ANSWER:
God communicates with people in various ways. He can speak directly to individuals, send angels to deliver His messages, or use human beings as messengers. In rare instances, He may even use animals (Numbers 22:30) or elements of nature (Job 12:7-9) as a means of communication.
Theological Insight: From a theological perspective, God speaks in diverse ways, but His messages are always consistent and true. When God speaks directly, He does so to communicate His will, to guide, and to reveal Himself to His creation. The use of angels and humans as intermediaries reflects God’s sovereign will to use created beings to carry His message. This understanding is important because it shows that God’s mode of communication may vary, but His intent and message remain unchanged.
Humans and animals are physical beings, and God does not use their spirits to communicate with us. For example, God does not use my spirit or someone else’s spirit to speak to another person’s spirit. Instead, when God wants to speak to someone, He communicates to a servant in the spirit, and that servant then delivers the message. It is only the Holy Spirit and holy angels who have the spiritual nature to speak to us in this way because they are spiritual beings. The Bible affirms this spiritual distinction in Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV): “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Angels, as spiritual beings, are sent to serve God’s purposes, including speaking to His people.
Angels and the Holy Spirit: Angels, while powerful and important servants of God, always act in obedience to His will and speak His messages, never their own. They can appear in human form, give a message directly, or communicate through a person’s spirit. However, when angels speak, it is essentially the voice of God speaking through them, as the angels are merely His messengers.
Genesis 22:10-16 (NKJV): In this passage, when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, the Angel of the Lord speaks to him directly. The message the angel delivers is clearly divine, and the tone suggests that it’s not just any angel but a representative of God Himself. The angel’s voice in this passage reflects God’s will, and this is why the angel’s words carry such authority, even though it’s technically an angel speaking.
“But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’… and He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” (Genesis 22:11-12 NKJV)
This passage makes it clear that the message delivered by the angel is as authoritative as God’s direct command. The angel is simply conveying God’s message, highlighting that the distinction between the angel’s voice and God’s voice is not always easy to discern.
Exodus 3:1-6 (NKJV): Moses’ encounter with the Angel of the Lord in the burning bush is another key passage that helps us understand the role of angels in delivering God’s messages. In this passage, although God Himself is speaking through the angel, the narrative presents the angel’s words as if they are directly from God.
“The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush… when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses! Moses!’” (Exodus 3:2-4 NKJV)
Here, the angel is delivering God’s message to Moses, and the angel’s words are clearly God’s. The distinction between the angel and God becomes blurred because the message is the same. This shows that angels, though separate beings, carry God’s voice and speak His words without modification.
Judges 2:1 (NKJV): In this passage, the Angel of the Lord speaks to the Israelites, declaring that God is the one who led them out of Egypt and fulfilled His promises. Although the angel uses the first-person pronoun “I,” it’s important to understand that it is God who made the covenant, not the angel.
“Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: ‘I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, I will never break My covenant with you.’” (Judges 2:1 NKJV)
The angel here is acting as a spokesperson, delivering a message that God Himself had given. This passage reinforces the idea that angels do not speak their own words but relay God’s instructions and promises to His people.
Theological Implications: Angels are, in essence, servants who relay God’s will. They do not speak independently of God. When they speak, they are essentially God’s voice in the world. This understanding helps us comprehend why it is difficult to differentiate between the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of an angel. Both deliver God’s message, though one is a direct spiritual presence (the Holy Spirit) and the other is a messenger (the angel).
Differentiating the Voice of God and His Messengers: It is difficult to distinguish the voice of the Holy Spirit from the voice of an angel, especially when both speak with the authority of God. For instance, an angel may say, “I the Lord have said…” and you might assume it’s God speaking directly, when in fact, it’s His angel delivering the message.
The Key Lesson: Rather than trying to differentiate between the voices of the Holy Spirit and angels, the focus should be on obedience. The important thing is not which voice we hear, but that we listen and obey, knowing that God is speaking to us through His messengers, whether directly or through an angel. In John 14:26 (NKJV), Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
The message, whether delivered by the Holy Spirit directly or by an angel, remains the same: we must listen and obey. The key takeaway is that obedience to God’s will is what matters most, regardless of whether the message comes directly from God or through His angels.
Conclusion: Theologically speaking, the distinction between the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of angels is blurred because both are speaking the same divine message. What is most important is not to differentiate between these voices but to obey what we hear, knowing it comes from God. Let us be attentive and obedient to His messages, whether they come through His Holy Spirit or His angels.
May God bless us as we heed His Word and share it with others.
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Shalom, and welcome to this study of Scripture.
In life, always remember to give to God; never forget this principle. Whether you are a pastor, teacher, prophet, ordinary believer, or anyone who has already surrendered your life to Jesus, always make it a habit to offer to God. Many people underestimate this aspect. It is true that we cannot give God anything He does not already own, because everything comes from Him (Psalm 24:1). However, our giving holds a significant place in God’s heart. Giving is a sign of love, care, and appreciation. It does not matter how small your gift is; what matters is the heart behind it.
Consider this example: Imagine your child comes home from school with a small gift—a pen—and says, “Mom/Dad, I passed my exam, and I saw this pen. I thought it would be useful for your work.” Reflect on this: the money used to buy the gift came from you, yet the thoughtfulness touches you deeply. If you receive it with a heart of love and gratitude rather than indifference, it will help you understand, love, and trust your child more. It may even inspire you to bless them tenfold for their thoughtfulness.
Similarly, when we give to God—whether money, offerings, or anything else—He does not interpret it merely as a material gift. God sees it as a reflection of your heart: your love, care, and reverence for Him (2 Corinthians 9:7). How wonderful it must be for God to sense our love through our giving! There is also great reward attached to such acts.
Giving to God is not about obligation or reminders; it is a natural response that flows from the recognition of its importance. As Scripture says, “Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). True giving comes from the heart, prompted by love and devotion.
The proper place to give is where God’s Word is being taught. The offerings we bring are not stored in heaven like coins in a vault. Rather, God uses them to advance His work through His servants (1 Corinthians 16:1–2). When you give a specific amount as your offering, it is used wisely by God’s servants to fund His work. Yet remember, God has countless ways to accomplish His purposes; our giving is meaningful, but His plan is never limited by our actions.
Consider the example of Queen Esther:
In Esther 4:10–14, we see a moment of divine strategy and human responsibility:
*“Then Esther sent back to Mordecai… saying, ‘All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being called… is to be put to death…’
Mordecai replied, ‘Do not think that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’”*
Esther initially thought that remaining silent was safest, fearing the danger to her own life. Yet Mordecai reminded her that God’s deliverance is not dependent on one person alone; His plans can be fulfilled through many means. But God chose to use Esther’s obedience and courage to save the Jewish people. Likewise, when we humbly give to God and participate in His work, we become instruments through which His purposes are accomplished (Romans 8:28).
If we refuse to give, God will still work through others, but our participation allows us to share in the blessing and the fulfillment of His plan. Giving is not about coercion; it is about aligning our hearts with God’s mission and becoming co-laborers in His Kingdom.
May the Lord help us understand this deeply and practice it genuinely, not just with words but with action (James 1:22).
Maranatha!
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Shalom! Today, we have been granted another new day by the boundless grace of our Lord. I invite you to reflect with me on the great Word of God today, especially as a special day approaches.
Today, we will revisit the book of Genesis, focusing on the paths of two men whose lineages we will later see in the seventh generation: Cain and Seth.
As we know, Cain was the first person to experience God’s curse in his life. He was warned that he would be a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:12). When we reflect on Cain today, he often appears wild or isolated from society. Yet, if people had lived at that time, many would have been fascinated by Cain, particularly those who measure success by earthly blessings.
The Bible shows us that Cain not only progressed personally but that his descendants were wise, skilled, and inventive (Genesis 4:16–24). In this sense, if we look at blessings from both material and spiritual perspectives, Cain could be considered more materially blessed than Seth.
However, when we turn to Seth, who was born to replace Abel, the picture is different. Immediately after the birth of his son Enosh, Seth began to ponder life deeply:
“Why is life not as it should be? Why does everything feel empty without God, no matter how hard we try? Why is the Lord silent while we go on as if nothing matters?”
Seth began a search for God. He and his descendants learned to pray, fast, live righteously, and offer sacrifices. They called earnestly on the Lord’s name.
“Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time, people began to call on the name of the Lord.” — Genesis 4:26
Unlike Cain and his descendants, Seth’s line did not focus on worldly progress but on the pursuit of God. Their society centered on faith and the fear of God, not merely material accomplishments.
Looking at the seventh generation, Seth’s seventh descendant was Enoch, who walked faithfully with God and was ultimately taken by Him, showing that steadfast pursuit of God is rewarded:
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” — Genesis 5:24
In Cain’s lineage, the seventh descendant, Lamech, was far more violent and morally corrupt. He had multiple wives and was known for vengeance. Yet, his line prospered materially and technologically:
“Lamech married two women, Adah and Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also had Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Lamech said to his wives: ‘Listen to me, you wives of Lamech; hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.’” — Genesis 4:19–24
Dear brothers and sisters, these two lines still exist today. But the Christian lineage begins with the Church of the Apostles in Ephesus and continues to the seventh and final church, Laodicea (Revelation 3).
One day, the righteous in these last generations will be suddenly taken, an event known as the Rapture. The world will experience great tribulation, but believers will be delivered.
The line of Satan focuses on worldly things—education, wealth, prosperity, success. When God’s Word is preached to them, they scoff and mock.
We are living on the threshold of the end times. If you are a Christian, call on the Lord’s name continually while you still can, so that, like Enoch, you may be taken and spared from suffering. If this message has been ignored, now is the time to turn to Christ and repent.
May God bless you.
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Grace and peace be to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You’re welcome as we study the Scriptures together. It’s always good to remind ourselves of the truths we’ve learned, even if we’ve encountered them in different settings.
Biblical Foundation:
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5 (ESV)
“…that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
“…that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
Understanding the Call to Self-Control
The Bible clearly instructs us to exercise self-control—which means choosing not to do certain things even when we have the power or opportunity to do them.
To control one’s body is very similar to self-restraint. It means you lead your body, not the other way around. You are in charge—not your impulses, not your flesh.
One major area where those who do not know God are led astray is in the sinful desires of sexual immorality, which is what verse 5 is specifically addressing.
True Victory Begins with Christ
In order to overcome the desires of the flesh, it starts by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. When you believe in Him and surrender your life to Him, He gives you His Spirit—the Holy Spirit—who strengthens you to overcome sin.
Romans 8:13 (ESV)
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
The Holy Spirit will not forcefully stop you from sinning. Rather, He empowers you with the ability to overcome the sinful nature of the flesh. The decision to obey still lies with you—but He gives you the grace and strength to walk in righteousness.
Spiritual Warfare Within
James 4:1 (ESV)
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?”
This Scripture highlights that lust and selfish desires wage war within our own bodies. Therefore, believers must be intentional and proactive in resisting sin and living in holiness.
Separate from Sources of Temptation
After believing in Christ, the next step is to cut off anything that fuels lust or sin in your life.
The enemy (Satan) often wants people to repent with their words but not make real changes. He wants you to say sorry for sexual sin, but still watch pornography or listen to secular music that promotes immorality.
Therefore, the solution is clear:
You must make the decision to stay away from all sources of temptation.
If it’s TV shows or movies—stop watching them.
If it’s certain friends—distance yourself.
If it’s online groups or pages—leave them.
Whatever triggers your flesh—cut it off.
Matthew 5:29 (ESV)
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.”
This is not just metaphorical—it’s a radical call to take sin seriously.
You Can Overcome the Flesh
The Bible says we must learn to control our bodies because it is possible. If it were impossible, God would not have required it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
“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…”
So when the Bible calls us to self-control, it’s not to condemn us—it’s to equip us to live holy and honorable lives that please God.
Conclusion:
Let us obey God’s command to master our bodies and not let them master us.
Let us rely on the Holy Spirit, walk in purity, and take the necessary steps to avoid temptation.
Galatians 5:16 (ESV)
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
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There are many mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven that God has hidden in the Old Testament. This is why the Bible tells us that the Law (Torah) is a shadow of the things to come in the New Covenant (Hebrews 10:1).
For example, let us examine the story of Moses after he fled from Egypt and took refuge in the wilderness of Midian. The Bible briefly tells us that when he arrived there, he met a Cushite (African) woman named Zipporah. Moses married her and lived with her for a very long period—possibly more than 30 years.
However, one day, after 40 years of tending his father-in-law’s flocks in the wilderness, God suddenly appeared to Moses and gave him instructions to return to Egypt to rescue his people, the Israelites. Notice this key point: Moses did not take his wife with him to witness God’s purpose of redeeming Israel. He left her safely at home and went alone with Aaron (Exodus 3–4).
Later, after God had delivered the Israelites through Moses’ hand, parting the Red Sea and defeating their enemies, Zipporah was brought to Moses by her father Jethro in the wilderness (Exodus 18).
You may wonder: why didn’t Zipporah go to Egypt with Moses?
Moses represents Christ, and Zipporah represents His bride.
Just as Moses fled from his people at first, when they wanted to persecute him through Pharaoh, so too Jesus, our Lord, was rejected by His own brothers, the Jews. As the Scriptures say:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean…you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’” (Matthew 23:27–39).
Jesus withdrew from them to a place unknown to them (John 7:33–36) and there encountered us, the Gentiles. By grace, we were chosen to become the Bride of Christ, a role that Israel rejected.
We, the Gentiles, are spiritually likened to Zipporah in relation to Christ.
Just as Moses spent many years living with Zipporah before returning to rescue his people, Christ has spent nearly 2,000 years with His holy church—the body of believers from the nations (Gentiles). This explains why grace is presently extended to us, while many Israelites have not yet believed in Christ.
Yet one day, suddenly, as Moses saw the burning bush, God will command Christ to return to deliver His people, Israel, from their enemies. It will be unexpected and sudden:
“Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority’” (Acts 1:6–7).
On that day, Christ will not come empty-handed as He did the first time. He will return with authority to judge the nations, ushering in a time of unprecedented tribulation. The judgments Christ brings will echo the plagues and miracles of Moses but will be far greater (Revelation 8–9,16).
Interestingly, the Bride of Christ will not be present during the tribulation, just as Zipporah was absent when Moses went to Egypt. She will already have been raptured, spared from the judgments.
The Scriptures also show that the bride holds a position of immense value. When Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses concerning Zipporah, God immediately disciplined them (Numbers 12). This illustrates the honor and high status of being the Bride of Christ—greater than anything else.
Therefore, believers who are truly the Bride must be spiritually pure, consecrated, and in close relationship with Christ, the Savior. Mere verbal claims of salvation are not sufficient.
We are living in the last days. If you have not surrendered your life to Christ, or if your spiritual lamp is not ready, the Rapture is imminent. It could happen tonight, tomorrow, or this month. Ask yourself: if Christ returns and finds you unprepared, how will you respond?
“To whom much is given, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).
Though the Jews rejected Christ, in the last days, many will turn to Him when He returns (see Romans 11; Zechariah 12).
This translation preserves your narrative, parallels between Moses/Zipporah and Christ/His Bride, and adds theological context with scripture references to highlight God’s plan of salvation, grace for the Gentiles, and the eschatological hope of the Rapture.
Have you ever wondered what the “Fourth Watch” is, as mentioned in Matthew 14:25?
Let us read:
Matthew 14:25–26 (ESV)
“And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear.”
In ancient times, cities were built very differently from modern cities. Most were surrounded by high walls for protection, often so thick that even a horse-drawn carriage could pass over them. For example, the walls of Jericho, Babylon, and Jerusalem were built to defend the city against enemies. A city without walls was considered weak and vulnerable.
The city gates were always closed at night. But walls alone were not enough. Towers were constructed at intervals along the walls—these were guard towers, manned by sentinels. These guards worked in shifts, or watches, to protect the city:
First Watch: 6 PM – 9 PM
Second Watch: 9 PM – 12 AM
Third Watch: 12 AM – 3 AM
Fourth Watch: 3 AM – 6 AM
So, if an event happened at night, its timing was referred to by the “watch” rather than by modern hours.
The Spiritual Significance:
As Christians, we are like spiritual sentinels. We await the Lord’s return in the midst of the darkness of sin and evil in the world. We do not know the exact hour He will return, just as the disciples could not anticipate the timing of Christ walking on the sea in the fourth watch (Matthew 14:25).
The Lord did not come during the watches of Peter and the other apostles; He did not come during the watches of the second, third, or fourth generations of the Church either. Now we are in the final, seventh church era, known as Laodicea (Revelation 3:14). We are living in the fourth and last watch—the final period before the second coming of Christ. The exact day and hour are unknown, but the season is evident.
Luke 12:36–40 (ESV) highlights this truth:
“Be like those who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them… You also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”
We are living in perilous times. Those who should be vigilant about the rapture of the Church are often distracted, living carelessly as if they will automatically enter heaven without true obedience or readiness. Many are busy with worldly affairs and fail to stay spiritually alert.
We must ask the Lord to awaken our spiritual eyes, so that we recognize the watch we are in—the fourth and final watch—and understand that it will not pass without Christ’s return. Time is running out.
Have you secured your salvation?
May the Lord give us spiritual eyes to see and understand these truths.
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Theological Notes:
Fourth Watch Symbolism: The fourth watch (3 AM – 6 AM) represents the final period before the dawn—the return of Christ. Spiritually, it is a warning of urgency; we are living in the last moments of spiritual darkness.
Vigilance: Just as night guards stayed awake in shifts, Christians are called to spiritual vigilance, prayer, and holy living (1 Peter 5:8).
Laodicean Church: Revelation 3:14–22 describes the lukewarm Laodicean church, representing the last church age. Believers in this era must repent, rekindle their zeal, and be spiritually awake.
Uncertainty of Time: Scripture emphasizes that the exact hour of Christ’s return is unknown, but believers are called to watch and remain ready (Mark 13:32–37).
It is very rare for someone to have a conflict with another person without any reason—most often, disagreements arise from jealousy, misunderstandings, or unresolved resentment. For instance, if someone wrongs you, it is natural for anger or hatred to arise. Perhaps someone has harmed your family, insulted you, or even physically attacked you. These are all “reasons” that can make it hard to love or forgive that person.
Some reasons are so serious that even before God, you might feel justified in blaming someone—maybe they were a murderer, a corrupt person, or a deceiver.
But what does the Bible teach us when we face such circumstances?
Forgiveness Despite Just Cause Colossians 3:12-15 says:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Notice verse 13: “if any of you has a grievance against someone…” This shows that even when you have valid reasons to blame someone—perhaps a parent, teacher, or leader who failed in their responsibilities—the Bible calls us to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us.
For example, someone might betray your trust or speak ill of you after you helped them. Naturally, you might feel you have every reason to hold a grudge. Yet, God instructs that we must forgive, just as He forgives our sins freely despite the many reasons He could condemn us.
The Blessing of Forgiveness Luke 6:37 reminds us:
“…Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Forgiving releases a heavy burden from our hearts and allows God’s peace to flow within us. Holding grudges, on the other hand, opens the door to bitterness, and even God may convict us for harboring unforgiveness.
Life on this earth is full of trials and offenses. If we allow resentment to dominate our hearts, we demonstrate a lack of spiritual maturity and hinder our fellowship with God. Therefore, learning to forgive—even when we feel justified—is essential.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:23-35 illustrates this truth:
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed him ten thousand talents. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he, his wife, his children, and all he had be sold to repay the debt. The servant fell on his knees and begged, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay back everything.’ The master was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave the debt. But when that servant went out, he found a fellow servant who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and demanded repayment. The man begged, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay back everything.’ But he refused. His master heard of this and called him in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger, the master handed him over to the jailers until he could pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
This parable emphasizes that God’s forgiveness toward us is immense and unconditional. Likewise, we are called to extend forgiveness fully, without holding back.
Conclusion No matter how justified we feel in blaming others, forgiveness is not optional for a follower of Christ. By forgiving, we release ourselves from the heavy burden of bitterness and reflect God’s love and mercy in our lives.
Practical Application:
Pray for the strength to forgive even when deeply hurt.
Remember God’s forgiveness toward you as motivation.
Forgiveness does not mean condoning sin; it means releasing the person into God’s hands.
May the Lord bless you as you practice forgiveness. Share this message with others and encourage them in the journey of grace.
Do you know why David was given a name greater and more honored than all the kings of Israel who came before him?
It was because one day, David thought deeply within himself:
“God has given me everything — He has given me the kingdom, leadership over all Israel, a beautiful house to live in — but why is He the only One showing me goodness, while I do nothing in return for Him?”
He looked around carefully and realized something was missing. The Lord, who had given him so much, had no permanent dwelling place. David noticed that the Ark of the Covenant — the symbol of God’s presence — was still kept inside worn-out curtains, surrounded by darkness (see 1 Kings 8:12).
So David said in his heart, “This cannot be right. I will build a house for the Lord my God.”
God’s Response Through the Prophet Nathan That very night, the Word of the Lord came to the prophet Nathan saying:
“Go and tell My servant David: Thus says the Lord, ‘Would you build Me a house to dwell in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have moved about in a tent for My dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?”’” — 2 Samuel 7:5–7 (ESV)
In other words, God was saying to David:
“I never asked any of them — Joshua, Gideon, Samson, Ehud, Jephthah, or Samuel — to build Me a house. I did not want to seem as though I was forcing anyone. I wanted them to see the need on their own. Yet none of them cared enough to do it — except you, David. Because you thought of honoring Me, of taking Me out of the dark tents into a glorious dwelling, I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.” — 2 Samuel 7:9
David’s Initiative and God’s Favor David began preparing everything needed for the construction of the Lord’s Temple — gathering materials, designing the structure, and organizing workers. Later, his son Solomon completed what his father had begun (see 1 Kings 6).
And now, we clearly see how God exalted the name of David — even our Lord Jesus Christ came through the lineage of David (see Luke 1:32; Romans 1:3). All this happened because David didn’t wait for God to tell him what to do — he took the initiative from a heart of love and reverence.
A Message for Today’s Believers Even today, there are many works of God left undone. The Lord watches silently. He may not speak audibly, yet He waits for someone with a willing heart to notice the need and act.
Yes, God is still with us as His children, just as He was with Samuel and the prophets. But if we do not observe and respond to the needs of His Kingdom, we should not expect Him to come and tell us directly, “Do this” or “Give that.”
If you are a believer, you already know your responsibility — to give, to serve, to preach, to love, and to build what glorifies God. Don’t wait until He commands you audibly.
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” — James 4:17 (ESV)
Do not say, “One day God will tell me to go and preach” or “One day God will tell me to give.” God will not force you — because He knows you already understand your duty.
When you take the first step, God adds another step. When you act in faith, He multiplies grace.
Be Like David Therefore, on this very day, let us learn from David’s heart — a heart that noticed the needs of God’s Kingdom without being told. Let us be people who act out of love, not compulsion.
If we do so, the Lord will also give us a great name and eternal honor — both here on earth and in His eternal Kingdom.
“For those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” — 1 Samuel 2:30 (ESV)
May the Lord bless you richly. 🙏 And may you never wait until God tells you to do what you already know is right.
Shalom!Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we study the Word of God.
We may often wonder — why do angels, though mighty in strength and authority, not use their full power when confronting Satan? Why do they instead leave judgment to God, even when they possess the authority to act?
The Scriptures give us deep insight into this. One such example is the vision of Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, with Satan standing beside him to accuse him. Even though Satan is eternally cursed, the angel did not curse him directly but said:
Zechariah 3:1–2“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’”
Here we see that even in conflict, the angel left all judgment to God.
Another example is when Michael the Archangel contended with the devil over the body of Moses. Even though Satan was already condemned, Michael did not pronounce judgment himself but entrusted the matter to the Lord:
Jude 1:9“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”
What a profound lesson in humility and divine order! Even the highest angels submit judgment to God. They recognize that vengeance and justice belong to Him alone.
Scripture further reveals that holy angels, though far greater in power and authority than humans, still refrain from bringing accusations or curses even against those who rebel:
2 Peter 2:11–12“Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption.”
Even when angels witness the sins and disobedience of men, they report before God with reverence, never out of wrath or hatred. This is an example for us, teaching that judgment belongs to God alone.
This truth calls us, as children of God, to walk in the same spirit of humility. When people oppose or wrong us, when we are slandered or falsely accused — how should we respond? Should we curse or wish evil upon them?
Sadly, many believers fill their prayers with vengeance: “Lord, strike my enemies, let them fall, disgrace them, destroy them.” Yet the Lord never taught us to pray this way.
Instead, He commanded:
Matthew 5:44“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Michael the archangel could have easily destroyed Satan, but he chose submission to divine authority. Likewise, when others speak evil against us, we should respond with mercy, not malice.
Those who constantly accuse others and harbor hatred follow the way of Cain, who murdered his brother; the greed of Balaam, who sought gain through unrighteousness; and the rebellion of Korah, who opposed God’s appointed servants.
Jude 1:10–11“But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves.Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.”
A true servant of God does not rejoice in the downfall of others. The Word says clearly:
Proverbs 24:17–18“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.”
Let this be a lesson to us — to remain gentle, prayerful, and focused on God’s purpose instead of vengeance.
Our calling is not to bring down others but to lift up Christ. When faced with opposition, entrust it to the Lord, for He alone is the righteous Judge.
Remember what the Scripture says:
Romans 12:19“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
The mark of true humility is when a believer, though wronged, leaves everything to God’s hands. Such faith honors the Lord more than any words of retaliation ever could.
Dear brother or sister, there will always be people who rise against you, just as Satan stood against Joshua and Michael. But do not repay evil with evil. Do not curse those who wrong you.Leave all things to God, and focus on fulfilling His purpose in your life — to seek His Kingdom and reflect His love.
When you respond with humility instead of hatred, you reflect the nature of Christ Himself.
May the Lord bless you and fill your heart with peace and gentleness.
“The Lord rebuke you, O Satan!” (Zechariah 3:2)
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“In speaking of the angels he says, ‘
He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire.’” – Hebrews 1:7 (NIV)
Question: Does this verse mean that God turns His angels into demons or spirits of some sort?
Answer: No, this verse does not mean that God turns angels into demons. It is a symbolic description of the nature and role of angels, not a statement about their fall or transformation into evil beings.
While the Bible does teach that some angels rebelled against God and became demons (see Revelation 12:7–9, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6), Hebrews 1:7 is not referring to those fallen angels. Instead, it quotes Psalm 104:4, where God’s faithful angels are described in poetic, metaphorical terms:
“He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.” – Psalm 104:4 (NIV)
This poetic language is rich with theological meaning. Angels are compared to wind and fire—natural forces that are powerful, swift, and awe-inspiring. The comparison highlights several truths:
Wind is invisible yet active, often sudden and forceful—qualities that resemble the operation of angels. In the Bible, angels often appear suddenly, act quickly, and then disappear (e.g., Luke 1:26–38, Acts 12:7–10). Their swiftness reflects their readiness to serve God.
Fire in Scripture is often associated with God’s holiness, judgment, and presence (Exodus 3:2, Hebrews 12:29). Calling angels “flames of fire” emphasizes their role in executing God’s will, sometimes with great power and judgment (Genesis 19:1,13, 2 Kings 19:35).
God is not saying angels are wind or fire, but that they function like wind and fire. This is similar to how Psalm 104 uses metaphorical language to describe God’s majesty:
“The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent…” – Psalm 104:2 (NIV)
Just as light isn’t literally clothing, the angels aren’t literally wind or fire. This is a way to communicate their spiritual nature and divine mission.
The context of Hebrews 1 is crucial. The writer is contrasting angels with Jesus to show His absolute superiority. While angels are servants—swift and powerful—Jesus is the Son, seated on the throne:
“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.’” – Hebrews 1:8 (NIV)
Christ is not merely another spiritual messenger—He is the exact representation of God’s being and heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2–3). Angels worship Him (Hebrews 1:6), and His position is far above theirs.
The chapter concludes with this important statement:
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” – Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
Angels are ministering spirits, meaning they are sent by God to help and protect believers. Their mission is to support God’s redemptive plan, especially for those in Christ.
So when God says He makes His angels “winds” and His servants “flames of fire,” He is using figurative language to express their divine purpose and power. They are mighty and active in fulfilling God’s commands—but still only servants. In contrast, Jesus is the Son, enthroned and eternal. And those who believe in Him will also share in His glory (Romans 8:17), served by angels according to God’s purpose.
Praise God for His Son and His heavenly hosts that serve His will.
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