To experience miracles, walk on His word.

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:29)

The disciple’s boat was buffeted by waves because of strong winds. In the midst of this dangerous condition in the middle of the lake, Jesus did not leave them alone. He walked toward the boat on the water. When Peter recognized it was Jesus, he said if it is you tell me to come to you on the water. Jesus said come and Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came to Jesus.

In the middle of your life’s dangerous struggles and problems, do you consider asking Jesus’s permission to come to Him? In fact, their boat was about to sink because of the waves and winds. But Peter said Jesus, I want to come to you. You see if Jesus is there with you, you are going to be safe and secure no matter how strong the waves are in the water. You should go to Jesus in the midst of your problems and struggles.

Jonah the prophet faced the roaring sea due to his disobedience. However, do you know in today’s insight, the disciples did exactly what Jesus asked them to do. Still, they faced strong winds and dangerous waves and the boat was about to sink. Verse 22 says after the miracles of five thousand people fed with five loaves and two fishes,  “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.” Do you know you can face dangerous waves and winds even when you are fully obedient to Him?  It says immediately after getting them into the boat and making them go to another side of the lake, it says Jesus by Himself went up to the mountainside to pray. Jesus knew what he was up to. Jesus was deepening their faith and trust in Him. While they were buffeting the dangerous waves, Jesus was interceding for them in prayer. The lesson they learned was this -no matter what happens, Jesus Christ is all-sufficient for them. They learned the lesson well. Peter late wrote from his own experience, “Dear friends, your faith is going to be tested as if it were going through the fire. Do not be surprised at this.  Be happy that you are able to share some of the sufferings of Christ. When His shining-greatness is shown, you will be filled with much joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13). NLV. He also wrote, “Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLV.

Secondly, do you know Peter was walking not on the water, but He was walking on the words of Jesus? He stepped out upon the words of Jesus when he heard ‘come’. Jesus will have a word in the midst of your severe painful circumstances. He has a divine plan and purpose in the midst of your severe circumstances. You and I should walk upon His word forgetting the dangerous circumstances surrounding you. The waves and winds did not stop Peter from going to Jesus. In fact, Peter walked on the water as Jesus did – great miracle happened in his life.  When you walk on the words of Jesus, you will be up to a miracle. You see the winds and waves of our life can work in two ways – either it can drive us to Jesus or we can sit in the sinking boat without going to Him and end up perishing. The choice is ours.

I would rather go to Jesus in the middle of my problems than sitting in a sinking boat. How about you? Tell him the problem you are facing. Listen to what he says and then walk on His words. You would accomplish miracles upon His word. He will deliver you from your problems and you and others in your life would worship Him. Not only just Peter, but those who were in the boat also said about Jesus -you are the Son of God and they all worshipped Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son of God. He is your savior as well.

Beloved, Got a moment for today’s prayer? Please pray after me.

My father in heaven, I bring my problems and pains to Jesus Christ, my savior who died, buried, and risen again for my sins. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God. (Now tell your problems to the Lord in your own words). I believe Jesus Christ is my savior who can save me deliver me from all of my problems. I come to you Lord seeking your help and deliverance. Please save me now. Thank you for your deliverance and salvation. Amen.

Need someone who would be the same yesterday, today, and forever- a person who would not change over time.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.

Bible says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. What does this mean to you and me? The immediate contextual meaning in verse 5 is twofold -the admonition to free from the love of money or the desire to become rich and to be content with what you have. Secondly, do not look for relationships and after relationships presuming you may not have anyone to support your emotional and physical needs.

Now why we should be free from the love of money and be content with what we have? Why should we be free from relationships after relationships fearing our security? The answer is right there in verse 6.  The reason is God promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Because of His promise, we can say with confidence that the “Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

Dear one, are you afraid or anxious? Do you have feelings of insecurity? Remember the Lord said He will never leave you nor forsake you. So you can say I am not afraid no matter what because the Lord is my helper.

Then the next verse asks us to remember our teachers or leaders who spoke the Word of God to us in the past. You know how they kept a happy and contented lifestyle without having the desire to become rich here on this earth because they were true teachers of God’s word. Why they kept such a lifestyle? Because they knew very well God will never leave them nor forsake them.

Beloved, you can trust the same Jesus Christ. Why? Because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If Christ was their helper and met all their needs in the past, He will do the same for you, if you trust in Him. You and I can confidently imitate their faith. And not only today but He will be your helper and meet all your needs for tomorrow as well. Our Lord is the Lord of the past, present, and future. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the God of past, present, and future generations as well. Bible says in Psalms 37:25, “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.” What is God’s promise to you? A godly man will never be left abandoned or left alone in his troubles. His children will never need to beg for food. 

Jesus Christ is the same forever. As you may have already figured out, people’s attitudes and mindset will change as the days and years go by. Praise God, but Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Dear one, you can fully trust the character and heart of Jesus Christ. Bible promises He will never leave you nor forsake you for any reason if you are a child of Him. Additionally, the ‘sameness’ of yesterday, today, and forever is an attribute of only God. The doctrine of immutability says God is the only one who is immutable or unchanging. Jesus Christ is God and that is why our today’s insight says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Beloved, cast your burden on him in prayer. He is more than willing and able to help and deliver you from all problems and worries.

Got a moment for today’s prayer?

My father in heaven, I believe Jesus Christ is my all-sufficient savior. I believe He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is my helper, my Lord. I do not need to be afraid. I trust in you and fully believe in your ability to meet all my needs. I bring all my worries and fears to you in prayer. I trust Jesus Christ as my savior. I worship and adore you. Thank you for hearing my prayer. Amen.”

What would you do in your crisis?

“For the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 (d)).

Bible reveals our God is a fierce fighter who fights on behalf of you. Instead of battling by themselves, many faithful in the past allowed God to fight their battles. They also learned when they allow God to fight for them, the outcome would be more victorious and blessed.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, was afraid when he heard a great multitude was coming against him from beyond the sea- an alliance of the sons of Moab, Sons of Ammon, and some of the Meunites. Verse 20:3 reports, Jehoshaphat turned and sought the Lord for help. He even asked for prayers and fasting throughout the land. Verse 6 says he acknowledged the LORD, God as the living God in heaven, that He is the only ruler over all the kingdoms and nations. He knew the power and might are in the hands of the LORD and none would stand against Him. Verses 7-10 shows Jehoshaphat claimed the promises of God.

He said to the LORD that the enemies were coming to drive them out of the land the LORD gave to them. He asked God to judge them and said,  “for we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on Thee.” He shared his helpless condition with the Lord. God sent Jahaziel to convey the message to the king. Our today’s insight comes out of Jahaziel’s words.

He said to Jehoshaphat, “do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.

Beloved, how true this statement is for those whose eyes are on the Lord for help and deliverance! God says do not fear or be dismayed by whatever you face now. Why? The battle you face is not really yours. The battle is God’s.  Jahaziel also said this to Jehoshaphat, “you need not fight in this battle, station yourself, stand and see the salvation of the LORD, on your behalf.” The king does not need to do anything. No fight needed. The only thing he needs to do just station himself, stand, and see the salvation of the LORD. Bible says when the king heard it, he bowed his head with his face to the ground and all the inhabitants of the land fell down before the LORD and worshipped. They sang to the LORD. They praised the LORD. They gave thanks to HIM. As they sang, praised, and worshipped the LORD, The LORD sent ambushes against the alliances of the enemies. The enemies rose up and destroyed one another.  You see a fearful and unresolvable problem, God turned into an unfathomable victory.

Beloved, do you know God repeatedly promised in the Bible your battle is His battle and He will fight for you. “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14. “For the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4. “You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22. “The LORD your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes.” Deuteronomy 1:30. “For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.” Psalm 18:39.

What would you do in your crisis? If you would turn to the LORD and put your hope in the LORD instead of taking matters into your hands, He would exceed your imaginations. What is that you faced with today? Loss of dear ones in your family, health issues, children, or other relationship issues, financial issues. Turn your face to the LORD in prayer. Sing to Him, praise Him, and worship Him. He will fight for you and you will be amazed at the victory he would win for you. Bible says in 2 Chronicles 20:27 says every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat with Joy for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.

“Father in heaven, I understand my battles are your battles because I belong to you. You bought me with a price – the price of the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I am adopted into God’s household by virtue of what Jesus did for me on the cross. Jesus shed his blood to save me. I believe in Jesus as my savior and Lord. I want to let you fight my battles. Whatever the problem I face today, you see it as yours. Like Jehoshaphat said I say to you Lord, I am powerless before this great battle. I do not know what to do either. My eyes are on you steadfastly,  Lord. Please send your help and deliver me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Everlasting love and unfailing kindness.

 

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
I will build you up again,
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.” Jeremiah 31:3-4.

The background of the passage is this- The nation Israel remembers the words of God’s everlasting love and unfailing kindness for them amid their sufferings in a foreign land when they were in exile. God said to them many times in the Old Testament scriptures that He loves them with an everlasting love and draws them with unfailing kindness.

Did you see, God’s love is everlasting, and His kindness is unfailing. Human love may not last for long, and their kindness typically has an end.

Beloved, did you ever think about God’s love toward you? God so loved you and that is why He spared his one and only Son, Jesus, to come to this wicked world from perfect heaven to die in your place for all your sins and wrongdoings. God put all your sins and iniquities on His Son to redeem you. That much He loved you. Jesus Christ said to His disciples just hours before His death on the cross for all of our sins these verses, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you”. (John 15:9). “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13.) You see God loves you and Jesus loves you.

Even though God set His everlasting love and unfailing kindness upon Israel, they hardened their hearts toward the loving God and disobeyed His commandments, and did not honor Him. Sounds like us, right? The background of the referenced passage says God punished them severely for their rebelliousness and disobedience. They are now in exile in a foreign country for their stiff-necked disobedience. However, even amid the severe punishment for their sins and disobedience, God promises He will rebuild them again if they come to Him in repentance. God’s loving compassion arouses in the midst of His judgments toward them. God says in Hosea 11:8, “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.”

Humanly speaking you and I know how much an earthly father and mother loves their children. Think about God, your perfect heavenly father. Bible says God is your father in heaven and He loves you more than your parents ever love you. His love and compassion for you are more than your parents. Please arise and come to Christ right now because His love and compassion are on you. Do not delay! Opportunities may not hit your doorsteps all the time. God says to you, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” 2 Corinthians 6:2. I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation for you, my dear one.

Do you know God as your loving father? Do you know Jesus, the Son of God, loved you and laid down His life for your sake so that the holy God can accept you in heaven for all eternity? If not, start reading the Bible, and you will wonder at his love toward you. Are you away from Him recently or for a while? Are you disobedient and rebellious toward Him? Do you think it is too late for you to come to Him? Not at all.

In today’s insight God says, | “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up.”

He wants to draw you to Himself today. He wants to build you up again. Will you come to Him? If you don’t harden your heart when He tenderly calls you, you will see God’s blessings in your life. You will never be destroyed, and you will be safe and secure in His loving hand. The Bible says that if you come to Him, He will forgive all your past and embrace you with his perfect love and kindness.

You will be a watered garden again, and you will sorrow no more because He would wipe away all your tears. You will start dancing and be glad. You young men, women, and old will dance. God will turn your mourning into gladness, and He will give you comfort and joy instead of sorrow. (Jeremiah 31:12-13). You will experience the heavenly joy of forgiveness, peace, and salvation.

Got a moment for today’s prayer?

“Father in Heaven, I believe you love me so deeply that you even gave your only Son to rescue me. Your love is everlasting and kindness is unfailing. I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins, buried and rose again. I am sorry for my sins. I confess my wrongdoings to you now. Please forgive me and make me your child now. Please grant me the joy of your salvation. Thank you for accepting me as your child. Amen.”

Focus on valuable and important matters

“Take a close look at everything, test it, then cling to what is good.”
(1st Thessalonians 5:21). (Voice)

Stephen Covey, was an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker said, “Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.” We often give attention to urgent matters but not necessarily important matters.

Every one of us has 24 hours in a day. No one has more than or less than 24 hours in a day. Life becomes busier as you grow into adulthood. Your career, spouse, children, parents, church and the list goes on. How do you manage your time wisely and most effectively? People generally think they do not have enough time to finish doing all they are required to do, don’t they?

We are unable to do all the things and meet all people’s expectations. Often this results in sadness. Remember, God knows this and the truth is this -He does not expect you to do all things. Our today’s Bible insight says, “Take a close look at everything, test it, then cling to what is good.” You are expected to take a look and evaluate everything by testing it and then cling to do what is good. To prioritize you need to figure out what are the most important matters. Certain things last for a long time or forever. You need to evaluate what is valuable and not valuable. What lasts long and what does not last long. First things always should come first, second thing should come second, third should come third, etc.

What is the most worthwhile or valuable matter? When you think about it, you know there is no guaranty that you would see next year or even the next day. Therefore it is essential you need to prepare for death and eternity. Bible says in Amos 4:12, “prepare to meet your God.” God created, designed, and fashioned you inside the womb of your mother (Psalms 139) and gave breath into your nostrils. He knows how long you are going to live here. But you do not know. Your life is a gift from God. You belong to God and one day when you would die you meet God who gave your life on this planet earth. Preparation for death to meet with God must be the number one priority of your life now.

How do I prepare to meet God is by accepting Jesus Christ into your life because God gave His Son to die in your place for all of your sins. When you repent of your sins and place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ then you are prepared to meet God at the time of your death not based on your good karma or works, but because Christ paid for your sins and you accepted Him, the most valuable gift you could ever receive in your lifetime.

Secondly, God gave you the capacity to choose. Bible says in Job 34:3-4, “‘the ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods. So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.” Your ear tests the word you hear, doesn’t it? Your mouth distinguishes different types of foods. In the same way, you choose for yourselves what is right and learn to do what is good.

Remember, you cannot do all things. You cannot please all people. God does not expect it either. He wants you to test and discern what is worthwhile and important. You discover what is most important for your life now. Did you ever take time to sit down and make a note of what is the first important thing, the second important thing, and the third and fourth important things in your life? Even if you only do a few things, that must bring glory to God and help others to know and experience God.

Your first allegiance must be to God and his kingdom. This is what I know for sure because Jesus said in Matthew 6, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” You must know you have the freedom and capacity to prioritize things in your life. Take a close look and then discern what is more valuable and vital for your life. Reading the Bible, prayer, and counsel of good Christians would help you to figure out correctly the most important and worthwhile things for your life. Then invest your time and energy into those items. You need to decide and choose what is important to you. Then only you would be able to do what you want to do with your life.

Do not worry about too many things that can potentially destroy, distract your peace and joy in the Lord. Focus on God’s essentials and important matters. Focus on healthy and uplifting relationships and those who can build you up spiritually. There are many (even closer people) that can distract and destroy your freedom in Christ. You would figure out their words and attitudes can hurt and bruise you. Prayerfully move on with God’s plan and God’s people who would love and encourage you to focus on God’s high calling in your life. You have the freedom in Christ to build your life based on God’s unique calling in your life.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, give me the discerning ability to choose the right and good things in my life. I know the first important thing is accepting your gift of Jesus Christ who died and rose again in my place for all of my sins. I understand I have the capacity and freedom to choose. Help to choose the most worthwhile things which would bring glory to you in my short life here on earth. Help me to invest for eternity. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.”

The sooner you recognize God’s plan is better than yours, the better and happier you would become.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
    whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8.

Trust God’s plan and power instead of relying on your plan and ability. At the end of the day, you would figure out God’s plan was better than yours.  You would also figure out leaning on God’s power was better than relying on your power and ability. Sometimes we learn such lessons only through a few setbacks and heartaches. The sooner we learn this lesson, the better would we become.

The verses prior to our insight today (verses 5 and 6) picture how a person who trusts in man, who draws strength from the flesh, and whose heart turns away from the LORD look like. It says this person would be like a bush in the wilderness, and they would not see prosperity when it comes. They would end up living in a hot and dry land with bad soil. They do not know the good things God can give. You see, The LORD gives good things to those who rely on him fully and completely. And enjoying the good things the Lord fills you with much joy and pleasure than what the world gives you.

Then our insight today pictures how a man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence in the LORD looks like. There is a sharp distinction between those who rely on the plan and power of God and those who do not. Our insights say if you trust in the LORD and have confidence in Him, you would be blessed. You know you are blessed because you know it in your heart. People who rely on the plan and strength of God instead of relying on the man would look like a tree planted by the side of the water. Their root goes deep down because of the nearby stream. They do not fear when heat comes. They do not fear when a strong wind comes. Their leaves would always be green. They do not worry in a year of drought or famine. They would be producing fruit always. Never fails to bear fruit. The reason is they are deep-rooted in the LORD and His eternal Word like the tree planted by the streams of water.

The passage challenges the need to rely on the LORD and have confidence in Him only in all of life’s circumstances. You see you may get old. However, you can rely on the Lord and His promises. You may face severe health issues. However, you can rely on the Lord and His promises. You may face fearful circumstances. However, you can rely on the Lord and His promises. You may face relationship issues, children’s issues. However, you can rely on the Lord and His steadfast promises. You may walk through the valley of death.  However, you can rely on the Lord and His guiding promises. You rely on the Lord, his plans, and power. Have full confidence in Him.

Beloved, our God is faithful no matter what you face. He will not leave you when you are abandoned. He will not leave you when you get old and weak. He will not leave you when you get sick. He will not leave you in the valley of the shadow of death. Remember the good LORD promised,  “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5).

Rely on Him. Rely on His plan. Rely on His power.

If you never got an opportunity to connect with such a loving LORD, I want to invite you to come to Him today. God loves you and He has a beautiful and wonderful plan for your life. He gave Jesus Christ, His Son, to die in your place for all of your sins. Jesus died, buried, and rose again to save and bless you. Would you pray with me now to become a child of God today?

“Father in heaven, I know you love me and have a beautiful and wonderful plan for me. I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord. Please save me from all of my sins. Forgive me, Lord. Save and bless me today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

When the disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?

When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?

Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets” Amos 3:6(b) and 7.

When the King of the Northern kingdom, Amaziah, said to Amos to go from Israel to Judah and prophecy there and don’t prophecy in his land, Amos replied and said, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and also a  fig fruit picker. However, the LORD took me from tending the flock and said, go prophecy to people in Israel.” You see Amos was a cattle and fig tree grower. His family did not have any prophecy background. But God called him and sent him to Israel because the land was immersed in sin and rebelliousness against God’s law for a long period of time.

There were several disasters happened in the city because God sent it to capture their attention to turn to him, but they would not. The prophet Amos  asks, “when disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?” Beloved, it is true about the disaster we face today, COVID-19 as well. When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? The obvious answer is nothing happens in His universe without His knowledge and approval.

Yes, God caused and allowed it. The LORD says in chapter 5 verse 4 “seek Me and you may live. Do not seek and go to  Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheba.” Verse 6 repeatedly says, “Seek the LORD and live.” You see God causes disaster in the city, nation, and the world so that you and I would truly seek Him. Stop seeking and visiting places of idol worship like Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheba but seek the living God in heaven. As a result, you would live. You would live abundantly with His blessings here now and live eternally with Him when you close your eyes in death. Alternatively, if the true seeking of God and repentance does not happen, death and even worse the eternal death (away from God eternally) would be the result.

The Lord asked them to have a retrospective look in chapter 4:6-12. He says He gave an empty stomach and lack of bread, yet they have not returned to Him. He withheld rain when the harvest was three months away, yet they have not returned to Him. He sent rain on one town and withheld it from another. You struggled to get and drink water, yet they did not return to Him.  He struck their gardens and vineyards, he sent locusts to devour their vegetation, fig, and other plants, yet they did not return. He sent plagues among people, he killed their men and filled their nostrils with the stench of death, yet they did not return to Him. He overthrew some of them and they were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet they have not returned to Him, declares the LORD God. Now 4:12 says, this is what I will do to you. Because I will do this to you, “prepare to meet your God.” Their perspective look then was for God’s judgment which was already finalized.

Prepare to meet God was, not a plea for repentance this time. The time of repentance has disappeared. Severe judgment is imminent now. God punished them. He chastised them in the past. However, they have not turned to Him in repentance. Now, national destruction and calamity are about to fall on them. If nothing else history teaches, this is what history teaches to us. Amos ministered to Israel (the northern kingdom of ten tribes). Their stiff-necked disobedience and unwillingness to repent resulted in exile by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC never to come back to the land of promise. The ten tribes were scattered all over the world by the Assyrian empire and we call them today as lost tribes of Israel. God allowed a remnant of the southern kingdom called Judah (tribes of Judah and Benjamin) to come back to the land and re-establish there, even though they were conquered later by Babylon, due to their disobedience to his commandment. The intercessory prayer of confession by Daniel for the nation (chapter 9 of the book of Daniel in the Bible) based on God’s promise (Jeremiah 23:11 and 29:10) resulted in their return to the land.

Dishonoring God and stiff-necked rebelliousness to His word, if continued without signs of repentance, results in no way of escape of God’s judgment,  when God asks you to prepare to meet Him. May this not happen to none of us, our people, our nation.

Beloved, turn to the Lord when his grace and mercies are available. Today is the time of repentance and salvation as the Bible clearly says, “ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Jeremiah says this about the people who cried out bitterly in Jeremiah 8:20, “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.” What a bitter cry! The LORD was abundantly patient with the northern kingdom of Israel until the final decision of exile was made by the almighty God -never to come back was finalized.

However, the book of Amos ends with hope for the future restoration for all tribes of Israel. It says in 9:11, “In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David.” The booth/tent or house of David was fallen low in those days. However, the promise is -the kingdom covenant God made with David would definitely be perpetuated in David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ. In the already fulfilled promised Messiah who came, died, and rose again for our sins, God would plant all the tribes of Israel on their land beautifully and graciously never to be rooted out again from their land, because they all are going to look at him and weep bitterly over their sins of piercing Him on the cross. This is the mountain top view of the final fulfillment of the prophecy of Amos.

Along with them, the gentiles who believed in David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ, as their savior and Lord would also be established firmly. All humanity’s hope is based on the Davidic covenant, God made with David, (2nd Samuel 7:12-16) and the culmination is the everlasting and never-ending kingdom established at the time of the second coming of Christ when Israel as a whole look at him and weep over him for their ignorant act of crucifying the savior of the world who came as the fulfillment to their old testament prophecies.

“Father in heaven, if calamity happens in the city, has not the Lord caused it? Yes, I understand God allowed it so that I would seek Him from my heart by calling upon you. Lord, I come and pray for the healing of the nation and deliverance of the people. Lord, I pray to forgive my sins. I believe you publicly showed Jesus as the satisfaction of my sins and judgements.  Jesus died, buried, and rose again for my sins to reconcile me to Father God. I accept Him as my savior. Please save and deliver from the disaster and give good days and eternal life in Christ Jesus.”

You can not earn eternal life. It is a gift of God in Christ Jesus.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 KJV.

The majority of us work to earn money to pay for our bills and expenses. We earn wages for our work. It could be hourly wages or annual salaries. In either case, the wage of work is money we earn.

There is another way to earn wages. The God of the Bible says that when you and I do sin, we earn the wages of death. Sin always results in death. Death in two meanings – death is the separation from the fellowship and blessings of God while we live on His earth. Secondly, there is a second death. This is eternal death. This means eternally away from the fellowship, love, and benefits of God.

You see, now we enjoy God’s benefits and blessings every day. The air we breathe, the sunlight, health, and energy are free benefits even the wicked and atheists freely enjoy. The Bible says in Matthew 5:45 (b) that “He (God) makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Then after enjoying all His kindness and gracious provisions, they thrust their fist against the kindness and mercy of God. God is love, and He is so patient and long-suffering. However, remember there is one day they would not enjoy the care and blessings of God.

COVID-19 taught us a lesson that we would otherwise not learn.
When I watch TV and News media, I see thousands and thousands of people in the world are suffering very hard to breathe due to the pandemic. There are not enough provisions for oxygen in the hospitals. Many die just outside the hospitals, cars, and homes, unable to breathe. God was kind in providing free oxygen, and people understand how costly oxygen is. God in heaven rings the bell loud to call upon Him without any delay.

Beloved, think about a day you would never enjoy the kindness, care, and provision of God anymore. That is called eternal death- away from the presence of God. The Bible calls this in Hell. Hell is a literal and real place. Heaven is also a literal and real place.

Today’s insight says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus our Lord.” The more you sin, you just earn the wages of death. However, God promised to you, “the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus, our Lord.” God, who gave you free oxygen from the air, offers you eternal life in heaven with Him. Where is it available? Titus 1:2 says, “God who can not lie, promised eternal life long ages ago.” Our today insight says the free gift of eternal life is through Jesus Christ. 1st John 5:11-12 says, “God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. The one who has the Son (Christ Jesus) has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”

You see, God offers you the gift of eternal life, and this is in His Son, Jesus Christ. If you have Jesus, you have eternal life. Now, if you do not have Jesus, you do not have eternal life, period! Instead, what you earn is the wages of death, resulting finally in eternal death-eternally away from the loving, merciful, and gracious God.

Remember, the verse does not say you earn eternal life. You and I can never earn salvation and eternal life. But It says it is a gift of God not earned by your works or best efforts because Jesus paid for your sins on the cross to save you and take you to heaven.

Listen what Jesus the Son of God declared, “God so loved the world (you) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

Whoever you may be, wherever you are, make a U-turn from sinful lifestyles, rebelliousness, and unbelief, and come to Jesus right now. You have forgiveness and new life available in Jesus. Would you come? I will help you to pray to Him now.

Beloved, pray after me. “Father in heaven, I make a U-turn and invite Jesus into my life. Jesus, come to my life. I believe the one who has Christ Jesus has eternal life because God promised, and it is only available in His Son, Jesus. Please forgive my sins, save and grant me eternal life. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

Sown in weakness but raised in power.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21. NIV.

Our body is lowly in nature is beyond any doubt. Last year I remember I was bedridden with substantial body pain, fatigue, and coughing. Finally headed to see a doctor because the condition was getting worse. The doctor diagnosed strep throat and prescribed antibiotics. Strep throat is not a very serious illness and praises the Lord we have remedies. Other types of diseases are more dangerous and life-threatening. However, a temperature of 100+ or tooth pain would teach a lesson about how weak our body is.

The Lord put today’s insight into my mind. How lowly our bodies are! The more advanced in age, the more you recognize this truth, don’t you? Your body gets weak, tired, and exhausted soon. You see, we now have a lowly body prone to sickness, disablements, frailty, weaknesses, and temptations. Also, this body gets worn out as we age. Finally, it will be dead with no life left in it.

1 Corinthians 12:42-43 says Christ believers body are sown in perishable but raised imperishable; sown in dishonor but raised in glory; it is sown in weakness but raised in power. What does it mean? It means our bodies eventually perish. They return to dust. However, believers in Christ are raised imperishable-never to decompose and return to dust. It is now sown in dishonor. However beautifully and elegantly we plan the ceremonial service, the casket is going to be placed under the earth in the dirt where worms and bugs reside. Nothing more dishonorable than that event. However, a believer in Christ would be raised in honor. Moreover, it is sown now in weakness- full of weaknesses and limitations. However, it would be raised in power.

You see, beloved, the permanent solution to the problem of sickness, body aches, fatigues, and death has already brought to us by God in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our today’s Bible insight says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” This is one of my favorite Bible verses. The beginning word “but” stresses the difference between the earthly and sensual people and the heavenly/spiritual who truly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is the focus of attention of the true believers in Christ? They eagerly wait for the return of Lord Jesus who will transform their lowly bodies to become like his glorified body. The earthly body has many limitations. However, the resurrected bodies do not have restrictions. The resurrected body of Lord Jesus was a heavenly and glorified body. Our resurrected bodies would be like the risen and glorified body of Jesus Christ. (1 John 3:2(b)). Some of the uniqueness of the resurrected body as we see in the Bible was the ability to go inside the room although the doors were locked, power to defeat the law of gravity, ability to eat and drink, appear and disappear traveling long-distance instantly, perfect body with no sickness, health issues, no tears, and no death.

Bible says when Christ returns those who already died believing in Him will be resurrected instantly with new glorified bodies and would join their spirit already in His presence. The believer’s bodies- buried, burned into ashes, or whatever happened-will be risen with glorification. The living believers in Christ, when He returns will be instantly transformed to glorified bodies and caught up to the sky. This is called the rapture of the Church. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). You may ask the question, Sam, do you believe this? Why shouldn’t I believe it? God who called into existence all that we see from nothing by His powerful word is fully able to do it.

This instant and miraculous transformation of bodies happen because of the exertion of Christ’s power that enables him to bring everything under his control. Remember Jesus said to the disciple, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18). John 1:2 says this about Jesus, “He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life,…” It is by, and through Jesus, all things were made, and He is the source of life. Now it is the power of Christ that holds this universe together (Colossians 1:17(b). He being the creator and sustainer of all exerts his power to transform our lowly bodies to become like His glorious body.

It is incredible the Son of God, Jesus Christ took a lowly body like ours to pay off our sins on his body and free us from the curse and bondage of sin and punishment to grant us eternal life with him in heaven, with heavenly/glorified bodies. This is why I love the Gospel and want to share it with as many people as I could. I want to take as many people as I could to heaven with me. Bible says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

Beloved, as you age, your body condition would get worse because of its lowly nature. However, remember God already instituted and promised a permanent solution for your weariness, fatigues, sickness, and death. By the power that enables Him to bring everything under his control, He will transform your lowly body so that your body will be like his glorious body.

Beloved, did you get the citizenship of heaven as of yet? The builder and architect of the most amazingly beautiful and magnificent city called heaven is not the world’s most famous iconic builder or architect. Bible says in Hebrews 11:10 says the architect and builder are God Himself. You can get the citizenship of heaven and reserve a place there right now by accepting Christ, the Son of God, as your savior and Lord.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I want to get the citizenship of heaven. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for all of my sins. He paid off my debt of sin with His blood. I accept Him as my savior and Lord. I repent of my sins and turn to you now. Lord, I know you have a beautiful plan for my lowly body. I rejoice in your plan. Thank you for the promise and hope in you. I thank and worship you. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

 

Anticipate unanticipated things from the Lord God!

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20. NIV

God is fully capable of bringing unexpected outcomes from expected actions. You can always expect the unexpected in the hands of God. Joseph’s brothers intended to harm him. However, God used their evil intentions and actions to produce a surprising accomplishment.

We expect quiet and undisturbed lives, don’t we?  Yet, God has unexpected plans and achievements in store for those who trust Him and called according to His purposes.

Bible-the Old Testament and New Testament are full of examples to prove today’s insight. People typically want to continue their life without shocks and shakings. They expect such undisturbed lives are the result of God-centeredness. However, the truth is far from this conception. The Lord always shocks and shakes his people to mold them in order to accomplish His plans.

Jacob never anticipated what is in store when he was running away from Paddan Aram to Laban’s house. However, God already planned to build the nation Israel out of his twelve children- the twelve tribes of Israel. Judah never expected he would be the chosen tribe through which the Messiah/Savior of the world would come. His life history and character were not impressive when compared to Joseph as we read the book of Genesis in the Bible.

Although God promised a son to Abraham, he never thought Sarah and he would need to wait to pass the childbearing age, for the promise to be fulfilled. He was 100 and she was 99. On a side note, Abraham had already developed a pretty good dad-son relationship with the thirteen-year-old teenager- Ishmael. (Genesis 17:18 &25). Now the hope was rekindled again (17:19-22) and then God asked to sacrifice the promised son –Issac (Genesis 22:2). Abraham, the father of the faith, was a living example of the expected-unexpected norm of life.

If so, why should you think you should not have any shaking and shocks in your faith life?

Now, who thought Samson, a different type of man with severe weakness, would accomplish God’s plan and purpose for the nation Israel? Who-ever fathomed Jesus would be born on the genealogy of Ruth, a Moabite? Who thought the eternal Son of God –Jesus Christ -would be born in a remote village to a countryside virgin who is nobody in those days and that even in a box in a stable (manger) from which cattle or horses ate?

Who would ever choose uneducated poor fishermen to become disciples except for the Son of God – Jesus Christ? Who would entrust them with the great commission to take the Gospel to the whole world? (Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:7-8). Yet those twelve poor disciples turned the history upside down with the power of the Holy Spirit (after the arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, as Jesus promised). When they witnessed the risen Christ along with the power of the Holy Spirit the ordinary poor men became unusually mighty witnesses of the Lord. They were ready to lose their life for the sake of the truth of the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Beloved, you can anticipate unanticipated things from our Lord. Indeed, if no unexpected stuff happens in your life, it should raise some questions about the genuineness of your faith life. Down through the history of Christianity, this was always been true. God used unexpected people to represent Him to carry his message to the world, didn’t He? Bible says in Psalm 113:4-9, “The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD!”

You see, conducting a life by faith in God would certainly expect the unexpected, anticipate paradoxes, and ready for surprises. Trusting in a miraculous God and living here on this planet earth now is filled with different types of adventures. Faith life is not meant for faint-hearted, doubtful, and suspicious people. It is for courageous, open, risk taking, and adventure. It is not a boring life. It is a life of expectancy-expecting new things.  God always does wonderful and miraculous things, and he would make you ready for such things (the least expected) as you grow in the Lord.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I thank you because I can find meaning, hope, full and abundant life in your Son Jesus Christ who came, died, and rose again for my sins. I know no one is out of hope and blessings if they come to Jesus, the savior of the world.  Lord Jesus, come to my life and turn my life for your glory. You are the Lord. I am not. You are the master. I am not. As you make and mold me according to your plans and purposes, may I always be clay in your hands? What a wonder to live and serve you! I praise and worship you. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”