Wednesday evening Bible study.
Bless us Lord. Continue The Book of Romans

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*God wants our hearts in this relationship. To daily grow and learn how to Live, pleasing To God.

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*it’s here we learn and grow how to Live. Trusting God.
God gives us what we need to serve Him.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*enthusiastically Rejoice. Keep on Praying.
Honorable
Peace.
Kindness
Do Good.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*do what is right. Bless those in authority.
Honor God do what is right.

“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*don’t even allow it, give up sinning. Be Full of Christ.
*All Jesus, no more of the flesh.
*back to verse 2 Daily forever Transforming
*Life being pleasing and perfect

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*people having issue with meat offered to idols. Still hung up on religious customs.

*its all about the Heart.

“Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*Jesus Standing in our Place. We’ve got to be assured of Living for Him.
It’s about our Heart.

“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*be living and honorable.
Goodness and Peace.
Pleasing to God.

“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

*do what is Right.
*Trust God… it’s about the Heart. Relationship with God, relationship with one another…

Since the fall, the church has a task of redemption through Christ. Man must be restored into fellowship with God; this fellowship requires the restoration of man first of all into God’s grace: salvation. The work then is the application of the aspects of God’s image, righteousness, holiness, knowledge, and dominion, to every area of life and thought. The church is God’s armory for this purpose. The church issues God’s draft or conscription call, trains the troops for action, and sends them out weekly to conquer in Christ’s name.
R. J. Rushdoony, from The Institutes of Biblical Law, Volume 1 (1973)

IS FORNICATION A SIN?

Fornication isn't designed to destroy people. The desire for sexual intimacy is a real part of human nature, created by God and designed for a purpose. Sexual attraction is natural. Sexual desire is natural. The longing to be loved, wanted, touched, and intimately connected with another person is not, by itself, a strange or evil thing.

When a young man and a young woman fall in love, their attraction toward each other can feel powerful. They may genuinely care about each other. They may intend to marry someday. They may tell themselves that because they love each other, sleeping together is simply an expression of that love.

Sometimes they may even convince themselves that nothing is wrong because they are not hurting anyone, they are faithful to each other, and they have already promised themselves that they belong together.

You see how you now feel sympathy, understanding, and even justification for the two lovers?

You see how fornication now begins to look less like sin and more like love?

And the interesting thing is that many of the reasons people give are not completely false. The attraction is real. The feelings are real. The love may even be real. But something can feel real and still be outside the will of God.

This is where deception becomes dangerous.

One of the easiest ways to make sin acceptable is not to deny what God said, but to reframe the situation until disobedience begins to look reasonable.

Fornication can be presented as love.

Compromise can be presented as maturity.

Lust can be presented as affection.

Disobedience can be presented as personal freedom.

Temptation can be presented as something you deserve because you have been waiting for marriage for so long.

‍ My God, reframing is such a powerful tool. It can make sin feel like wisdom.

But the question is not simply whether you love the person.

The question is whether you are honouring God with that love.

The question is not whether the desire is natural.

The question is whether you are allowing that desire to rule you outside the boundaries God established for it.

God did not create sexual intimacy because He wanted to deprive you of pleasure. God created it with purpose, dignity, responsibility, and covenant. The problem is not that sex exists. The problem is taking something God designed for marriage and using it outside the covenant for which He designed it.

You must therefore be careful when your emotions begin to write your theology.

You can love someone and still need to say no.

You can be deeply attracted to someone and still walk away from the bed. ‍‍

You can intend to marry someone and still refuse to sleep with them before marriage.

You can be lonely without becoming sexually immoral.

You can be tempted without becoming a fornicator.

You can have sexual desires without allowing those desires to become your master.

The fact that you have a reason does not automatically make your decision right.

Everyone has a story that explains why they did what they did. But as a Christian, your standard cannot be your feelings, your circumstances, your friends, your relationship, or the way society defines normal.

Your standard is the Word of God.

Do not allow someone to manipulate you with the language of love when what they are asking you to do is disobedience.

Do not let anyone tell you that if you truly love them, you must prove it sexually.

Real love does not demand that you sin to prove your commitment.

Real love can wait.

Real love can respect boundaries.

Real love can honour God.

Real love can say, We will not destroy our future because of what we feel today.

Always be on your guard.

Fornication does not always arrive looking dirty and dangerous. Sometimes it arrives looking like romance. Sometimes it arrives through loneliness. Sometimes through emotional attachment. Sometimes through a person you genuinely love.

That is why you need more than feelings.

You need conviction.

You need boundaries.

You need self control.

And above all, you need the fear of God.

Do not allow your emotions to become the lawyer defending what your conscience already knows is wrong.

Choose obedience, even when disobedience feels easier.

Choose holiness, even when temptation feels powerful.

Choose God's purpose over temporary pleasure.

BE INTENTIONAL.

Anthony Ijere (Author & Revivalist)

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THE FIRE OF ELIJAH IS RETURNING: ARE YOU READY TO BE CLEANSED OR CONSUMED?

We often forget that the Church will not prepare herself alone for the encounter with the Lamb. Just as the eunuch in the desert needed Philip to guide him (Acts 8:31), we also need the prophetic guides that God has established for the end times!
In our days, the Lord will raise up His Two Olive Trees — the ministry in the spirit of Elijah and Moses. They come with a clear mission: to straighten the paths, restore the truth, and present the Bride perfectly cleansed to Jesus Christ.
But beware: the ministry of Elijah also brings the fire of confrontation and judgment against sin. Those who refuse to repent, those who practice witchcraft, idolatry, lies, and live in spiritual falsehood will be severely confronted, just as Elijah did in the past with the prophets of Baal! There will be no room for half-truths. The prophetic ministry will shut the heavens and bring the weight of God's justice upon rebellion.
Look at what the Word of God reveals to us about this time of separation:
Revelation 11:3-6 — "And I will give power to my two witnesses... These are the two olive trees... And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies..."

Malachi 4:5 — "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord."
Revelation 22:15 — "But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie."

Do not fall asleep spiritually and do not play with sin. God is raising up His messengers to cleanse His house. It is time for deep repentance, to abandon the practices and witchcraft of this world, and to let ourselves be guided by the truth for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
In the face of the approaching fire, what will your choice be? To be cleansed by repentance or consumed by judgment?
Share this warning message with someone who needs to wake up today!

#Revelation #TheTwoOliveTrees #ElijahAndMoses #JudgmentAndAwakening #Repentance #JesusIsComingBack

You’re Always on His Mind

Psalms 115:12 YHWH hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

No one cares about your life more than YHWH does. In fact, he cares about your life more than you do.

There’s an old Willie Nelson song, “You Were Always on My Mind.” But the idea behind that song just isn’t true. No matter how much you love someone, they can’t be on your mind all the time.

But I want to tell you this: You are always on YHWH’s mind. He is never not thinking about you. He’s thinking about you right now.

The Scriptures teach this over and over.

Psalms 115:12 YHWH hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. And 1 Peter 5:7 says…

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Whatever concerns you concerns YHWH - all the things you’re worried about or afraid about. There is nothing in your life you’re concerned about that YHWH isn’t concerned about, because you are always on his mind.

Because you’re always on YHWH’s mind, he’s always looking out for you. And that means you can always trust his plan for your life.

Before Messiah was born, Mary accepted YHWH’s destiny for her life because she knew YHWH was always looking out for her. After the angel told her that YHWH had chosen her as the mother of his Son, she said the following…

Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

What does “mindful” mean? That means YHWH is alert. He’s attentive. He’s aware. He’s focused. He’s paying attention. When nobody else is paying attention to you, YHWH’s paying attention to you. He notices everything. In fact, Messiah said this about your life…

Matthew 10:29-30 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

I like the cross reference for that scripture…

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before YHWH? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

You don’t know the number of hairs on your head—but YHWH does. That’s how much attention he pays to your life!

YHWH’s mindfulness—his attention, his concern—made Mary trust YHWH with her destiny. Will you trust him with your destiny too?

He cared for the disciples when the where in the boat and it was about to sink…

Mark 4:38-39 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Rabbi, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Psalms 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Job 7:17 What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

Psalms 144:3 YHWH, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Psalms 115:12 YHWH hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet YHWH thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my Elohim.

Psalms 31:7-8 (7) I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; (8) And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

Think about this…

Psalms 139:7-16 (7) Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. (9) If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; (10) Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (11) If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. (12) Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. (13) For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

**Jesus Calls Everyone to Repentance and New Life**

Peter From Sinner to Transformed Man

Peter was an ordinary fisherman, living a simple life, when Jesus called him to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Even while walking alongside Jesus, Peter still carried his human weaknesses — impulsive, full of passions, and he even denied his own Master in a moment of persecution (Luke 22:54-62).

But Jesus already knew this and interceded for him: *"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail"* (Luke 22:31-32).

After the resurrection, Peter received the visitation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), and from then on he became a different man. So much so that, faced with the lie of Ananias and Sapphira, who deceived the Holy Spirit, Peter confronted them with authority — and both fell dead before God (Acts 5:1-11). A sign that God does not delight in falsehood among those who follow Him.

Peter, now transformed, teaches us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and that those born of God live in holiness — without lying, envy, immorality, theft, or fraud (Galatians 5:19-21).

**On sin and repentance:**

- *"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"* (Romans 3:23)
- *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins"* (1 John 1:9)
- *"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out"* (Acts 3:19)
- *"I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live"* (Ezekiel 33:11)

God does not desire the sinner's condemnation, but awaits their repentance and conversion with an open heart. He hears the prayer of those who sincerely seek Him.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 26)

1. As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.

2. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

3. A whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fool’s back.

4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

5. Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6. He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7. Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.

9. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10. The great God who formed everything
Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his
wages.

11. As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly.

12. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13. The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion is in the streets!”

14. As a door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy man on his bed.

15. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl;
It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

16. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly.

17. He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

19. Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “I was only joking!”

20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

21. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.

23. Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

24. He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;

25. When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;

26. Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

27. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ruin

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

It is early this morning. My eyes are barely open. However, that usually makes for a very entertaining post with the wrong word choices, punctuation, and overall topic.

Have you ever gotten an idea in your head that you could accomplish something in a certain way or amount of time and were determined to prove it could happen? You knew that all you had to do was stay focused, keep pressing on, and not allow a little thing like… oh, let’s say… nightfall stop you. That was me yesterday. The gent that I borrowed the mower from to mow my yard brought it back yesterday and I jumped on the opportunity to get the rental yard done and part of mine. In my mind, after I returned home from the rental, I had enough time to mow the back-back yard. Oh, let me tell you, I was really cooking too. I was getting her done. UNTIL. Yep, the sun was going down faster than I could push that mower. Yet, me … being me … said to myself, “Self, you can still see the last set of tire tracks for the return run … keep going.” I did this until I could barely see to get back to the house. Haha. Final verdict: NO, I did not finish that part of the yard, but I did get 98 percent of it done. The 2 percent that is still there, uncut … in the covering of trees and there was absolutely no light.

As I am racing the sinking sun ball, I am thinking to myself two thoughts … 1. You should have known it was too late to get this done, and 2. I am going to get it and show everyone it was possible. Bouncing through the rough patches of the yard, moving as quickly and safely as possible, and still making the yard look good. I was determined. The closer I got to the finish line, the more excited I got that I would actually accomplish this particular task. I even mowed some of the tree-capped lane out of sequence because I knew it would be difficult to see. Hindsight, I should have done both sections of the tree-capped area; however, I did not. Thus, there is a small tree-capped area I need to finish today.

When I finally gave up and put the mower away, I was actually excited to tell my little story of ‘how close’ I came. Then listen to everyone’s bets on whether I would keep going after the moon was fully in bloom in the sky. It made for a great story and giggle fest.

Have you ever been in a situation when, though the time frame in which you really have to get something done is not as long as you thought, but you are determined to complete the task in that allotted time anyway? Did you make it and celebrate or did you fall a little short? If you fell short, how did you defeat? Myself, I made fun of the race I had with the sun and moon and created a fun story and memory.

When we fall short of a goal, whether it's realistically capable or sketchy at best, how we handle the end result is the true prize. If success is in the air, do we boast to the point of arrogance, or do we boast to the satisfaction of a job well done? But if it is not success, do we sulk and find excuses or problems that were clouding the path to success … or … do we see the accomplishment and celebrate what we did accomplish? The result in our hearts is completely our choice.

I did not look at the clock last night, when I returned from the rental property. If I had, I may have thought against the attempt to mow in the back part of the property. Why? I know how long it takes; I know when the sun is going to disappear, and I know the odds. However, I rolled the dice on a beautiful night’s temperature and chose to swing for the fences. The result: a nearly complete mowed back portion with only 5-10 minutes left.

Today, as you go about your daily routines, think about how you are looking at your to-do list. Is it overwhelming or is it just a staircase that you will succeed at one step at a time … until you reach the top landing? When your day comes to an end today, how will you look at your to-do list? Was it a grand slam and everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the first base line in the corner and nearly everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the left-field line, nearly everything got accomplished, but it was a close play at the bag? Was it a bunt for a single or a sacrifice? In any one of these scenarios, you choose how you view the outcome. I suggest you view them all as victories and keep the overwhelming Light of Love in full view of your day.

Be blessed.

**Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Kingdom Carriers | What Will Remain?

Life has a way of reminding us that not everything we spend our time pursuing will ultimately matter.

Jesus said:

"Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." — Luke 12:15

One day, the titles will be gone.
The possessions will belong to someone else.
The applause will fall silent.
And many things we thought were urgent will no longer matter.

What will remain?
The lives we touched.
The love we gave.
The faith we carried.
The Christ we reflected.

Paul reached the end of his journey and didn't speak about what he had accumulated.

He simply said:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

Perhaps that's a life well lived.

Not simply to leave behind more.

But to leave behind evidence that Jesus mattered to us.

Grace and peace,

Jacob

Kingdom Carriers (Free Download)

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Website

https://www.jacobisaac.co.nz

Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 25 | Ephesians 2

Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading)

2 Kings 25

The Fall of Jerusalem and the Hope That Remains

2 Kings 25 concludes the historical record of the books of Kings with the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. It is a heartbreaking chapter, yet it is not merely the story of a nation's defeat. It is the fulfillment of God's long-declared warnings through generations of prophets. What God had patiently announced for centuries now comes to pass exactly as He said.

The Babylonian army lays siege to Jerusalem until famine overwhelms the city. Eventually, the walls are breached, and King Zedekiah attempts to flee. He is captured, witnesses the destruction of his family, and is taken into exile. The collapse of Judah's final earthly kingdom illustrates the devastating consequences of persistent rebellion against the Lord.

The Babylonians then destroy Jerusalem. The temple is burned, the city walls are torn down, and many of the people are carried away into captivity. The place where God's people had gathered for worship now lies in ruins. The visible symbols of Israel's strength, security, and identity are removed. Yet even as the temple falls, God's presence is not defeated. The Lord is never confined to buildings or earthly kingdoms. His covenant purposes continue beyond what human eyes can see.
A small remnant remains in the land under the leadership of Gedaliah, offering a brief opportunity for stability. Yet even this hope is disrupted through violence and fear, causing many to flee to Egypt despite God's repeated warnings. The chapter demonstrates that human hearts remain prone to trust their own plans rather than God's direction.

The book closes with an unexpected note of hope. Years after the exile begins, Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, is released from prison and shown kindness by the king of Babylon. Though seemingly small, this closing scene carries profound theological significance. The royal line of David has not been extinguished. God's covenant promise remains alive. The story is not over.
This quiet ending points beyond exile to restoration. Though the kingdom has fallen, God's redemptive plan continues moving toward the coming of the Messiah. The final chapter of Kings leaves readers looking forward to the greater King whom God has promised.

Theologically, 2 Kings 25 reveals both God's perfect justice and His unwavering faithfulness. His judgment against sin is certain, yet His covenant promises remain secure. Even in exile, God preserves hope because His purposes cannot fail.
This chapter points directly to Jesus Christ. The preserved line of David ultimately leads to the birth of the Messiah, the eternal King whose kingdom will never be destroyed. Earthly Jerusalem fell because of sin, but Christ establishes a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Through His death and resurrection, He restores what humanity's rebellion had broken and opens the way for all who trust Him to become citizens of His everlasting kingdom.

For believers today, 2 Kings 25 reminds us that even the darkest moments of history cannot cancel God's promises. Loss, discipline, and hardship are never the end of God's story. In Christ, hope remains because our King reigns forever. We may experience seasons that feel like exile, but God's faithfulness never changes. His redemptive plan continues, His promises stand secure, and His kingdom will one day be fully established in perfect righteousness and everlasting peace.

Ephesians 2 — Saved by Grace and United in the Christ

Ephesians chapter 2 reveals the heart of God's redemptive plan by showing how the Christ, the Son of God, rescues sinners, gives them new life, and unites them into one family. After celebrating the spiritual blessings found in the Christ in chapter 1, Paul now explains how those blessings became ours. This chapter moves from humanity's desperate condition apart from God to the glorious transformation accomplished entirely through His grace. Christian living begins by understanding that salvation is God's work from beginning to end.

The chapter opens by describing humanity's condition apart from the Christ. Spiritually separated from God and unable to rescue themselves, people naturally follow the patterns of a fallen world and the desires of their sinful nature. This description reminds believers that salvation is never earned because humanity has no ability to bring itself back to God. The redemptive plan begins with God's mercy toward those who were completely unable to save themselves.

The turning point of the chapter comes with the overwhelming declaration of God's mercy and love. Because of His great love, God acted through the Christ to give life to those who were spiritually dead. The Son of God accomplished what humanity never could. Christian living is rooted in this reality: believers stand before God because of His grace, not because of their goodness. Every aspect of salvation points back to His mercy.

Paul repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith. It is not the result of human achievement or religious performance. This truth protects the believer from pride and continually directs all glory to the Christ. The redemptive plan leaves no room for boasting because everything necessary for salvation has already been accomplished through the Son of God.

The chapter then explains that believers are God's workmanship, created anew in the Christ for lives of faithful service. Good works do not produce salvation, but they naturally flow from it. Christian living is the result of a transformed heart. The Son of God saves His people not only from sin but also for a life that reflects His character and fulfills His purposes.

Paul next addresses the separation that once existed between different groups of people. Through the Christ, barriers of hostility have been removed, and those who were once divided have been brought together into one new people. The redemptive plan creates unity where there was once division. The Son of God is the source of true peace because He reconciles people to God and to one another.

This reconciliation extends beyond human relationships to the believer's relationship with God Himself. Those who were once far away have been brought near through the sacrifice of the Christ. Access to the Father is now available because of His finished work. Christian living is lived in the confidence of this restored relationship, knowing that believers are welcomed into God's presence through the Son of God.

The chapter continues by describing the Church as God's household and His holy temple. Believers are no longer strangers or outsiders but members of God's family. Together they are being built into a dwelling place where God lives by His Spirit. The redemptive plan is not only individual but also corporate. The Christ is building a people who reflect His glory together as one body.

The foundation of this spiritual house is firmly established upon the truth of God's Word, with the Christ Himself as the cornerstone. Everything in the believer's life and in the Church must remain aligned with Him. Christian living remains stable only when it is centered on the Son of God.

Throughout Ephesians chapter 2, the Christ is revealed as the giver of life, the source of grace, the bringer of peace, and the cornerstone of God's eternal kingdom. Every aspect of the believer's salvation, identity, and purpose is found in Him. The redemptive plan transforms those who were spiritually dead into living members of God's family and joins them together for His glory.

For believers today, this chapter reminds us that our salvation is entirely the work of God's grace through the Christ. Christian living is not an attempt to earn God's acceptance but a joyful response to His mercy. We are called to live as God's workmanship, pursuing the good works He has prepared for us while walking in unity with fellow believers. As we remain firmly built upon the Son of God, we become living stones in His spiritual house, displaying His grace and participating in His eternal redemptive plan.

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