• LOST IN THE CHURCH

    [BEING LOST IN CHURCH]

    Part Eight

    The Name of Jesus

    There are many things that are closely associated with the Lord Jesus, and some have even been given His great name. However, people need to understand that these things are not Jesus Himself. Therefore, building one's faith upon such things or worshipping them can be a great deception.

    Being close to the Lord, or even being called by His great name, does not necessarily mean that something is worthy of our worship. This means that a person can become lost before the Lord—or even become lost in church.

    Satan spent all his time in the presence of the Lord, enjoying His glory, beauty, and blessings; nevertheless, he fell. Judas Iscariot was privileged to eat at the Lord's table. He heard the profound wisdom and extraordinary words that the prophets of old longed to hear; yet he also perished. This happened because they gave created things the place that belonged to the Lord.

    The name of Jesus is an extraordinary gift given to the true Church throughout the world for salvation. However, we must understand that Satan has also been permitted to use that very same name on earth for evil purposes and destruction.

    Therefore, the Church must be extremely careful. Not everyone who mentions the name of Jesus Christ, or identifies themselves by that name, is from God.

    Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian is truly a Christian in their heart.

    Not every institution that bears the name of the Lord has come from God.

    One of the greatest things I have observed in this world is that the Lord Himself can bless an institution, a church, a person, or a thing without actually dwelling in it. And that is one of the saddest dangers!

    Remember Ishmael, the son of Abraham. God blessed him even though he was not the one through whom God's covenant purpose would be fulfilled.

    > Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.”
    Genesis 17:18–20



    And concerning Ishmael, Scripture clearly says that the son of the slave woman will never share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. Read Galatians 4:30.

    The meaning here is that the Lord blessed a person who would nevertheless not inherit eternal life together with the children of God through the covenant represented by Isaac.

    My brothers and sisters, among the most frightening forms of deception taking place in the Church in these last days is the misuse of the name of Jesus.

    If a person cannot discern the spirit behind every minister who comes before them, then they are already in serious danger.

    > “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”
    Matthew 24:5



    One of the difficult statements in the Bible that I thought I understood well—but which took me many years to understand properly—is this statement in Matthew 24:5.

    For a long time, I thought those false ministers would come in His name claiming that they themselves were Christ. But that is not necessarily what the Lord meant.

    The correct meaning is that these false ministers would come in His name while openly acknowledging that He—Jesus—is the Christ. They would not necessarily claim to be Christ themselves.

    In simple terms, these false ministers would come into the world confessing that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and they would use the name of Jesus in their ministries, yet they would actually be agents of Satan.

    Do you see how dangerous that is?

    What makes it even worse is that we have often interpreted this Scripture incorrectly. But the Lord said, “many will come.”

    He did not say a few would come. He said many.

    And notice that He did not say these people would belong to only one particular category—such as prophets, apostles, or miracle workers. Therefore, we should understand that He was warning about many different kinds of ministers: prophets, apostles, teachers, pastors, evangelists, miracle workers and those who do not perform miracles; those leading large churches and those leading small churches, and so on.

    I say this because there has been a deception among people who think they only need to fear miracle workers, false prophets, large-church leaders, or apostles.

    But beloved, let me tell you something: in my experience, one of the greatest forms of deception I have seen in the Church is being under a false pastor.

    And may God help me as I say this!

    Deception does not exist in only one place. Everyone can be prepared for a particular kind of deception—according to what they believe, what they understand, and what they are looking for.

    There is no weapon that is always used from a distance. Scripture says:

    > “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
    Matthew 10:36



    If you fear today's miracles, false prophets, apostles of anointing oil, and similar things, you are certainly right to be cautious. But understand this: those may be weapons that are too distant for someone like you.

    Satan, who is full of cunning and deception, a master of lies and the father of much deception, may never use such obvious weapons to trap someone like you.

    Instead, he may send you a false pastor who performs no miracles at all, someone whose ministry perfectly matches your beliefs, so that you can trust him completely.

    Then you may gradually be fed false teachings that have no life—teachings that have an outward appearance of godliness and reverence for God, yet are built upon false wisdom that contradicts the power and priorities of the Holy Spirit.

    That, my brother and sister, is where you can truly become lost.

    Also understand clearly that the false ministers I am speaking about can be of two kinds.

    There are those who have consciously made an agreement with Satan and therefore know exactly what they are doing.

    And there are those who do not even realize that they are false ministers. They themselves have been deceived by false teachings. They are also products of false teachers.

    Many of these are the religious leaders of our time—the Pharisees of the Pharisees of this generation.

    And these can be among the most dangerous people, because they were the very kind of religious leaders who even participated in the rejection and crucifixion of the Lord.

    Therefore, submitting yourself blindly to such ministers is a truly frightening thing.

    May Almighty God have mercy on us all.

    Amen!

    #ToBeContinued...

    Mwl. Ernest Nyalula
    +255752057664

    #LostInTheChurch #Discernment #ChristianFaith #TruthOfTheGospel #JesusChrist #SpiritualDiscernment #BiblicalTruth #Christianity #FalseTeaching #KnowTheWord
    LOST IN THE CHURCH [BEING LOST IN CHURCH] Part Eight The Name of Jesus There are many things that are closely associated with the Lord Jesus, and some have even been given His great name. However, people need to understand that these things are not Jesus Himself. Therefore, building one's faith upon such things or worshipping them can be a great deception. Being close to the Lord, or even being called by His great name, does not necessarily mean that something is worthy of our worship. This means that a person can become lost before the Lord—or even become lost in church. Satan spent all his time in the presence of the Lord, enjoying His glory, beauty, and blessings; nevertheless, he fell. Judas Iscariot was privileged to eat at the Lord's table. He heard the profound wisdom and extraordinary words that the prophets of old longed to hear; yet he also perished. This happened because they gave created things the place that belonged to the Lord. The name of Jesus is an extraordinary gift given to the true Church throughout the world for salvation. However, we must understand that Satan has also been permitted to use that very same name on earth for evil purposes and destruction. Therefore, the Church must be extremely careful. Not everyone who mentions the name of Jesus Christ, or identifies themselves by that name, is from God. Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian is truly a Christian in their heart. Not every institution that bears the name of the Lord has come from God. One of the greatest things I have observed in this world is that the Lord Himself can bless an institution, a church, a person, or a thing without actually dwelling in it. And that is one of the saddest dangers! Remember Ishmael, the son of Abraham. God blessed him even though he was not the one through whom God's covenant purpose would be fulfilled. > Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.” Genesis 17:18–20 And concerning Ishmael, Scripture clearly says that the son of the slave woman will never share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. Read Galatians 4:30. The meaning here is that the Lord blessed a person who would nevertheless not inherit eternal life together with the children of God through the covenant represented by Isaac. My brothers and sisters, among the most frightening forms of deception taking place in the Church in these last days is the misuse of the name of Jesus. If a person cannot discern the spirit behind every minister who comes before them, then they are already in serious danger. > “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” Matthew 24:5 One of the difficult statements in the Bible that I thought I understood well—but which took me many years to understand properly—is this statement in Matthew 24:5. For a long time, I thought those false ministers would come in His name claiming that they themselves were Christ. But that is not necessarily what the Lord meant. The correct meaning is that these false ministers would come in His name while openly acknowledging that He—Jesus—is the Christ. They would not necessarily claim to be Christ themselves. In simple terms, these false ministers would come into the world confessing that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and they would use the name of Jesus in their ministries, yet they would actually be agents of Satan. Do you see how dangerous that is? What makes it even worse is that we have often interpreted this Scripture incorrectly. But the Lord said, “many will come.” He did not say a few would come. He said many. And notice that He did not say these people would belong to only one particular category—such as prophets, apostles, or miracle workers. Therefore, we should understand that He was warning about many different kinds of ministers: prophets, apostles, teachers, pastors, evangelists, miracle workers and those who do not perform miracles; those leading large churches and those leading small churches, and so on. I say this because there has been a deception among people who think they only need to fear miracle workers, false prophets, large-church leaders, or apostles. But beloved, let me tell you something: in my experience, one of the greatest forms of deception I have seen in the Church is being under a false pastor. And may God help me as I say this! Deception does not exist in only one place. Everyone can be prepared for a particular kind of deception—according to what they believe, what they understand, and what they are looking for. There is no weapon that is always used from a distance. Scripture says: > “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Matthew 10:36 If you fear today's miracles, false prophets, apostles of anointing oil, and similar things, you are certainly right to be cautious. But understand this: those may be weapons that are too distant for someone like you. Satan, who is full of cunning and deception, a master of lies and the father of much deception, may never use such obvious weapons to trap someone like you. Instead, he may send you a false pastor who performs no miracles at all, someone whose ministry perfectly matches your beliefs, so that you can trust him completely. Then you may gradually be fed false teachings that have no life—teachings that have an outward appearance of godliness and reverence for God, yet are built upon false wisdom that contradicts the power and priorities of the Holy Spirit. That, my brother and sister, is where you can truly become lost. Also understand clearly that the false ministers I am speaking about can be of two kinds. There are those who have consciously made an agreement with Satan and therefore know exactly what they are doing. And there are those who do not even realize that they are false ministers. They themselves have been deceived by false teachings. They are also products of false teachers. Many of these are the religious leaders of our time—the Pharisees of the Pharisees of this generation. And these can be among the most dangerous people, because they were the very kind of religious leaders who even participated in the rejection and crucifixion of the Lord. Therefore, submitting yourself blindly to such ministers is a truly frightening thing. May Almighty God have mercy on us all. Amen! #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula +255752057664 #LostInTheChurch #Discernment #ChristianFaith #TruthOfTheGospel #JesusChrist #SpiritualDiscernment #BiblicalTruth #Christianity #FalseTeaching #KnowTheWord
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 34 Views
  • THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT ETERNITY
    “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20 
    A Christian father who was terminally ill called his three sons to his bedside. To his two sons who were believers, he said, “Goodbye, my sons. I will see you in the morning.”
    Turning to his third son, he simply and sadly said, “Goodbye, my son.” 
    The young man was deeply disturbed. He said, “Father, why is it you said to my brothers, ‘I will see you in the morning,’ and you only said to me, ‘Goodbye, my son’? Why didn’t you say you would see me in the morning, too?” 
    His father replied, “Son, you have never asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Savior and Lord. And that is what breaks my heart the most. I will never see you again.”
    That son began to ask his father how he could be saved, how he could see his father again. His father told him how.
    The son prayed and received Christ into his life. Then his father said, “Now our family will be together in eternity.” 
    That can happen for everyone who has put their faith in Christ.
    It will be a great reunion one day in the future. But what does the unbeliever have to look forward to? Judgment after death and a miserable, empty life on earth.
    There might be some fun in sin—for a while. But payday comes.
    The hard truth about eternal life is found in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death” (NLT). 
    That’s why believers are called to share the gospel far and wide, as the Christian father in the story did with his son.
    In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers these instructions: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). 
    Eternal life is the hope believers cling to when the things of this life start to overwhelm us.
    There’s a reason that John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known passage in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus still resonate powerfully today: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT). 
    If you do not commit your life to Christ, ultimately you will look back on your life and realize that you wasted it. But don’t wait until the end of your life to figure that out. Figure it out now. 
    God bless you
    THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT ETERNITY “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20  A Christian father who was terminally ill called his three sons to his bedside. To his two sons who were believers, he said, “Goodbye, my sons. I will see you in the morning.” Turning to his third son, he simply and sadly said, “Goodbye, my son.”  The young man was deeply disturbed. He said, “Father, why is it you said to my brothers, ‘I will see you in the morning,’ and you only said to me, ‘Goodbye, my son’? Why didn’t you say you would see me in the morning, too?”  His father replied, “Son, you have never asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Savior and Lord. And that is what breaks my heart the most. I will never see you again.” That son began to ask his father how he could be saved, how he could see his father again. His father told him how. The son prayed and received Christ into his life. Then his father said, “Now our family will be together in eternity.”  That can happen for everyone who has put their faith in Christ. It will be a great reunion one day in the future. But what does the unbeliever have to look forward to? Judgment after death and a miserable, empty life on earth. There might be some fun in sin—for a while. But payday comes. The hard truth about eternal life is found in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death” (NLT).  That’s why believers are called to share the gospel far and wide, as the Christian father in the story did with his son. In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers these instructions: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT).  Eternal life is the hope believers cling to when the things of this life start to overwhelm us. There’s a reason that John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known passage in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus still resonate powerfully today: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT).  If you do not commit your life to Christ, ultimately you will look back on your life and realize that you wasted it. But don’t wait until the end of your life to figure that out. Figure it out now.  God bless you
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 10 Views
  • Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    I am reaching out to your ministry because I desperately need prayer.

    I have been going through a very deep spiritual struggle, and I feel lost, frightened, and spiritually exhausted. I love Jesus Christ and I sincerely want to follow Him, but I have become deeply afraid about my eternal salvation.

    Matthew 7:21–23 has been weighing extremely heavily upon me. When I read Jesus' warning about people saying, “Lord, Lord,” but being told that He never knew them, I become terrified that somehow I could be one of those people.

    I am deeply afraid of hell and of being separated from God forever.

    I examine my life and see so many weaknesses, failures, sins, inconsistencies, and areas where I struggle. I keep thinking that I am not doing enough, that I am not good enough, or that perhaps God does not truly accept me.

    Sometimes I struggle to believe that God is truly merciful and gracious toward me. His judgment and holiness can seem so overwhelming that I forget how enormous His love and grace are.

    I know intellectually that salvation is by grace through faith and not by my own works, but my heart struggles to rest in that truth.

    I feel as though I am constantly trying to make myself right with God, yet I know I cannot save myself.

    I need Jesus.

    I need His mercy.

    I need His grace.

    I need His forgiveness.

    I need the Holy Spirit to transform me.

    I need to know that I am truly loved and accepted by God through Christ.

    Please pray that God would take away this overwhelming condemnation and replace it with genuine biblical assurance.

    Please pray that I would understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly and not allow fear to destroy my relationship with Jesus.

    Please pray that I would truly know Jesus—not merely know about Him.

    Please pray that the Holy Spirit would search my heart, reveal anything that needs to change, lead me into genuine repentance, and give me a deeper love for God.

    Please pray that I would stop trying to save myself through my own efforts and learn to completely trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

    Please pray that Romans 8:1 would become deeply rooted in my heart:

    “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    Please also pray that I would truly believe the words of Jesus:

    “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37

    I don't want to run away from God because I am afraid of Him.

    I want to run toward Him.

    I want my relationship with Jesus to become real, deep, genuine, and unshakable.

    Please pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, renewed faith, spiritual discernment, freedom from condemnation, freedom from fear, genuine repentance, and a restored joy in my salvation.

    Please pray that God would help me surrender everything to Him and trust His character even when my emotions tell me otherwise.

    I am asking you to please stand with me in prayer.

    Please pray for my mind, heart, soul, faith, salvation, relationship with Jesus, and my entire life.

    I especially ask that you pray that I would come to understand the difference between Holy Spirit conviction that draws me toward Christ and condemnation that makes me believe I am hopeless and rejected.

    I don't want to be a fake Christian.

    I don't want to merely have religious words.

    I want to know Jesus Christ personally and sincerely.

    I want to love Him.

    I want to follow Him.

    I want to surrender my life to Him.

    And I want to spend eternity with Him.

    Please pray that God would meet me exactly where I am and lead me into a deep assurance that rests not in my ability to be perfect, but in the mercy, grace, righteousness, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to pray for me.

    May the Lord bless you and everyone in your ministry abundantly for standing in the gap for people who are struggling.

    In the precious name of Jesus Christ,

    Amen.

    With heartfelt gratitude and Christian love,
    Markus Klinger from London Ontario Canada
    Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am reaching out to your ministry because I desperately need prayer. I have been going through a very deep spiritual struggle, and I feel lost, frightened, and spiritually exhausted. I love Jesus Christ and I sincerely want to follow Him, but I have become deeply afraid about my eternal salvation. Matthew 7:21–23 has been weighing extremely heavily upon me. When I read Jesus' warning about people saying, “Lord, Lord,” but being told that He never knew them, I become terrified that somehow I could be one of those people. I am deeply afraid of hell and of being separated from God forever. I examine my life and see so many weaknesses, failures, sins, inconsistencies, and areas where I struggle. I keep thinking that I am not doing enough, that I am not good enough, or that perhaps God does not truly accept me. Sometimes I struggle to believe that God is truly merciful and gracious toward me. His judgment and holiness can seem so overwhelming that I forget how enormous His love and grace are. I know intellectually that salvation is by grace through faith and not by my own works, but my heart struggles to rest in that truth. I feel as though I am constantly trying to make myself right with God, yet I know I cannot save myself. I need Jesus. I need His mercy. I need His grace. I need His forgiveness. I need the Holy Spirit to transform me. I need to know that I am truly loved and accepted by God through Christ. Please pray that God would take away this overwhelming condemnation and replace it with genuine biblical assurance. Please pray that I would understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly and not allow fear to destroy my relationship with Jesus. Please pray that I would truly know Jesus—not merely know about Him. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would search my heart, reveal anything that needs to change, lead me into genuine repentance, and give me a deeper love for God. Please pray that I would stop trying to save myself through my own efforts and learn to completely trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Please pray that Romans 8:1 would become deeply rooted in my heart: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Please also pray that I would truly believe the words of Jesus: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37 I don't want to run away from God because I am afraid of Him. I want to run toward Him. I want my relationship with Jesus to become real, deep, genuine, and unshakable. Please pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, renewed faith, spiritual discernment, freedom from condemnation, freedom from fear, genuine repentance, and a restored joy in my salvation. Please pray that God would help me surrender everything to Him and trust His character even when my emotions tell me otherwise. I am asking you to please stand with me in prayer. Please pray for my mind, heart, soul, faith, salvation, relationship with Jesus, and my entire life. I especially ask that you pray that I would come to understand the difference between Holy Spirit conviction that draws me toward Christ and condemnation that makes me believe I am hopeless and rejected. I don't want to be a fake Christian. I don't want to merely have religious words. I want to know Jesus Christ personally and sincerely. I want to love Him. I want to follow Him. I want to surrender my life to Him. And I want to spend eternity with Him. Please pray that God would meet me exactly where I am and lead me into a deep assurance that rests not in my ability to be perfect, but in the mercy, grace, righteousness, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to pray for me. May the Lord bless you and everyone in your ministry abundantly for standing in the gap for people who are struggling. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. With heartfelt gratitude and Christian love, Markus Klinger from London Ontario Canada
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 21 Views
  • THE SPIRITUAL INDEX

    “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?” — Matthew 7:9

    Jesus uses the example of a good father and his child to teach us about prayer.

    Sometimes we pray and wonder why we are not receiving answers. Instead of immediately thinking, “Maybe it is not God's will,” we should also examine our relationship with God and with other people.

    Check your spiritual life.

    Ask yourself:

    Am I treating my husband or wife properly?

    Am I treating my children well?

    Am I kind to my friends and fellow Christians?

    Is there someone I have refused to forgive?

    Do I owe someone something that I have refused to pay?

    Am I asking God to bless me while I am hurting someone else?

    Am I asking God for freedom while I am refusing to give freedom to others?


    Sometimes the problem is not that God cannot answer our prayer. The problem may be something in our own lives that needs to be corrected.

    We can easily mistake stubbornness for devotion and arguing with God for strong faith.

    But God wants us to examine ourselves.

    If you have been rude, unforgiving, dishonest, angry, or unfair, don't ignore it while asking God for greater spiritual blessings.

    Go back and make things right.

    Being a child of God is not only about saying that we are Christians. It also means walking in God's light and allowing Him to change how we live.

    Prayer should not just be emotional words. Our daily lives should agree with our prayers.

    Before asking God for more, check your relationship with Him and with people.

    Sometimes the answer to your prayer begins with repentance, forgiveness, obedience, or making something right.

    When we walk rightly with God, we can come to Him with confidence, knowing that:

    > “Everyone that asketh receiveth.” — Matthew 7:8

    Check the index. Look at your life. What is God asking you to correct?
    THE SPIRITUAL INDEX “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?” — Matthew 7:9 Jesus uses the example of a good father and his child to teach us about prayer. Sometimes we pray and wonder why we are not receiving answers. Instead of immediately thinking, “Maybe it is not God's will,” we should also examine our relationship with God and with other people. Check your spiritual life. Ask yourself: Am I treating my husband or wife properly? Am I treating my children well? Am I kind to my friends and fellow Christians? Is there someone I have refused to forgive? Do I owe someone something that I have refused to pay? Am I asking God to bless me while I am hurting someone else? Am I asking God for freedom while I am refusing to give freedom to others? Sometimes the problem is not that God cannot answer our prayer. The problem may be something in our own lives that needs to be corrected. We can easily mistake stubbornness for devotion and arguing with God for strong faith. But God wants us to examine ourselves. If you have been rude, unforgiving, dishonest, angry, or unfair, don't ignore it while asking God for greater spiritual blessings. Go back and make things right. Being a child of God is not only about saying that we are Christians. It also means walking in God's light and allowing Him to change how we live. Prayer should not just be emotional words. Our daily lives should agree with our prayers. Before asking God for more, check your relationship with Him and with people. Sometimes the answer to your prayer begins with repentance, forgiveness, obedience, or making something right. When we walk rightly with God, we can come to Him with confidence, knowing that: > “Everyone that asketh receiveth.” — Matthew 7:8 Check the index. Look at your life. What is God asking you to correct?
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 25 Views
  • TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

    SERMON TOPIC:

    THE MOST DANGEROUS BELIEVERS ARE NOT THOSE WHO LEAVE THE CHURCH.

    Theme:
    Examining the danger of remaining around the things of God while the heart is far from God
    Scripture: Matthew 7:21–23; Revelation 3:1–3; Luke 18:9–14


    Church, let me begin with a statement that may shock you:
    The most dangerous believer is not always the one who leaves the church. Sometimes, it is the one who remains in the church but leaves Christ in the heart.
    Some people leave the church physically, and everybody notices.
    But there are others who remain in the congregation, sing the songs, carry the Bible, attend services, shout “Amen,” give offerings, quote Scriptures—and yet their hearts have slowly moved away from God.
    They have not left the building, but they have left the Presence.

    Jesus warned us that there would be people who would say, “Lord, Lord,” and yet He would say, “I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:23.
    This means church attendance is not the same thing as spiritual transformation.
    You can sit in church and still be far from God.
    You can know Christian language and not know Christ.
    You can serve in a department and secretly serve your flesh.
    You can have a title without having a testimony.
    The question is not merely:
    “Am I in church?”
    The deeper question is:
    “Is Christ truly ruling my life?”

    KEY BIBLE VERSES.

    1. Matthew 7:21–23 — “Lord, Lord”
    Jesus said:
    «“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”»
    Notice something frightening: these people called Jesus “Lord.”
    They knew the language of faith.
    They even claimed to have done mighty works.
    Yet Jesus said, “I never knew you.”

    Spiritual lesson:
    It is possible to be familiar with the things of God without having a genuine relationship with God.
    Church activity cannot replace spiritual intimacy.
    2. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a name that you are alive”
    Jesus told the church at Sardis:
    «“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”»
    What a frightening diagnosis!
    The church had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus saw something different.
    People saw activity.
    Jesus saw the heart.
    People saw the appearance.
    Jesus saw the condition.
    Spiritual lesson:
    God is more interested in who you are privately than who you appear to be publicly.
    3. Isaiah 29:13
    «“This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me; but have removed their heart far from me.”»
    Their lips were close.
    Their hearts were far away.
    This is the danger of religious appearance without genuine surrender.

    5 TYPES OF DANGEROUS BELIEVERS

    1. THE BELIEVER WHO KNOWS SCRIPTURE BUT REFUSES TO OBEY IT
    There is a difference between knowing God's Word and living God's Word.
    James 1:22 says:
    «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”»
    Some believers can explain forgiveness but refuse to forgive.
    They can preach holiness but live carelessly.
    They can quote Scripture but manipulate people.
    They know what God says, but they have decided to obey themselves.

    Deep insight:

    Information without transformation can produce religious pride.
    The devil does not necessarily fear a Christian who knows many Bible verses.
    He fears the Christian who believes, obeys, and lives the Word.
    2. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT NO POWER
    2 Timothy 3:5 speaks about people:
    «“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”»
    A form is an outward appearance.
    It looks right.
    It sounds right.
    But something is missing inside.
    You can dress like a Christian.
    Talk like a Christian.
    Post Christian messages.
    Attend Christian programs.
    And still refuse to surrender your character to Christ.
    Ask yourself:
    What happens to my Christianity when nobody is watching?
    That is where genuine Christianity is tested.
    Your secret life is a better measurement of your spiritual condition than your public reputation.
    3. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS BECOME COMFORTABLE WITH SIN
    One of the most dangerous conditions is not falling into sin accidentally.
    It is becoming comfortable with sin deliberately.
    The believer begins by saying:
    «“It is only once.”»
    Then:
    «“Everybody is doing it.”»
    Then:
    «“God understands.”»
    Eventually, the conscience becomes quiet.
    Romans 6:1–2 warns against continuing in sin because grace abounds.

    Deep spiritual truth:

    Grace is not permission to remain in sin. Grace is God's power to bring us out of sin.
    If something is destroying your relationship with God, don't defend it.
    Repent from it.
    4. THE BELIEVER WHO LOVES THE CHURCH BUT DOES NOT LOVE CHRIST
    This may sound strange, but it happens.
    Someone can love:
    - The choir
    - The pastor
    - The church building
    - Christian conferences
    - Christian music
    - Christian social media
    - Christian friendships
    …but fail to love Jesus with all their heart.
    Jesus told the church at Ephesus:
    «“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” — Revelation 2:4»
    They were working.
    They were enduring.
    They were doctrinally discerning.
    But they had lost their first love.
    Important lesson:
    You can be busy doing things for Jesus while becoming distant from Jesus.
    Don't allow ministry to replace relationship.
    Don't allow your assignment to replace intimacy.
    Don't allow the work of God to become more important than the God of the work.
    5. THE BELIEVER WHO REFUSES CORRECTION
    A dangerous believer is one who cannot be corrected.
    When the pastor preaches against something they are doing, they become angry.
    When a mature Christian warns them, they say:
    «“Don't judge me.”»
    When Scripture confronts their lifestyle, they look for another interpretation.
    Proverbs 12:1 says:
    «“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”»
    Spiritual maturity means:
    I am willing to be corrected because I want to become more like Christ.
    A person who cannot receive correction will eventually become a prisoner of their own deception.

    BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

    JUDAS ISCARIOT

    Judas is one of the most sobering examples in Scripture.
    Judas walked with Jesus.
    He heard Jesus teach.
    He witnessed miracles.
    He traveled with the disciples.
    He was part of the ministry.
    He was close enough to Jesus to call Him Master.
    Yet Judas eventually betrayed Him.
    This teaches us something frightening:
    Being close to spiritual things does not automatically mean your heart belongs to God.
    You can be around anointed people and remain unchanged.
    You can witness miracles and still struggle with unbelief.
    You can carry a Bible and still carry bitterness.
    You can occupy a position and lose your spiritual condition.
    But there is hope.
    Peter also failed Jesus.
    The difference was that Peter returned in repentance.
    Judas allowed his failure to lead him into destruction.
    Failure does not have to be the end of your story. Repentance can become the beginning of restoration.

    PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS

    1. EXAMINE YOUR HEART
    Psalm 139:23–24:
    «“Search me, O God, and know my heart…”»
    Don't only ask, “What is wrong with others?”
    Ask:
    “Lord, what needs to change in me?”
    2. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE
    If prayer has become a duty, return.
    If Bible reading has become routine, return.
    If worship has become performance, return.
    If your passion for Christ has disappeared, return.
    3. STOP JUSTIFYING WHAT GOD IS ASKING YOU TO REPENT OF
    Don't rename sin.
    Don't call disobedience “weakness.”
    Don't call compromise “wisdom.”
    Don't call rebellion “freedom.”
    When God reveals something, respond with repentance.
    4. PRACTICE PRIVATE CHRISTIANITY
    Pray when nobody is watching.
    Read the Word when nobody is applauding.
    Give when nobody knows.
    Forgive when nobody forces you.
    Serve when nobody celebrates you.
    What you do privately reveals what you truly value.
    5. STAY TEACHABLE
    Allow God's Word to correct you.
    Allow mature believers to challenge you.
    Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you.
    A heart that can still be corrected is a heart that can still be transformed.

    DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS

    1. PROXIMITY TO HOLY THINGS DOES NOT GUARANTEE HOLINESS.
    Judas was close to Jesus physically, but his heart was not surrendered.
    2. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY CAN HIDE SPIRITUAL DECLINE.
    A person can become busier in church while becoming colder toward God.
    3. GOD LOOKS BEYOND THE PLATFORM.
    People may see your preaching.
    God sees your private life.
    People hear your words.
    God knows your motives.
    4. THE GREATEST DANGER IS SELF-DECEPTION.
    A sinner who knows he is lost may seek help.
    But someone who is lost and believes he is spiritually healthy may never seek rescue.
    5. JESUS DOES NOT ONLY WANT YOUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE.
    He wants your heart.
    He wants your character.
    He wants your obedience.
    He wants your entire life.

    QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

    1. Am I following Jesus or merely following Christian activities?
    2. Does my private life agree with my public confession?
    3. Is there any sin I have become comfortable with?
    4. Can I receive correction without becoming offended?
    5. Have I lost my first love for Christ?
    6. Am I more concerned about what people think about me than what God thinks about me?
    7. If Jesus examined my heart today, what would He find?

    POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

    1.
    Father, search my heart and expose everything in me that is not pleasing to You, in Jesus' name.
    2.
    Lord Jesus, deliver me from religious appearance without spiritual reality.
    3.
    Father, restore my first love for You. Let my passion for Christ become stronger again.
    4.
    Lord, give me grace to obey Your Word, not merely hear it.
    5.
    Every spirit of hypocrisy and self-deception, be broken over my life, in Jesus' name.
    6.
    Father, give me a heart that receives correction and grows in wisdom.
    7.
    Lord, let my private life and public testimony agree.
    8.
    Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.
    9.
    Father, keep me faithful to Christ until the end of my journey.

    CALL TO ACTION

    Beloved, don't leave this message thinking about another believer.
    Think about yourself.
    Don't ask:
    «“Who in my church needs to hear this?”»
    Ask:
    «“Lord, what are You saying to me?”»
    The goal of Christianity is not simply to remain in church.
    The goal is to remain in Christ.
    Jesus said in John 15:4:
    «“Abide in me, and I in you.”»
    Don't just carry the name Christian.
    Carry Christ in your heart.
    Don't just attend church.
    Become the church wherever you go.
    Don't just quote the Word.
    Live the Word.
    Don't just raise your hands in worship.
    Surrender your heart in obedience.
    And don't wait until you stand before Jesus to discover that you were close to church but far from Christ.

    TODAY, RETURN TO JESUS.
    Return to your first love.
    Return to prayer.
    Return to the Word.
    Return to holiness.
    Return to obedience.
    Return to genuine fellowship with Christ.
    The greatest question is not, “Did I attend church?”
    It is:
    “DOES JESUS TRULY KNOW ME?”
    May we never be believers who merely look alive.
    May we be believers who are truly alive in Christ.
    In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

    FINAL DECLARATION

    I will not merely look like a Christian; I will live for Christ.
    I will not only hear God's Word; I will obey it.
    I will not hide behind religious activity; I will pursue genuine relationship with Jesus.
    My heart belongs to Christ, my life belongs to Christ, and my future belongs to Christ.
    In Jesus' name. Amen.

    Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church.
    You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela/Amazon shops below

    https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1

    https://selar.com/m/umoedem

    https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks

    https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128

    CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540

    Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
    TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE MOST DANGEROUS BELIEVERS ARE NOT THOSE WHO LEAVE THE CHURCH. Theme: Examining the danger of remaining around the things of God while the heart is far from God Scripture: Matthew 7:21–23; Revelation 3:1–3; Luke 18:9–14 Church, let me begin with a statement that may shock you: The most dangerous believer is not always the one who leaves the church. Sometimes, it is the one who remains in the church but leaves Christ in the heart. Some people leave the church physically, and everybody notices. But there are others who remain in the congregation, sing the songs, carry the Bible, attend services, shout “Amen,” give offerings, quote Scriptures—and yet their hearts have slowly moved away from God. They have not left the building, but they have left the Presence. Jesus warned us that there would be people who would say, “Lord, Lord,” and yet He would say, “I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:23. This means church attendance is not the same thing as spiritual transformation. You can sit in church and still be far from God. You can know Christian language and not know Christ. You can serve in a department and secretly serve your flesh. You can have a title without having a testimony. The question is not merely: “Am I in church?” The deeper question is: “Is Christ truly ruling my life?” KEY BIBLE VERSES. 1. Matthew 7:21–23 — “Lord, Lord” Jesus said: «“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”» Notice something frightening: these people called Jesus “Lord.” They knew the language of faith. They even claimed to have done mighty works. Yet Jesus said, “I never knew you.” Spiritual lesson: It is possible to be familiar with the things of God without having a genuine relationship with God. Church activity cannot replace spiritual intimacy. 2. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a name that you are alive” Jesus told the church at Sardis: «“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”» What a frightening diagnosis! The church had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus saw something different. People saw activity. Jesus saw the heart. People saw the appearance. Jesus saw the condition. Spiritual lesson: God is more interested in who you are privately than who you appear to be publicly. 3. Isaiah 29:13 «“This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me; but have removed their heart far from me.”» Their lips were close. Their hearts were far away. This is the danger of religious appearance without genuine surrender. 5 TYPES OF DANGEROUS BELIEVERS 1. THE BELIEVER WHO KNOWS SCRIPTURE BUT REFUSES TO OBEY IT There is a difference between knowing God's Word and living God's Word. James 1:22 says: «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”» Some believers can explain forgiveness but refuse to forgive. They can preach holiness but live carelessly. They can quote Scripture but manipulate people. They know what God says, but they have decided to obey themselves. Deep insight: Information without transformation can produce religious pride. The devil does not necessarily fear a Christian who knows many Bible verses. He fears the Christian who believes, obeys, and lives the Word. 2. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT NO POWER 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks about people: «“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”» A form is an outward appearance. It looks right. It sounds right. But something is missing inside. You can dress like a Christian. Talk like a Christian. Post Christian messages. Attend Christian programs. And still refuse to surrender your character to Christ. Ask yourself: What happens to my Christianity when nobody is watching? That is where genuine Christianity is tested. Your secret life is a better measurement of your spiritual condition than your public reputation. 3. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS BECOME COMFORTABLE WITH SIN One of the most dangerous conditions is not falling into sin accidentally. It is becoming comfortable with sin deliberately. The believer begins by saying: «“It is only once.”» Then: «“Everybody is doing it.”» Then: «“God understands.”» Eventually, the conscience becomes quiet. Romans 6:1–2 warns against continuing in sin because grace abounds. Deep spiritual truth: Grace is not permission to remain in sin. Grace is God's power to bring us out of sin. If something is destroying your relationship with God, don't defend it. Repent from it. 4. THE BELIEVER WHO LOVES THE CHURCH BUT DOES NOT LOVE CHRIST This may sound strange, but it happens. Someone can love: - The choir - The pastor - The church building - Christian conferences - Christian music - Christian social media - Christian friendships …but fail to love Jesus with all their heart. Jesus told the church at Ephesus: «“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” — Revelation 2:4» They were working. They were enduring. They were doctrinally discerning. But they had lost their first love. Important lesson: You can be busy doing things for Jesus while becoming distant from Jesus. Don't allow ministry to replace relationship. Don't allow your assignment to replace intimacy. Don't allow the work of God to become more important than the God of the work. 5. THE BELIEVER WHO REFUSES CORRECTION A dangerous believer is one who cannot be corrected. When the pastor preaches against something they are doing, they become angry. When a mature Christian warns them, they say: «“Don't judge me.”» When Scripture confronts their lifestyle, they look for another interpretation. Proverbs 12:1 says: «“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”» Spiritual maturity means: I am willing to be corrected because I want to become more like Christ. A person who cannot receive correction will eventually become a prisoner of their own deception. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT Judas is one of the most sobering examples in Scripture. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He traveled with the disciples. He was part of the ministry. He was close enough to Jesus to call Him Master. Yet Judas eventually betrayed Him. This teaches us something frightening: Being close to spiritual things does not automatically mean your heart belongs to God. You can be around anointed people and remain unchanged. You can witness miracles and still struggle with unbelief. You can carry a Bible and still carry bitterness. You can occupy a position and lose your spiritual condition. But there is hope. Peter also failed Jesus. The difference was that Peter returned in repentance. Judas allowed his failure to lead him into destruction. Failure does not have to be the end of your story. Repentance can become the beginning of restoration. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. EXAMINE YOUR HEART Psalm 139:23–24: «“Search me, O God, and know my heart…”» Don't only ask, “What is wrong with others?” Ask: “Lord, what needs to change in me?” 2. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE If prayer has become a duty, return. If Bible reading has become routine, return. If worship has become performance, return. If your passion for Christ has disappeared, return. 3. STOP JUSTIFYING WHAT GOD IS ASKING YOU TO REPENT OF Don't rename sin. Don't call disobedience “weakness.” Don't call compromise “wisdom.” Don't call rebellion “freedom.” When God reveals something, respond with repentance. 4. PRACTICE PRIVATE CHRISTIANITY Pray when nobody is watching. Read the Word when nobody is applauding. Give when nobody knows. Forgive when nobody forces you. Serve when nobody celebrates you. What you do privately reveals what you truly value. 5. STAY TEACHABLE Allow God's Word to correct you. Allow mature believers to challenge you. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you. A heart that can still be corrected is a heart that can still be transformed. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. PROXIMITY TO HOLY THINGS DOES NOT GUARANTEE HOLINESS. Judas was close to Jesus physically, but his heart was not surrendered. 2. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY CAN HIDE SPIRITUAL DECLINE. A person can become busier in church while becoming colder toward God. 3. GOD LOOKS BEYOND THE PLATFORM. People may see your preaching. God sees your private life. People hear your words. God knows your motives. 4. THE GREATEST DANGER IS SELF-DECEPTION. A sinner who knows he is lost may seek help. But someone who is lost and believes he is spiritually healthy may never seek rescue. 5. JESUS DOES NOT ONLY WANT YOUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE. He wants your heart. He wants your character. He wants your obedience. He wants your entire life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I following Jesus or merely following Christian activities? 2. Does my private life agree with my public confession? 3. Is there any sin I have become comfortable with? 4. Can I receive correction without becoming offended? 5. Have I lost my first love for Christ? 6. Am I more concerned about what people think about me than what God thinks about me? 7. If Jesus examined my heart today, what would He find? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, search my heart and expose everything in me that is not pleasing to You, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord Jesus, deliver me from religious appearance without spiritual reality. 3. Father, restore my first love for You. Let my passion for Christ become stronger again. 4. Lord, give me grace to obey Your Word, not merely hear it. 5. Every spirit of hypocrisy and self-deception, be broken over my life, in Jesus' name. 6. Father, give me a heart that receives correction and grows in wisdom. 7. Lord, let my private life and public testimony agree. 8. Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. 9. Father, keep me faithful to Christ until the end of my journey. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, don't leave this message thinking about another believer. Think about yourself. Don't ask: «“Who in my church needs to hear this?”» Ask: «“Lord, what are You saying to me?”» The goal of Christianity is not simply to remain in church. The goal is to remain in Christ. Jesus said in John 15:4: «“Abide in me, and I in you.”» Don't just carry the name Christian. Carry Christ in your heart. Don't just attend church. Become the church wherever you go. Don't just quote the Word. Live the Word. Don't just raise your hands in worship. Surrender your heart in obedience. And don't wait until you stand before Jesus to discover that you were close to church but far from Christ. TODAY, RETURN TO JESUS. Return to your first love. Return to prayer. Return to the Word. Return to holiness. Return to obedience. Return to genuine fellowship with Christ. The greatest question is not, “Did I attend church?” It is: “DOES JESUS TRULY KNOW ME?” May we never be believers who merely look alive. May we be believers who are truly alive in Christ. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. FINAL DECLARATION I will not merely look like a Christian; I will live for Christ. I will not only hear God's Word; I will obey it. I will not hide behind religious activity; I will pursue genuine relationship with Jesus. My heart belongs to Christ, my life belongs to Christ, and my future belongs to Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
    Like
    1
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 21 Views
  • DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 237
    DATE: 25TH AUGUST 2026
    TOPIC: COME TO JESUS, AND FIND REST
    ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 11:28 (NKJV)
    “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
    Devotional message:

    Are you struggling with sin?Are you struggling with fornication, pornography, or masturbation?Are you battling guilt and self-condemnation?Are you carrying bitterness, unforgiveness, rejection, or disappointment?Are you struggling under sickness, oppression, or the weight of circumstances that seem too heavy to bear?

    Perhaps you have reached a place where you feel overwhelmed and wonder whether there is still hope.There is hope—and His name is Jesus.

    Jesus does not merely offer temporary relief; He offers Himself. He calls the weary, the broken, the burdened, and those who have wandered away to come to Him.

    He says:Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV)
    “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

    Notice that Jesus does not say, “Fix yourself first, then come.”He says, “Come to Me.”You do not have to clean yourself up before approaching Him. Come with your brokenness. Come with your failures. Come with your questions. Come with your burdens. Come with the struggles you have been unable to overcome by yourself.

    Jesus is able to forgive, restore, transform, and give you a new beginning.

    The Apostle John gives us this assurance:1 John 1:9 (NKJV)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Your sin is not greater than His grace.Your past is not greater than His mercy.Your failure does not have to become your identity.There is forgiveness in Christ.

    Jesus also invites us into fellowship with Him. Revelation 3:20 presents the picture of Christ standing at the door and knocking:“If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”The invitation is personal.He is calling you to open your heart and allow Him to reign over your life.

    But receiving Jesus is more than merely repeating words. It is surrendering your life to His lordship—turning away from sin, trusting Him, following His Word, and allowing His Spirit to transform you.

    And if you have already received Christ but find yourself struggling, do not run away from Him in shame. Run toward Him.

    The enemy may tell you that you have failed too many times, that God will never accept you again, or that your situation can never change.Do not believe that lie.

    Perhaps today you are carrying a burden that nobody else knows about.Jesus knows.Perhaps you have been smiling publicly while secretly fighting a battle.Jesus sees.

    Perhaps you have reached the point where you have exhausted every human option.

    Jesus is still calling:“Come to Me.”Bring Him your guilt,brokenness,sin,fears,disappointments and burdens.He is able to give you the rest your soul desperately needs.

    PRAYER

    Lord Jesus,I come to You just as I am. I acknowledge that I need You and cannot save or transform myself by my own strength.Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to follow You all the days of my life.I receive Your rest, Your grace, and Your new beginning.In Jesus' name, Amen.

    DAILY BIBLE READING
    Psalm 103:1–5,Isaiah 1:18,1 John 1:5–9,Luke 15:11–24,Jhn 8:31–36

    Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi
    Contact :
    Email : DominionvoicesminisrtyAnderson Mwila.com
    Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi
    Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026
    © Dominion Voices Ministry
    🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 237 DATE: 25TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: COME TO JESUS, AND FIND REST ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 11:28 (NKJV) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Devotional message: Are you struggling with sin?Are you struggling with fornication, pornography, or masturbation?Are you battling guilt and self-condemnation?Are you carrying bitterness, unforgiveness, rejection, or disappointment?Are you struggling under sickness, oppression, or the weight of circumstances that seem too heavy to bear? Perhaps you have reached a place where you feel overwhelmed and wonder whether there is still hope.There is hope—and His name is Jesus. Jesus does not merely offer temporary relief; He offers Himself. He calls the weary, the broken, the burdened, and those who have wandered away to come to Him. He says:Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Notice that Jesus does not say, “Fix yourself first, then come.”He says, “Come to Me.”You do not have to clean yourself up before approaching Him. Come with your brokenness. Come with your failures. Come with your questions. Come with your burdens. Come with the struggles you have been unable to overcome by yourself. Jesus is able to forgive, restore, transform, and give you a new beginning. The Apostle John gives us this assurance:1 John 1:9 (NKJV)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Your sin is not greater than His grace.Your past is not greater than His mercy.Your failure does not have to become your identity.There is forgiveness in Christ. Jesus also invites us into fellowship with Him. Revelation 3:20 presents the picture of Christ standing at the door and knocking:“If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”The invitation is personal.He is calling you to open your heart and allow Him to reign over your life. But receiving Jesus is more than merely repeating words. It is surrendering your life to His lordship—turning away from sin, trusting Him, following His Word, and allowing His Spirit to transform you. And if you have already received Christ but find yourself struggling, do not run away from Him in shame. Run toward Him. The enemy may tell you that you have failed too many times, that God will never accept you again, or that your situation can never change.Do not believe that lie. Perhaps today you are carrying a burden that nobody else knows about.Jesus knows.Perhaps you have been smiling publicly while secretly fighting a battle.Jesus sees. Perhaps you have reached the point where you have exhausted every human option. Jesus is still calling:“Come to Me.”Bring Him your guilt,brokenness,sin,fears,disappointments and burdens.He is able to give you the rest your soul desperately needs. PRAYER Lord Jesus,I come to You just as I am. I acknowledge that I need You and cannot save or transform myself by my own strength.Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to follow You all the days of my life.I receive Your rest, Your grace, and Your new beginning.In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏 DAILY BIBLE READING Psalm 103:1–5,Isaiah 1:18,1 John 1:5–9,Luke 15:11–24,Jhn 8:31–36 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry
    Like
    1
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 15 Views
  • Aflame - Shared by Smith Wigglesworth
    "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. -Ezekiel 37:5
    As we speak in the Spirit, we feel that the fire that burned in the hearts of the two men on their way to Emmaus, when Jesus walked with them, is burning in our hearts. (See Luke 24:13-32.) It is sure to come to pass that when we walk with Him, our hearts will burn; the same power of the Spirit is present today to make it happen. The two men on their way to Emmaus could not understand what was happening on the road, but a few hours later, they saw Jesus break the bread, and their eyes were opened.
    But, beloved, our hearts always ought to burn. There is a place where we can live in the anointing and the clothing of the Spirit, where our words will be clothed with power. "Do not be drunk with wine ... but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph.5:18). Being filled with the Spirit is a wonderful privilege.
    It was necessary for John to be in the Spirit on the Isle of Patmos so that the revelation could be made clear to him (Rev. 1:9- 10). What does it mean to this generation for us to be kept in the Spirit? All human reasoning and all human knowledge cannot be compared with the power of the life that is lived in the Spirit. In the Spirit, we have power to loose and power to bind (Matt.16:19). There is a place where the Holy Spirit can put us where we cannot be anywhere else but in the Spirit. But it is only in the Spirit.
    Now, I read in Matthew 16:19 that Jesus says, in essence, "I will give you power to bind, and I will give you power to loose." This is a power that many of us have not yet claimed, and we will not be able to claim this manifestation of the Spirit unless we live in the Spirit. When are you able to bind and loose? It is only in the Spirit. You cannot bind things in human strength or with the natural mind. This power was never lacking in Jesus, but I feel that there is a great lack of it in most of us. God help us!
    "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me" (Luke4:18). Beloved, there was a great purpose in this Spirit being on Jesus, and there is a special purpose in your being baptized in the Spirit. We must not forget that we are members of His body, and by this wonderful baptismal power, we are partakers of His divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
    The revelation came this way: I saw Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden and a flaming sword at every side to keep them from entering into the Garden. But I saw 'that all around me was a flaming sword keeping me from evil, and it seemed this would be true if I would claim it, so I said, "Lord, I will." The flaming sword was around me, delivering me from the power of hell. In this way, we are preserved from evil. God is like a wall of fire around us (Zech. 2:5); why should we fear? What a wonderful salvation! What a wonderful Deliverer!
    Notice Ezekiel 37. The only need of Ezekiel was to be in the Spirit, and while he was in the Spirit, it came to him to prophesy to the dry bones and say, "O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD" (v. 4). And as he prophesied according to the Lord's command, he saw an "exceedingly great army" (v. 10) rising up about him. The prophet obeyed God's command, and all we have to do is exactly this: obey God. What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke18:27).
    I pray to God that your spirit, soul, and body may be preserved holy (1 Thess.5:23), and that you may be always on fire, always ready with the anointing on you. If this is not so, we are out of divine order, and we ought to cry to Him until the glory comes back upon us."
    Read Smith Wigglesworth's other works at http://www.teleiosministries.com/Gifts-of-Healing.html
    Free Downloads at www.teleiosministries.com
    Aflame - Shared by Smith Wigglesworth "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. -Ezekiel 37:5 As we speak in the Spirit, we feel that the fire that burned in the hearts of the two men on their way to Emmaus, when Jesus walked with them, is burning in our hearts. (See Luke 24:13-32.) It is sure to come to pass that when we walk with Him, our hearts will burn; the same power of the Spirit is present today to make it happen. The two men on their way to Emmaus could not understand what was happening on the road, but a few hours later, they saw Jesus break the bread, and their eyes were opened. But, beloved, our hearts always ought to burn. There is a place where we can live in the anointing and the clothing of the Spirit, where our words will be clothed with power. "Do not be drunk with wine ... but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph.5:18). Being filled with the Spirit is a wonderful privilege. It was necessary for John to be in the Spirit on the Isle of Patmos so that the revelation could be made clear to him (Rev. 1:9- 10). What does it mean to this generation for us to be kept in the Spirit? All human reasoning and all human knowledge cannot be compared with the power of the life that is lived in the Spirit. In the Spirit, we have power to loose and power to bind (Matt.16:19). There is a place where the Holy Spirit can put us where we cannot be anywhere else but in the Spirit. But it is only in the Spirit. Now, I read in Matthew 16:19 that Jesus says, in essence, "I will give you power to bind, and I will give you power to loose." This is a power that many of us have not yet claimed, and we will not be able to claim this manifestation of the Spirit unless we live in the Spirit. When are you able to bind and loose? It is only in the Spirit. You cannot bind things in human strength or with the natural mind. This power was never lacking in Jesus, but I feel that there is a great lack of it in most of us. God help us! "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me" (Luke4:18). Beloved, there was a great purpose in this Spirit being on Jesus, and there is a special purpose in your being baptized in the Spirit. We must not forget that we are members of His body, and by this wonderful baptismal power, we are partakers of His divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). The revelation came this way: I saw Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden and a flaming sword at every side to keep them from entering into the Garden. But I saw 'that all around me was a flaming sword keeping me from evil, and it seemed this would be true if I would claim it, so I said, "Lord, I will." The flaming sword was around me, delivering me from the power of hell. In this way, we are preserved from evil. God is like a wall of fire around us (Zech. 2:5); why should we fear? What a wonderful salvation! What a wonderful Deliverer! Notice Ezekiel 37. The only need of Ezekiel was to be in the Spirit, and while he was in the Spirit, it came to him to prophesy to the dry bones and say, "O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD" (v. 4). And as he prophesied according to the Lord's command, he saw an "exceedingly great army" (v. 10) rising up about him. The prophet obeyed God's command, and all we have to do is exactly this: obey God. What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke18:27). I pray to God that your spirit, soul, and body may be preserved holy (1 Thess.5:23), and that you may be always on fire, always ready with the anointing on you. If this is not so, we are out of divine order, and we ought to cry to Him until the glory comes back upon us." Read Smith Wigglesworth's other works at http://www.teleiosministries.com/Gifts-of-Healing.html Free Downloads at www.teleiosministries.com
    Like
    Love
    6
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 225 Views
  • Righteousness That Comes from God

    These days, we are meditating on the Gospel of Matthew, especially the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches His disciples the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. After teaching them to let their light shine before others so that people may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven, Jesus explains the true meaning of righteousness and obedience to God’s Law.

    Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). He came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill its purpose and reveal its deepest meaning. The heart of God’s Law is love: love for God and love for others.

    Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His time because the scribes and Pharisees often emphasized outward religious practices while neglecting the condition of the heart. They had developed human traditions that sometimes replaced God’s commandments. Jesus asked, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3).

    The Law is holy because God is holy. The Ten Commandments reveal God’s character and help us understand what sin is. However, the Law cannot save us. Instead, it reveals our sin and shows us our need for a Savior. It leads us to recognize our need for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

    John 1:17 says, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” The scribes and Pharisees practiced righteousness outwardly, often seeking recognition and honor from people. Jesus warned, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them” (Matthew 6:1). Their righteousness was based on self-righteousness rather than a transformed heart.

    Therefore, Jesus declared, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). True righteousness is not merely outward behavior; it comes from a heart transformed by God through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

    This is why Jesus calls us to be poor in spirit—to recognize our spiritual need and humbly come to Him. May our righteousness never be hypocritical or self-made, but may it be the righteousness God gives through Jesus Christ. Let us love God, love people, walk humbly, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. May God bless you.
    Righteousness That Comes from God These days, we are meditating on the Gospel of Matthew, especially the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches His disciples the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. After teaching them to let their light shine before others so that people may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven, Jesus explains the true meaning of righteousness and obedience to God’s Law. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). He came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill its purpose and reveal its deepest meaning. The heart of God’s Law is love: love for God and love for others. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His time because the scribes and Pharisees often emphasized outward religious practices while neglecting the condition of the heart. They had developed human traditions that sometimes replaced God’s commandments. Jesus asked, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3). The Law is holy because God is holy. The Ten Commandments reveal God’s character and help us understand what sin is. However, the Law cannot save us. Instead, it reveals our sin and shows us our need for a Savior. It leads us to recognize our need for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 says, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” The scribes and Pharisees practiced righteousness outwardly, often seeking recognition and honor from people. Jesus warned, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them” (Matthew 6:1). Their righteousness was based on self-righteousness rather than a transformed heart. Therefore, Jesus declared, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). True righteousness is not merely outward behavior; it comes from a heart transformed by God through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This is why Jesus calls us to be poor in spirit—to recognize our spiritual need and humbly come to Him. May our righteousness never be hypocritical or self-made, but may it be the righteousness God gives through Jesus Christ. Let us love God, love people, walk humbly, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. May God bless you.
    0 Commentarii 1 Distribuiri 47 Views
  • A Life That Reveals God Has a Greater Impact Than Lips That Merely Speak About Him!

    The Christian life is not merely about speaking about God; it is also about revealing through our lives that God lives within us.

    It is not only important how beautifully we speak about the name of God. What truly matters is whether people can see God through our conduct, words, decisions, relationships, forgiveness, integrity, and love.

    Jesus said:

    > “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
    (Matthew 5:16)



    Notice this the purpose of our good works is not for people to glorify us, but for them to glorify our Heavenly Father.

    Our lives must become a living testimony.

    If we speak about love, that love must be revealed in the way we forgive even those who hurt us.
    If we speak about faith, it must be revealed by trusting God even when circumstances are against us.
    If we speak about holiness, it must be revealed by living a holy life even when no one is watching.
    If we speak about God's grace, it must be revealed by showing grace even to those who have wronged us.

    Our lives should never contradict the message our lips proclaim.

    Joseph did not spend his time in Egypt merely preaching about God. Yet through his integrity, purity, wisdom, and fear of God, those around him recognized that the hand of God was upon his life.

    Daniel was the same. He did not simply say that he trusted God; even under pressure, he refused to compromise his prayer life. His life became the evidence of his faith.

    The world often sees our lives before it listens to our preaching.

    Therefore, every day we must ask ourselves:

    When someone looks at my life, do they see me or do they see Christ living within me?

    Glorifying God is not something we do only during Sunday worship. It must happen at home, at work, in our relationships, in solitude, in trials, and in times of success everywhere and at all times.

    More powerful than what you say is the way you live; your life is the strongest testimony of your faith.

    Let us proclaim God with our words and glorify Him through our lives.

    Hepsi Sam
    A Life That Reveals God Has a Greater Impact Than Lips That Merely Speak About Him! The Christian life is not merely about speaking about God; it is also about revealing through our lives that God lives within us. It is not only important how beautifully we speak about the name of God. What truly matters is whether people can see God through our conduct, words, decisions, relationships, forgiveness, integrity, and love. Jesus said: > “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Notice this the purpose of our good works is not for people to glorify us, but for them to glorify our Heavenly Father. Our lives must become a living testimony. If we speak about love, that love must be revealed in the way we forgive even those who hurt us. If we speak about faith, it must be revealed by trusting God even when circumstances are against us. If we speak about holiness, it must be revealed by living a holy life even when no one is watching. If we speak about God's grace, it must be revealed by showing grace even to those who have wronged us. Our lives should never contradict the message our lips proclaim. Joseph did not spend his time in Egypt merely preaching about God. Yet through his integrity, purity, wisdom, and fear of God, those around him recognized that the hand of God was upon his life. Daniel was the same. He did not simply say that he trusted God; even under pressure, he refused to compromise his prayer life. His life became the evidence of his faith. The world often sees our lives before it listens to our preaching. Therefore, every day we must ask ourselves: When someone looks at my life, do they see me or do they see Christ living within me? Glorifying God is not something we do only during Sunday worship. It must happen at home, at work, in our relationships, in solitude, in trials, and in times of success everywhere and at all times. More powerful than what you say is the way you live; your life is the strongest testimony of your faith. Let us proclaim God with our words and glorify Him through our lives. Hepsi Sam ✍️
    Like
    2
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 21 Views
  • Matthew 21:1-17

    Now Jesus has determined to enter the final phase of his earthly ministry, elsewhere in Luke in the King James vernacular He “set His face toward Jerusalem”. It is here that in Matthew's own style to point to Jesus as the prophecied Messiah using the verse from Zechariah while describing Jesus's actions.

    Zechariah 9:9
    [9] Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

    Zechariah is writing a list of things to come while addressing the situation with the rebuilding of the walls and temple to replace the first destroyed Solomons temple. Don't forget that the first hearers and readers of Zechariah had no king.

    Both the northern and southern kingdoms have been destroyed and there is no king in either. So when Zechariah says a King is coming, there is no doubt Zechariah anticipated this King to be the Messiah. The Jews understood this, so when Jesus rode that donkey into Jerusalem they clearly understood this to be the receiving of the Messiah.

    Now here's the part where my ADHD brain begins asking, was there some supernatural knowledge that this colts owner was privy to regarding this or did he just faithfully accept, “The Lord has need of this” as a valid reason?
    We will never know for sure but it is fun to think about.

    The actions of the crowd are those of a city welcoming a king after a great victory or anointing. The laying out of cloaks, palm leaves and more were to not allow this arriving king to soil the feet of even the animal he's riding in on.

    The children are calling out, “Hosanna” which means “God save us”. Let's make this clear, there was NO confusion about Jesus's claim here. The Jewish Leaders were well aware of the Messianic claim here. So when He dismounts in Jerusalem and begins what is considered the second cleansing of the temple there is no debate, Jesus is claiming to be the Messiah in no uncertain terms.

    So when the leaders approach Him with the question, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 in response.

    Psalm 8:2
    [2] From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your enemies, To do away with the enemy and the revengeful.

    In the Hebrew, the word used means strength from the root word for stronghold. Here, Jesus is quoting the Septuagint or Greek version where the word ‘praise’ is used. It's this praise that acts as a source of strength against God's enemies.

    Yes, Jesus is calling the Jewish leaders the enemies of God. And without even attempting a debate with them, Jesus turns his attention to healings amidst the destruction.

    Some Jews believed He was there to act as King and they were ready and willing to go to war against Rome to have a king back. They were willing to die for this new king. But He didn't take a throne they could see, didn't receive a crown of a king and simply continued preaching. And this event took place roughly a week prior to the cross.

    So the calls took a week to devolve from Hosanna to “Crucify Him” because the Kingdom Jesus ushered in was the Kingdom of Heaven, not Israel. How many times in our lives do we go from thanking and praising Him to neglecting Him, because the answer to our praise and prayers isn't the answer we expected? It doesn't take much to turn someone from God. A week? God, please give us the strength to continue in faith.



    [1] When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. [3] And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” [4] Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: [5] “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” [6] The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, [7] and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks. [8] Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. [9] Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” [10] When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” [11] And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” [12] And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. [13] And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” [14] And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them. [15] But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, [16] and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus *said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” [17] And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

    Matthew 21:1-17 Now Jesus has determined to enter the final phase of his earthly ministry, elsewhere in Luke in the King James vernacular He “set His face toward Jerusalem”. It is here that in Matthew's own style to point to Jesus as the prophecied Messiah using the verse from Zechariah while describing Jesus's actions. Zechariah 9:9 [9] Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah is writing a list of things to come while addressing the situation with the rebuilding of the walls and temple to replace the first destroyed Solomons temple. Don't forget that the first hearers and readers of Zechariah had no king. Both the northern and southern kingdoms have been destroyed and there is no king in either. So when Zechariah says a King is coming, there is no doubt Zechariah anticipated this King to be the Messiah. The Jews understood this, so when Jesus rode that donkey into Jerusalem they clearly understood this to be the receiving of the Messiah. Now here's the part where my ADHD brain begins asking, was there some supernatural knowledge that this colts owner was privy to regarding this or did he just faithfully accept, “The Lord has need of this” as a valid reason? We will never know for sure but it is fun to think about. The actions of the crowd are those of a city welcoming a king after a great victory or anointing. The laying out of cloaks, palm leaves and more were to not allow this arriving king to soil the feet of even the animal he's riding in on. The children are calling out, “Hosanna” which means “God save us”. Let's make this clear, there was NO confusion about Jesus's claim here. The Jewish Leaders were well aware of the Messianic claim here. So when He dismounts in Jerusalem and begins what is considered the second cleansing of the temple there is no debate, Jesus is claiming to be the Messiah in no uncertain terms. So when the leaders approach Him with the question, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 in response. Psalm 8:2 [2] From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your enemies, To do away with the enemy and the revengeful. In the Hebrew, the word used means strength from the root word for stronghold. Here, Jesus is quoting the Septuagint or Greek version where the word ‘praise’ is used. It's this praise that acts as a source of strength against God's enemies. Yes, Jesus is calling the Jewish leaders the enemies of God. And without even attempting a debate with them, Jesus turns his attention to healings amidst the destruction. Some Jews believed He was there to act as King and they were ready and willing to go to war against Rome to have a king back. They were willing to die for this new king. But He didn't take a throne they could see, didn't receive a crown of a king and simply continued preaching. And this event took place roughly a week prior to the cross. So the calls took a week to devolve from Hosanna to “Crucify Him” because the Kingdom Jesus ushered in was the Kingdom of Heaven, not Israel. How many times in our lives do we go from thanking and praising Him to neglecting Him, because the answer to our praise and prayers isn't the answer we expected? It doesn't take much to turn someone from God. A week? God, please give us the strength to continue in faith. [1] When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. [3] And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” [4] Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: [5] “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” [6] The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, [7] and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks. [8] Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. [9] Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” [10] When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” [11] And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” [12] And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. [13] And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” [14] And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them. [15] But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, [16] and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus *said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” [17] And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
    0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 46 Views
Sponsorizeaza Paginile