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CONFESSION IS NOT REPENTANCE

Confession is not the same as asking for mercy from God!

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

There is a clear distinction between repentance and merely asking for mercy. Many people today ask for mercy, but they do not repent.
Brother, seeking mercy without repentance is in vain.

Asking for mercy is no different than asking for forgiveness. When you ask someone to forgive you, you’re essentially asking them to have mercy on you. But repentance is not something you ask for it’s something you do.

What, then, is repentance?

Repentance means to turn away from sin and forsake it entirely.
Imagine you are walking in one direction, then you suddenly realize you’re going the wrong way. So you stop, turn around, and walk back or take a different path.
That change of direction, that decision to abandon the former path, is what we call repentance.

But asking for forgiveness is not the same as repentance.

To understand this more deeply, consider the following illustration:

A Child’s Change of Heart

A parent tells their child to go and run an errand. Instead of obeying, the child becomes disrespectful, talks back rudely, and continues playing. But as they walk toward their game, their conscience convicts them they realize their mistake. So they abandon their plan, turn back, return to the parent, kneel down and say,
“Mother, I am sorry for being disrespectful. Please forgive me. I’m ready now to go where you sent me.”

In this example, the repentance happened when the child turned around and went back. The request for forgiveness happened after the repentance.

Do you see the difference?

You cannot say you have asked for mercy while you have not repented.
Repentance must come first, and then the plea for mercy follows.

Jesus’ Example The Two Sons

This is exactly the lesson Jesus gave in the parable of the two sons:

Matthew 21:28–31 (NKJV)
“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’
He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.
Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.
Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.”

The son who initially refused, but later repented and obeyed, is the one who did the will of the father. This shows us that true repentance results in action a change of heart that leads to obedience.

In These Troubled Times Repent, Not Just Plead

In these difficult times that have come upon the world, this is not just a time to ask for mercy it is a time to repent.
To repent means to abandon sin, to renounce evil, and to change direction.

It’s time to:

  • Stop engaging in bribery and corruption
  • Forsake sexual immorality
  • Burn and discard revealing clothing
  • Remove earrings, bangles, makeup, and any objects we idolize return to the natural state God created us in
  • Return things we have stolen or swindled from others
  • Forgive those who wronged us
  • Reconcile with estranged family members
  • Stop using abusive language
  • Cease gossiping and wishing harm upon our neighbors
  • Abandon drunkenness, clubbing, and worldly pleasures

Only after we have forsaken these sinful ways can we approach God and say, “Father, I have let go of these idols and sins please have mercy on me.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Repentance Opens the Door to Mercy

Once we have truly repented, we don’t even need to strive so hard to receive mercy. God Himself will extend it to us, because He is abundant in mercy.

Psalm 103:8 (NKJV)
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.”

But if we approach God while still wearing our lipstick, holding onto sexual sin, dressed in revealing clothes, or with unrepentant hearts asking for mercy it’s like a drunk man with a cigarette in his mouth telling his father, “Forgive me for being drunk.”
That’s not sincerity. It’s mockery.
And that’s how we appear before God when we come asking for mercy without forsaking our sins whether they’re hidden or open.

First Repentance, Then Mercy

This is the time to seek mercy for our nation, for our own souls, and for our families.
But repentance must come first.
And often, repentance alone is enough to draw God’s mercy, without needing to beg for it.

Consider the Prodigal Son:

Luke 15:20 (NKJV)
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”

The father didn’t wait for the son to say much. The act of returning home was repentance, and it touched the father’s heart.

God Is Calling You Now

May the Lord bless you.

If you have not yet given your life to Jesus Christ what are you waiting for?
You are a witness of the times we live in. Greater challenges are still ahead for those who remain outside of Christ.

So, repent today and the Lord will show you mercy and fill you with His Holy Spirit, for He loves us deeply.

Isaiah 55:7 (NKJV)
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Maranatha  The Lord is coming!

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REMEMBER, THE JORDAN RIVER CROSSINGS ARE WAITING AHEAD

It is common to observe that people’s behavior changes, especially when they sense they are approaching a critical turning point—or even danger. Many will adapt their appearance or behavior, pretending to be like others, in an attempt to navigate difficult situations safely and protect themselves spiritually.

We see this illustrated during the time of Esther, when the enemies of the Jews planned to annihilate them with King Ahasuerus’ permission. Yet, when the decree was reversed and the king honored the Jews and even granted them authority to defend themselves against their enemies, the Bible tells us that many people of the land “pretended” to be Jews:

Esther 8:16-17 (ESV):
“The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many of the people of the land became Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.”

Notice here that fear and the recognition of God’s favor caused people to adjust their behavior to align with God’s people.

Another example comes from the Old Testament conflict between two tribes of Israel: Ephraim and Gilead. The cause of the battle was that the men of Gilead went to fight their enemies without inviting the men of Ephraim to join them. Feeling excluded, the Ephraimites became angry and decided to fight Gilead. However, the Gileadites prevailed.

In the aftermath, many Ephraimites tried to flee and blend in with the Gileadites. To cross the Jordan River safely, they assumed it would be easy—they thought they could simply pass without scrutiny. But the Gileadites had been informed of their plan. They stationed themselves at the river crossings and used language as a test to identify the intruders.

Judges 12:5-6 (ESV):
“The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, ‘Let me cross over,’ the men of Gilead said to him, ‘Are you an Ephraimite?’ If he said, ‘No,’ then they said, ‘Say now Shibboleth.’ And he said, ‘Sibboleth,’ for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. Forty-two thousand Ephraimites fell at that time.”

Here, the test was based on language. One’s native tongue is deeply ingrained and cannot be perfectly mimicked. Even someone who studies a language for decades cannot replicate the accent or nuance of a native speaker. Similarly, our spiritual identity is deeply rooted and cannot be faked.

The Old Testament often foreshadows spiritual truths revealed in the New Testament. These historical accounts were not written merely to entertain or interest us—they carry profound spiritual lessons.

There will come a time when salvation will be tested. Those who oppose God will desperately seek access to His kingdom, pretending in various ways to gain entry. However, entry will not be easy, as they might assume. They will face significant trials to prove their hearts and intentions.

Luke 16:16 (ESV):
“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”

Salvation will be measured not just by words—“I am saved,” “I was baptized,” or “I go to church”—but by the depth of personal experience and spiritual life. Are you living it as a natural part of your life, or is it just something learned?

Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the wedding feast, where a man attended the celebration but was not wearing the wedding garment. He had no invitation and was thrown out, illustrating that merely being present is insufficient without genuine preparation and righteousness:

Matthew 22:1-14 (ESV):
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Dear brothers and sisters, begin building your relationship with God today. Do not wait for a particular moment. Accept the rebirth offered through salvation, learn the “language of heaven,” and prepare yourself spiritually. There will come a time when the door of grace will no longer remain open. These are the last days, and no one can afford to ignore this truth.

May God richly bless you.

 

 

 

 

 

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NOT FOR GOD’S BENEFIT, BUT FOR OUR OWN

When we do good, it benefits us, not God. Similarly, when we commit sin, the harm affects us, not God. For example, regarding sexual immorality, the Bible says that sin is ultimately destructive to the one who commits it. Proverbs 6:32 warns:

“But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32-33)

This shows that sins like adultery, theft, or murder do not harm God—they harm our fellow humans and, ultimately, ourselves. Every sin carries consequences for the sinner, not for God. Likewise, acts of righteousness also primarily benefit us. When God commands us to do good, it is for our own welfare. Just as someone who prevents a person from self-harm acts to protect them, God restrains us from sin for our own good. Without His guidance, we would ruin ourselves completely.

 

For example, Luke 6:38 says:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

 

This verse emphasizes that God’s instructions are not to please Himself but to ensure we receive blessings. The principle of sowing and reaping applies: our good deeds toward others eventually bring good things to us, and wrongdoing brings harm. God does not need our obedience or righteousness for His benefit; He wants us to flourish and avoid self-destruction.

 

When God instructs us not to commit adultery, steal, murder, or dishonor our parents, it is for our benefit in this life and the life to come—not because God gains from our obedience. Job 35:5-8 further clarifies this:

 

“Look up at the heavens and see;

gaze at the clouds so high above you.

If you sin, what do you accomplish against him?

If you are righteous, what do you give him?

Your wickedness affects only a human like you, and your righteousness only benefits other humans.”

 

Every act of sin or rebellion harms us personally. Just as repeated sins do not diminish God’s glory, they destroy the sinner’s life gradually—like eating away at oneself. Preaching, correction, and guidance from God exist because He loves us and desires our benefit, not because He gains anything from our actions.

 

We often hear the phrase “these are the last days.” Indeed, the times are short, and soon Christ will take His followers. Everyone will reap what they have sown on earth. The righteous will be taken, while the unrepentant—regardless of religious affiliation, appearances, or outward rituals—will remain and face tribulation. Earthly pleasures, sinful indulgences, and worldly distractions will no longer exist when God’s judgment comes. The Lake of Fire, created for Satan and his angels, will ultimately be the destiny of the unrepentant.

 

Today, the call is urgent: focus on righteousness, live according to God’s Word, and understand that obedience is for your benefit. Spiritual vigilance now ensures your safety, blessings, and eternal life.

 

Maranatha!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WHY IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT?

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome, let us study the Bible and remind ourselves of the same things we have already learned before through various channels.

Many people ask, is baptism important? The answer is YES, it is very important and not just a little. Satan does not want many to know the secret found in true baptism because he knows its consequences.

When the children of Israel were coming out of Egypt, Pharaoh was still pursuing them. But immediately after they crossed the Red Sea and all of Pharaoh’s army drowned in the Red Sea, that was the end of Pharaoh and his army following the children of Israel.

Exodus 14:26-30
26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.”
27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea.
28 The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
29 But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore.

Now what was the secret that Pharaoh’s end came in the Red Sea? The answer is simple: It was that baptism—the baptism the children of Israel underwent by passing through the sea.

You may ask, does that mean the children of Israel were baptized in the Red Sea? The answer is yes!

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.
2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

Do you see that? The act of the Israelites passing through the waters of the Red Sea without being harmed is likened to baptism. Therefore, that baptism marked the end of Satan’s work and his army pursuing them, regardless of the fact that they had already been granted permission to leave earlier.

Similarly, proper baptism by much water works in the same way. When you go into those waters and are baptized in the name of Jesus and come out of the water… you will come out safely with joy and peace, but behind you, the armies of evil spirits that were pursuing you die in the water.

Thus, the water is a sign of salvation for you and destruction for Satan and his armies. That is why the Lord Jesus said in the Spirit that when an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes through waterless places (meaning places without water) seeking rest, and when it returns and finds the house swept clean, it brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and the final condition of that person becomes worse than the first.

Matthew 12:43-45
43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.
44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.
45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

This means that if a demon leaves a person and that person does not make the decision to complete their salvation—including being baptized properly by immersion of the whole body according to the Scriptures and continuing in purity—that person is in danger of being revisited by the same dark powers that left them in the first place. Therefore, true baptism is very important.

And baptism is not a new religion but a command of our Lord Jesus—and for our benefit, just as it was a benefit to the children of Israel when they were leaving Egypt. If it were not for those waters, Pharaoh would have continued to pursue them forever.

Satan and his demons will continue to follow a person who has not completed their salvation. And the Lord has already told us in His Word that, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16)—meaning these two things go together, they cannot be separated. Otherwise, it is very difficult to be saved from the hand of the enemy.

If you remember the story of the man who was possessed by demons who identified themselves as LEGION, that man was possessed by demons, and when those demons left him, they entered pigs. The way those pigs went and perished in the water is a symbol of how Pharaoh and his army drowned in the water. So you can see a great connection between water and the enemy’s armies. Therefore, baptism is very important. As soon as a person believes and repents, they should be baptized without delay…

It would be a strange thing for someone to say they are saved, and then months go by, years pass, and they still haven’t been baptized. What standard of salvation is such a person living by?

May the Lord bless you greatly.

Please share this good news with others, and if you would like us to send these teachings to your email or WhatsApp, send us a message in the comment box below or call this number: +255 789001312

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THEREFORE, WATCH YOUR HEARTS LEST THEY BE WEIGHED DOWN WITH DISSIPATION AND DRUNKENNESS


Luke 21:34–35

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.”
(Luke 21:34–35, NKJV)

Shalom. May the great name of our Savior Jesus be forever praised.

Many of us are familiar with the words of the Lord in that verse, but we often lack understanding of the specific kind of drunkenness and gluttony being addressed — until that Day suddenly overtakes us like a snare.

To understand better, let us consider a very real example in the Bible, of people who were overtaken by a unique kind of gluttony and drunkenness that led to their sudden destruction.

If we read the book of Daniel chapter 5, we meet a king named Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar. As many of us know, this king had the privilege of witnessing everything that happened to his father — how he was punished by God for his pride and cruelty toward innocent people, including throwing some into fiery furnaces and executing others. Eventually, God humbled Nebuchadnezzar by driving him from his throne, forcing him to live in the wild like a beast for seven years. When he finally acknowledged that the Most High God rules over all kingdoms on earth, he repented, and God restored his kingdom — even greater than before.

Now this son, Belshazzar, had seen all this. He had every lesson already laid out for him — he didn’t need to repeat the same path. It’s similar to our generation: we’ve been given many examples from the past — like the people of Noah’s time, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were destroyed because of their wickedness. But still, we ignore those examples and dismiss them as outdated stories — just as Belshazzar ignored the example of his father.

He chose to disregard all that his father had gone through with God. Worse still, he did something more outrageous — an act that directly provoked God’s judgment and led to his sudden destruction. And this is where we must all take a serious lesson today.

Belshazzar ordered that the holy vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem — which his father had looted but never used — be brought to his feast. These sacred items had been kept in storage, not to be used for anything because they were holy. But in his drunkenness and gluttony, Belshazzar decided it wasn’t enough to drink from his own royal cups, bottles, or utensils. He went to his father’s treasury, found the temple vessels, and used them to drink wine — not alone, but with his nobles and prostitutes. What a terrible desecration!

This act symbolizes what’s happening spiritually today.

As soon as Belshazzar did that, a hand appeared and wrote on the wall where the light shone the clearest. The mysterious words were: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN — words of divine judgment. As we know from the text, those words meant that his reign had come to an end. His kingdom had been weighed and found wanting, and it would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

Shockingly, instead of repenting, Belshazzar thought it wise to promote Daniel to a high rank for interpreting the writing. Why? Because he didn’t believe judgment could fall upon him — or if it did, he thought it would be in the distant future. After all, Babylon was surrounded by massive walls, guarded by renowned warriors day and night, and considered the superpower of the world at that time.

But he deceived himself.

The Bible says that very night he was invaded and killed. The kingdom was seized by the Medes and Persians in an instant. You may wonder how they entered undetected.

History tells us that Babylon had a great river flowing into the city. Naturally, river entrances could not be sealed like city gates. That’s where the enemy came in — the Medes diverted the river, causing the water level to drop. Through the dry riverbed, they entered the city undetected, while the guards at the gates remained unaware. The invasion was sudden and deadly.

Likewise, today’s Church has become weighed down with spiritual drunkenness and gluttony. If it were only physical drunkenness, it would be one thing — but now people are using the holy things of God in defiled ways, bringing God’s wrath upon them.

Today, people mix God with the world. One day they’re in church, the next day in a nightclub. One moment they sing to God, the next they entertain the devil. One day they partake in the Lord’s Table, the next they commit sexual immorality. People call themselves “saved” yet secretly drink alcohol, engage in fornication, watch pornography, take bribes, and give or receive illicit favors.

This is the very drunkenness and gluttony Jesus warned about.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.”
(Luke 21:34–35, NKJV)

One of these days, the entire world will be caught in that trap. While people are celebrating and feeling secure, everything will change in an instant.

So, dear reader, this is the time to build a personal relationship with God. This world has already been marked with the divine sentence: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. If you insist on holding on to it, it will drag you down just as it did Belshazzar.

Today, repent. Obey the Gospel. Be saved. Cleanse your life. And the Lord will help you in what remains.

God bless you greatly.

Please share this good news with others. If you’d like to receive these teachings by email or WhatsApp, send us a message in the comment box below or call this number: +255 789001312

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A Solemn Warning About the Grace of God

“Take care that you do not receive the grace of God in vain.” — 2 Corinthians 6:1

There is no greater protection a human soul can receive than to dwell in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul declared, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3, NKJV). Within the grace of Christ, believers are shielded from the powers of darkness, from the schemes of Satan, and from every destructive plan of the enemy.

Many rejoice in this grace and desire to abide in it. Yet few understand that God’s grace is not a license to live carelessly. Grace carries both privilege and responsibility, and when treated lightly, it can bring consequences more serious than we can imagine.

Grace: A House of Safety with Sacred Boundaries

The grace of God may be likened to a grand banquet house with a narrow doorway (Matthew 7:13–14). Just as a royal palace has a gate, walls, and even electrified fences to guard what is precious within, so does the kingdom of God have spiritual boundaries. These are not to harm, but to protect.

Within God’s grace, there is a protective power that guards His people. Psalm 91:1 (ESV) says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Demons, curses, and occult powers cannot penetrate this divine covering unless a believer willingly steps outside it.

Yet, just as an intruder touching the electric fence is harmed, so too is the person who climbs over the wall from inside. The same judgment that falls upon those attacking God’s people will fall upon believers who abandon and despise His grace.

The Danger of Abandoning Grace

Hebrews 6:4–6 (NIV) offers a terrifying warning:
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened… if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance.”

A Christian who has tasted the goodness of God, enjoyed the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and then deliberately returns to a life of sin—adultery, theft, lying, hatred, bitterness, fornication, abortion—is like one who mocks the cross.

They believe God’s judgment is only for unbelievers, forgetting that “judgment begins at the house of God.” (1 Peter 4:17, KJV).

Grace Is Not Permission to Sin

Modern teachings often present grace as unconditional tolerance. But Scripture teaches otherwise:

  • Titus 2:11–12 (ESV):
    “For the grace of God… trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.”

  • Romans 6:1–2 (NKJV):
    “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

True grace does not excuse sin — it empowers holiness.

The Severity of Rejecting Grace

Hebrews 10:26–29 (KJV) warns:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins… How much sorer punishment… for he hath trodden under foot the Son of God… and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”

To reject grace is to trample on Christ, insult the Holy Spirit, and treat His blood as worthless.

Do Not Approach the Walls of Grace Lightly

The commandments of God are walls of protection, not chains of oppression:

  • “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)

  • “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)

  • “Flee sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)

To climb over these walls is to expose oneself to destruction—not because God desires to destroy, but because “God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7, ESV).

Final Call: Follow Christ Fully

If you have chosen to follow Jesus, follow Him wholly. Partial obedience is dangerous. King Saul lost his throne not by idolatry, but by partial obedience (1 Samuel 15:22–23).

Jesus said in Luke 9:62 (NIV):
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

A Prayerful Appeal

May this warning not condemn you, but awaken you. Grace is a precious gift—holy, powerful, and protective. But it must be honored.

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12 (KJV)

May the Lord bless and keep you within His grace.

 

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WHEN YOU FEEL FROZEN IN YOUR SLEEP:

QUESTION:
Shalom. I’ve been experiencing a strange issue at night. I sometimes feel frozen—as if I can’t move my hands, legs, or even speak. My mind remains alert, but I can’t do anything physically. I usually try to call on the name of Jesus, and although it takes some time, eventually I’m released. What could this mean? Please help me understand.

ANSWER:
What you’re experiencing is commonly described by many people, and it can have both a natural explanation (like sleep paralysis) and a spiritual dimension—especially in the context of your experience with prayer and the name of Jesus.

From a spiritual and biblical perspective, such experiences often represent spiritual warfare or battles that take place in dreams or in the spiritual realm. The key detail is that when you call on the name of Jesus, the oppressive state eventually breaks. This suggests that God may be revealing to you the power and authority that lies in Jesus’ name especially in moments of weakness or spiritual attack.

1. God Speaks Through Dreams

The Bible confirms that God communicates through dreams.

“For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.”
 Job 33:14–15 

So, a dream or experience where you are being attacked, frozen, or overwhelmed but find deliverance through Jesus can be a message from God meant to teach or prepare you for deeper spiritual truths.

2. The Name of Jesus Has Power

In all the examples you’ve described whether it’s battling demonic forces, feeling voiceless, or paralyzed victory comes when the name of Jesus is invoked. This is consistent with Scripture.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
 Philippians 2:9–10 (NIV)

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.”
 Mark 16:17 (NIV)

The fact that victory comes as you persist in calling on Jesus shows that God is reminding you of your spiritual weapon—the authority found in Christ’s name. But this power is most effective when it’s grounded in a personal relationship with Him.

3. Spiritual Authority Comes Through Relationship

Simply mentioning Jesus’ name without understanding or living in Him is not enough. Spiritual authority comes through deep connection to Jesus and His Word.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
 John 15:7 (NIV)

“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’”
 Luke 10:17–19 (NIV)

So your experience is a reminder that real spiritual power comes not just from saying the right words but from knowing Jesus deeply and walking in obedience to His Word.

4. Sleep Paralysis and Spiritual Insight

Some dreams like the one you described, where you feel frozen or unable to move, are also similar to real physical phenomena like sleep paralysis. However, in some spiritual cases, this can serve as a revelation.

It may also be God showing you what it feels like at the moment of death or spiritual separation from the body.

“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
 Ecclesiastes 12:7 (ESV)

Many who’ve had near-death experiences report being conscious and aware while their body was lifeless. If your dream felt real, it could be God’s way of showing you that life continues after death, and the spiritual realm is very real. This raises a deeper question for every believer: Are we prepared for where our soul will go when we leave our body?

Final Reflection:

The main message from your experience is this:
God is teaching you that victory over spiritual darkness comes through the power of Jesus’ name and that name becomes most powerful in your life when you’re rooted in Him and His Word.

Use this dream as a wake-up call to grow deeper in your faith, study Scripture, and walk closely with Christ.

May you be strengthened and encouraged in your walk with the Lord.

 

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DO NOT BE SAD

In life, every human being created by the great God must have been created with something called sadness inside them. This means that one must go through periods of sadness and also periods of joy. Every person, even a servant of God, must go through these seasons. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was 100% perfect, went through them—so how much more us who are not perfect? We must go through them. And sadness is like a sickness; when placed in certain environments it increases, and in other environments it decreases.

Sadness can come either from receiving bad news, or being struck by a bad event, or heading towards a bad circumstance, or sometimes it comes when something happens that you did not expect, did not plan for, or did not wish to happen as it did.

When a person reaches such a state, they find themselves sinking into a deep pool of thoughts, losing the desire to do anything—even losing the appetite to eat, and sometimes even the will to live.

The day the Lord was about to be crucified, great sadness entered His disciples after He told them that soon He would be crucified and then leave to go to the Father.

John 16:5-7 (ESV) —
“But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

Moreover, when they were told that one of them would betray Him, indeed a fire was kindled within them. While they thought Christ would continue to remain with them, He gave them the news of disaster—that He was going to be crucified. They began to wonder why all this had to happen to their Lord. How would life be after He left?

Even when the Lord took them that night to pray with Him, their strength had completely failed; they could not pray much but fell asleep due to great sorrow. Let us read:

Luke 22:45-46 (ESV) —
“And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.’”

In such a state, the Lord saw the weakness of their hearts—they were tired and very sorrowful. But He told them to rise and pray because “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). They needed to overcome that sadness because it caused their physical weakness. They had sorrow, but only for a short while, for a few days later they would have joy. Thus, He encouraged them to try to overcome the sadness that made their bodies weak and to stand and pray, because those trials were only for a short time. Two days later they would have unparalleled joy because He told them that after a short while they would no longer see Him (meaning His death and burial), and after a little longer, they would see Him again (meaning His resurrection). They would continue to see Him until Pentecost and have great joy. (See John 20:20)

During this season called Easter, among many lessons we learn, it is important to know this as well: DO NOT BE SAD. Perhaps you have gone through some trouble, or suffered some disturbance, sadness, hardship, bad news, or any situation that has brought great sorrow to your heart so that you have lost all hope and desire to continue in faith. This is not the time to deepen your sadness by despairing and losing faith. It is not time to fall asleep in sorrow. Instead, it is time to stand and PRAY with strength; it is time to keep moving forward because the sadness is only temporary! After a few days it will pass, and joy will return to you as before. You will regret why a few days ago you were so sad—you will regret why during your time of sadness you did not even pray or praise God.

Therefore, stand now, child of God! This is not the time to nurture sadness but the time to pray. The disciples’ sadness turned to joy when they saw the Lord resurrected—and when you see what had been dead come back to life, your joy will return soon. So do not be sad. Stand and pray, and keep moving forward, because the steps remaining ahead of you are fewer than those you have left behind. This is not the time to mope; it is the time to pray.

The Lord bless you.

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DON’T JUST ASSUME JESUS IS WITH YOU

Introduction

Praise the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In the times we live in—what the Bible refers to as the “last days” (2 Timothy 3:1)—there is a growing confusion among those who call themselves Christians. The label “Christian” has become so broadly used that even secular musicians, actors, and public figures now claim the identity, all while living lifestyles that directly contradict the teachings of Christ.

It’s not uncommon today to find people who openly live in sin—whether it be sexual immorality, dishonesty, or pride—freely participating in church life, even in holy sacraments such as the Lord’s Table, with little or no reverence. Many seek God only for personal gain: healing, relationships, prosperity—but not for truth, transformation, or salvation. This widespread lukewarm Christianity is exactly what Jesus warned about in Revelation 3:15-16:

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15–16, NKJV)

But there is a remnant—a small group—who genuinely desire to follow Jesus with sincerity, to obey His Word, and to walk the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:14). To such people, Jesus reveals Himself.

Let us reflect deeply on a well-known biblical story from Luke 2:41–50, often read as a childhood account of Jesus, but rich with prophetic meaning for today’s believer.

Jesus Lost in the Crowd – A Warning for Today

“But supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”
(Luke 2:44–46, NKJV)

This story unfolds after Mary and Joseph took young Jesus to Jerusalem for the annual Feast of Passover. On their return journey, they made a crucial mistake: they assumed Jesus was in their group. They traveled a full day before realizing He was missing. Only after three days of anxious searching did they find Him—in the temple, sitting with the teachers.

Let us note several key theological lessons here:

  1. Assumption Can Be Dangerous

    The phrase “supposing Him to have been in the company” (v.44) reveals a false security. Many believers today assume that because they are surrounded by other “Christians,” they are also walking with Jesus. But the presence of religion, people, or traditions does not guarantee the presence of Christ.

    Jesus warned that “many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord…’”, and yet He will declare, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21–23). Religious activity without personal relationship leads to spiritual blindness.

  2. Jesus is Found Where Truth is Taught

    When His parents finally found Him, Jesus was not playing with friends, nor casually mingling with relatives. He was in the temple, actively engaging with the teachers—listening and asking questions. The temple was the house of God, and the teachers were guardians of the Law and Scripture.

    Christ was already drawn to the Word of God because, as John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

    The implication is profound: if you are not actively pursuing the teaching of God’s Word, you will lose sight of Christ.

  3. Reconnection Requires Returning

    Joseph and Mary had to retrace their steps—going all the way back to Jerusalem. This is a clear call to repentance. When we drift from Christ, we must return to where we left Him, not continue hoping He will follow us.

    Just as Jesus told the church in Ephesus:

    “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”
    (Revelation 2:5, NKJV)

Christ Is Not in the Crowd—He Is in the Word

Many today try to find Jesus in music, in emotional experiences, in religious events, or even in charismatic personalities. But unless these lead to deeper knowledge and obedience of God’s Word, they are distractions, not directions.

Jesus is always found where His truth is upheld. He is in the Scriptures. As He told the Jews:

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
(John 5:39, NKJV)

If you find yourself disinterested in reading the Bible, neglecting sound teaching, or finding doctrine “boring,” that’s a spiritual warning sign. It likely means you’re drifting further from Christ—even if you’re still surrounded by “church people.”

Conclusion: Where Are You Looking for Jesus?

It is not enough to walk with the crowd. It is not enough to be “in church.” The crucial question is: Is Christ truly with you? Or have you, like Mary and Joseph, traveled a long way without realizing you’ve left Him behind?

Jesus remains where He has always been—in His Father’s house, in the midst of those who love and teach His Word, among those who worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

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

May we be among the few who stop, turn back, and seek Him—not just in feeling, not in the crowd—but in truth.

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

 

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LOOK AT YOUR BEAUTY—DON’T LET IT BECOME YOUR NOOSE


2 Samuel 14:25
“In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.”

Shalom. May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be forever praised.

Welcome again to our study of God’s holy Word. Today, we shall briefly reflect on the life of a man named Absalom, the son of David. There is a lesson to draw from his story.

Absalom was one among the many sons of David, but he was distinguished by something rare—a unique physical beauty that surpassed all his brothers and everyone else in Israel.

The Bible says Absalom was exceptionally handsome—not only among his siblings, but throughout the entire nation. From the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, there was no physical defect in him. Every part of his body was flawless and admired by all.

Even more notably, the Bible highlights his hair. It was so thick and heavy that he could not go a full year without cutting it—otherwise, it would weigh him down.

2 Samuel 14:25–26
“In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. Whenever he cut the hair of his head—he used to cut it once a year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard.”

Two hundred shekels is estimated to be over two kilograms in today’s measurements. Imagine how burdensome that must have been if he failed to cut his hair annually.

To put that in perspective, scientists estimate that it would take about thirty (30) people with very thick and fast-growing hair to match the annual hair weight of Absalom. His hair was extraordinary.

When the Bible points out physical traits like this, it often serves a symbolic or prophetic purpose. The mention of Absalom’s hair is no coincidence—it plays a role later in his story.

You may take time to read the full account from 2 Samuel chapters 13–18, but in summary:
Despite his charm, looks, and popularity, Absalom harbored an evil heart. He plotted to overthrow his father David and seize the throne. Not only that, but he sought to kill David and defile his father’s concubines publicly (2 Samuel 16:22) as an act of humiliation. He even killed his brother Amnon to avenge his sister Tamar but showed no signs of forgiveness or justice, only bitterness and vengeance.

Absalom, though outwardly admirable, was inwardly corrupt. His charisma and speech drew the hearts of many (2 Samuel 15:6), but his true intentions were wicked.

Eventually, when he led a rebellion and forced David to flee, a battle broke out in the forest of Ephraim. The terrain was treacherous, full of thickets and vines, and the Bible says more people died due to the dangers of the forest than by the sword.

2 Samuel 18:6–9
“David’s army marched into the field to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. There Israel’s troops were routed by David’s men, and the casualties that day were great—twenty thousand men. The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest swallowed up more men that day than the sword. Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.”

His beautiful hair—once praised and admired—became his noose. His own glory trapped him. Helpless, he hung there until Joab came and killed him (2 Samuel 18:14–15).

His beauty and pride led to his downfall.

Theological Reflection

This story is a solemn reminder that external beauty or gifts can become a trap if the heart is not submitted to God. The things we boast about—our looks, our wealth, our influence—can become the very things that destroy us if they are not placed under the Lordship of Christ.

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

Absalom used his appeal and charm to manipulate, deceive, and rebel. But it all ended in shame and death. What he trusted—his image and strength—became his downfall.

Just like Absalom, many today are trapped by their own “beauty.” A young woman may rely on her physical appeal and lose the fear of God, believing she can get anything she wants. A rich man may trust his wealth and ignore the need for salvation. A talented preacher may fall because of pride in his gifts.

But Jesus warned:

Matthew 19:24
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

If your beauty, fame, or possessions draw your heart away from Christ, then those very things will one day hang you. Just like Absalom, you may find yourself trapped where you cannot escape.

That’s why now is the time to turn to Jesus. Don’t let your strength or beauty become your noose. Repent, believe the gospel, and walk humbly before the Lord.

Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Let Christ be your covering—not your appearance or reputation. What truly matters is the hidden person of the heart.

1 Peter 3:3–4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

If you’ve been trusting in your physical beauty, wealth, fame, or personal charm, return to God today. Repent and ask for His mercy. Let His Word shape your identity—not the admiration of people.

May the Lord bless you.

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