Throughout history, the Jewish people eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Messiah the Anointed One who would redeem Israel. They studied the Scriptures, watched the signs, and hoped for His coming. Yet, when Jesus was finally born, very few recognized the moment. Why? Because God’s revelation came only to a select few people whose hearts were pure and whose lives were aligned with God’s will.
We see this pattern in Luke chapters 1 and 2. Those who first recognized Jesus’ birth were individuals like Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5–6), Simeon (Luke 2:25–32), Joseph (Matthew 1:20–21), and the prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36–38). The Bible tells us these were righteous and devout people, “walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6, NKJV). They were spiritually alert and faithfully waiting for the promised Savior. God honored their spiritual diligence by revealing His greatest gift — the birth of Christ.
But God also extended this revelation to two unexpected groups: the wise men from the East (Matthew 2:1–12) and the shepherds in the fields (Luke 2:8–20). These were not priests, scribes, or temple officials. The wise men were Gentiles — likely astrologers or scholars who interpreted celestial signs. The shepherds, on the other hand, were common laborers, often looked down upon in society. Despite their humble status, God chose to reveal the Messiah’s birth to them first. Why?
Let’s look at Luke 2:8–12 (NKJV):
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.'”
Why shepherds? Theologically, shepherds symbolize leadership, sacrifice, and care all traits of Jesus Himself, who later called Himself “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, NKJV). Jesus wasn’t born in a palace, but in a manger, surrounded by animals. His humble birth matched the setting of a shepherd someone used to the dirt, discomfort, and sacrifice of caring for others.
If God had revealed this news to tax collectors, officials, or royalty, they may have dismissed it or failed to appreciate the significance of a child born in a stable. But the shepherds understood not just practically, but symbolically. They were used to hardship, night watches, and sacrificial service. That night, God entrusted the message of salvation to them.
When the angels left, the shepherds responded immediately:
Luke 2:15–16 (NKJV):“Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.”
Their response was obedience. They left their flocks their livelihood to pursue God’s revelation. After witnessing the Savior, they became the first evangelists of Christ’s birth, spreading the news of what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:17–18).
This story holds deep prophetic meaning. Just as few recognized Jesus’ first coming, so too will few be prepared for His second coming. Jesus Himself said in:
Matthew 24:44 (NKJV):“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
And like in His first coming, His return will not be announced with fanfare to the masses, but perceived first by those spiritually awake those, like the shepherds, who live in watchfulness and obedience.
Furthermore, the shepherds represent faithful ministers and leaders in the Church today pastors, evangelists, teachers those tending God’s flock (1 Peter 5:2–4). These spiritual shepherds often work unnoticed, in the background, dealing with the “messiness” of ministry heartaches, struggles, and sacrifices. Yet the Bible promises that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will “receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4, NKJV).
If you are serving God in such a way teaching, caring, sacrificing be encouraged. The same glory that shone around the shepherds in the fields will shine on you when Christ returns. It may not be glamorous work now, but heaven takes note.
In conclusion:
God bypassed the proud and chose the humble.
He did not reveal His Son in the temple, but in a stable.
He did not appear first to kings, but to shepherds.
He honors those who quietly and faithfully serve.
Keep watch, just like those shepherds. Stay faithful to your calling. When the glory of the Lord appears again, you will be among the first to rejoice.
Revelation 22:12 (NKJV):“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”
Be encouraged. Stay faithful. The glory is coming.
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When you examine people who are affected by extreme drunkenness, you notice recurring behaviors. One of the key patterns is a total disregard for anything that comes before them. A person, once intoxicated, may no longer value their own dignity. They may undress in public, speak obscene words, or act recklessly, even putting themselves in mortal danger, like standing in the middle of a busy street without concern for being hit by a vehicle. Indeed, many accidents occur because drivers are under the influence of alcohol.
Why does this happen? It is because their discernment—the God-given ability to think, take precautions, and exercise self-control—is temporarily removed. When a person sobers up, they are often shocked at their own reckless actions: why they disrespected others, endangered their life, or acted immorally.
The Bible clearly highlights this connection between sin and loss of discernment:
“For prostitution and wine and new wine take away the understanding.” — Hosea 4:11 (ESV)
Notice the parallel: just as excessive drinking can cloud human judgment, so can sexual immorality. Prophet Hosea was given a symbolic instruction from God: he was commanded to marry a promiscuous woman and bear children with her. Initially, he may have thought this would have little consequence, but through observing her dangerous behavior and spiritual decline, he realized how profoundly sin can erode human discernment. Her persistent separation from God and indulgence in immorality exemplified the destructive power of sin.
Today, many people no longer care about the eternal consequences of their actions. Even warnings about hellfire fail to alarm them. This is not because they are naturally stubborn, but because the spirit of immorality within them has stripped away their ability to value life and make wise choices. This loss of discernment manifests in habitual sin, irreverence, and mockery of God’s Word.
Paul warns that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and sin defiles it:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Sexual immorality, like drunkenness, can rapidly destroy a person’s spiritual and moral faculties. Proverbs confirms this:
“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.” — Proverbs 6:32 (ESV)
Repeated indulgence in lust, pornography, or sexual sin gradually erodes one’s God-given discernment, turning what was once a disciplined conscience into a hardened, insensitive state. People may appear clever or normal outwardly, but inwardly their judgment and spiritual sensitivity are impaired.
Solomon’s warnings in Proverbs 7 vividly depict the seductive and destructive nature of immorality. A young man, naive and inexperienced, is led astray by a woman who entices him with flattery and sensuality, ultimately leading him to ruin. The passage serves as a caution:
“My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” — Proverbs 7:1-3 (ESV)
Sexual sin is like a trap: it seems enticing but leads to destruction. Solomon describes it as a “way to Sheol,” symbolizing death and separation from God (Proverbs 7:27).
Beloved, avoid sexual immorality in all forms. Stay away from pornography, provocative clothing, and friends who encourage sinful behavior. Guard your mind and heart so that the Holy Spirit can dwell in you without obstruction. God calls us to holiness:
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” — 1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
If you have been ensnared by immorality, repentance is essential. Turn from sin sincerely, commit to avoiding it, and allow God to restore your discernment and moral clarity. Baptism, by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ, is a biblical step to receive forgiveness and renewal.
Beloved, do not wait. Choose holiness today. God’s grace is sufficient to restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Amen.
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One of the seven feasts that God commanded the children of Israel to observe is the Feast of Tabernacles. The other six are:
Each feast held profound spiritual significance and practical meaning in the lives of the Israelites. God instructed them to observe these feasts for their benefit, not merely as times for eating and drinking, as is often misunderstood today. These feasts were meant for prayer, worship, and remembrance of God’s mighty works—especially His deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His care in the wilderness. God commanded that these days remain holy forever (Leviticus 23:41).
Today, we will focus on the last feast, the Feast of Tabernacles, its importance for the Israelites, and its relevance for us in the New Covenant.
When God led Israel out of slavery in Egypt, He intentionally guided them through a long, challenging wilderness journey. It wasn’t that a shorter route to the Promised Land was unavailable; rather, God had a divine purpose: to humble their hearts, teach them dependence on Him, and demonstrate that He is not only the God of fertile lands but also the God of the wilderness.
He wanted them to understand that life is not sustained by bread alone, nor by material comfort (Deuteronomy 8:1–6):
“Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and enter and possess the land the Lord promised… Remember how the Lord your God led you for forty years in the wilderness… He humbled you, tested you, and in hunger fed you with manna… to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
In the wilderness, Israel had no permanent homes or markets. To meet their needs, they built temporary shelters, or tabernacles, which served as protection during their nomadic journey. These were not permanent structures because they were travelers, moving from place to place. For forty years, they lived in these temporary shelters.
When they finally entered the Promised Land, God promised that they would no longer dwell in temporary shelters or rely on manna alone. They would have abundant, diverse foods and inhabit cities with large, permanent homes, enjoying prosperity and favor. Yet God foresaw their hearts: once they ate and prospered, they might forget Him. To prevent spiritual forgetfulness, God commanded that the Feast of Tabernacles be observed annually, as a time of remembrance and worship.
At the end of each seventh year in the Jewish calendar, all Israel would leave their homes and build small booths or tabernacles near their houses, just as they had in the wilderness. Families would dwell in these shelters for seven days to remember God’s miraculous provision and protection in the wilderness (Nehemiah 8:14–18; Deuteronomy 31:10–13).
Key points of observance included:
This feast was not a celebration of food and wine, nor a social party. It was a solemn time of worship, reflection, and teaching.
The Old Covenant feasts were shadows pointing to New Covenant realities (Colossians 2:16–17). Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt, we are delivered from slavery to sin through Christ. Baptism symbolizes our liberation, just as crossing the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1–2) did for Israel.
Like Israel’s testing in the wilderness, God allows trials in our lives to strengthen our faith and dependence on Him. Observing spiritual “tabernacles” in our hearts—times of reflection and worship—helps us remember God’s faithfulness and provision through difficulties.
We are called to celebrate God’s goodness regularly in our lives:
Just as the Feast of Tabernacles was a memorial of God’s faithfulness, our personal times of worship and remembrance keep us aligned with God’s will and help us avoid spiritual forgetfulness.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1)
Application:
Observing God’s feasts, or remembering His mighty works in our own lives, is a way to honor Him. Set aside intentional moments to reflect, pray, and worship. Let your “tabernacle” be the dwelling place of God in your heart. Teach your children the ways of the Lord, remembering that spiritual remembrance strengthens faith for generations.
Blessings in the Lord. Share this message with others and inspire them to reflect on God’s goodness.
What will that day be like? The day when all the saints will be gathered, the day when the trials of God’s children will end, the day we will meet JESUS face to face, the day the Lord will fully reveal everything He has prepared for us from eternity — our eternal dwelling places. The Bible says these are things even holy angels long to look into and understand.
It is similar to how we long to catch a glimpse of heaven, even just a little. We have been hearing of its beauty since long ago, but have never seen it. In the same way, the angels in heaven long with great desire to witness the wonders that Jesus Christ has prepared for the elect on that day.
Even from where they are, the holy angels sense the greatness of the glory God has prepared for His saints. They know it will be magnificent, but they have not yet seen it in fullness. They understand that the day of God’s redemption of His children is a great day; things that have never been seen or heard will be revealed. This anticipation fills them with eager desire to see what God has planned.
“However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.’”(1 Corinthians 2:9)
It is not only the angels who eagerly await this day; all creation longs for it. The Apostle Paul says:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”(Romans 8:18) “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”(Romans 8:19) “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”(Romans 8:20–21)
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”(Romans 8:18)
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”(Romans 8:19)
“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”(Romans 8:20–21)
Currently, we cannot fully describe these things because they have not yet been revealed. But we know one attribute of God: He does not lie. As He said:
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”(Isaiah 55:9)
We may imagine these things in human terms, but when we see them in reality, we will understand how far God’s plans surpass our imagination.
The day we leave this world will bring joy not only to us and all creation, but also to the angels in heaven. There will be unseen celebration and unmeasurable happiness.
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, if we meditate quietly on these things, we will not be overly troubled by the trials of life. We will keep our eyes on heaven, disregarding the opinions of the world. We will behold our Savior JESUS CHRIST, patiently waiting for the blessings God has prepared. We will live as pilgrims and travelers here on earth.
“If you call on Him, you will be saved, through faith, and inherit the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who predicted the grace that would come to you searched and inquired carefully, trying to understand the time and circumstances revealed by the Spirit of Christ within them, regarding the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.”(1 Peter 1:9–11, paraphrased)
“It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things now announced to you through those who preached the gospel by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”(1 Peter 1:12)
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action and be sober-minded, setting your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”(1 Peter 1:13)
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.”(1 Peter 1:14)
“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”(1 Peter 1:15–16)
Therefore, strengthen your walk with God. If your life is currently distant from Christ, now is the time to return to Him. While the door of grace remains open, repent fully and begin a new life in the Lord.
Be baptized in the proper way, in the name of JESUS CHRIST, to receive forgiveness of sins, according to Acts 2:38. The Lord will then give you the gift of His Holy Spirit, as He promised. From that moment, you will be among those worthy to witness the glory that will soon be revealed.
We live in the last days — let us remain steadfast in holiness, fellowship, and prayer.
THE LORD BLESS YOU.
Revelation 16:15“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake, and keeps his clothes, lest he walk about naked and people see his shame.”
Have you ever wondered why the Lord Jesus often compares His coming to a thief? Why does the Lord compare Himself to thieves and not to holy people? We know theft is not good, and one of God’s commandments is “YOU SHALL NOT STEAL.” But here the Lord compares Himself to a thief. Why?
There is wisdom even in the ways of the wicked. That is why the Lord said elsewhere to be “wise as serpents.” Serpents have been used by Satan from Eden to now to spread sin. But the Lord told us to be wise as serpents… and He Himself compares Himself to the bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness.
John 3:14-15“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
The Lord also compares Himself to an unjust judge:
Luke 18:1-8“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;Saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, neither regarded man.And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.Hear what the unjust judge saith.And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?”
The Lord also teaches us through the parable of the unrighteous steward, who was a thief of his master’s possessions but acted wisely:
Luke 16:1-9“There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.”
The Lord does not use holy people to teach in these examples. He uses wicked people—not to imitate their evil, but to learn their wisdom. The children of this world have wisdom in their ways.
Returning to the example of the thief, the Lord said: “Behold, I come as a thief.” A thief is not good. He comes to steal, but a wise thief acts quietly and subtly, taking what he seeks and leaving. He comes when people are asleep and exhausted. This is the wisdom the Lord will use when He comes to take His church.
He will come when the wheat and tares are separated, when the world forgets God, when the saints appear worthless. This is when Christ will “steal” His people from the world.
These times are dangerous. When the saints seem to be worthless to the world, that is the time of separation. Valuable things are neglected; that is when the thief comes. This is when worldly pleasures, immorality, and drunkenness fill many; that is when Christ invades the house.
No one will know the exact day the Lord takes His people. Afterwards, people will realize some are missing—the valuable saints who preached the good news are gone. Just as one feels the pain of being robbed, so many will feel the pain of being left behind during the Antichrist’s tribulation and the terrifying DAY OF THE LORD. They will mourn, regret, and cry. Their greatest pain will be: “Why did they stay?” They will see their peers in glory while they are left for the lake of fire. They will feel envy and bitter anger. This pain is like being robbed at night. Those left will hate the Lord Jesus, curse Him, and blaspheme Him.
Revelation 16:8-11“And the fourth poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues; and they repented not to give Him glory.And the fifth poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and repented not of their deeds.”
There will be no chance to repent then. It will be a time of mourning, wailing, and pain. All left-behind people will want to fight against the Lamb and hate Jesus Christ.
If you have been robbed, you know the pain. Many who do not know God spend their lives hating thieves. The Lord warns us about the PAIN coming to all left-behind people and says: “WATCH, I COME QUICKLY.”
Luke 21:34-36“Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come upon you unawares.For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.Watch ye therefore always, and pray, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Matthew 24:42-44“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.”
Watching is not merely staying awake physically; it is spiritual vigilance, living a life of holiness, avoiding sin, and continually learning God’s Word.
The last words of God that close the Bible are the words of the Lord Jesus:
Revelation 22:20-21“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
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When we read the book of Genesis, the Bible tells us:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Also, when we read further, the Bible says:
“God is Spirit” (John 4:24).
Thus, in that verse, it is the same as saying, in the beginning,
“The Spirit of God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:2 – “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
Here we see that the Spirit of God worked twice in the creation of the universe. The first work was to create the heavens and the earth, and the second was to come and shape the earth again to fulfill a certain purpose God intended. That purpose is nothing other than to make the earth BEAR FRUIT, no longer remain in a state of emptiness. There is a reason why God left a space between the first creation of the world and the shaping again.
But God briefly reveals this to teach us the principles of His workings. And this same principle God applies to anyone who gives their life to Christ today.
The first step: when a person sincerely, from their heart, decides to give their life to Christ—by repenting and leaving all their sins, and being baptized according to the proper Biblical method—that person is like being created for the first time. The Spirit of God has worked to transform them into a tangible, real being. That person is sealed by the Holy Spirit as a legitimate possession of God. It is God’s work ready for use. But the person is not yet fully complete before Him; they are compared to the earth created by the Holy Spirit, which was in a state of emptiness.
The second step, when the Spirit of God comes upon the person to make them fruitful, is a different process from the first creation. This also applies to someone born again today. Remember, as the Bible says, the Holy Spirit is a promise to all who come to Him and receive Him:
Acts 2:38 – “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:39 – “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
This means that anyone who receives Jesus Christ with a determined heart to leave their sinful life and surrender to Him—the same day, the Spirit of God enters to transform their life and make them a new creation. This does not require strength or time, but determination and obedience to all instructions that accompany faith.
However, this does not mean that the Spirit of God comes upon the person fully at the moment of faith. That is another process.
Reading the Bible, we see that our Lord Jesus Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit even while in His mother’s womb, but the Spirit did not come fully upon Him until He reached 30 years old. Likewise, John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit in the womb, but the Spirit guided him publicly many years later. Similarly, the apostles of Jesus received the Holy Spirit after choosing to follow the Lord, leaving all evil ways, family ties, and worldly pursuits. They received the Spirit through baptism, which gave them the strength to endure all trials during their mission with the Lord. But the coming of the Spirit upon them did not happen immediately—it took three and a half years.
The reason is that the act of the Spirit coming upon a person must first be understood by the person; the Spirit does not come without purpose like the first creation. This comes with a specific purpose, and the person must first recognize that purpose, often requiring classes, prayer, and persistence.
The goal is the same as when the Spirit hovered over the earth: to make it FRUITFUL and a place for human life.
Thus, when the Spirit comes upon a believer after being fully prepared, He makes that person a vessel to bear more fruit and serve His people according to God’s plans. This is why, after Jesus was anointed with the Spirit, He began to bring awakening to Israel and the whole world. Likewise, it was so with John the Baptist and the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The Spirit had anointed them to become fruitful vessels for God’s purpose.
Likewise, we must not be satisfied with where we are. Indeed, when we gave our lives to the Lord and were baptized properly, we were sealed with the Spirit, born of the Holy Spirit, and likened to the earth created by God in the beginning. But that is not enough. If we remain the same, we will continue in a state of EMPTINESS.
We must now earnestly seek the Holy Spirit with all our strength, so that He brings life to His church through us, awakens the church, and removes the emptiness present in the world. Daily prayer and persistence are required.
Remember, we are not asking for miracles and signs, but for transformation, as the apostles did when the Spirit came upon them. Even though they performed miracles before Pentecost, the Bible records no conversions until the Spirit came on the church, burning the hearts of people, bringing massive change:
“(More than 3,000 were saved in one day).”
This is the power of awakening we need today.
Follow this testimony; it will teach us.
EVAN ROBERTS He was born in Wales, Europe, in 1878. A famous preacher known for bringing a great revival in Wales in 1904–1905. Since childhood, he loved attending church and memorizing Bible verses. As a young man, he prayed persistently for over 11 years for revival in Wales. Eventually, God answered his prayers, and the Holy Spirit transformed many hearts. Within nine months, over 150,000 people repented and turned to God. The revival spread to nearby countries.
All this was the result of Evan Roberts’ persistent prayers. Likewise, we must not just claim the Holy Spirit for ourselves but pray for the church and others. God will bring revival through us if we are persistent.
Jesus Himself said:
Luke 11:5 – “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,’” Luke 11:6 – “because a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’” Luke 11:7 – “Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’” Luke 11:8 – “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.” Luke 11:9 – “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:10 – “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:11 – “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” Luke 11:12 – “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Do you see? These verses show that the Holy Spirit is not just a promise for believers, but must be asked for persistently, as Jesus prayed (Hebrews 5:7). He prayed earnestly, and when the Spirit came upon Him, He was anointed above all men in the world and became Jesus Christ. We see how this awakening brought great results even until today.
It is therefore the duty of every Christian who loves their society and wants it saved to pray persistently for the Holy Spirit to bring revival and transformation. Just as the Father gives good gifts to children who ask, He will surely give the Holy Spirit to those who earnestly seek Him.
Luke 18:7 – “And shall not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off?” Luke 18:8 – “I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly.”
Let us all begin now to pray for people’s salvation with all our energy. The Lord will hear and answer in His time.
God bless you.
Luke 19:37-40“When he came near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen.Saying, ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest.’Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’And He answered and said to them, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would cry out.’”
In the past, I believed that if I did not do the work of God, then God’s work would stop in my area. That is how I thought for a long time. I believed that when we preach the Gospel, it was as if we were helping God, and without our dedication, many people would not be saved. That is what I was taught.
But I thank God, I came to understand more… that God does not need help for His work, He is not overwhelmed by it, and He does not require assistance from humans. When God created the world and humanity, He did not leave it without plans like we humans do, thinking we are limited by responsibilities that give us headaches until sometimes we give up.
God is not like that. When He created every creature under the sun, He already assigned its place in the world, how much food it would need to live until death, how much air it requires, and so on. All of this God already determined before the creature was even born or existed.
Likewise, for every human born under heaven, the Lord already determined where they would be born, how many years they would live, how much food they would eat, when they would be saved, and when they would die. Therefore, when a person is born, it is as if they simply come to fulfill what has been written.
So no human being can help God with His responsibilities… He Himself carries out His work according to His plan. For example, if He planned for the population of Tanzania to reach 60 million by the end of 2019, whether we like it or not, that number will come! Even if some refuse to have children, it does not stop that number from being reached—God will use others to fill the gap.
Similarly, when it comes to people being saved, the Lord Jesus said:
John 6:44“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
This sentence shows that salvation is for the chosen. Not everyone can receive it. One must first be chosen and then called/drawn to the Lord to follow Him. This means that if a person has not felt any inner pull or prompting to follow or receive the Lord Jesus, they can never believe Him, just as you cannot force a newborn child to speak.
Therefore, if the Lord intends for a certain number of people to follow Him this year in a certain city, perhaps Dar es Salaam, no one can reduce or increase that number, nor can anyone stop His work.
He will raise His people (His servants)—women for men, youth for elders. For example, let’s say 5,000 servants are sent to the city of Dar es Salaam. They are sent to preach the Gospel there. If they are to reap the number of 20 million people intended for eternal life, and that number is reached, their work in that city is complete and they will be sent to another city. But if out of those 5,000, 2,000 are lazy and do not produce results, the Lord will remove that work from them and give it to others. Yet, at the end, the 20 million destined to be saved will still be reached! It will happen regardless. The lazy will be replaced by diligent workers.
So, brothers and sisters, this is not the time to think that God’s work will stop if we (you and I) refuse to carry it out today. That would not be a loss for God, but a loss for us. Our place will be given to others who are diligent, and we will miss the reward in God’s sight that day.
If you refuse today to witness to others about the good news of salvation, do not think you have affected God’s work in any way. God’s work will continue, and those destined to be saved will be saved. The Lord told us to go into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, not for His benefit, but for ours. We are sent to gain benefit ourselves, not to help Him—He does not need it.
If you refuse to preach the Gospel in your neighborhood, city, or country, God will raise someone else to do it there, and those destined to be saved will still be saved. But you will lose your reward.
Do not think that God needs our help. He does not rely on our resources or efforts. He already has everything; the work He asks us to do is for our benefit, not His.
It is like a wealthy company owner with a successful business and many satisfied employees. If he sees a poor person and out of compassion gives him a job, it is not because he lacks employees, but because he wants to bless the poor person. If the poor person refuses the job, the loss is not to the owner but to the one who refused. The same applies to us in serving our Heavenly Father.
That is why when the Lord Jesus was entering Jerusalem, He told the Pharisees:
Luke 19:39-40“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ He answered and said to them, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would cry out.’”
You see? The Lord wanted to show that God is not lacking in praise. Even if they did not praise Him, the stones themselves would cry out.
As the Apostle Paul also said, by the power of the Spirit:
2 Timothy 2:13“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”
Therefore, knowing this, it is time to serve God with all our strength and talents, understanding it is for our benefit, because that day is coming in the new heavens and new earth where the Lord will show no favoritism. Everyone will have their place based on the talents they used on earth. In the new heavens and new earth, kings and ordinary people alike will have their eternal positions. So we must strive diligently as Paul anticipated.
Revelation 22:10-14“And he said to me, ‘Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.’He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still.Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and enter through the gates into the city.”
Let us be diligent, serving the Lord in the positions He has placed us, and He will preserve us by His goodness.
May the Lord bless you.
Praise the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Welcome as we study the Word of God together, today focusing on THE GREATEST GIFT. According to the Scriptures in the book of Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 12:28-31 “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, and varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”
From this passage, we see that the Scriptures indicate that there are great gifts, and among these, there is one that is the greatest of all. Whoever possesses this gift will have a ministry greater than all others.
When we review the list in the passage, the Apostle Paul mentions many gifts: apostles, teachers, miracles, gifts of healing, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, helps, administrations, prophecy, and others. He mentions many, but he does not specify which is the greatest.
Humanly speaking, one might think among these gifts Paul mentioned, one or two are superior to the others. Some might think the gift of healing is the greatest, others might say apostleship is the greatest, another might say prophecy, or speaking in tongues, etc. Everyone might have their own opinion.
But when Paul says, “earnestly desire the best gifts,” was he referring to one of those gifts mentioned? To understand which is the greatest gift Paul was pointing to, let us read verse 31 again:
1 Corinthians 12:31 “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”
Do you see it? He says, “a more excellent way.” In simple terms, Paul meant, “I show you the greatest gift.”
Now, what is this “more excellent way” or the greatest gift Paul was speaking about? Continuing to the next chapter, we find Paul explains the greatest gift we should pursue:
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”
You see! The Bible says, even if I speak in the tongues of men and angels, if I do not have the gift of LOVE, I am nothing. Even if I have the gift of prophecy, without love it is worthless. Even if I have perfect faith that could move mountains, without the greatest gift of love, I am nothing. All other gifts without love are meaningless.
So the greatest gift Paul was speaking of is LOVE. You may ask, why love and not prophecy, apostleship, tongues, faith, or teaching?
The gift of LOVE is the greatest because it is the gift of God Himself. The Bible says:
1 John 4:8 “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
God is not an apostle, evangelist, preacher, or miracle worker; God is LOVE. That is why love is the greatest gift of all.
God did not create us because He is a prophet; He gave us life not because He is a healer; He forgives our sins not because He is an evangelist; He provides for our needs not because He performs miracles. No! God created us, gave us life, saves us, and provides for us because He is LOVE—pure love.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in this new year, even as we ask God to fulfill many things for us, let us also ask to be like Him, full of LOVE. This love comes through learning God’s Word, learning to love, learning to forgive as He forgave us. Start this year without grudges, without seeking revenge. Let this be your year of love and generosity. Forgive all who hurt you, so that God can also forgive you for all the wrongs you committed last year. Bless others sincerely, and you will be blessed this year. The Bible says, “With the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
You are turning a new page—so let your spirit be renewed. Then you will truly know God, and God Himself will love, protect, and preserve you, for He IS LOVE.
It is my prayer that the Lord grants us all this and more in this year. I wish you a blessed New Year 2019. May the Lord protect you, your home, your family, and give you good health from the beginning to the end of this year. May He bless all your endeavors that please Him in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.
Amen!
2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV): “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
When we study the stories of kings in the Bible, we encounter King Asa of Judah. The Scriptures describe him as a king who walked in the path of righteousness and sought to bring his nation into holiness. Asa removed all the male cult prostitutes and idols from the land of Judah, destroying the altars and sacred pillars set up by his ancestors (1 Kings 15:9–15). He was a king whose trust in God was evident in every decision, and God granted him great success.
At one point, Asa discovered that his mother had set up idols and was worshiping foreign gods. Despite her position as queen mother—a highly respected role in that era, where she was customarily seated beside the king—Asa removed her from her position. This was unprecedented in Israel’s history; no other king had dared to humiliate his mother to protect the honor of God. Asa prioritized God’s glory over human respect, showing a heart fully committed to the Lord.
Application: We too are challenged to weigh the advice and influence of others—even parents—against God’s Word. As Asa showed, our allegiance must ultimately be to God (Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”).
Asa removed all idols from Judah and Benjamin, entering into a covenant with God that he and his people would seek the Lord wholeheartedly, with all their mind and strength. He proclaimed throughout Judah that anyone who would not seek the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, would be put to death without mercy, whether young or old, male or female. This demonstrates the seriousness of committing fully to God and purging evil from our lives.
God was pleased with Asa. He gave him peace from surrounding enemies for a long time, and whenever enemies rose against him, God granted him resounding victory and abundant spoils, increasing his wealth and instilling fear in his adversaries. He strengthened Judah with fortified cities, towers, gates, and walls, ensuring the kingdom’s stability for many years.
However, God, through the prophet Hanani, later warned Asa (2 Chronicles 16:7–9, ESV):
“In the same year Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: ‘Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped you. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing; therefore from now on you will be at war.’”
Despite Asa’s long history of faithfulness, he turned to human alliances instead of continuing to trust God alone. This demonstrates a critical spiritual truth: even a godly life can be marred by moments of reliance on human strength rather than divine power. God desires wholehearted devotion, not partial trust.
Spiritual Lesson for Today:
God’s eyes are searching the earth for hearts fully devoted to Him, ready to demonstrate His power through them. Like Asa, we are called to trust God in every situation (Proverbs 3:5–6).
Do not turn to human solutions or rely on worldly powers for protection or success. Place your complete trust in God, your Creator.
Remove all idols and sin from your life. Anything that hinders your devotion to God must be cut off (1 Corinthians 10:21).
God will honor hearts fully committed to Him, strengthen us in trials, and reveal His power through our obedience.
If you have not yet surrendered your life to God, the door of grace is still open. The blood of Jesus Christ is effective now, offering forgiveness and transformation. Commit your life fully to Christ, repent from sin, and be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). As your heart aligns with God’s will, His power will manifest in your life, just as it did for King Asa.
As we approach the end of the year, it is a particularly significant time to pause, reflect, and give thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. The greatest reason to thank God is for the gift of life He has sustained in us throughout the entire year.
During the course of this year, we have passed through many seasons and trials, yet we are still alive. The sun rises and sets each day, we have not experienced earthquakes, nor waged war, God has preserved us from many calamities, shielded us from illness, and even when we fell sick, He healed us. Can we honestly say this is because of our own righteousness?
It is not because of our religious devotion, our abundance of food, our self-care, our good conduct, our righteousness, our personal holiness, our zeal to seek God, our good deeds, fasting, prayer, church attendance, or charitable giving. None of these things move our Heavenly Father to grant us blessings, life, or daily provision. Not one.
So the question arises: if it is not because of these things that we are finishing the year safely, then why? If it is not because of our holiness, efforts, or works, why do we receive such grace?
The answer is simple: it is because of the righteousness of one person, because of the holiness, diligence, obedience, and prayers of one person—and that person is the Lord Jesus Christ, who was pleasing to the Heavenly Father.
The Heavenly Father was not pleased with the thousands on earth; He found no one righteous. All had sinned and fallen short of His glory.
Psalm 14:2-3:
“The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; no one does good, not even one.”
Do you see? If there is no one righteous on earth, who could possibly receive blessings from God based on their own merit? None. We all deserve eternal judgment. That is why someone had to come from heaven who is righteous, to be able to receive blessings from God—because no one on earth is truly wise or righteous.
And that person is Jesus Christ alone. He alone lived a sinless life from birth to death. He alone was counted righteous by the Father:
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Not “these are my beloved sons,” but this One—and through His righteousness, all blessings flow to us.
Matthew 21:5-9:
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’”
Therefore, only one is truly blessed—Jesus Christ alone, who was not destined to die in sin or perish eternally. Our Lord Jesus redeemed us, who were imperfect, before the Heavenly Father, and granted us access to the blessings He had already received from the Father. Though we did not deserve blessing, life, or the illumination of God’s favor, we now receive them through Christ.
Even as we conclude this year and continue to live, we must not boast in our works, for it is not by our own deeds that we are preserved, but because of the works of Jesus Christ, which pleased the Father. This is not due to our diligence, nor our moral efforts, but by the mercy of Jesus Christ upon us.
We are not the blessed ones—Jesus Christ alone is blessed. We are invited to partake in His blessings. That is why we must know Him, worship Him, and humbly say, “Lord, thank You.”
Thank Him for every moment of the year, from beginning to end. Even if you are sick, give thanks. Even if your desires were not fulfilled this year, be thankful that you are still alive.
Thank Him for keeping you in faith, for preserving you from the attacks of the devil, and for granting you life to seek Him through prayer, fasting, and devotion. Without Him, we would all belong to the fire of hell.
Give thanks in every area of your life, and ask for greater grace in the coming year to draw closer to Him, know Him more deeply, and experience His power. He will grant you greater grace to overcome the world and its temptations, for “the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). Christ will return, “like a thief in the night” (Revelation 3:3). One day, this world will end, just as one year passes by. Let us pray for God’s grace to remain steadfast until that day.
The Lord bless you abundantly!