Many people long to know God to understand who He is, what He desires, and how to walk closely with Him. But where do you start?
Let’s begin with a simple illustration. Imagine you place two people before you: one is a doctor, the other is an uneducated person. You show them a fighter jet flying through the sky and ask, “Who made that?”
The uneducated person may quickly say, “That’s obviously the work of a human being.” But the doctor, because of his deep understanding of biology and the human mind, might say, “That’s the result of the human brain a product of thought, intellect, and planning.”
Now, if you had to say who was correct, who would it be? Both are right. The first recognized the creator a human being. The second recognized the source of creativity the brain, the control center of the human body.
This is exactly how people respond when asked, “Who created the world?” Most will say, “God.” And that’s true. But few will go deeper and say, “It was through the Word of God.” That Word is not just a sound it is the eternal expression of God’s own mind, will, and power.
Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV) “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
Here is where many become confused. They think of the Word of God as something separate from God, or as a secondary figure. But Scripture makes it clear:
John 1:1–3 (NKJV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
The Word was not created the Word is God. It existed from eternity past, was with God, and was God.
If John were speaking in modern terms, he might say something like this: “In the beginning, there was the mind. And the mind was within the person. And the mind was the person. Everything was made through that mind and without it, nothing could have come into being.”
Just as you can’t separate someone from their brain or mind, you can’t separate God from His Word. His Word is His intelligence, His will, and His power expressed.
If you want to truly understand a person, you can’t do it just by looking at their face, job, or appearance. You must understand their mind their thoughts, motivations, and reasoning. Likewise, you cannot know God through creation alone, or even by witnessing miracles. These only point to Him. To know God deeply, you must go straight to His Word.
And here’s where God’s love is revealed: He made it possible for us to know Him, not just through written words, but by becoming flesh.
John 1:14 (NKJV) “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The Word took on human form and lived among us so we could hear God speak, see how He lives, and learn how to be reconciled to Him. That Word made flesh is Jesus Christ fully God and fully man.
1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.”
1 John 1:1–2 (NKJV) “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us.”
Through Christ, the Word became visible, tangible, personal. In Him, the fullness of God was revealed.
Colossians 2:9 (NKJV) “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
So how do you begin a relationship with God? You must begin with Jesus Christ, who is the exact expression of God’s being.
John 14:6 (NKJV) “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
The journey starts with:
Repentance – turning away from all known sin, sincerely and wholeheartedly.
Faith in Jesus Christ – believing that He is the Son of God, who died and rose again for your salvation.
Water Baptism – being baptized by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ, as the apostles taught:
Acts 2:38 (NKJV) “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Receiving the Holy Spirit – the very presence of God living in you, guiding you into all truth and transforming your heart.
Once you take these steps, the Spirit of God will begin to open your understanding, helping you to know God through His Word, through prayer, and through walking with Christ
may the Lord bless you.
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Freemasonry presents itself as a benevolent fraternity promoting moral development, charity, and brotherhood. However, upon closer examination, its teachings and practices raise serious theological concerns for Christians. While it may appear harmless on the surface, Freemasonry’s core doctrines are fundamentally incompatible with the Christian faith.
Freemasonry teaches that all religions worship the same “Supreme Being,” whom they refer to as the “Great Architect of the Universe” (G.A.O.T.U.). In Masonic lodges, members of various faiths pray together to this vague deity, who is stripped of any specific identity or revelation. This approach denies the unique nature of the God of the Bible, who has revealed Himself specifically through His Word and through Jesus Christ.
“I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God.” — Isaiah 45:5, ESV
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” — John 14:6, ESV
By promoting religious pluralism, Freemasonry rejects the exclusivity of Christ and equates the God of Scripture with false gods. This constitutes idolatry and violates the First Commandment:
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3, ESV
Freemasonry teaches that moral improvement, good works, and adherence to Masonic principles lead to spiritual enlightenment and acceptance before God. The Masonic system implies that man can earn salvation through his deeds and virtue.
This teaching stands in direct contradiction to the gospel of grace. Scripture clearly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…” Titus 3:5, ESV
Freemasonry’s works-based philosophy undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and nullifies the gospel message.
Freemasons take secret oaths, invoking curses upon themselves if they reveal Masonic secrets. These oaths are often dramatic and gruesome, involving symbolic penalties such as having one’s throat cut or body dismembered though now considered symbolic, their original intent remains troubling.
Jesus warned against making oaths:
“But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all… Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” Matthew 5:34, 37, ESV
The use of secret rituals, passwords, and signs mirrors occult practices and fosters a spirit of elitism and deception, which runs contrary to the transparency and truthfulness expected of Christians.
In Masonic meetings, references to Jesus Christ are prohibited in order to avoid offending members of other faiths. Prayers are offered in the name of the generic “G.A.O.T.U.” rather than in the name of Jesus.
Yet, Scripture commands believers to acknowledge Jesus as Lord in all things:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Colossians 3:17, ESV
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…” Philippians 2:9–10, ESV
Any system that asks a Christian to suppress the name of Christ for the sake of unity denies the Lord and compromises the faith.
Freemasonry wraps itself in the language of light, morality, and brotherhood, but at its core, it promotes a false gospel and a counterfeit spirituality. The Bible warns of such deception:
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14, ESV
Christians are commanded not to participate in works of darkness but to expose them:
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” — Ephesians 5:11, ESV
Conclusion: A Call to Faithfulness
Freemasonry and Christianity are not compatible. While many sincere people may join the lodge seeking community or moral guidance, the theological foundations of Freemasonry directly contradict the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
If you are a follower of Christ, you are called to serve the one true God, worship Jesus Christ as Lord, and reject all forms of idolatry and spiritual compromise.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21, ESV
Christ alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Be blessed?
The Bible does not explicitly state how long it took Noah to build the ark. Some believe it was 120 years, based on Genesis 6:3, which says:
“Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.’”
However, that verse doesn’t necessarily mean the ark took 120 years to build—it more likely refers to the time God gave humanity before the flood came. So that interpretation isn’t entirely certain.
We do know that Noah was 500 years old when he had his sons (Genesis 5:32), and that he was 600 years old when he entered the ark (Genesis 7:6). That leaves a 100-year span, which many believe could have been the period during which the ark was built. Still, even that is not directly stated in the text, and it’s important to acknowledge that the Bible doesn’t give a clear timeline.
Ultimately, the length of time it took to build the ark may not be the most important detail. What truly matters is the reason the ark was built in the first place—because of the wickedness of humanity.
Just as the first world was destroyed by water due to human sin, the Bible warns that the current world will one day be destroyed as well not by water this time, but by fire.
Peter writes:
2 Peter 3:6-7
“By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
Sins such as adultery, corruption, hatred, slander, unforgiveness, drunkenness, homosexuality, sexual perversion, vulgarity, greed, abortion, theft and many others are the same types of sin that brought judgment in Noah’s day. And they are the same sins that will bring judgment again, this time by fire.
Just as God fulfilled His word in the days of Noah, He will fulfill it again. What He has promised will come to pass.
So, let me ask you are you still living for the world? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ and turned away from sin?
The return of the Lord is near. The Rapture could happen at any moment.
May the Lord bless you.
According to Scripture, Noah lived a total of 950 years—600 years before the flood and another 350 years afterward.
Genesis 9:28–29 (NKJV) says:
“And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died.”
This extraordinary lifespan was not unusual before the flood. The genealogies in Genesis 5 show that many of the patriarchs lived for several centuries Adam lived 930 years, Methuselah 969, and so on. These long lifespans are understood by many theologians as part of God’s original design, before the effects of widespread sin brought degeneration and judgment upon the earth.
However, after the flood, God placed a clear limit on human life. In Genesis 6:3 (NKJV), God declared:
“And the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’”
Though this statement appears before the flood, it is generally interpreted as a divine decree concerning the future limitation of human life expectancy. Following the flood, we observe a gradual decline in ages across generations (as seen in Genesis 11).
Noah’s long life reminds us of the contrast between the pre-flood and post-flood world. Before the flood, creation was closer to its original, less-corrupted state. Afterward, humanity bore even more clearly the consequences of sin. According to Romans 6:23 (NKJV):
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This passage reinforces the biblical truth that death and the shortening of life is ultimately the result of sin. The flood was not just a natural catastrophe; it was an act of divine judgment on a world filled with violence and corruption (Genesis 6:5–13). Yet in Noah, we see a man who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9), and his preservation shows the grace of God extended toward the righteous.
Today, we often associate long life with diet, exercise, and genetics. While these play a role, Scripture teaches that the fear of the Lord is the key to a fulfilled and prolonged life.
Proverbs 10:27 (NKJV) says:
“The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”
Proverbs 3:1–2 (NKJV) likewise says:
“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.”
So, true longevity is not merely about physical health it’s deeply spiritual. If we desire to live full, meaningful lives, we must honor God, walk in His ways, and turn away from sin. Living in disobedience invites both spiritual and physical consequences.
May the Lord help us.
The Bible clearly tells us that Noah had only three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Genesis 5:32 “After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”
Genesis 10:1 “This is the account of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth who themselves had sons after the flood.”
These are the sons who entered the ark with their wives, along with Noah and his wife.
Genesis 7:7 – “Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood.”
That means only eight people were saved on the ark.
Think about how sobering that is only eight people were saved out of the countless millions (or even billions) who were living on the earth at that time. Once the door of the ark was shut, people wanted to get in but it was too late.
How will we escape judgment if we take such a great salvation lightly?
Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?”
The Bible makes it clear that in the last days, only a few will be saved, only a few will be caught up in the rapture. It will be those who strive to enter through the narrow gate.
Luke 13:24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”
Verses 25–27 “When the master of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’”
Let’s make every effort both you and I to be among those who enter through the narrow door.
Maranatha!
Hell (in Greek, Hades) is a real, spiritual place where the souls of the unrighteous dead go after death. Though it is invisible to human eyes, Scripture describes it as a place of conscious torment and separation from God (Luke 16:23-24). It is not the final destination, but a temporary holding place for the wicked, until the final judgment.
WHO GOES TO HELL?Hell is the destination for those who die outside of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Those who reject the grace of God offered through the sacrifice of Jesus on the crossnare choosing to remain under the judgment of their sin.
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”John 3:36 (NKJV)
At death, a person’s eternal fate is sealed (Hebrews 9:27). Those who die in sin unrepentant and without Christ descend into Hades, where they are held in torment until the day of final judgment. Jesus described this vividly in the story of the rich man and Lazarus:
“And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”Luke 16:23 (NKJV)
They will remain in Hades until the Great White Throne Judgment, described in Revelation 20:
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it… And the dead were judged according to their works… Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”Revelation 20:11-14 (NKJV)
After judgment, all who are not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire an eternal place of punishment prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). This is the final, irreversible destination of the wicked.
WHAT ABOUT THE RIGHTEOUS?Those who die in Christ do not go to Hades, but rather to Paradise a place of peace, rest, and fellowship with God. Jesus told the repentant thief on the cross:
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”Luke 23:43 (NKJV)
This is a temporary state of blessedness where the righteous await the resurrection at the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), when their bodies will be transformed and glorified, and they will be forever with the Lord in Heaven.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… And the dead in Christ will rise first.”1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NKJV)
THE URGENCY OF DECISIONThere is no second chance to repent after death. Once a soul enters eternity, their destiny is fixed.
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)
So the question remains: Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living under His grace, or are you walking toward eternal separation from God? The Bible urges us:
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)
Do not delay. Today is the day to turn to Christ.
May the Lord bless you
One thing many people don’t realize is that every person has something called a conscience. This inner moral compass testifies to us whether what we do is right or wrong. Even if the world applauds our actions, if they conflict with God’s moral standards, our conscience will remind us of our faults. Conversely, when we do what is right, our inner witness affirms it even if others disagree.
Biblically, the conscience is understood as an inherent guide installed by God. It reflects the divine image in us (Genesis 1:27) and functions as a measure of our spiritual condition. When we stray from God’s will, our conscience is grieved, causing unrest until we reconcile with Him through repentance.
Consider a situation where someone insults a relative, commits adultery secretly, steals, gossips, or even deliberately harms another. In these cases, their conscience immediately convicts them of their sin. This inward conviction is not just a natural feeling but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who guides us toward repentance and renewal (Romans 8:16).
At the final judgment, God will hold each individual accountable not only for their actions but for the state of their heart and conscience. As the Apostle Paul warned in his letter,
1 Timothy 4:1–2 (NIV) “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”
This scripture underscores the danger of allowing our conscience to be dulled by continued sin; such hardness leaves no room for repentance or transformation.
Despite knowing this, many of us hesitate to seek forgiveness. We might try to justify our behavior or find alternative ways to ease our guilt, but these efforts only deepen the inner divide between us and God. Forgiveness, in theological terms, is the restoration of a broken relationship—a vital theme throughout Scripture. Jesus’ ministry was marked by His willingness to forgive, and He commanded His followers to do likewise.
I once witnessed a profound lesson in humility from a political scenario. Some Members of Parliament and ministers had publicly spoken against the President, and their condemnations were recorded widely. Later, realizing the gravity of their errors, a few of them voluntarily approached the State House to ask for the President’s forgiveness. One minister confessed that the weight of their misdeed robbed him of peace he couldn’t even sleep at night until he sought and received forgiveness. This act of contrition not only restored his inner peace but also set a powerful example of repentance in action.
At the heart of this story lies the biblical truth that genuine repentance leads to true liberation. When our actions do not align with God’s will, our conscience convicted by the Holy Spirit urges us toward confession and correction. Rather than clinging to pride or alternative justifications, we must humble ourselves before God, our families, and others. Whether you have wronged a parent, a friend, a spouse, a colleague, or even sinned against God, do not delay in asking for forgiveness.
The first and most profound benefit of seeking forgiveness is the freedom and peace that follows. Despite the inner voice that might caution you “They won’t forgive you” or “They’ll think you’re weak” scripture assures us that humility and sincerity in repentance are met with grace. In fact, no one despises a person who owns up to their faults. On the contrary, a sincere apology often deepens mutual respect and love.
Forgiveness is not only an interpersonal practice; it is a cornerstone of our relationship with God. Jesus taught His disciples to pray in the Lord’s Prayer:
Matthew 6:9–13 (NIV) “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”
Within this prayer, the plea for forgiveness is central. It reminds us that as we receive God’s grace, we are called to extend that grace to others. Moreover, biblical passages like 1 John 1:9 assure us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In summary, theological teaching throughout the Bible emphasizes that our conscience instilled by God and guided by the Holy Spirit is our inner witness to sin and righteousness. It calls us to humility, repentance, and ultimately, the freedom of forgiveness. Do not be afraid to seek forgiveness from those you have wronged or from God Himself. It is the path to true peace and restoration.
Be blessed.
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Jesus Christ came once He lived, died, rose again, and ascended to heaven. But will He return?
Yes, absolutely. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus will return physically and visibly to the earth.
He is returning to reign as King over all the earth, and to establish His Kingdom together with His saints.
In the beginning, God gave mankind dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26–28). That authority was entrusted to Adam. However, when Adam sinned, that dominion was forfeited, and Satan gained a measure of control over the world system (see Luke 4:6; 2 Corinthians 4:4).
But through the cross and resurrection, Jesus Christ triumphed over Satan, disarmed his power (Colossians 2:15), and reclaimed all authority.
Matthew 28:18 (NKJV) “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”
That authority is not just spiritual it is literal and governmental. Jesus must return to exercise His rightful rule over the earth. His Kingdom is not symbolic it will be tangible, righteous, and global.
Revelation 11:15 (NKJV) “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’”
When Christ returns, He will judge the nations (Matthew 25:31–46), defeat the Antichrist and his armies (Revelation 19:19–21), and bind Satan for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–3). Then, He will establish His Millennial Kingdom, ruling the earth from Jerusalem in perfect justice and peace.
Those who reject His authority will be judged and removed. But those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), remain faithful, and overcome in this life will be given the honor of reigning with Him.
Revelation 3:20–21 (NKJV) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
2 Timothy 2:12 (NKJV) “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.”
The Millennial Reign (or 1,000-Year Reign of Christ) is described in Revelation 20:1–6. It refers to the literal reign of Jesus Christ on the earth for 1,000 years following His Second Coming. During this time:
Satan will be bound and unable to deceive the nations.
The saints those who were faithful to Christ will reign with Him.
The world will experience peace, righteousness, and restoration.
Revelation 20:4 (NKJV) “And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
This Kingdom is the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies (see Isaiah 2:1–4; Zechariah 14:9) and is a precursor to the final eternal state, when God creates a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1).
Jesus is not only Savior He is also King. And He is coming again to establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. As believers, we are not only waiting for heaven we are looking forward to the day when righteousness will reign on this earth, and Christ will be publicly glorified.
Titus 2:13 (NKJV) “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
So, let us be found faithful, watching, ready, and longing for His return. To go deeper, read the teaching titled: “Understanding the 1,000-Year Reign of Christ”
In the Bible, we encounter a woman described as “the Shunammite,” who generously supported the prophet Elisha by offering him a place to stay during his ministry. But who was she exactly? And what does the term “Shunammite” actually mean?
2 Kings 4:12–13 (ESV)
“And he said to Gehazi his servant, ‘Call this Shunammite.’ When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to him, ‘Say now to her, See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you?’”
From this, we learn that Elisha held this woman in high regard for her exceptional hospitality. But is “Shunammite” her name? Let’s explore.
Upon reading the broader context of 2 Kings 4, it becomes clear that “Shunammite” is not a personal name—it’s a geographical title. It identifies the woman’s place of origin: the town of Shunem in ancient Israel.
2 Kings 4:8 (ESV)
“One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food.”
Therefore, “Shunammite” simply means a person from Shunem just as someone from Tanzania would be called a Tanzanian. This was a common way of identifying people in the biblical world.
Shunem was located in the territory assigned to the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This is confirmed in the book of Joshua:
Joshua 19:17–18 (ESV)
“The fourth lot came out for Issachar, for the people of Issachar, according to their clans. Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem…”
Theologically, this matters because the tribes of Israel were not just random geographic groups they were covenantal communities chosen by God. The Shunammite woman’s inclusion in Scripture highlights that God often uses faithful individuals from lesser-known places to accomplish His purposes.
This Shunammite woman is described as “wealthy” or “a great woman” (Hebrew: אִשָּׁה גְּדוֹלָה, ishah gedolah), implying both material prosperity and moral or social standing (2 Kings 4:8). Her actions reveal deep spiritual discernment and generosity she recognized Elisha as a man of God and prepared a room for him in her home (2 Kings 4:9–10).
This act of hospitality fulfills the spiritual principle later emphasized in the New Testament:
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Though not an angel, Elisha was a prophet and servant of the Lord, and her provision for him was an act of faith and service to God Himself (cf. Matthew 10:41).
Another well-known figure from Shunem is Abishag, who cared for King David in his old age:
1 Kings 1:3–4 (ESV)
“So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.”
Like the earlier Shunammite, Abishag was entrusted with a sacred responsibility, showing again that individuals from Shunem played significant, though often quiet, roles in God’s redemptive history.
God values hidden faithfulness. The Shunammite woman wasn’t a prophet, priest, or queen yet her story is preserved in Scripture. Why? Because hospitality to God’s servants is hospitality to God Himself (cf. Matthew 25:40).
God rewards faith and kindness. After Elisha asked what he could do for her, she declined any reward. Yet God later rewarded her by giving her a son (2 Kings 4:16), and even later, Elisha raised that son from the dead (2 Kings 4:35). This shows that our acts of kindness may lead to blessings beyond imagination.
Ordinary people play extraordinary roles in God’s plan. The title “Shunammite” reminds us that even people from small, unknown towns like Shunem can be instruments of divine purpose.
The Shunammite woman teaches us that faithful hospitality, spiritual discernment, and generosity can open the door to powerful encounters with God. Her story challenges us to recognize and honor God’s work even when it comes through ordinary people in ordinary places.
May we, like her, be found faithful in whatever “Shunem” God has placed us.
God bless you.
For something or someone to rise, it must first overcome the forces that pull it down. This concept is consistent with spiritual truth, where the ability to ascend reflects overcoming spiritual obstacles. In the physical world, things that fly, like birds, tend to move faster and see farther than those that walk. Similarly, in dreams, when you see yourself flying, you often feel light and empowered, in contrast to other types of dreams. The act of flying symbolizes a higher state or accomplishment.
Dreams about flying can come from two sources. The first is the enemy. In
John 10:10,
Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (NIV).
This passage highlights that the enemy’s goal is to cause distress and deception, which can be reflected in dreams. If you dream of flying with strangers, heading to unfamiliar or terrifying places, and upon waking up you feel anxious, fearful, or uneasy, this could be a sign that the dream originates from the enemy. Such dreams often lead to a sense of confusion or unease. If you are a Christian, the Bible encourages you to rebuke such dreams immediately. In the name of Jesus, you can break free from these negative experiences. Jesus assures us of His authority over darkness in
Luke 10:19,
where He says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (NIV). As a believer, you are empowered to overcome.
However, if you dream about flying in normal, peaceful settings—such as your home, or even unfamiliar but natural places—and you feel capable of flying far, such as soaring to the moon, and the dream repeats itself with no negative feelings upon waking, it is likely a message from God. In such dreams, God may be showing you His intention to elevate you spiritually, indicating a call to grow or rise to a new level of faith. The Bible often speaks of God’s desire to lift His people up spiritually and physically.
Psalm 103:5 says, ”
Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (NIV).
This verse illustrates God’s ability to restore and elevate His people, just as the eagle rises to great heights. Dreams about flying in this context symbolize God’s lifting of your spirit and purpose.
Now, if you are outside of Jesus Christ, God is warning you that your happiness and success are only temporary. While you may experience success in life—perhaps through material gains, education, or personal progress—without Christ, this success will not last eternally. Jesus cautions about the fleeting nature of worldly success in
Matthew 6:19-20:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (NIV).
When you dream of flying, it can represent a sense of success, but it also carries a warning about the temporary nature of worldly achievements. In
Job 20:4-8,
we are reminded of the brevity of the wicked’s joy and success: “Do you not know this from ancient times, ever since mankind was placed on the earth, 5 that the joy of the wicked is brief, and the happiness of the godless is fleeting, 6 though they rise to the heavens and their heads reach the clouds, 7 they will perish forever, like their own refuse; those who see them will ask, ‘Where are they?’ 8 They will vanish like a dream, never to be found, like a vision of the night” (NIV).
The fleeting nature of success in a life disconnected from God is a warning that should lead us to repentance. Jesus asks in
Matthew 16:26,
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (NIV).
If you find yourself involved in illegal or sinful activities—such as selling alcohol, drugs, corruption, or witchcraft—it’s time to repent and turn back to God. Only in Christ can true, lasting fulfillment be found.
On the other hand, if you are in Christ, God is encouraging you to focus more on Him. He has a greater plan for your life, and He is preparing to bless you with heavenly gifts. In
James 1:17,we read,
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (NIV).
All true blessings come from God, and He desires to give you even more. Your success is not just for this life but for eternity.
Psalm 68:18 says,
“You ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell there” (NIV).
God has a plan for you to rise spiritually. Don’t focus on the temporary struggles or setbacks around you, but instead, seek God diligently. The apostle Paul encourages us in
Philippians 3:13-14:
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
As you press forward in faith, know that your ascent does not end here on earth but will one day reach heaven. Just as Christ ascended to the Father in
Acts 1:9-11,
where He was taken up before His disciples, we too have an appointed time when we will rise to meet Him. That day will be the day of the Rapture, as described in
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (NIV).
So, keep moving forward in faith, pressing toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Strengthen yourself in the Lord. The day is coming when we will meet Jesus in the sky. Maranatha—”Come, Lord Jesus!”
Be blessed!