Title 2020

What is Noeli, and Does the Term Appear in the Bible?

The term “Noel” is derived from the Latin word “natalis”, which means “birth day.” Specifically, it refers to the birth day of the King of the world, Jesus Christ. In French, the term can either mean “good news” or be used to describe the Christmas season itself.

You’ve likely encountered the term “Noeli” in various contexts—whether as a person’s name or as part of the popular carol “The First Noel”. If you’re unfamiliar with the carol or would like to hear its melody, you can listen to it here.

In short, Noel signifies celebrating or announcing the good news of the birth of Jesus. Whenever you hear this term, it is a reminder of Jesus’ birth or the broader Christmas season, which is observed on December 25th.

Does the Word ‘Noel’ Appear in the Bible?

It’s important to note that the term “Noel” itself is not found in the Bible. The celebration of Jesus’ birth and its significance is mentioned in the Scriptures, but the term “Noel” or “Christmas” was developed much later, primarily in church traditions and liturgies. The word “Noel” is most commonly used in older Christian liturgical settings, especially in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran denominations.

The Bible does not provide specific instructions on the celebration of Jesus’ birth or mandate the observance of Christmas on December 25th. The date itself was chosen centuries after Christ’s birth, likely to coincide with existing pagan festivals like Saturnalia, a Roman holiday celebrating the winter solstice. The early Christians used this time to honor Christ’s birth.

Is It a Requirement for Christians to Celebrate Christmas?

The Bible does not command Christians to celebrate Christmas or observe Noeli. However, many Christians around the world choose to celebrate it as a time to reflect on and honor the incarnation of Christ—the moment when God took on human form in Jesus to bring salvation to humanity.

The fact that Jesus’ actual birth date is unknown (and December 25th is not biblically confirmed as His birthdate) means that the celebration of Christmas is more of a tradition than a biblical command. For many, it is a joyful occasion for family gatherings, gift-giving, and sharing the message of Jesus’ love and salvation with others.

Despite the lack of direct biblical support for the December 25th observance, the focus on Jesus’ birth, His mission, and the good news of salvation is what gives the celebration its significance in Christian faith.

The Origin of December 25th as Christmas

The exact origin of celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 25th is uncertain, but it was officially established in the 4th century. Before this, the early Church did not observe a specific day for Christ’s birth. It is believed that Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor, officially designated December 25th as the celebration of Jesus’ birth to Christianize the Roman winter solstice festival. This helped shift the focus from pagan celebrations to the birth of Christ.

It wasn’t until much later that the celebration of Christmas became a global tradition, spreading through Christian communities worldwide, with varying cultural practices associated with the season.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while “Noel” does not appear in the Bible, it is a term that Christians use to refer to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. It is more of a cultural and liturgical tradition than a biblical mandate. The date of December 25th was chosen for practical reasons, aligning with the timing of pre-existing festivals. Though celebrating Christmas is not a biblical requirement, it offers an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the miraculous event of God’s incarnation and His gift of salvation to humanity.

God bless you.

Feel free to share this with others as we celebrate the season of Christ’s birth and reflect on its deeper meaning.

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WHAT ARE YOU CRYING ABOUT, MOTHER?

Today, we reflect on how our problems can sometimes blind us to the miracles God is already working in our lives. This blindness often arises from an overwhelming focus on our difficulties, which prevents us from seeing the miraculous work of God even when it’s right before our eyes.

In Scripture, we are reminded that God’s sovereignty is always at work in our lives, even when we don’t recognize it.

In Romans 8:28, Paul writes,

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

.” This passage teaches that God’s work is unfolding in all situations, including those times when we cannot immediately see it. It’s crucial for us to trust that He is active and faithful, even in our suffering.

Think about the moment when Christ died and was laid in the tomb. So many things were happening in that moment, but one important lesson comes from Mary Magdalene. When she went to the tomb, she was grieving deeply. She had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, His life of righteousness, His love, and His perfection. Yet now, she saw that He had been crucified and buried. Worse still, His body was gone. This was too much for her. Her sorrow was so overwhelming that she couldn’t leave the tomb—she just stood there, weeping.

But here is where we see God’s redemptive purpose unfolding.

In John 20:11-13, we read:

“But Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’”

Notice that even though she was face-to-face with heavenly beings, her grief was so overwhelming that she couldn’t see the miraculous nature of the situation. She didn’t recognize the angels for who they were. Angels, in Scripture, are messengers and servants of God, and their presence here was a clear indication that God was about to do something miraculous. Yet, in her sorrow, Mary couldn’t see it. This mirrors how we often miss the work of God in our lives when we are consumed by pain and distress.

As Mary continued to weep, she saw someone else—someone she thought was the gardener. But it was actually Jesus, standing before her, resurrected. He asked her the same question: “Why are you crying?” This is the same question the angels had asked her earlier.

John 20:15-16 says:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.'”

It was in that moment, when Jesus called her by name, that Mary’s eyes were opened. She recognized Him, and her sorrow was transformed into joy. Theologically, this moment is profound—it reveals the personal, intimate nature of Christ’s relationship with His followers. Jesus did not just appear as a distant figure; He engaged with Mary personally, calling her by name, as He does with each of us.

As John 10:27 tells us,

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus knows us intimately, and when He calls us by name, it is a profound reminder of His presence in our lives, even when we are lost in grief.

If Jesus had not called her name, Mary would have continued in her grief, missing the miraculous event before her. This highlights how sometimes our emotions and overwhelming situations can prevent us from recognizing God’s presence in our lives.

This same principle is seen with Balaam in Numbers 22. Balaam was on a journey to curse Israel, but God used his donkey to get his attention. The donkey spoke to him, and Balaam, so consumed by his own mission, didn’t realize this was a miracle. Instead, he argued with the donkey as though it were just a regular conversation. This highlights how we can become so focused on our own plans and problems that we fail to see God’s miraculous intervention in our lives.

Numbers 22:28-31 says:
“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’ Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’ The donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?’ ‘No,’ he said. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.”

Balaam didn’t recognize the miraculous nature of the moment because his heart was already set on something else. This serves as a caution for us: when we are overly focused on our problems, we may miss the miracles God is already working in our lives.

Theologically, both of these stories—Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ and Balaam’s interaction with his donkey—illustrate how easy it is for us to overlook the presence of God when we are consumed by grief, desires, or struggles. Yet, Scripture continually reminds us that God is with us, even in those moments when we fail to recognize Him.

Psalm 34:18 reassures us:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Today, I encourage you to calm your heart and stop crying where God has already heard you. Instead of remaining in sorrow, turn to Him in gratitude. Look around, and you’ll start to see the many miracles He has already begun in your life.

God bless you.

 
 
 
 

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What is the biblical difference between Bridle and Bit?

Psalm 32:9 (NIV)
“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle, or they will not come to you.”

In this verse, King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, uses the metaphor of a horse or mule to warn against stubbornness and lack of understanding. A bridle is used to control and guide the horse, which illustrates the need for discipline in our lives. Just as a rider uses a bridle to direct the horse, God desires to guide us with wisdom, but we must willingly allow Him to lead. This call to humility and submission emphasizes our need to be receptive to God’s correction and guidance.

Bridle and Bit

The bridle includes various elements, such as the headgear and reins, which help steer the horse. This device represents the importance of being guided and controlled, much like how we are called to allow God to control our actions through the Holy Spirit.
In theological terms, the bit is a small yet powerful tool. When placed in the horse’s mouth, it controls the animal’s movements. Similarly, the tongue is small but can influence the direction of our lives. The bit represents our need for self-discipline and submission to God’s will.

James 3:3-6 (NIV)

“Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example: Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

In James 3:3-6, James uses the example of a bridle and bit to emphasize the power of the tongue. Just as a small bit controls a powerful horse, our words have the potential to steer the course of our lives. James goes even further to describe the tongue as a fire—capable of great destruction. This vivid metaphor teaches us that, while small in size, the tongue can create great havoc if not controlled. It is essential to remember that as Christians, we are called to tame our tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 39:1(ESV),

“I said, ‘I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.'”

In Psalm 39:1, David speaks of guarding his speech, particularly in the presence of the wicked. This reinforces the need for self-control, particularly in the face of temptation or negative influences. Just as a bridle controls the movement of a horse, we must learn to control our speech, especially in situations that could lead to sin. Our words should reflect Christ’s love and truth, rather than the destructive power of the tongue.

Theological Significance: Control and Discipline

The bit and bridle symbolize more than just control—they represent the discipline necessary to follow God faithfully. The Bible often stresses the importance of discipline, which is a mark of spiritual maturity. In Proverbs 12:1, we are told:
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
(NIV)
Discipline is not about restriction for its own sake, but about guiding us toward God’s will. This aligns with the teaching in Hebrews 12:11:
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
(NIV)
Thus, the bridle and bit not only represent control but also the training and growth that come through following God’s guidance.

The Final Judgment and Revelation

In the book of Revelation, the imagery of destruction intensifies as we approach the final judgment. The Bible describes the wrath of God as a terrifying event, where the bloodshed is so massive it reaches the height of a horse’s bridle. This is a sobering picture of what awaits those who reject Christ and live in rebellion to God.

Revelation 14:19-20 (NIV)
“The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia (about 200 miles).”

The imagery here is horrifying—symbolizing God’s final judgment on sin. The scale of the destruction is unimaginable, and the 200-mile span of bloodshed speaks to the vastness of God’s judgment. This is a warning to all who live in sin, urging them to turn to Christ before it’s too late. Theologically, this underscores the severity of God’s holiness and the consequences of rejecting His grace.

Theological Implication: The Need for Salvation

The image of blood rising to the height of a horse’s bridle in Revelation serves as a stark reminder of the wrath that awaits those who reject salvation through Jesus Christ. In light of this, Romans 5:9 (NIV) reassures believers:

“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

For Christians, the blood of Christ—shed for our sins—offers salvation and protection from God’s righteous wrath. This highlights the urgency of being in right relationship with God, especially as we see the prophetic signs of the end times unfolding.

Conclusion: The Need for Discernment and Preparation

As believers, we must continually examine our hearts and lives. Are we allowing God to control our speech, guiding us through the discipline of His Word? Are we prepared for the return of Christ, living with the expectation that His judgment is near? The imagery of the bridle and bit should encourage us to control our tongues, practice discipline, and live in holiness.

In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul urges: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

The end times are near, and we must be ready. Now is the time to ensure we are living in the salvation God offers through Christ. If we are not, the warning is clear: we must turn to Him before it’s too late.

Maranatha (The Lord is coming)

 

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What Is a Winepress in the Bible — And What Is Its Spiritual Meaning?

In biblical times, a winepress was a specially designed structure used for crushing grapes to extract their juice, primarily for making wine. Unlike today, where industrial machines do this work, ancient winepresses were simple but effective. They consisted of two main parts: a large upper basin where grapes were placed and trodden underfoot, and a lower basin that collected the juice.

People would throw bunches of grapes into the upper pit and step on them, usually barefoot. To maintain balance while stomping, ropes were often used for support. The juice would then flow through a small channel into a lower container where it could be gathered, filtered, and stored.

This process is referenced in multiple passages of Scripture, both literally and symbolically:

Matthew 21:33-34 (NIV)
“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.”

Here, the winepress represents God’s investment in Israel, His chosen people, and His expectation of spiritual fruit.

Haggai 2:16 (ESV)
“How did you fare? When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty.”

This reflects the consequences of disobedience   despite laboring, the results are lacking due to God’s displeasure.

Other verses with literal references to winepresses include:

  • Isaiah 5:2 – God’s care for His vineyard (Israel)

  • Judges 7:25, Nehemiah 13:15, Job 24:11

Spiritual and Prophetic Meaning of the Winepress

The winepress is not just a tool for making wine; in Scripture, it becomes a symbol of divine judgment. Crushing grapes in a winepress is a vivid picture of the wrath of God being poured out on the unrighteous  especially in the end times.

This is most clearly seen in Revelation, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the One who treads the winepress of God’s fury:

Revelation 19:15 (ESV)
“From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.”

Here, the winepress symbolizes the final judgment. Jesus is not returning only as Savior but also as Judge. The wicked will be “crushed” under the weight of divine justice, just like grapes underfoot.

This theme is repeated earlier in Revelation:

Revelation 14:19-20 (NIV)
“The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of about 1,600 stadia.”

This terrifying image shows the magnitude of judgment. It emphasizes that no one who rejects God’s grace will escape His justice.

The Cup of His Wrath

To be thrown into God’s winepress is to drink from the cup of His wrath — a biblical metaphor for the full experience of divine judgment.

Revelation 16:19 (NIV)
“The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of His wrath.”

Isaiah 63:3 (ESV)
“I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel.”

These verses serve as solemn warnings. God’s patience will come to an end, and His justice will be executed.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

We are currently living in the time of grace  an opportunity to repent and escape the coming judgment. The winepress of God’s wrath is real, but so is His mercy, available through Jesus Christ.

The call is urgent:

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)
“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23), but a day is coming when grace will give way to judgment.

Final Thoughts

The winepress in Scripture serves as both a literal tool and a profound symbol. It teaches us about God’s expectations, His displeasure at sin, and the certainty of final judgment. But it also points us to Christ  who drank the cup of wrath on our behalf (Matthew 26:39) so we wouldn’t have to.

Let’s not take this time of grace for granted. The day of the Lord will be great and terrible (Joel 2:31). Make sure your life is hidden in Christ today.

Maranatha — Come, Lord Jesus.

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What Does It Mean That Herod Was Eaten by Worms? A Theological Reflection

In Acts 12:21–23, the Bible tells a shocking story of divine judgment on a man who accepted glory that rightfully belonged to God:

“On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, ‘The voice of a god, and not of a man!’ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.” (Acts 12:21–23, ESV)

This event is not just historical it carries theological weight and a solemn warning about pride, the danger of self-glorification, and God’s intolerance of idolatry, even in the form of human ego.

1. Herod’s Sin: Stealing God’s Glory

Herod Agrippa I was a politically powerful king, known for persecuting the early Church (Acts 12:1–3). When the people praised him as a god, Herod accepted the worship instead of redirecting the glory to God. This was the core of his sin.

Scripture is clear: God alone deserves glory.

“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” (Isaiah 42:8)

Herod’s pride mirrors that of Satan, who sought to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:13–14). Pride is the root of many downfalls.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

By accepting divine honor, Herod positioned himself as a rival to God—an act of idolatry in the highest form.

2. Divine Judgment: Eaten by Worms

The phrase “eaten by worms” (Greek: σκωληκόβρωτος) likely refers to being consumed internally by parasitic worms, such as intestinal roundworms or maggots, which cause immense suffering and death. This was not symbolic it was a physical affliction from God, a supernatural judgment.

Interestingly, the Jewish historian Josephus also recorded this event, stating Herod died in agony after five days of abdominal pain, further confirming the biblical account (Antiquities 19.8.2).

In biblical theology, such a judgment reflects God’s holiness and justice. Just as God struck Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1–10), He struck Herod for blasphemously accepting glory that belongs to Him alone.

3. A Pattern in Scripture: God Humbles the Proud

This was not the first time God humbled a ruler. King Nebuchadnezzar was also judged when he exalted himself:

“At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king answered and said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power…?’ While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven… Immediately the word was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4:29–33)

Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind and lived like an animal until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty.

“Those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:37)

4. A Warning for Today: Pride Still Kills

While we may not see such visible judgments today, the principle remains: God resists the proud.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Whether you are a leader, artist, preacher, or influencer, God expects you to acknowledge that your gifts and opportunities come from Him.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17)

The danger today is more subtle: people seek fame, followers, and admiration. But whenever we exalt ourselves without honoring God, we risk spiritual decay and even divine discipline.

5. Our Response: Give Glory to God Always

Whether in success, talent, wealth, or ministry, give credit to God.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)

Let’s remember: this world is not ours. It belongs to God. We are stewards of what He gives us not owners. Giving God glory protects us from pride and keeps us in right standing with Him.

Final Thoughts

Herod’s story is a reminder that God takes His glory seriously. He is patient but not passive. As Isaiah declares,

“The Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27)

Let us walk humbly, live thankfully, and always return the glory where it belongs to God alone.

Shalom.

 

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LEARN TO DRAW FROM YOUR TREASURE BOTH NEW AND OLD.

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome, let’s delve into the Scriptures together.

Matthew 13:51-53
51 “Jesus asked them, ‘Have you understood all these things?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’
52 He said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’
53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there.”

Question: Why did Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven to a householder who takes out both new and old things from his treasure?

In this parable, Jesus is teaching that those who are skilled in the knowledge of the kingdom of heaven, like scribes or teachers, must understand both the Old and New Testaments. The “treasure” refers to the riches of wisdom and revelation found in God’s Word. The “new” refers to the revelation given through the New Covenant (the life and teachings of Jesus Christ), while the “old” refers to the wisdom and prophecies of the Old Covenant (the Law and the Prophets).

A wise person’s house, particularly their storage area, will always contain both new and old things. The reason for keeping old things is for future use, either for repair or reuse when needed.

For example, after building a house, a person might be left with leftover nails, paint, or metal sheets. They don’t throw them away; instead, they store them for future use. Later, they might use these materials to repair the house or build something else. Similarly, even if they don’t immediately need these items, they keep them for future use or for someone else’s need. In the same way, the Old Testament prophecies and laws were kept for the fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ.

The Old Testament is foundational for understanding the New Testament. It contains prophecies, types, and shadows that point to the coming of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27). The Law and the Prophets prepare the heart and mind for the New Covenant, which is fulfilled in Christ. Without the Old Testament, we would lack the context for understanding the New Testament’s revelation.

The same principle applies to the spiritual life. As we walk with Christ, we often encounter old wisdom—traditions, teachings, and scriptures—that have lasting relevance. These can shape and deepen our understanding of the “new” teachings of Christ. Without this integration, we risk misunderstanding or misapplying God’s full revelation.

Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

In this verse, Jesus makes clear that He did not come to discard the Old Testament but to fulfill it. He is the fulfillment of the prophecies, and His life and death complete the Old Covenant.

Just as a person keeps things in storage for future use, the wisdom of the Old Testament is essential to understanding Christ’s mission. The Old Testament points forward to Christ, and the New Testament illuminates the fulfillment of the promises made in the Old Testament.

Similarly, a wise person who wears shoes until they wear out does not throw them away. Instead, they store them because they know they will be useful again, perhaps for another person or for a practical use like farming or construction.

The same principle applies to clothes: when clothes wear out, they aren’t thrown away but stored for future use. They might be given to someone in need or repurposed as rags for cleaning. This is not wasteful but shows the wisdom of keeping something useful, even after it has lost its original purpose. This mirrors how the Old Testament is not discarded but is still valuable, even as the New Testament fulfills it.

Mark 2:21-22
“21 No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If they do, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes the need for new understanding and new structures for the new covenant. However, this does not mean the old is useless—it is the foundation upon which the new is built. The “new wine” is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the “old wineskins” represent the old systems of the Law and sacrifices, which were not designed to contain the fullness of the new covenant. Yet, both old and new are crucial to God’s redemptive plan.

This passage illustrates the necessity of understanding the distinction between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Testament serves as the preparation for the New Covenant. It was not designed to save but to point to the need for Christ. The new wine (Jesus and His salvation) requires new wineskins (a new way of relating to God through grace, not the Law). The old does not become obsolete but finds its fulfillment in Christ.

Luke 24:44-47
“44 He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.’ 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’”

Jesus explains here that the entire Old Testament pointed to Him. He fulfilled all the prophecies and types within the Old Testament, and only in light of His resurrection can the Scriptures be fully understood.

Without the Old Testament, the New Testament cannot be fully appreciated. The Old points forward to Christ, and the New reveals His coming and fulfillment. The two are inseparable in God’s plan of redemption. Jesus opened the disciples’ minds to see the connection between the two, revealing that the Old Testament is not obsolete but is fulfilled in Him.

2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

This verse underscores the importance of rightly dividing the Word of God, which involves understanding both the Old and New Testaments. A believer must handle the Scriptures with care, using them in a way that aligns with God’s will and His revelation of truth through Christ. To do this, one must be diligent in studying the Word, discerning how the Old Testament points to Christ and how the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Maranatha.

 

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A Trap Isn’t Set in Plain Sight for Any Bird

Proverbs 1:17 (ESV) –

“For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird.”

Introduction: A Question Many Believers Ask

Shalom! Welcome to today’s reflection from the Word of Life.

Many people wrestle with this question:
“If God knows something terrible is going to happen to me—something that could destroy me—why doesn’t He stop it? Why does He let me walk into danger or sin, only for me to end up lost? Isn’t He supposed to be a loving God?”

This is not just a philosophical question—it’s a spiritual one. To answer it, we must understand the nature of spiritual warfare, human responsibility, and God’s provision of wisdom and grace.

Let’s consider Proverbs 1:17, which says:

“For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird.”

This verse sets the foundation for today’s message.

The Purpose of a Trap

When a hunter sets a trap for a bird, he knows the bird is naturally alert and capable of escaping. That’s why the trap must be deceptive—it must appear safe or even appealing. The same applies to traps set for rats, fish, or any animal. The intention is not hatred, but to overcome the creature’s God-given instincts.

These creatures aren’t weak—they’re simply drawn in by bait. And the bait blinds them to the danger.

Now apply this spiritually:
God has created us with the ability to discern good from evil, especially when we walk in His Word. However, like birds that ignore warning signs, we too can be lured by temptation—not because we’re helpless, but because we ignore the danger when it’s disguised as something desirable.

God Has Equipped Us to Resist Evil

God doesn’t leave us defenseless. He has provided:

His Word –

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

His Spirit – “

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

His Warnings –Like the trap in Proverbs, God often makes the enemy’s schemes visible—if we are paying attention.

Satan, however, cannot force anyone into sin. He tempts—he deceives, seduces, and misleads—but he doesn’t drag people into sin against their will. That’s why Scripture calls for vigilance:

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8, ESV)

The devil is real and active—but we are not powerless.

A Real Example from Scripture: The Immoral Woman

Read Proverbs 7 for a vivid picture of how spiritual traps work. A young man is lured by an adulterous woman. At the end of the chapter, we read:

“With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast… till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.”
(Proverbs 7:21–23, ESV)

The man wasn’t innocent—he chose to follow. The trap was set, and though the warning signs were present, he ignored them.

This is how sin works. It doesn’t appear deadly at first. It looks appealing—especially when driven by lust, pride, or greed. But the end is destruction.

Why Doesn’t God Stop Us?

God has already done His part. He gives:

  1. His Word for wisdom (James 1:5)

  2. The Holy Spirit for conviction (John 16:8)

  3. The community of believers for accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25)

What He does not do is override your free will. God respects the freedom He gave you—even when you use it poorly. That’s why blaming God after falling into sin is both unfair and unbiblical.

Likewise, Satan cannot claim innocence. But he can say: “I only set the trap. I didn’t force them to enter.”

The Root Issue: Lack of Knowledge

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
(Hosea 4:6, ESV)

Many believers fall into spiritual traps not because God failed them—but because they rejected knowledge, ignored wisdom, and silenced conviction. This is dangerous.

Jesus rebuked a church in Revelation for not understanding the enemy’s tactics:

“But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come.”
(Revelation 2:24–25, ESV)

God calls us to recognize and resist the schemes of the enemy—not remain ignorant of them.

The Way Out: The Word of God

You don’t have to fall.
You don’t have to live in regret.
God has given us a way out:

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)

Build a daily habit of Bible reading. Let it guide your decisions and expose Satan’s traps before they destroy you. The Bible is not just a religious book—it’s your spiritual survival manual.

Final Thoughts

The world is full of traps. The devil still hunts. But God has not left you helpless.
He has given you His Spirit, His Word, and His grace.
The responsibility is now yours.

Choose wisdom. Stay alert. And help others see the trap before it’s too late.

May the Lord bless you.

If this message has helped you, share it with others.

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WHAT IS REVELATION, AND HOW CAN I RECEIVE IT FROM GOD?

 

What Is Revelation?

In biblical terms, revelation refers to God making Himself, His will, or His truth known to human beings—truths that were previously hidden or not fully understood.

The word “reveal” comes from the Latin revelare, meaning “to uncover.” Spiritually, it is when God allows us to understand a truth that we couldn’t grasp on our own. This kind of understanding comes through the work of the Holy Spirit, not through human intellect alone.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”
— Proverbs 25:2

“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV)

When you read the Bible and suddenly understand something in a way you never did before, especially concerning Christ, salvation, or the nature of God, that’s a form of divine revelation. For example, when you begin to grasp the power of Jesus’ blood—not just as a concept, but as a spiritual truth that changes your life—that’s revelation.

As your understanding grows, so does your faith. Paul says:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
— Romans 10:17

Why Revelation Matters

Spiritual revelation empowers us to live victorious lives. It helps us pray more effectively, resist sin, and walk in the truth. A believer who receives revelation about God’s power and promises lives with greater authority than someone who only has head knowledge.

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
— John 8:32

Revelation strengthens our walk with God and gives us spiritual tools to fight the enemy.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
— Hosea 4:6

True vs. False Revelation

Not every so-called revelation is from God. There are true and false revelations. Any insight from God will always align with the entire message of Scripture. It will never contradict God’s Word.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

False revelations often twist Scripture or add to it, which is dangerous.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
— Galatians 1:8

So how can we tell if a revelation is true? Test it:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
— 1 John 4:1

How Can We Receive Revelation?

There are two main ways to receive true revelation from God:

1. Reading and Meditating on God’s Word

The most foundational way to receive revelation is by reading the Bible for yourself. God reveals His truth through His written Word.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105

Sadly, many believers depend solely on preachers, Christian entertainment, or social media posts instead of going directly to the Word. But without personal study, it’s easy to be misled.

Jesus emphasized the narrow path:

“Enter by the narrow gate… because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
— Matthew 7:13–14

To walk this path, you must know the Word. That means reading entire books of the Bible systematically, not just jumping from verse to verse. Don’t just “browse” the Bible like a preacher preparing a quick sermon—study it slowly and thoroughly.

For example, if you begin reading Genesis, take your time. Meditate on the first 10 chapters. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand. Don’t skip parts that seem hard or boring, like genealogies; they have purpose. God often reveals insights in places we least expect.

As you read, also use Bible maps (often found in the back of printed Bibles) to understand where events took place. This will deepen your understanding of biblical history and geography.

This kind of consistent, humble reading is what opens the door to true revelation.

2. Listening to Biblical Teaching—With Discernment

God can also reveal truth through the preaching and teaching of others. But this method comes with a warning: not all teaching is true.

“For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine… they will gather around them teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
— 2 Timothy 4:3

False teachers are more common than true ones. That’s why you must first read the Word yourself. Then, when you listen to a sermon or watch a teaching video, you’ll be able to test what is being taught.

A wise method is this: study a topic on your own in Scripture first. Then, if something is unclear, seek trustworthy pastors or biblical resources to help you dig deeper. Don’t search for answers on topics you haven’t studied at all—you’re more likely to be deceived.

Jesus gave a serious warning:

“Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
— Luke 8:18 (NIV)

This means if you go looking for truth without a foundation in God’s Word, you may lose even the little truth you had. False teaching can steal it from you.

Imagine walking through a chaotic city like Kariakoo without knowing where you’re going. You could easily be misled or robbed. In the same way, you must know where to find truth in the Bible before you go searching for more from others.

Let the Holy Spirit Teach You

The Holy Spirit is the true teacher of revelation. Jesus promised:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…”
— John 14:26

But the Holy Spirit needs willing hearts—people who hunger for the truth and take time to seek God’s Word.

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.”
— Hebrews 5:11 (NIV)

Let’s not be lazy in spiritual things. Let’s give the Holy Spirit room to work by spending time in the Word.

A Final Word

If you haven’t yet received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, know that He is coming soon:

“For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”
— Hebrews 10:37

Today is the day to draw near to Him. He is ready to reveal His truth to those who seek Him with all their heart.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
— James 4:8

May the Lord bless you and open your heart to receive true revelation through His Spirit and His Word.

 
 
 
 
 

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Be Reconciled with Your Accuser First

Jesus gives a profound warning in Luke 12:58–59:

“As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

At first glance, it seems Jesus is simply giving practical advice about settling legal disputes quickly. But when we study the context and the spiritual implications, we realize He is speaking about something much deeper: final judgment before God.

Many believers assume that the only accuser we have is Satan. Indeed, 1 Peter 5:8 warns us:

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

And Revelation 12:10 calls Satan “the accuser of our brothers and sisters,” who accuses them before God day and night. But in Luke 12, Jesus is not speaking about Satan. He is speaking about spiritual accusers—those who will testify against us at the final judgment.

We see an example of this in John 5:45–46, where Jesus says:

“Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.”

Here, Jesus was talking to the Jews who claimed to follow Moses and the Law, yet rejected Him. He tells them that Moses—whom they claim to follow—will stand as their accuser on the Day of Judgment, because they failed to obey what Moses actually taught. They misunderstood the Law and missed the very One to whom the Law pointed.

This is why Jesus urges His listeners in Luke 12 to “be reconciled with your accuser” before reaching the Judge. The Judge in this parable represents God, and the accuser represents anyone or anything that holds a true testimony against us according to God’s Word—whether it be the Law, the prophets, the apostles, or even the Gospel itself.

Once you stand before God in judgment, there will be no more negotiation, no chance for repentance. Judgment will be final. The “officer” in Jesus’ words represents God’s holy angels, who carry out divine judgment (cf. Matthew 13:41–42). The “prison” is symbolic of eternal separation from God—hell.

Jesus says:

“You will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
This shows the eternal consequence of rejecting truth. Since no one can repay the debt of sin on their own, that “last penny” can never be paid—meaning the punishment is eternal (see Romans 6:23).

Who Are Our Accusers Today?

Just as Moses was an accuser to the Jews in Jesus’ time, we today have other potential accusers. If we claim to be Christians—followers of Christ—we must live according to the teachings of the apostles and prophets, as the Bible says in Ephesians 2:20:

“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

But many who claim Christ ignore what the apostles taught. The very Scriptures we claim to believe may rise to accuse us on the Last Day. The words of Paul, Peter, John, and others in the New Testament will testify either in our favor or against us—depending on whether we obeyed the Gospel.

This is why Hebrews 12:14 tells us:

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Now—while we are still alive and on the way—is the time to be reconciled:

  • Reconciled with God through faith in Jesus.

  • Reconciled with the truth of Scripture.

  • Reconciled with those we’ve wronged.

We must repent, believe the Gospel, and be sealed with the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 1:13). This is how we prepare ourselves for the Day of Judgment.

Will the Gospel Accuse Us?

Yes—if we ignore it. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 2:16:

“This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.”

Paul makes it clear that the Gospel itself will be the standard by which God judges humanity. If we have heard it but rejected it, that very Gospel will testify against us.

So, What Should We Do?

The big question is: Are you saved?
Are you certain that if you died today, you would be with the Lord? If not, now is the time to repent. Turn your life over to Jesus and let Him cleanse you. These are the last days. We all know it. We’re living on borrowed time.

Jesus is coming soon. The Rapture could happen at any moment. Now is the time to wake up, take up your cross, and follow Christ. Focus on what matters most—your eternal destiny. Everything else can wait.

Let us lay aside the burdens of this world for a moment, and prioritize our relationship with God. Let us be reconciled with our accusers before it’s too late.

Shalom.

 

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NOT ALL DEMONS MANIFEST OUTWARDLY

 

For a long time, I believed that anyone who had demons would inevitably experience some dramatic manifestation. I thought if there was no visible sign, then the person didn’t have demons. However, I’ve come to realize that this understanding is not correct. The truth is, anyone who is not in Christ, for one reason or another, has a demon living inside them. This could be true whether they know it or not, and whether the demon manifests or not.

The Bible teaches us this truth. The apostle Paul warns in Ephesians 6:12 that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This highlights that the spiritual battle is real, even if we don’t see it with our eyes. Not every demon that encountered Jesus visibly manifested, or was cast out in a loud, dramatic way as we often expect. Let’s take a look at a passage of Scripture. You might have read it before, but there’s something in it that you might not have noticed. Let’s read it together:

Luke 13:10-13
“On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,
11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bent over, and could in no way raise herself up.
12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said, ‘Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.’
13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”

In this passage, we see Jesus addressing the spiritual root of the woman’s illness. Jesus recognized that her physical ailment was linked to a demonic spirit of infirmity. This aligns with Luke 4:18, where Jesus states, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Jesus came to set people free from both physical and spiritual oppression.

This woman’s condition was hidden behind her physical weakness, and the demon didn’t cause a big scene. It didn’t shout or manifest in the dramatic way we might expect. Jesus, however, saw through that. He called the woman over, laid His hands on her, and immediately, she was healed. The demon left, and the woman was made whole.

The interesting thing is that when the demon left, the woman didn’t experience any dramatic reaction. She didn’t fall to the ground or scream. She only realized the demon had left because of the sudden physical changes she began to feel in her body. This shows that demons can exist without outward signs, but when Jesus intervenes, the change is profound.

Here’s the point I want to make: the powers of darkness don’t pick and choose who to enter

. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

As long as you are outside the “dominion of Christ Jesus,” there is always a place where a demon can dwell. It could manifest in illness, addiction, sinful behaviors like immorality or theft, gossip, or even certain negative habits that control your life

. Romans 6:16 teaches us,

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

” These powers take root in your life through sin, and they can remain hidden for a long time.

And many times, you won’t even realize it until Jesus comes to save you

. John 8:36 says,

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

” When you surrender to Christ, His power to set you free becomes evident, and the chains of darkness are broken.

However, if you are in Christ and saved, demons have no power over you.

1 John 4:4 affirms,

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

” Once you are in Christ, you are no longer under the influence of demonic forces. The authority of Christ in you is greater than any demonic power.

So, if you’re reading this and you haven’t yet accepted Christ into your life, you may not have realized that dark spirits are influencing your life in some way. But now you know the truth. The only way to break free from these spirits is by surrendering to Jesus

. Colossians 1:13-14 says

, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

” Through His blood shed on the cross, He has the power to remove all curses, break the chains of sin, and drive out all the foreign spirits that live inside of you. But you must be willing to repent, surrender your life to Him, and commit to following Him fully, without turning back.

Acts 3:19 tells us

, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” If you do this, He will forgive you completely.

If you’re ready for this, I invite you to pray this short prayer, knowing that God hears you and that He will begin a new work in your life from today. Open your heart to Him.

Prayer for Salvation:

Father God,
I come before You, acknowledging that I am a sinner and that I have sinned against You in many ways. I know that I deserve judgment. But You, my God, are merciful, and You said in Your Word that You are a God of mercy, who shows compassion to thousands who love You. Today, I come before You asking for Your forgiveness and help. I repent of all my sins with a sincere heart. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that He is the Savior of the world. I ask for the blood of Your Son to cleanse me and remove all my sin from within me. Make me a new creation today and forever.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for accepting me and forgiving me.

Amen.

If this prayer came from your heart, know that this is just the first step toward true freedom in Christ. The next step for you is to receive the proper baptism, which is by full immersion in water (John 3:23) and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we see in Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, and 19:5. Once you do this, Jesus Himself will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19 gives us the command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

.” Once you are baptized, you will receive the Holy Spirit, who will empower you to live a victorious life in Christ.

If you are ready for this step, please reach out to us. You can contact us through inbox or by calling these numbers: +255693036618 / +255789001312. We are here to help you with the next steps in your salvation journey.

God bless you 

 
 
 
 
 

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