Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
I think everyone knows this one fact: People in this world just do not like to be corrected. Whether they are right or wrong, they just want everyone to agree with them.
God knows how weak man is in the flesh, therefore the Lord tells us to always use grace and wisdom even when correcting people. There are some whom it is best to leave them with sight warning and not to push hard for these have hardened their hearts so much that, firstly it will be a waste of your time, and secondly they will show their ugly heads unto you. They may insult you or your ancestors, or even your God therefore it is best to avoid them. One needs the Spirit of discernment to speak perfectly to any person in the flesh.
So if you lack the Spirit of discernment and are a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, just ask the Lord and He will surely give unto you.
[Prayer]
Father God, Your people are away from the truth therefore suffering. Even then the truth is told unto them they do not want to listen. Help us Lord to tap into your grace that we may be able to use your wisdom, love and mercy in our every word unto your children...
We make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Is Jesus preparing a place for you?
John 14:2,3 - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Most believers know that Jesus after His resurrection ascended into Heaven and is busy preparing a place for us. But most believers do not know that it is not for all of us that Jesus is preparing the place.
We need to understand that Heaven is not one big place. Like in a Hotel has normal rooms, deluxe rooms, rooms with a view etc. similarly Heaven has different areas and the difference between them is how close you are need to the maximum glory of God the Father (Heaven of Heavens).
As spirit beings the only thing that gives pleasure is to experience glory. And when all things are set right in the Lord our only purpose will be to see God's glory expand and expand.
If you read today's scripture Jesus says 'And if I go and prepare a place for you'. This sentence is a conditional sentence. That reiterates the fact (truth) that all believers will not enter Heaven. If it were just by believing we enter Heaven then we would not have required the Helper, nor would we have scriptures like Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 25:1-3, John 3:3 etc...
Our entering the Kingdom of God depends on us keeping the Word, being born again in the Word. Therefore please understand the most precious thing in your life needs to be the Word of God. If you love life then hold on to the Word. Do not ignore even an alphabet of the Word of God for your destiny depends on it.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are Almighty God. You created us for You desired that all live eternally with You. You desired that all prosper and grow in spirit, thus glorifying your Son in whom all creation is made. Lord God, You gave us your Word to segregate the good from the bad, your children from the children of Satan, the lovers of life from those destined unto death. Lord, You gave us the Spirit of Truth, Who reveals the Word unto us. Holy Spirit, open our hearts, our minds, our eyes; that we may see your light and follow...
We make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
John 3:3
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 1:23-25
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that
were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Most believers know that Jesus after His resurrection ascended into Heaven and is busy preparing a place for us. But most believers do not know that it is not for all of us that Jesus is preparing the place.
We need to understand that Heaven is not one big place. Like in a Hotel has normal rooms, deluxe rooms, rooms with a view etc. similarly Heaven has different areas and the difference between them is how close you are need to the maximum glory of God the Father (Heaven of Heavens).
As spirit beings the only thing that gives pleasure is to experience glory. And when all things are set right in the Lord our only purpose will be to see God's glory expand and expand.
If you read today's scripture Jesus says 'And if I go and prepare a place for you'. This sentence is a conditional sentence. That reiterates the fact (truth) that all believers will not enter Heaven. If it were just by believing we enter Heaven then we would not have required the Helper, nor would we have scriptures like Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 25:1-3, John 3:3 etc...
Our entering the Kingdom of God depends on us keeping the Word, being born again in the Word. Therefore please understand the most precious thing in your life needs to be the Word of God. If you love life then hold on to the Word. Do not ignore even an alphabet of the Word of God for your destiny depends on it.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are Almighty God. You created us for You desired that all live eternally with You. You desired that all prosper and grow in spirit, thus glorifying your Son in whom all creation is made. Lord God, You gave us your Word to segregate the good from the bad, your children from the children of Satan, the lovers of life from those destined unto death. Lord, You gave us the Spirit of Truth, Who reveals the Word unto us. Holy Spirit, open our hearts, our minds, our eyes; that we may see your light and follow...
We make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
John 3:3
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 1:23-25
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that
were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
My people shall never be ashamed
Joel 2:23-25 - Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
All you people of God who consider themselves as having gone through great difficulties and bad experiences; REJOICE! for your decision of turning to the Lord and standing for the truth in the Lord, is going to reap you tremendous blessings.
Your blessings shall overflow you so much that the people around you will be amazed at the things happening in your life. They will see it but will not have any explanation for it. So all you who dare to stand against the world and hold on to the Word of God, you are called the children of God and citizens of Zion.
Zion is the fortified city of God. Its people are protected and blessed by the Lord and no one or nothing can harm them. Man has been suffering mostly because their hearts were not in right standing with God. Jesus was the only perfect hearted man and He did not experience any pain or suffering other than the mission He came for... As we grow in the Lord we too will not face any difficulties; else what is the use of the blessings of Abraham?
[Prayer]
Lord God, You blessed our father Abraham and we too are recipients of that blessings by our faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, as you reveal the Word unto us, make our hearts fertile and submissive to your Word that we may always dwell in Zion and receive all the blessings of our father Abraham...
We make this prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
All you people of God who consider themselves as having gone through great difficulties and bad experiences; REJOICE! for your decision of turning to the Lord and standing for the truth in the Lord, is going to reap you tremendous blessings.
Your blessings shall overflow you so much that the people around you will be amazed at the things happening in your life. They will see it but will not have any explanation for it. So all you who dare to stand against the world and hold on to the Word of God, you are called the children of God and citizens of Zion.
Zion is the fortified city of God. Its people are protected and blessed by the Lord and no one or nothing can harm them. Man has been suffering mostly because their hearts were not in right standing with God. Jesus was the only perfect hearted man and He did not experience any pain or suffering other than the mission He came for... As we grow in the Lord we too will not face any difficulties; else what is the use of the blessings of Abraham?
[Prayer]
Lord God, You blessed our father Abraham and we too are recipients of that blessings by our faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, as you reveal the Word unto us, make our hearts fertile and submissive to your Word that we may always dwell in Zion and receive all the blessings of our father Abraham...
We make this prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Seek the Lord while He may be found
Isaiah 55:6,7 - Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
The Lord is Omni-present, so why does the Lord speak through Isaiah and tell us 'Seek the Lord while He may be found'?
If we go any place in God's creation we will always be in the presence of the Lord. Even in Hell the Psalmist David says (Ps 138:8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Hell is not a place where Satan rules, it is like a prison where souls having sins go. The control in Hell is still the Lord's. The souls (inner man and spirit) of those which have sin in them are imprisoned there. The sins in them burn like a never ending fire. Jesus was freed from Hell because sins were on Him but in Him no sin was found. Resurrection power (Holy Spirit) is the power that allowed no sin to be in Him when Jesus was alive as man. The souls that believe in / are redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ sleep in the grave until the Judgment day and then those who are doers of the Word will enter Heaven with Jesus Christ.
There is only one place in all creation where one can keep God away is the darkness of a hardened heart. Whatever may be our condition, we should not harden our hearts and by repentance we should let the river of grace clean us and bring light in us. The more we harden our hearts the more difficult it becomes to repent.
When we feel the presence of God, we feel or experience the glory of the God and this happens when we do not harden our hearts.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are Omnipresent and all creation beholds You. The earth is your footstool and You are seated in Heaven for your glory manifests in Heaven. Lord we want to experience your glory for your glory bring life unto us. Lord, melt our hearts and change them so that with renewed hearts we can come to know You better...
This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Luke 16:19-31
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine
linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at
his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich
man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the
angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth
Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send
Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my
tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime
receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now
he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf
fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither
can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest
send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they
also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them
hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from
the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
The Lord is Omni-present, so why does the Lord speak through Isaiah and tell us 'Seek the Lord while He may be found'?
If we go any place in God's creation we will always be in the presence of the Lord. Even in Hell the Psalmist David says (Ps 138:8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Hell is not a place where Satan rules, it is like a prison where souls having sins go. The control in Hell is still the Lord's. The souls (inner man and spirit) of those which have sin in them are imprisoned there. The sins in them burn like a never ending fire. Jesus was freed from Hell because sins were on Him but in Him no sin was found. Resurrection power (Holy Spirit) is the power that allowed no sin to be in Him when Jesus was alive as man. The souls that believe in / are redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ sleep in the grave until the Judgment day and then those who are doers of the Word will enter Heaven with Jesus Christ.
There is only one place in all creation where one can keep God away is the darkness of a hardened heart. Whatever may be our condition, we should not harden our hearts and by repentance we should let the river of grace clean us and bring light in us. The more we harden our hearts the more difficult it becomes to repent.
When we feel the presence of God, we feel or experience the glory of the God and this happens when we do not harden our hearts.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are Omnipresent and all creation beholds You. The earth is your footstool and You are seated in Heaven for your glory manifests in Heaven. Lord we want to experience your glory for your glory bring life unto us. Lord, melt our hearts and change them so that with renewed hearts we can come to know You better...
This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Luke 16:19-31
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine
linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at
his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich
man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the
angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth
Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send
Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my
tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime
receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now
he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf
fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither
can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest
send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they
also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them
hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from
the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Friday, September 4, 2009
God does not think like Us
Isaiah 55:6,7,8 - Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
The Lord is talking to some of you today to change your ways not
according to what you feel is good but according to what is written in
the Word of God. For in the Word of God is the ways of the Lord.
Understand this very, very clearly; every word in the Bible is from
the Holy Spirit although it is written by man. There is no doubt about
any scripture or even a word in the scriptures not being divine. It
has been proved at many intellectual levels and over the ages.
For example Jesus being the Saviour has 300+ prophesies in the Old
Testament and almost all are fulfiled in Him (only ones of his coming
back again are left). Even 8 of them coming true in any man is like 1
in 10 raised to the power of 28.
Therefore every scripture should be followed without doubt but with
understanding. And anything you are doing or following, even if you
feel it has much good, you need to abandon them and change your ways
unto the ways of the Lord.
God is not man to think like man, so just surrender yourself to the
ways of the Lord and He will have mercy on you and forgive you for all
you have done.
I can stand testimony to this, for when I did not know the Lord I too
did lot of rubbish, but now that I changed my ways unto to the Lord I
have been forgiven and blessed. I speak in not just words but the Lord
being with me is manifested even unto the people around me to see.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are a merciful God. You forgive your children when
they change their hearts and turn back unto You. Lord we ask
forgiveness for all that we have done, contradictory to your Word.
Open out your Arms unto us and keep us under your wings, bless us and
empower us to testify You unto others...
We make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Job 5:17-18
17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise
not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
Ezekiel 7:1-10
1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of
Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.
3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon
thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense
upon thee all thine abominations.
4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I
will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in
the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.
6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.
7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land:
the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding
again of the mountains.
8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine
anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will
recompense thee for all thine abominations.
9 And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will
recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are
in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that
smiteth.
10 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the
rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
The Lord is talking to some of you today to change your ways not
according to what you feel is good but according to what is written in
the Word of God. For in the Word of God is the ways of the Lord.
Understand this very, very clearly; every word in the Bible is from
the Holy Spirit although it is written by man. There is no doubt about
any scripture or even a word in the scriptures not being divine. It
has been proved at many intellectual levels and over the ages.
For example Jesus being the Saviour has 300+ prophesies in the Old
Testament and almost all are fulfiled in Him (only ones of his coming
back again are left). Even 8 of them coming true in any man is like 1
in 10 raised to the power of 28.
Therefore every scripture should be followed without doubt but with
understanding. And anything you are doing or following, even if you
feel it has much good, you need to abandon them and change your ways
unto the ways of the Lord.
God is not man to think like man, so just surrender yourself to the
ways of the Lord and He will have mercy on you and forgive you for all
you have done.
I can stand testimony to this, for when I did not know the Lord I too
did lot of rubbish, but now that I changed my ways unto to the Lord I
have been forgiven and blessed. I speak in not just words but the Lord
being with me is manifested even unto the people around me to see.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are a merciful God. You forgive your children when
they change their hearts and turn back unto You. Lord we ask
forgiveness for all that we have done, contradictory to your Word.
Open out your Arms unto us and keep us under your wings, bless us and
empower us to testify You unto others...
We make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Job 5:17-18
17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise
not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
Ezekiel 7:1-10
1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of
Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.
3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon
thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense
upon thee all thine abominations.
4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I
will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in
the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.
6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.
7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land:
the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding
again of the mountains.
8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine
anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will
recompense thee for all thine abominations.
9 And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will
recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are
in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that
smiteth.
10 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the
rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Behold the God who is our Shepherd
Isaiah 40:11 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall
gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall
gently lead those that are with young.
Did you know that the shepherd is not the one who provides but he is the one who leads his flock to provisions? He tends to his flock by saving them from any
danger and guiding them by the best paths to green pastures and home.
If the shepherd just leads us to provisions, then how does our provision come?
When the Son of God came as man Jesus, He made available abundant grace for us. He sacrificed Himself so that we could receive forgiveness from our sins and by His death He washed away the anger of God on us, thus saved us from curses, sin and death. He also became an example to us on how to live our lives and receive eternal life. After His death and resurrection He opened the door for us to return home to our Father in Heaven. Even though He went to Heaven before us, He did not leave us helpless. He left us with a Helper - His Spirit, to guide us on our onwards journey. He will come back to walk us through the door into Heaven our eternal home.
With regards to all our needs, they are already provided for us. The problem is that we do not know how to receive it. Therefore even in the prayer which Jesus gave us as an example, has the same thought.
In the prayer the 'Give us today our daily bread' has the Greek word which is translated as 'give' is actually not 'give'. Give in English is in present tense and the word written here can not be translated in English at all, for it is past, present and future tense at the same time. So it means 'gave, give and will give' all at the same time. The same is with the word 'forgive' in the next line 'forgive us our debt'.
If I were to translate this line in its true sense, I would put it as 'help us receive our daily bread'. For what is already given, how can I ask to be given? The problem does not lie with the giver, but the receiver to receive. This means all our needs for our physical body like food, clothes, healing etc., all our needs for our soul (inner man) like grace, peace, joy, forgiveness etc. and all our need for our spirit like fruit of the Holy Spirit, salvation, eternal life etc. are already
given unto us. What all we need to do, is just follow the Shepherd and take His help to receive it.
[Prayer]
Lord God, You came as man to lead us as a Good Shepherd. You died for us and saved us. You did leave us helpless. You came in us to guide us and help us receive the good pasture You have made available for time for us. Lord, help us not to be led by this world and its corruption unto death but to be led by You unto life...
This we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scripture]
Psalms 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Matthew 21:1
1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage,
unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and
straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose
them, and bring them unto me.
3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need
of them; and straightway he will send them.
Matthew 17:24-27
24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute
money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus
prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings
of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of
strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are
the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea,
and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when
thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that
take, and give unto them for me and thee.
gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall
gently lead those that are with young.
Did you know that the shepherd is not the one who provides but he is the one who leads his flock to provisions? He tends to his flock by saving them from any
danger and guiding them by the best paths to green pastures and home.
If the shepherd just leads us to provisions, then how does our provision come?
When the Son of God came as man Jesus, He made available abundant grace for us. He sacrificed Himself so that we could receive forgiveness from our sins and by His death He washed away the anger of God on us, thus saved us from curses, sin and death. He also became an example to us on how to live our lives and receive eternal life. After His death and resurrection He opened the door for us to return home to our Father in Heaven. Even though He went to Heaven before us, He did not leave us helpless. He left us with a Helper - His Spirit, to guide us on our onwards journey. He will come back to walk us through the door into Heaven our eternal home.
With regards to all our needs, they are already provided for us. The problem is that we do not know how to receive it. Therefore even in the prayer which Jesus gave us as an example, has the same thought.
In the prayer the 'Give us today our daily bread' has the Greek word which is translated as 'give' is actually not 'give'. Give in English is in present tense and the word written here can not be translated in English at all, for it is past, present and future tense at the same time. So it means 'gave, give and will give' all at the same time. The same is with the word 'forgive' in the next line 'forgive us our debt'.
If I were to translate this line in its true sense, I would put it as 'help us receive our daily bread'. For what is already given, how can I ask to be given? The problem does not lie with the giver, but the receiver to receive. This means all our needs for our physical body like food, clothes, healing etc., all our needs for our soul (inner man) like grace, peace, joy, forgiveness etc. and all our need for our spirit like fruit of the Holy Spirit, salvation, eternal life etc. are already
given unto us. What all we need to do, is just follow the Shepherd and take His help to receive it.
[Prayer]
Lord God, You came as man to lead us as a Good Shepherd. You died for us and saved us. You did leave us helpless. You came in us to guide us and help us receive the good pasture You have made available for time for us. Lord, help us not to be led by this world and its corruption unto death but to be led by You unto life...
This we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scripture]
Psalms 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Matthew 21:1
1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage,
unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and
straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose
them, and bring them unto me.
3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need
of them; and straightway he will send them.
Matthew 17:24-27
24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute
money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus
prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings
of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of
strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are
the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea,
and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when
thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that
take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Called to the duty!
Exodus 19:5,6 - Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and
keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above
all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a
kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou
shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Most Christians who believe in the Lord and read His Word do not want
to follow what they read.
The two things as people of God we need to do, is be a holy people.
Which means, although we live in this world we should be separated
from the teachings and ways of this world which go contrary to God's
Word.
The other thing which most think is only for a select few is be
ministers or priest unto the Lord, doing His work.
Everybody mostly think that it is this brother's or that sister's work
to spread the Gospel of the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, but I am doing
my part of believing.
Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, in the Lord's Kingdom there is
no concept of audience. For some time you may be excused when you are
lambs learning, but soon or later be ready to be part of the Body of
Christ; to lead others and become disciples of Jesus. Knowledge of the
Word of God did not help King Solomon from falling. It is only when we
become disciples, following Jesus Christ, being operational under His
Spirit by keeping His Word that we will know the real truth and be set
free from our old man.
So in whatever small way you can, start testifying the grace of the
Lord Jesus Christ unto others and bring them to know the Lord.
[Prayer]
Lord Jesus You came as man to save us and You preached to us to show
the way we can take this good news of salvation unto others. You gave
us your Spirit who works in us and helps us to testify You unto all
the world. Holy Spirit help us surrender to You, help us realize the
importance of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto others. Use us
in whatever way You feel us worthy of the Kingdom of God...
This we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Starter]
1 Kings 11:31-43
31 And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the
LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the
hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:
32 (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for
Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes
of Israel:)
33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth
the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and
Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my
ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes
and my judgments, as did David his father.
34 Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I
will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's
sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:
35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give
it unto thee, even ten tribes.
36 And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may
have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have
chosen me to put my name there.
37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that
thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.
38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command
thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to
keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I
will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David,
and will give Israel unto thee.
39 And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.
40 Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and
fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until
the death of Solomon.
41 And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his
wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?
42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was
forty years.
43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of
David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
John 8:31-32
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above
all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a
kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou
shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Most Christians who believe in the Lord and read His Word do not want
to follow what they read.
The two things as people of God we need to do, is be a holy people.
Which means, although we live in this world we should be separated
from the teachings and ways of this world which go contrary to God's
Word.
The other thing which most think is only for a select few is be
ministers or priest unto the Lord, doing His work.
Everybody mostly think that it is this brother's or that sister's work
to spread the Gospel of the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, but I am doing
my part of believing.
Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, in the Lord's Kingdom there is
no concept of audience. For some time you may be excused when you are
lambs learning, but soon or later be ready to be part of the Body of
Christ; to lead others and become disciples of Jesus. Knowledge of the
Word of God did not help King Solomon from falling. It is only when we
become disciples, following Jesus Christ, being operational under His
Spirit by keeping His Word that we will know the real truth and be set
free from our old man.
So in whatever small way you can, start testifying the grace of the
Lord Jesus Christ unto others and bring them to know the Lord.
[Prayer]
Lord Jesus You came as man to save us and You preached to us to show
the way we can take this good news of salvation unto others. You gave
us your Spirit who works in us and helps us to testify You unto all
the world. Holy Spirit help us surrender to You, help us realize the
importance of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto others. Use us
in whatever way You feel us worthy of the Kingdom of God...
This we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Starter]
1 Kings 11:31-43
31 And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the
LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the
hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:
32 (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for
Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes
of Israel:)
33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth
the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and
Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my
ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes
and my judgments, as did David his father.
34 Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I
will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's
sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:
35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give
it unto thee, even ten tribes.
36 And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may
have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have
chosen me to put my name there.
37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that
thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.
38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command
thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to
keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I
will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David,
and will give Israel unto thee.
39 And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.
40 Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and
fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until
the death of Solomon.
41 And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his
wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?
42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was
forty years.
43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of
David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
John 8:31-32
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Monday, August 10, 2009
God is good all the time... But for all?
Nahum 1:7,8- The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
Remember the song we use to sing when young: 'God is good, all the time'?
Well... Today - we throw some light into understanding this and see that - it's 'not for all'...
For those who trust in the Lord, even if they make mistakes, the Lord brings them out of their problems. The problems faced by them due to their misdoings. He has mercy on them that have faith in Him.
Remember - Faith and Mercy, Righteousness and Peace. Pursue one and gain the other.
To demand mercy is impossible; pleading for mercy is not guaranty we will receive it. It is up to the Lord's discretion to have mercy or not, and how much mercy to have. But having faith or not is our choice.
Each one of us is given a measure of faith. Even the smallest measure of faith is sufficient to do great wonders. It is up to us to use this faith and gain mercy or not to use it and linger in our problems.
It is the same with Righteousness and Peace. For man to be righteous is impossible. We are called righteous when we put on the righteousness of Jesus Christ on us and when we are pursuing righteousness in us. The easiest way to righteousness is by pursuing peace with God. When we do everything that pleases God and avoid anything which offends Him, by this we will automatically become righteous in the eyes of God.
All who reject faith, mercy, peace or righteousness of / with God are considered enemies of God. They are the ones who reject light. Of such enemies, God says that very darkness will pursue them and destroy them. For light of God is life and rejecting life means death.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are light and your Word is light unto us. Rejecting your Word and ways is like reject light and life. Lord we want to live in You and with You, to be glorified in You. We love life and reject dead. We are doers of the Word and will do all we can to remain in your Word. Lord, let your grace be on us that we remain in your Word so that your light remains and shines in us...
This we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Psalms 85:10
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Remember the song we use to sing when young: 'God is good, all the time'?
Well... Today - we throw some light into understanding this and see that - it's 'not for all'...
For those who trust in the Lord, even if they make mistakes, the Lord brings them out of their problems. The problems faced by them due to their misdoings. He has mercy on them that have faith in Him.
Remember - Faith and Mercy, Righteousness and Peace. Pursue one and gain the other.
To demand mercy is impossible; pleading for mercy is not guaranty we will receive it. It is up to the Lord's discretion to have mercy or not, and how much mercy to have. But having faith or not is our choice.
Each one of us is given a measure of faith. Even the smallest measure of faith is sufficient to do great wonders. It is up to us to use this faith and gain mercy or not to use it and linger in our problems.
It is the same with Righteousness and Peace. For man to be righteous is impossible. We are called righteous when we put on the righteousness of Jesus Christ on us and when we are pursuing righteousness in us. The easiest way to righteousness is by pursuing peace with God. When we do everything that pleases God and avoid anything which offends Him, by this we will automatically become righteous in the eyes of God.
All who reject faith, mercy, peace or righteousness of / with God are considered enemies of God. They are the ones who reject light. Of such enemies, God says that very darkness will pursue them and destroy them. For light of God is life and rejecting life means death.
[Prayer]
Father God, You are light and your Word is light unto us. Rejecting your Word and ways is like reject light and life. Lord we want to live in You and with You, to be glorified in You. We love life and reject dead. We are doers of the Word and will do all we can to remain in your Word. Lord, let your grace be on us that we remain in your Word so that your light remains and shines in us...
This we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Psalms 85:10
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
You and I can do greater things than Jesus did!
John 14:12,13-Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on (be committed to) me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified (have glory) in the Son.
When Jesus was man on earth, all the healings, miracles and wonders He did were just the smallest of what He could do. At times healing every one of the thousands that approached Him, bringing back the dead to life, walking on water etc. all these were actually nothing to the authority and power that Jesus held, his power as Christ - the man in whom the Spirit of the Lord dwells.
The authority is only possible if one is committed to Jesus Christ, His mission. Jesus came on earth with a mission, dying on the crucifix was only one of them, commissioning us to testify Him and to do His Father's business (growing the fruit(s) of the Holy Spirit) were some among them. The purpose of this earthly mission is to give His Father the same glory which He had before, in the Son.
The word 'go' in 'because I go unto my Father' uses the historical present tense. This means, His position with the Father has been the same, like in Genesis 1 the Sun was made before the Earth but was not visible because of the dark clouds, in the same way darkness came between the Father and Son. This darkness can only be removed by the light shining in us. The light is the Word and the fuel to this light is the fruit(s) of the Holy Spirit. The Word will remain in us only if we possess the fuel. Jesus wants us to let the light shine bright and brighter by increasing the fuel in us. When we call ourselves Christians, it means we are carrying on the mission of Jesus on earth.
So let us also make Jesus' mission our mission and being committed to it we will posses the authority to do all things in Him.
[Prayer]
Father God, like your Son we too want to see You full of Glory. Lord, help us make ourselves part of your mission and be fully committed to it. Lord, by your Spirit guide us and mold us to be fertile and helps others also to be fertile to the growth of your fruit(s), so that your Word remains and shines bright in us...
This we ask in your Mighty Name, Amen.
[Reference Scripture]
Genesis 1:14-19
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
When Jesus was man on earth, all the healings, miracles and wonders He did were just the smallest of what He could do. At times healing every one of the thousands that approached Him, bringing back the dead to life, walking on water etc. all these were actually nothing to the authority and power that Jesus held, his power as Christ - the man in whom the Spirit of the Lord dwells.
The authority is only possible if one is committed to Jesus Christ, His mission. Jesus came on earth with a mission, dying on the crucifix was only one of them, commissioning us to testify Him and to do His Father's business (growing the fruit(s) of the Holy Spirit) were some among them. The purpose of this earthly mission is to give His Father the same glory which He had before, in the Son.
The word 'go' in 'because I go unto my Father' uses the historical present tense. This means, His position with the Father has been the same, like in Genesis 1 the Sun was made before the Earth but was not visible because of the dark clouds, in the same way darkness came between the Father and Son. This darkness can only be removed by the light shining in us. The light is the Word and the fuel to this light is the fruit(s) of the Holy Spirit. The Word will remain in us only if we possess the fuel. Jesus wants us to let the light shine bright and brighter by increasing the fuel in us. When we call ourselves Christians, it means we are carrying on the mission of Jesus on earth.
So let us also make Jesus' mission our mission and being committed to it we will posses the authority to do all things in Him.
[Prayer]
Father God, like your Son we too want to see You full of Glory. Lord, help us make ourselves part of your mission and be fully committed to it. Lord, by your Spirit guide us and mold us to be fertile and helps others also to be fertile to the growth of your fruit(s), so that your Word remains and shines bright in us...
This we ask in your Mighty Name, Amen.
[Reference Scripture]
Genesis 1:14-19
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Worship the Lord thy God alone
Matthew 4:10-Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Satan knew that he could not deceive Jesus therefore he approached Jesus straight forward to worship him, for which Jesus said no.
Satan does not do the same with us, for even the understanding and knowledge of the Word of God will not help us from by him, unless we have the Spirit of God in us to help us discern him.
Take the example of Solomon, who possessed great wisdom and understanding. He wrote amazing insights of the Kingdom of God; he loved God and made great offerings to God.
2 Chronicles 7:5
5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
Yet Satan deceived him into worshiping his different forms.
2 Kings 23:13
13 And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.
Not only Solomon did this sin, he also encouraged his subjects to follow him.
1 Kings 11:31-33
31 And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:
32 (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)
33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.
And it will amaze you that Satan has been and is currently deceiving many Christians to worship him the same way he made Solomon.
No amount of knowledge or wisdom will help us to discern Satan in these matters; it is only by the Spirit of the Lord we can be helped. So let us call onto His Spirit to help us, and in the silence of our hearts let us listen to Him and obey Him.
[Prayer]
Father God, You have made great plans for our prosperity but Satan does not want us to receive it. Therefore he makes us to worship him by deceiving us. Help us to understand the Word and by your Spirit expose him and his traps unto us. Give us the courage to say no to Him as Jesus did...
We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Jeremiah 7:17-19
17 Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
18 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?
Jeremiah 44:15-19
15 Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,
16 As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.
17 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.
18 But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.
19 And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men?
Satan knew that he could not deceive Jesus therefore he approached Jesus straight forward to worship him, for which Jesus said no.
Satan does not do the same with us, for even the understanding and knowledge of the Word of God will not help us from by him, unless we have the Spirit of God in us to help us discern him.
Take the example of Solomon, who possessed great wisdom and understanding. He wrote amazing insights of the Kingdom of God; he loved God and made great offerings to God.
2 Chronicles 7:5
5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
Yet Satan deceived him into worshiping his different forms.
2 Kings 23:13
13 And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.
Not only Solomon did this sin, he also encouraged his subjects to follow him.
1 Kings 11:31-33
31 And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:
32 (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)
33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.
And it will amaze you that Satan has been and is currently deceiving many Christians to worship him the same way he made Solomon.
No amount of knowledge or wisdom will help us to discern Satan in these matters; it is only by the Spirit of the Lord we can be helped. So let us call onto His Spirit to help us, and in the silence of our hearts let us listen to Him and obey Him.
[Prayer]
Father God, You have made great plans for our prosperity but Satan does not want us to receive it. Therefore he makes us to worship him by deceiving us. Help us to understand the Word and by your Spirit expose him and his traps unto us. Give us the courage to say no to Him as Jesus did...
We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Jeremiah 7:17-19
17 Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
18 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?
Jeremiah 44:15-19
15 Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,
16 As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.
17 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.
18 But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.
19 And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men?
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