientially by virtue and comes into great profitability. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4.8, “… godliness is profitable for all things” (NKJV). 

The psalmist in our main text clearly illustrates the best way to enter into God’s goodness is to continually trust Him. This requires more than a nibble on God’s Word or a sip of the Holy Spirit’s power. Complete trust brings us knowledge of the Lord’s goodness. 

 

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“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come, and will not tarry’” (NKJV, Hebrews 10.35-37). 

The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers undergoing severe trials of faith and persecution to be unyielding to the temptations of giving up. Essentially, endurance is a resolved determination not to give in, but to continue in God’s prescribed will for our respective lives. 

Oftentimes we experience disillusionment because we are seeking instant relief from pressing problems. Most often God deals with us in long-term solutions, not in quick fixes. Our preference is to deal with superficial issues, but the Lord desires to dig to the root causes of our troubles. This takes time and requires our patient endurance. 

In James epistle, he attests to this principle when he writes, “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (1:4). During seasons of endurance the Lord will give you precious promises and assurances of what He will do on your behalf. In Hebrews the writer records, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (10.23). 

As pastor, I encourage that you are closer to seeing God’s promise fulfilled in your life than when you first believed. One of my favorite Bible commentators, F. B. Meyer, stated, “Don’t miss the harvest of your tears.” Then, you will declare, “Look what the Lord has done.” 

Have a blessed day! 


 

 

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (NKJV, Acts 17.30-31). 

Our text is a an excerpt of Paul’s Athenian address at the Areopagus. This venue provided Paul an opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ to a group of philosophers who were infatuated with knowledge and entertaining new ideas and concepts. 

In a scholarly fashion, Paul presents the doctrine of resurrection to these philosophers. The preaching of the resurrection was a dominate theme with the apostles after Christ’s Ascension. The cardinal doctrine of Resurrection is what makes Christianity distinctive from all other world religions. In Christ, we have a Savior who tasted death on our behalf by taking our sins and nailing it to His cross. Through His death and Resurrection, He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2.14). 

In the Book of Revelation, John records “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth ….” (Revelation 1:5). What glory is due our God who has testified of His only begotten Son. As we prepare to celebrate His first Advent this Christmas let us hold fast to the truth that He is coming again to judge the world and put down all opposition to His rule and reign forever! O come let us adore Him. 


 

 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (NLJV, Revelation 1.8). 

The aged apostle, John, is writing to seven Churches in Asia Minor while he is exiling on a lonely rocky island called Patmos while patiently enduring a personal trial and seeking to encourage believers in Asia Minor. Our central text is a red-letter verse signifying that these are the words of Christ as related by John. 

The Lord introduces Himself by using letters from the Greek alphabet. The Alpha and the Omega are the first and last letters of that alphabet. By referencing the Greek alphabet, the Lord simply states there is not enough vocabulary in the world to describe Him. 

He is the Originator of all that is in the world, and He has a Divine agenda He set in motion and will bring to completion. Finally, the Lord references Himself as Almighty. He is forever present. No time or space can deter Him from carrying out His will and purpose. 

Beloved, when you and I are entered into some extremity or prolonged trial of faith, these tests provide opportune occasions for the Lord to reveal Himself to us in extraordinary ways and means. “You will show me the path of life; In Your Presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (NKJV, Psalm 16.11). 

Have a blessed day. Stay encouraged in the Lord!

 

"And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there” (NKJV, Acts 20.22). 

This passage from Acts chronicles the events of Paul’s third missionary trip as he presses his way toward Jerusalem from the port city of Miletus for the Feast of Pentecost. In an effort to avoid delays, Paul summons Ephesian’s church elders to make the 30-plus-mile journey to Miletus for a farewell address. 

From our central text, Paul tells the elders he is under the Spirit’s direction to proceed on his journey. Simultaneously, he candidly confesses that he does not know how things will turn out. We can identify with that assessment.  None of us knows what tomorrow holds. Even in our wisest assessment of life’s events, we must concede we are not in complete control. At times the Lord overrules best laid plans because of His greater knowledge and wisdom. 

Worry and fear can afflict us when we become overly anxious about tomorrow. We dread encountering some problem or difficulty for which we envision our insufficiencies; however, as we stay bound in the Spirit, we can maintain confidence that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us”(Philippians 4:13). 


 

 

 

“Whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple: then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men)” (NKJV, 2 Chronicles 6.29-30). 

This section of Scripture is an excerpt of a public prayer made by Solomon as he dedicated the temple. The temple project had been in the making since the days of Solomon’s father, David, and was completed with tremendous expense and sacrifice. Despite the temple’s elaborate construction, Solomon realized that the temple could not compare to the glory of the Lord. 

When publicly dedicating the temple, Solomon knelt before the Lord and spread out his hands toward heaven with his eyes lifted. This Hebraic posture of prayer was a symbolic gesture of utter dependency on the Lord. The New Testament bears similar language when Paul writes, “In every place of worship, I want men [all] to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy” (NLT, 1 Timothy 2.8). 

Our central text concentrates on the portion of Solomon’s prayer that addresses our personal  burdens and griefs. None of us is able to journey through life without being negatively affected by events or relationships that are personal and produce a unique loneliness. During these times we could  succumb to a self-pity or self-martyrdom spirit; however, when we humble ourselves like Solomon, pray and lift up holy hands towards heaven, we gain strength by faith to fight our way through sorrow and pain. Thomas Moore, who lived between 1779 to 1852, is attributed with the following faith statement, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” Have a blessed day in the Lord. 

 

 

 

 

“At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing” (NKJV, Acts 11.11-12). 

Our central text contains an excerpt where Peter informs the Jerusalem Council about being sent to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. Those particular events are recorded in Acts 10 wherein Cornelius and his entire household were converted to Christ, and the Holy Spirit was poured out on them all. 

The text sheds light on a vital principle of life in the Spirit. In Acts 10, Peter had extreme reservation about entering into the house of a Gentile. In order to enable Peter to carry out the assigned task, The Spirit told Peter not to doubt. The Greek word employed for doubt is “diakrino.”  It means to vacillate, stagger at, or be in serious doubt.  The leading of the Spirit can cause us to vacillate or doubt the direction in which we are being led. We must always bear in mind that God’s ways are not our ways and God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. (See Isaiah 55.7-8). 

Every believer has the responsibility of testing the spirits to see if they are of God. We are not to be naive and gullible nor “… believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4.1). Our most pressing need today is the Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment. When we are perplexed or vacillating on Divine Guidance, rest assured that the Holy Spirit will not relent in prompting you and exhorting you like Peter to proceed forward without doubt. 

Today, the Spirit may be urging you to do something. It could be a minor detail to accomplish or a major decision to make. Recall the words of James, “… for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (NKJV, 1:6). Such instability can result in not receiving from the Lord. It is the Lord’s desire to bless you spiritually and grant His abundant peace in your life. 

 

 

"'I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you’ …. They answered and said to Him, ‘Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham’” (NKJV, John 8.37, 39). 

Our central text involves a heated exchange between the Lord and the Pharisees. The Lord admonishes this religious sect because they were rejecting His word. The Lord’s declaration that God was His Father was met by their rejection of that claim, and then the Pharisees asserted that they were descendants of Abraham. 

From the Genesis account there are two distinct passages describing Abraham’s descendants or heirs. When Lot departed from Abraham, the Lord revealed to him that his descendants would be as the dust of the earth (Genesis 13.16); however, later in Genesis 15, the Lord spoke in a vision that Abraham’s descendants would as numerous as the stars of heaven in verse five. Both Genesis passages indicate that Abraham has natural, physical descendants as well as those which are born from above or spiritual. When the Lord had a discussion with Nicodemus in John’s Gospel, Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, if one does not receive birth from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God” (Interlinear Bible, 3.3). 

The Lord affirms that the Pharisees were descendants, but they were not children (teknon Greek for children) of Abraham. Strong’s definition of the word “teknon” means a child living in willing moment-by-moment dependency on the Heavenly Father by drawing guidance and willingly submitting to the Father’s plan. 

Beloved, when you and I seek the Lord and live by His word then we will experience powerful transformation by the Holy Spirit with spiritual and material blessings. As  Paul records in Galatians, “So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (NKJV, 3.9). 

 

 

 

 

“And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (NKJV, Genesis 15.6). 

Our central text is a landmark biblical  passage defining faith as it pertains to righteousness. This verse is repeated no less than four times in the New Testament. Paul utilizes this verse in writing Romans and Galatians, and James refers to this verse in his epistle. 

The Hebrew word for believe is “aman” from which we derive our English word amen. In response to Abram’s complaint that the Lord had given him no posterity, we see in verse five that Abram was directed outside and told to look up. The Lord promises Abram that his descendants will be innumerable. Abram responds, “Amen” to the Lord’s powerful revelation. 

Like Abram, we are subject to seasons of futility or frustrations in our faith journeys because of negative situations. During these times, the Lord enables us to endure with a fresh revelation of Himself based on promises. Typically, this requires some form of repentance and renewing of our minds to take the Lord at His word. 

The Hebraic concept of faith is not simply a mental or intellectual assent to a proposition of truth. From this particular passage, the biblical model of faith means taking God at His word, stepping out courageously in obedience, and expecting to experientially encounter the Lord. Faith is not a passive state. How desperately do all of us need a fresh encounter with the Lord? The Lord will strengthen you with all power and might in the inner man. “… Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1.27). 


 

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward’” (NKJV, Genesis 15.1). 

From Genesis 14 we note that Abram had just undertaken an exhaustive and daring venture by rescuing his nephew, Lot, from captivity. To Abram’s disappointment, Lot returns to Sodom. Along with the frustrating family situation, Abram is fearful of reprisal from surrounding hostile nations due to his successful rescue efforts. 

Chapter 15 introduces several indispensable precedents for believers living a faith-filled life. For the first time in Scripture, we note the phrase “the word of the Lord came.” The word of the Lord came to Abram and told him not to fear. We all suffer with a weak and feeble constitution which makes us susceptible to frustration and fears. If we would be still and discipline ourselves to pray and meditate, we could hear God speaking words of reassurance and comfort to us.  Paul wrote Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound [disciplined] mind” (NKJV, 2 Timothy 1.7).  The Lord assures Abram that He is a Shield round about him. 

Our central text shows in the life of faith, the Lord is our Reward. Although Abram had been walking with God for approximately 10 years, he had yet to inherit the land, obtain posterity, and he was growing older; however, having access to the purest love mankind can ever know was his greatest Reward. The greatest gift for Abram was God’s own dear Self. 

Beloved, whatever heartache or difficulty you are going through, “nothing can separate you from the love of God”(Romans 8.39). Have a blessed day. The Lord loves you!
 

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“‘For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,’ says the Lord; ‘I will set him in the safety for which he yearns’” (NKJV, Psalm 12.5). 

In this chapter, David notes in verse one that godly men are  declining in number and the ranks of the ungodly are swelling. Whenever an individual, culture, country, and Church departs from the fear of the Lord, the love of truth becomes non-existent. Deception and flattery become effective communicative tools for producing oppression and poverty. Verse four contains an arrogant summary in the statement/question “… with our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?” 

In our central text the word poor from it’s Hebrew origin means one that is depressed in mind or circumstances, or one who is economically disadvantaged and experiencing hardship. During such difficult seasons, our prayers may be reduced to a sigh. The heartache and pain we experience become mighty orators to our God. These sighs become the means to our deliverance. In Luke’s Gospel it is recorded, “Then the Lord said, …. ‘And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily ….’” (NKJV, 6-8). 

Beloved, the Lord loves you dearly. Stand on the promises of God, because His words are pure and He cannot lie (Titus 1.2). 


 

 

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT, Proverbs 3.5-6). 

Throughout the Bible we are presented with the eternal truth that there are only two paths in this earthly existence. Proverbs 15.9 states that there is “the way of the wicked,” then there is the “way of the righteous” (NKJV, Psalm 1.6). The Lord Himself attested that there is the narrow way which leads to life, and there is the broad way which leads to destruction (Matthew 7.13-14).  Based on the congruity of this theme there is no middle of the road approach. 

We tend to divide our lives into respective departments of spiritual and secular. In our relationship to the Lord there is no room for such distinctions. God’s domain extends over all facets of our lives. The Book of Proverbs forewarns us, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (NLT, 14.12). Everyone of us has gone astray at some point and has missed the chosen path and then experienced negative unforeseen consequences; however, the Lord always desires to put us back on the right path. 

The KJV of verse 6 from our central text states, “… and He shall direct thy paths.” The Hebrew word for direct is yashar. It means to make pleasant and prosperous, and to put back on the correct path. Beloved, seek the Lord today with all your heart. He yearns to see you filled with peace, joy, and comfort of the Holy Ghost, so “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil” (NLT, Proverbs 4.26-27). 


 

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“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (NKJV, Psalm 31.19-20). 

This Psalm, recorded by David, attests to his exhaustive faith trials; however, Psalm 31 also contains a prophetic Messianic portrayal of Christ’s sufferings at Calvary’s cross. The words, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit” from verse five, were uttered by the Lord during His crucifixion. Thus, throughout this chapter the described experiences have a dual significance to David and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Like David and the Lord, we experience deep faith trials which cause physical and emotional damage. At times, we are made spectacles of suffering due to our faith and trust in the Lord. Our enemies and spiritual foes rejoice over the hurt we experience during seasons of chastisement. This tendency leaves us feeling abandoned. 

Although portions of this chapter describe dreaded pathways of faith, the psalmist reminds us that our God is the Administrator of an inexhaustible storehouse of goodness. Whatever insurmountable adversity you are facing today, be assured the Lord has laid up treasures of goodness yet to be bestowed. Your trust in Him is never in vain. His Presence in your life is the assurance He will keep you from the wicked plots of the enemy. Rejoice in the Lord today! 


 

“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad” (NKJV, Psalm 126.1-2). 

These words were recorded to commemorate the announcement made to exiled Jewish communities in Babylon. The Persian King, Cyrus, had issued a decree making it possible for the captives to return home. From this Old Testament text,  we can glean that there are instances when the Lord unexpectedly and surprisingly reverses adverse circumstances in our lives. 

The psalmist states, “we were like those who dream.” Strong’s Concordance defines the word for dream as to be made healthy and strong.  This definition echoes the words of Peter, “In His kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen” (NLT, 1 Peter 5.10). 

When the Lord brings sudden deliverances and miraculous interventions, even those who don’t know the Lord will discern with amazement what the Lord has done in their life. We praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy!

 

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“Behold I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed——— In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed” (NKJV, I Corinthians 15.51-52). 

Apostle Paul ministers a lengthy dissertation regarding the certainty of bodily resurrection to the Corinthian Church. The Corinthians were known for numerous carnal problems and they struggled with this essential New Testament doctrine. Paul reinforced the significance of the resurrection. To deny or move away from the concept of resurrection was to make faith without cause. (See verse 2). The same holds true for us today. 

Paul uses the phrase “last trumpet” regarding the resurrection and the rapture of the Church. The phrase “last trumpet” is borrowed from Paul’s Jewish heritage in connection with the Feast of Rosh Hashanah; which is currently being celebrated. In Paul’s day, conservative Jewish thought held the belief that the blowing of the Last Trumpet during Rosh Hashanah would announce the arrival of the Messianic Kingdom. Paul uses the term to encourage believers of all ages that the dead in Christ will rise” and “we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (I Thessalonians 4.16; 4.17). 

Beloved, whatever difficulty you experience, you are on the side that will always prevail. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11.25). Have a blessed day. 

 

 

 

“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (NLT, 2 Chronicles 16.9). 
 

A cursory review of this central text presents a positive promise from the Lord; however, contextually it is presented under scathing rebuke to King Asa of Judah. Asa expediently allied with the King of Damascus whom the Lord intended for Asa to defeat. 

Asa’s escape plan from the King of Israel’s threat appeared to be a resounding success on the surface; however, this alliance would later prove more problematic. Often times, we, like Asa, resolve certain problems through fleshly means. Outwardly our actions appear  temporarily successful, but ultimately produce greater problems because we failed to fully commit to the Lord. “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass” (KJV, Psalm 37.5). 

Asa angrily responded to God’s message. “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord” (NLT, Proverbs 19:3). Beloved,  commit your heart to the Lord today. He is searching the entire earth, seeking to bring complete deliverance for any that will commit everything to Him. Divine intervention is on the way in Jesus Name!

 

 

 

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT, 1 Thessalonians 5.18). 

 

Continual thanks giving is linked to a discernment and understanding of God’s will for your life. Being thankful is the opposite of selfishness. A selfish person adheres to the motto, “I deserve what comes to me” or “other people ought to make me happy.” Thankfulness to the Lord in all circumstances brings unspeakable joy as it produces spiritual growth, maturity, and causes victory over the world for Christ’s glory! 

Have a blessed day in the Lord. 

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“Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualifies us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light” (Interlinear Bible, Colossians 1.11-12). 

These two verses are an excerpt of Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. Paul advises the believers in that Church to be empowered with God’s glorious might for endurance and patience. Paul uses the Greek word “kratos” or might as Divine power that overcomes all resistance. This might is available to every believer as Paul attests later, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Scripture exhorts believers to persevere when outward circumstances are difficult, and no immediate remedy appears. Thus, patience has to deal with external circumstances, but long-suffering is the restraint needed to handle difficult personal relationships in our lives. Most of us can attest to being tried in various ways. 

Beloved, whatever heartache, difficulty, or trial of faith you are going through, God will enable you to come out victorious. We endure many mysterious trials we which seem to make no sense. Paul tells the Colossians to give thanks to the Father. No matter how difficult circumstances or relationships may be, if we will be grateful then God will give us joy in the Spirit and make us fit for the glorious inheritance He has for us. Have a blessed weekend and enter into the inheritance we have in Christ.  

 

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“‘But I am afraid to surrender,’ the king said, ‘for Babylonians may hand me over to the Judean’s who have defected to them. And who knows what they will do to me!’ Jeremiah replied, ‘You won’t be handed over to them if you choose to obey the Lord. Your life will be spared, and all will go well for you’” (NLT, Jeremiah 38.19,20). 

The city of Jerusalem is under a prolonged siege by the Babylonians. The vacillating and weak king of Judah is secretly seeking counsel from the prophet Jeremiah who has been extremely mistreated for preaching the word of the Lord and telling the truth. Jeremiah tells Zedekiah to surrender to the enemy outside the walls of the city, and it will go well with the king and for the city. 

From this historical narrative, we uncover a gospel truth from Luke, “Then He said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower [disciple], you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life, for my sake, you will save it’” (9.23,24). 

Beloved, at times we are brought into cross roads and will be forced into making difficult decisions. During these times, the Lord is ever merciful to all of us and will be faithful to impart direction on how we should proceed. The cross roads will inevitably involve us answering the question, “Do I preserve myself, or surrender to the Lord’s direction?”

The Lord has the best for our lives when we humbly submit, yield, and surrender our way to His way. This requires faith and courage. The Lord will never fail, because He can’t fail. Whatever you are facing today, be strong and of good courage in Jesus Name!

 

 

 

“I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.  Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations” (NLT, Psalm 119.25, 28, 29, 30).

In verses 25 through 32 of this chapter, the psalmist expresses his personal insufficiency in understanding the Word, specifically as it relates to the trying circumstances in his life; however, by His Spirit, through a single passage of Scripture, the Lord is able to comfort and strengthen us through life’s trials. 

Gaining an understanding of Scripture, as it relates to a practical working out of our salvation, requires meditation. “Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works” (NKJV, Psalm 119.27). The Lord is ever merciful in times of anxiety and affliction. In his affliction, the psalmist also makes a deliberate choice to live by God’s regulations (30). No one simply drifts into holiness or a practical outworking of salvation and deliverance. It requires some deliberation on our part.  All of us, like sheep, are prone to wander, but as the psalmist declares in the last verse of this stanza, “I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge [expand] my heart” (32).
 

“God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace” (NLT, I Peter 1.2). 

Peter is writing this epistle to comfort and strengthen the saints in the first century to prepare them for growing persecution by the state toward the Church. Regardless of cause and effect, history has shown us that “many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (NASB, Psalm 34.19). Everyone of us will encounter seasons of severe pressure and trial. During these seasons our human reasoning is unable to even discern the purpose of the affliction. In addition, our faith can become so feeble we find it difficult to trust in the Lord. 

The spiritual life that we have in Christ is supernatural or above the natural. As believers, we are all in the process of being introduced and elevated by the Spirit into another plane or sphere where faith is the governing power. Peter writes from this chapter in verse six, “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for now.”
 

During these afflictions, we must lean hard on the Lord, and remain in fellowship with each other in our local Churches. “The reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of our souls” (NLT, 1 Peter 1.9). No matter how perplexing your present adversity or trial appears, in due season He will deliver. The end result is you will know that your faith in Him will prove genuine and not a spurious faith. The suffering will increase the anointing of God in your life. Your deliverance is on the way.

 

Give Christ the Lord all praise and worship! You will declare with Joseph “you meant this for evil, but God meant this for good” (Genesis 50.20). Have a blessed day.

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“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (NKJV, Romans 2.4). 

Occasionally in the New Testament there surfaces one sentence or phrase which encapsulates Divine Truth. The initial chapters of Romans shows that all men are guilty of sin and worthy of Divine judgment and retribution. God’s judgment is inescapable unless we repent and accept His forgiveness. God allowed His only begotten Son to be crucified 
at Calvary’s Cross in order to reconcile us to Him by faith and repentance.  

In our central text Paul uses the Greek word “chrestotes” to describe the goodness of the Lord toward all humanity. There is no word equivalent to it in our English language. In some other epistles such as Ephesians and Titus the word used is kindness. In using this particular Greek word, Paul describes God’s attitude which recognizes and condemns sin, but simultaneously acts in such a kind and gentle way toward the offender to win them over to His grace. This serves as God’s directing us to turn from known sin through repentance, since we are won over and personally experience such a great love! 

Beloved, there is no saving faith or effective sanctification without genuine repentance. God is extremely merciful and loving toward us. The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. No one loves you like the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed weekend in the house of the Lord. 

 

 

 

 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (NKJV, Romans 8.35-37). 

 

Paul incorporates a scriptural text from Psalm 44.22 to remind his readers that the people of God will encounter much trouble in this sin-cursed world. As people of the Lord, we are to be known as followers of the Lamb and soldiers of the cross. The Lord forewarned His disciples on the night of His betrayal that “... In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16.33). 

 

There are a host of adversaries assailing us on every side. We are witnessing the mystery of lawlessness at work in ways and means that previous generations have never encountered. Despite opposition, Paul writes that we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8.37). A grammatically precise rendering from the Greek language of that phrase is “we are winning overwhelming victory” due to the use of the active verb “hupermikomen.” Encourage yourself in the Lord today, beloved. As Paul wrote to young Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” in First Timothy (6.12). Peter reminds all of us “... the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to deliver and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2.9). 

 

Whatever opposition you are facing today beloved, the Lord will see you through and carry you to victory in Jesus name. He has never failed once! He won everything for us at Calvary.

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