It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Archive for March, 2021

To Witness and Testify for God on the Earth

God has always wanted to be in a relationship with mankind. In the beginning He created mankind to be like Himself, to rule, reign and have dominion over the world that He created so Hewould be in relationship and fellowship with them. Sin broke that relationship and destroyed man as he was created, causing the world to be in confusion and under the authority of Satan. But God gave a promise that a Savior would come and bruisethe serpent’s head and regain authority over God’s kingdom.

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between you seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel.” NKJ

God is always looking to commune with mankind and He wantsto have a person on the earth to testify and speak of His truthand His way to world. Just as Abel, Noah, Israel and the followers of Christ have done and will continue to do.   Godkept His promise by sending Jesus, who through His life, death and resurrection restored humanity back into a relationship and family of God. Jesus also restored God’s kingdom here on earth. 

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. NKJ

Prior to Jesus’ birth people were living and walking in darkness not fully aware of their depraved and corrupt conditions. God has always had a person on the earth to show the world His light and He had given to Israel His word and a vision of Himself. God called them as a nation to be an example and testimony to His relationship with mankind on the earth. They were to show humanity how-to live-in fellowship and serve the true and living God as their Lord and King. While some people were converted in their time, the nation of Israel fell short and failed to display God’s majesty, love and compassion to a world who was in desperate need of God’s grace and mercy.

Exodus 19: 5-6 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” NKJ

The Kingdom of God is increasing with every person that enters into the family of God through the belief and confession of faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The knowledge of God’s word and the power of the Holy Spirit gives us the authority and understanding of how we should transact business and operate successfully in God’s kingdom. When weeffectively operate according to God’s principles and ways wedisplayed the power of God and become a living witness and testimony to the reality of who He is. 

Some people are doing evil because they are still in darkness and the light of God’s word has not entered into their lives.They only know what they have seen and heard in the depravedstate of destruction and death that they live in. God is sending His people into dark places to be the light of Christ that othersmay see and know a different way. We as followers of Christ may be the only Bible some people may ever witness. The world knows how to hate, how to kill, steal and destroy but we are to be witnesses to the love of God, the mercy of God and the forgiveness of God on the earth. This is done through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, when we consciously and continuously ask God to give us the power to forgive and show His mercy. We are to trust in God to do justly and allow Him tovindicate us according to His perfect will and not out of our selfish desire for revenge. 

Luke 21:12-13 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. NKJ

Jesus is still calling His followers to be His witness on the earth. Jesus’ call is for us to be a witness at home first, as He told the disciples to be witnesses in Jerusalem. Then we are to be witness in our communities and nation as He told them to go to Judea and to Samaria and also to be witnesses throughout the world to the end of the earth. Some people would rather be a witness to their nation and to the world but because of hurt and pain done by their family they refuse to forgive and love at home.

According to the directive of Christ, charity begins at home and then spreads abroad.  One thing we must be witnesses to is the love of God that is shown through the mercy, grace and forgiveness we give to one another. 

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” NKJ

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 

John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciple, if you have love for one another.” NKJ

God is still making kings and priests of His people that they may be a witness and a testimony of His love. A king is one who protects their kingdom, increase the wealth and takes care of the poor by redistributing wealth as necessary.  A priest is one who comes before God to be a mediator and intercessor for the people. True followers of Christ are still advancing the kingdom of God, redistributing their wealth to others in need, praying to God for the salvation of others, while living a life that represents Him well as a witness on the earth.   

1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; NKJ

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The Lord Requires Us to Love Mercy


God wants us to love mercy, not just to be alright with it or just suggest that someone be shown mercy. We are told to have passion, devotion and tenderness toward mercy which is an act of showing forgiveness or clemency.  We are to be delighted when someone is shown forgiveness and is not disciplined or given the hardest reprimand allowed because of their error, as true followers of Christ we rejoice in God’s mercy. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? NKJ

We often see people who want to seek revenge or demand an eye for an eye when it comes to their injuries or injustices. Some people feel they are justified in wanting harsh penaltiesof others because of what they have experienced or seen in how others were treated differently.  They want just as much, if not more punishment to be given to the perpetrator or violator. Some people are punished harshly because of their class, culture or socioeconomic background and they somehow feel cheated.  This is all part of the pride of life, in that we want to be esteemed as great as others or at least vindicated to the same extent. But we are called to love mercy in whatever form it may arise, knowing God is the ultimate judge who judges justly. 

1 Peter2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. NKJ

God has shown us His way, which is to do justly. That is, we are to give everyone impartial treatment as it pertains to usdoing the right thing for the right reasons, to walk truthfully and in integrity, without looking for it in return. That is the requirement that we are to set for ourselves. We are to love mercy; we should be devoted to showing forgiveness and celebrate it with passionate, open-hearted gladness when it is shown to others. We should not seek out punishment toward others, but should always look to show mercy and forgiveness no matter the situation, as God has forgiven us. 

Jesus showed us how-to walk-in mercy and forgiveness. On the night Jesus was betrayed He washed the feet of His disciples including the one who betrayed Him, to be put to death. Jesus gave broken bread to those who were with Him as a symbol of His body that would be broken for them and He poured the wine as a representation of His blood that would be poured outfor humanity.  We are told to remember Christ every time we take part in the act of communion, the one who gave His life for many. For this reason, God requires mercy of His children. 

1 Corinthians 11:24-25 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” NKJ

In this western culture most people are judged by the standards of those around them, also that which is popular is allowed to determine what is perceived to be right and socially acceptable. We are now seeing a constant clamoring for greater punishment and penalties for some of the more minor offences.  Most people find it hard to show God’s loving kindness and His tender mercies toward others. Forgiveness is paramount with God; it is a chief and dominant thing because it is an expression of His love. 

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  

To love mercy and forgiveness is a lifestyle, a way of life that we choose to live and it is a practiced skill. To constantly show mercy and forgiveness is something we learn and exercise over time until it becomes second nature to us. Just as any new skill or talent in which we want to become competent or good at, it takes time and the constant repetition until we becomeproficient. We must change the way we view and judge others so that we may line up with God’s kingdom principle of mercy and forgiveness. The world may give limited mercy and forgiveness but Jesus told Peter to forgive seven times seventy, (490) that is so many times that we will not be able to keep track of the number of times we offer forgiveness. 

Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven time, but up to seventy times seven. NKJ

Matthew 18:32-35 Then the master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” NKJ

To love mercy is required by God of His Children. God’s love and mercy was shown to us at a great cost to God, the death of His Son Jesus on the cross. In comparison, it is a small thing for us to show mercy and love to those who have wronged us but ittakes dying to self and pride and also humbling of ourselves before God. 

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? EVS

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Set Your Mind on The Things Above- Things That Are Eternal


We spend so much time on things that are temporary, things that are passing away and will not last, as opposed to those things which are eternal. We are told to set our mind and affections on the things above, the things that are eternal and not just the things on this earth that will soon pass away. 

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on the things above, not on things on the earth. KJV

Affections are produced in our emotions, our feelings and the disposition of our mind and they are the things we give our attention, thought and passions to. We are to work at placing our energy, time and thoughts on those things that will impact the eternal souls of mankind and where we will spend our eternity. 

Colossians 3:2-4 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. NKJ

To set our mind and affections on things above will take a conscious effort on our part.  To set; is to take time to establish a thing and to be determined with resolve that a thing will take place. Therefore, we must make the decision to take action, to set our affections, thoughts and emotions on the things above, God the Father, Jesus Christ and the eternal souls of humanity.   

We are to set our minds daily on the things that are important,which are the things that will last eternally.  Often time we go through the day and through life without putting much effort or time into where we will place our thoughts. Our thought patterns and the way we think becomes a habit and we keepthinking the same things the same way.  We can become so occupied with a thing that our thinking about it becomes an automatic response. We will ponder and meditate on those things without realizing how much of our time, thought and life is consumed on trivial things. 

Life is both temporary or seasonal and eternal, unending at the same time. If we are to live according to our purpose, we must engage both aspect of life in the natural body and with our soulwhich will live forever. The natural body is in a process of continuous change with passing moments which are finite that came from the earth and will come to an end. But the souls of mankind and our spirit are a never-ending, perpetual and an infinite part of our existence which comes from the eternal God, our creator which will never cease to exist.

A life submitted to God is not just about doing a service, though service may be a by-product of a submitted life. The goal and the ultimate accomplishment of a life submitted to God is to be the love of God by reflecting His love through personal relationships. We are to display the love of God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent. It is through our relationship with God that we understand the love God has for us and as we experience this love from God we can share it with others. 

Christ showed us how to live this earthly life through the love of God and we too should express God’s love to those around us. So that people may see and come to know the eternal God, receive and experience His salvation and His abundant love in our daily lives. The souls of mankind are eternal and will live forever but the question is where? We should be an example that people may see God and choose to spend their eternity withthe Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent to seek and to save humanity.

Life as we know it in the natural may change from season to season with fleeting interests and short-term focuses but the soul and spirit are eternal and will live forever.  Our spirit was created in the image of the eternal and everlasting God and our spirit was given an eternal purpose, to reflect the image of God. 

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, and the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent.

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We Are to Learn Obedience Through the Things We Suffer

As followers of Christ we must change the way we view life and how we assess and evaluate the things that happen to us and around us. Some people have been taught an ideological teaching which says believers should not suffer or experience agony and grief. This is far from the truth, this fallen worldsystem is filled with challenges, pain and misery and we all may suffer in life at some point. It is going through these hardships that we learn to trust, respect and obey God’s word just as Jesus did. 

Hebrews 5:8 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. NKJ

God sent His Son to redeem this world and to pay a debt we could not pay and it was the things He suffered that taught Him obedience and to trust God to navigate His life in this fallen world system.  We will encounter tests and trials that will challenge our faith just as Christ did and we too must choose to put our trust and respect in God our Father. 

1 Peter4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJ

God required obedience from the first Adam but he rebelled against God’s command. Jesus came as the second Adam and even though He was the Son of God, He was obedient in the things He suffered. Jesus was despised and rejected by men and He endured the shame of dying on a cross for our sins.  The servant is not greater than his master, the things Christ went through believers will go through also.   We too may experience persecution, rejection and some may experience a martyr’sdeath or live as an outcast, dead to family and friends.  

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. NKJ 

Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. NKJ

Christ is our example in that He trusted God in every situation to judge justly, to orchestrate and navigate life situations in ways that would bring God glory and allow His light to shineinto dark places.  Some situations may appear as though we are lost and are without any hope of being vindicated in this life. Though it appeared, in the natural, that Christ was defeated when He died on the cross but His death was a victory for sinners saved by grace. Our limited minds can only see thingsin part, but the Almighty God can reach across the lines of life and death, rich and poor or soul and spirit to bring about a triumph that none could have imagined.  

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ

The difference between the world and the followers of Christ is how they will allow oppositions and life challenges to affect the love they show to others and their actions during times of hardship or suffering. The world will say, you deserve better oryou should not have to suffer through these hard times. However, God’s word tells us of a different way and that we will experience tribulations as Christ followers. Jesus was sent to seek and to save the lost, He came to be spent, depleted and used for us that we may be redeemed. Jesus came and died to His own ambition and laid aside those momentary life accomplishments done in this natural world to do the work of His Father. Now we might be saved, to have an eternal life and to be with Christ forever. 

John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” NKJ

It is when an olive is crushed and the grape is pressed that the true essence of its inner life flows out. It is when a cup is rattledor shaken that what lies within spills out. The same goes for humanity, as life presses in on us, that which dominates withinwill spills out, be it the love of God or the hate and fear of the enemy. When life comes at us hard, when we are well spent and totally exhausted then we will see our true automatic response in those situations.  Rather than justifying our actions with theexcuses of this world, we should take note as to what has flowed out of our soul and ask God to create in us a clean heart and to let His love flow in and through us. 

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. KJV

Life is about challenges and choices and through these challenges and choices we will display our faith and beliefs to both the natural and spiritual world around us. God is glorified when we obey His word and have faith to trust in His love for us. Satan constantly comes to try and create doubt and to challenge God’s word. He is seeking and looking for an opportunity to devour those who give him permission through their lack of knowledge and understanding of God’s word. 

Do we expect to receive the good and not the challenges of sonship? It has been the challenges in life that stretch us and grow us into the image of Christ. Though we enjoy and rejoice in God’s blessing and favor, we learn respect, submission and obedience through the things we suffer and the challenges we experience.  Paul too was ready to be broken bread and poured out wine that those who knew him might be believe in the risen Christ in his life. 

2 Timothy 4:5-6 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. NKJ

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. NKJ

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