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What is Shekinah? And what does Shekinah Glory mean?

The Shekinah Glory refers to the visible, manifest presence of God dwelling among His people. The word Shekinah comes from the Hebrew root שָׁכַן (shakan), meaning “to dwell” or “to settle.” Though the word Shekinah itself does not appear in the canonical text of the Bible, the concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and Jewish theology. The term was developed by ancient Jewish rabbis to describe God’s dwelling presence—especially in moments when He made Himself tangibly known.

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What Is Sharon or Where Is It in the Bible? (1 Chronicles 5:16)

The word “Sharon” in Hebrew (שָׁרוֹן, Sharon) means “a level plain” or “flat land.” In biblical times, Sharon referred to a fertile, coastal region in ancient Israel, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the central hill country. Though the Bible does not provide exhaustive details about it, Sharon was widely recognized for its natural beauty, lush vegetation, and rich pastures. It symbolized fruitfulness, peace, and blessing—a stark contrast to the wilderness or desolate places that often represented judgment or spiritual dryness.

Biblical Mentions of Sharon

1 Chronicles 5:16 (NIV)
“The people of Gad lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its outlying villages, and in all the pasturelands of Sharon as far as they extended.”

This verse shows Sharon as a region with extensive pasturelands, suitable for livestock. It was part of the inherited territory for some of the Israelite tribes, suggesting God’s provision of fertile land.

 

1 Chronicles 27:29 (NIV)

“Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon, and Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.”

Sharon was agriculturally productive, sustaining large herds. Specific officials were appointed to manage resources there, pointing to its economic and strategic value in Israel.

Isaiah 33:9 (NIV)
“The land mourns and wastes away, Lebanon is ashamed and withers; Sharon is like the Arabah, and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves.”

Here, Sharon is used symbolically. Its once fertile land becomes barren due to divine judgment, representing how even the most prosperous places are not exempt from God’s wrath when people turn from Him.

Isaiah 65:10 (NIV)
“Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me.”

This prophecy points to restoration. For those who seek the Lord, He promises peace and provision. Sharon, once desolate, becomes a place of renewed blessing.

Acts 9:35 (NIV)
“All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”


In the New Testament, Sharon is still a recognizable region. It becomes a place of spiritual revival, as people witness the miraculous healing of Aeneas and turn to Christ. Sharon thus becomes a symbol of the transformative power of the gospel.

The Rose of Sharon: A Picture of Christ

One of the most beautiful references to Sharon comes in a poetic and symbolic form in the Song of Songs, a book traditionally attributed to Solomon. The speaker, likely the bride (or representing Israel or the Church), compares herself to a flower of the plain:

Song of Songs 2:1–2 (NIV)

“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women.”

While the phrase “Rose of Sharon” has often been interpreted devotionally as referring to Jesus Christ, the text itself is poetic and romantic. Yet, in Christian tradition, Jesus is seen as the true Rose of Sharon—humble, yet beautiful; common, yet unique; flourishing in a broken world. Just as a flower blossoms in the plain, Christ came into a spiritually barren world, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

His beauty is not outward but redemptive. Isaiah prophesied:

Isaiah 53:2 (NIV)

“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him…”


Yet, it is this unassuming servant who became our Savior, radiating divine beauty through His sacrificial love.

Personal Reflection

Have you encountered this “Rose of Sharon”? Have you received Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior?

John 14:6 (NIV) – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

There is no other way to God but through Christ. Human effort, morality, or religion cannot earn God’s favor. Only Jesus, who came down into the plains of this broken world, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins, can bring us near to God.

Mark 8:36 (NIV) – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

If you have everything this world offers but lack Christ, you’ve lost everything. But if you have Christ, even if you have nothing else, you possess everything that truly matters.

 

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Has Jesus Entrusted Himself to You?

It is a blessing to once again reflect on the Word of God. I warmly welcome you to join me in meditating on this important question: Has Jesus truly entrusted Himself to you?

Belief in Jesus: More Than Emotion

Many people claim to believe in Jesus, often because they’ve seen or heard about His power—how He heals the sick, raises the dead, blesses people, or perhaps even personally blessed them. But believing in Jesus just because of His miracles is not the kind of faith that transforms. True biblical faith is more than admiration; it requires surrender.

Jesus Himself warned against superficial belief. In John 2:23-25, Scripture says:

“Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed in His name.
But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people.
He did not need any testimony about mankind, for He knew what was in each person.”

This passage reveals something profound: even though people believed in Jesus, He did not believe in them. He knew their hearts. Their faith was based on miracles, not a desire for repentance or transformation. This teaches us that Jesus does not entrust Himself to everyone who simply says, “I believe.” He looks for something deeper.

What Does It Mean That Jesus “Did Not Entrust Himself”?

The Greek word for “entrust” here is the same as the word for “believe” (πιστεύω, pisteuō). In other words, while they believed in Him outwardly, He did not place His trust in them because their hearts were not right. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), not just words or actions.

Jesus was not interested in a crowd drawn by spectacle. He came to call sinners to repentance and to transform hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. People wanted His power, but not His lordship. They wanted healing, but not holiness.

The Example of the Temple

Earlier in the same chapter (John 2:13–17), Jesus enters the temple and finds people using the house of God for business. He drives them out and overturns their tables. Why? Because the temple, meant to be a house of prayer, had become a “den of thieves” (cf. Matthew 21:13). Their religious activity had no reverence, no holiness—it was all external.

This symbolizes how people can appear religious yet be far from God in their hearts. Jesus desires worship that is genuine, flowing from a heart that fears and honors Him.

True Faith Produces True Change

When someone truly encounters Jesus and surrenders to Him, change is immediate and evident. Consider Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10. Upon meeting Jesus, he repents and promises to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay those he cheated fourfold. Jesus then says:

“Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9).

This kind of response is what Jesus is looking for—not just amazement at His miracles, but a heart that is humble and ready to be changed.

Jesus Still Knows Every Heart

The truth in John 2:25 remains today: “He did not need anyone to testify about mankind, for He knew what was in each person.” We may be able to fool people with religious behavior, but we cannot deceive Christ. He sees everything. As Hebrews 4:13 reminds us:

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Jesus is full of love and compassion, but He does not compromise truth. He wants people who are humble and contrite—those who tremble at His Word.

Isaiah 66:2
“…These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”

A Heart That Jesus Can Entrust

So we must ask ourselves—not just, Do I believe in Jesus?—but also, Has Jesus entrusted Himself to me? Has He seen in me a heart that desires repentance, transformation, and holiness? Have I allowed Him to truly be Lord, not just a miracle-worker?

The evidence that Jesus has entrusted Himself to you is a life that is being transformed. A heart that desires holiness. A soul that is grieved by sin. A spirit that delights in God’s Word. A desire not only to be forgiven but to be made new.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
—2 Corinthians 5:17

Let’s open our hearts to Jesus—not just for blessings, but for His presence. Not just for help, but for holiness. When we do that, He will entrust Himself to us, and we will know true life in Him.

May the Lord bless you and give you a heart that He can fully trust.

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Why did Jesus have to die?

What is the significance of his death?

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of the most profound and often-asked questions in Christianity is this: Why did Jesus have to die? Couldn’t He have just come to teach us the way of salvation, perform miracles, reveal God’s love, and then simply return to heaven? Why did His mission require a painful, humiliating death on a cross?

The answer to this question is central to the Christian faith and deeply rooted in both spiritual and natural truths. Today, let’s explore a few key reasons why the death of Jesus was necessary—not just historically, but spiritually and eternally.

1. Death Was Necessary to Bear Fruit (John 12:24)

Jesus Himself explained one of the mysteries of His death using a powerful image from nature:

John 12:24 (NKJV)
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

Just like a seed must die in the soil—be buried, decay, and lose its outer shell—to produce life and bring forth a harvest, Jesus had to die in order to bring forth spiritual life for the world. His death was the seed that produced the fruit of salvation for humanity.

Had Jesus avoided the cross, the message of the Gospel would not have spread with power, the Holy Spirit would not have been given, and salvation would not have been made available to all nations. His death was the beginning of a great harvest—a global movement of grace, mercy, and transformation.

2. His Death Was the Only Way to Remove Our Sin (Galatians 3:13)

The Bible teaches that all humanity has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sin is a barrier between us and God—it demands justice, and the consequence is death (Romans 6:23). In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made to temporarily cover sins. But those sacrifices pointed forward to something greater.

Galatians 3:13 (NKJV)
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’).”

Jesus became that ultimate sacrifice. He bore the weight of our sin. On the cross, He became the object of God’s judgment so that we could receive mercy. The Father turned His face away not because He stopped loving Jesus, but because Jesus was carrying our sin—and God, in His holiness, cannot look upon sin with favor.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Without His death, sin would still reign, and our separation from God would remain.

3. Through Death, Jesus Disarmed Satan and Conquered Death Itself (Hebrews 2:14)

Hebrews 2:14 (NLT)
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.”

Jesus didn’t just die for sin—He died to destroy death itself. His death and resurrection defeated the one who held the power of death: the devil. Jesus broke the chains of fear and judgment that Satan uses to enslave people.

Because He lives, we have hope beyond the grave. Death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). His resurrection is the guarantee of our eternal life.

4. His Death Sealed the New Covenant and Our Inheritance (Hebrews 9:16–17)

Hebrews 9:16-17 (NIV)
“In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.”

Think of it this way: just as a legal will only becomes active after someone dies, Jesus’ death activated the promises of the New Covenant—eternal life, forgiveness, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, access to the Father, and spiritual authority. Through His death, we inherited every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

5. His Death Makes Our Spiritual Rebirth Possible (Romans 6:3–4)

Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV)
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

In baptism, we are united with Christ—not only in His death but in His resurrection. Just as He died to sin once for all, we are called to die to our old way of life and rise into a new life led by the Spirit. His death opened the door for our transformation.

So What Must You Do?

If you have not yet received Jesus as Lord and Savior, today is the day. He died for you, not just to forgive your sins, but to give you a new heart, a new beginning, and eternal life.

Repent of your sins. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Seek baptism in water, fully immersed in His name, as a symbol of dying to self and rising with Him into life.

John 14:6 (NKJV)
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

In conclusion

Don’t let Satan convince you that your baptism, your repentance, or your pursuit of holiness is meaningless. He knows that when you step into the water with faith and a surrendered heart, your life is marked forever. That’s why he resists it.

But Jesus said:

Mark 16:16 (ESV)
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

So press in. Seek Him with all your heart. Embrace the power of His death and resurrection—and walk in the victory He purchased for you with His blood.

May the power of the cross be real and alive in your life.

God bless you.

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What is Sin, Biblically?

At its core, sin is anything that goes against God’s will, His perfect standards, and His laws. It’s more than just doing something wrong—it’s a condition that separates us from God.

1.) Missing the Mark: The Bible uses the idea of missing the mark to describe sin. Think of it like shooting an arrow at a target and not hitting the bullseye. In the same way, sin means falling short of God’s standard. No matter how hard we try, if we miss that mark, we’re in sin.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

2) Disobedience to God’s Commands: Sin began in the very first human beings, Adam and Eve. God gave them a clear instruction in the Garden of Eden: don’t eat from a specific tree. They chose to disobey, and that act of disobedience brought sin into the world, affecting every person who has ever lived since.

“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:16-17)
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food… she took some and ate it.” (Genesis 3:6)

From that moment, sin became part of human experience.

3) Rebellion Against God: Sin isn’t just breaking rules. It’s essentially a rebellion against God. It’s when we turn our backs on Him, deciding we know better than He does. Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, choosing to live in a way that goes against God’s will is a form of rejecting His authority in our lives.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way…” (Isaiah 53:6)

4) Sin is Lawlessness: In the Bible, sin is also described as lawlessness—when we disregard God’s law and decide to live without any moral guidelines. It’s not just about breaking a law; it’s about rejecting the concept of law altogether.

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)

5) Sin is Inherited: Because of Adam and Eve’s choice to sin, all of humanity has inherited a sinful nature. It’s like a broken part of us that keeps us inclined to sin. We’re all born into this condition—our desires, actions, and choices are often tainted by it. It’s not something we choose, but it’s a part of the human condition.

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned…” (Romans 5:12)

6) Sin Separates Us from God: The biggest issue with sin is that it separates us from God. God is perfectly holy, and sin cannot exist in His presence. So, when we sin, it creates a distance between us and God, which is why we feel disconnected from Him.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you…” (Isaiah 59:2)

7) The Consequences of Sin: Ultimately, the wages of sin is death. This isn’t just physical death—it’s spiritual death. Sin leads to brokenness, destruction, and a permanent separation from God if it’s not dealt with. Without Jesus, we would be stuck in that separation forever.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

So, What Does All of This Mean?

In simple terms, sin is the rejection of God’s plan and His will for our lives. It’s a conscious or unconscious choice to go our own way instead of living according to His design. Sin has consequences, both now and in eternity, because it damages our relationship with God and leads to destruction.

However, the good news is that God made a way for us to be forgiven and restored through Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus took the penalty for our sins, offering us a way to be reconciled to God and live in relationship with Him again.

To sum up: Sin is essentially living in a way that goes against God’s design for us—whether by disobeying, rebelling, or falling short of His perfect standard. But there’s hope: through Jesus, we can be forgiven, healed, and made new.

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What Does “Blessed is the One Who Does Not Sit in the Company of Mockers” Mean?

 

Question:

Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the one who does not sit in the company of mockers.”
What does this really mean? Who are these “mockers”? Is there a difference between joking and mocking? And if not, does that mean even lighthearted joking is sinful?

Answer:

To understand Psalm 1:1, we must look at both the structure of the verse and the spiritual message behind it. The verse reads:

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked,
or stand in the way that sinners take,
or sit in the company of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1, NIV)

This verse introduces a progressive pattern of compromise with evil. The three verbs—walk, stand, and sit—reveal a slow but steady descent into deeper levels of spiritual danger.

1. “Walk in step with the wicked” – This refers to entertaining ungodly thoughts or advice.

It represents the beginning of moral compromise. Someone walking with the wicked is beginning to listen to and consider their worldview. They’re not yet living like them, but they’re open to their counsel.

“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company.”
(Proverbs 24:1, NIV)

2. “Stand in the way that sinners take” – This means to associate or identify with sinful behavior.

Standing implies a deeper level of involvement—a person has stopped walking and now lingers among those who are knowingly disobedient to God. At this point, sin is not just tolerated; it’s becoming familiar.

“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”
(Proverbs 1:10, NIV)

3. “Sit in the company of mockers” – This final stage represents full participation in rebellion against God.

To sit with mockers means a person is now comfortable mocking or making light of sacred things. It symbolizes spiritual apathy and hardened defiance.

Who Are the Mockers?

In the Bible, mockers (or scoffers) are not merely people who make jokes—they are those who deliberately ridicule holy things, deny God’s truth, and treat the things of God with contempt. These people are described in:

2 Peter 3:3–4 (NIV):
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation!’”

Mockers are spiritually dangerous because they corrupt others by making holiness seem foolish and sin appear harmless. They influence people to laugh at what should cause repentance.

“Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.”
(Proverbs 14:9, NIV)

They often appear in entertainment—comedy shows, YouTube videos, or movies that trivialize Jesus, Scripture, or biblical morality. While it may seem harmless, watching or supporting such mockery aligns us with it, even passively.

Is There a Difference Between Joking and Mocking?

Not all humor is sinful, but Scripture warns us about the kind of speech that tears down or dishonors God. The line is crossed when joking becomes:

  • Irreverent (treating holy things as ordinary),

  • Immoral (promoting sexual sin, deceit, or violence), or

  • Destructive (belittling others, promoting cynicism).

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
(1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)

“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
(Ephesians 5:4, NIV)

Even innocent-sounding jokes can become a gateway to deeper sin. For example, flirtatious humor may lead to lust or adultery. Exaggerated stories might lead to habitual lying.

The Bible gives this warning:

“Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’”
(Proverbs 26:18–19, NIV)

How Should a Christian Respond?

As believers, we’re called to be set apart, reflecting God’s holiness in our words, actions, and company. That means:

  • Avoiding environments that dishonor God.

  • Guarding our speech so it uplifts and reflects truth.

  • Delighting in God’s Word, not the world’s mockery.

“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
(Psalm 1:1–2, NIV)

“Be self-controlled in all things.”
(2 Timothy 4:5, ESV)

“Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.”
(Proverbs 19:29, NIV)

Conclusion:

Psalm 1:1 warns us that spiritual decline often begins with small compromises—first listening to ungodly counsel, then spending time with sinners, and finally settling into a lifestyle that mocks God.

The truly blessed person is the one who avoids this path entirely, choosing instead to honor God, walk in righteousness, and take delight in His Word.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7, NIV)

Shalom

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What Is Grace?

In simple terms, grace is undeserved favor—being given something good even though you didn’t earn it or deserve it. Biblically, grace is God’s kindness toward humanity, not based on our works or righteousness, but on His own love and mercy.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

There are two kinds of favor: one with a reason and one without a reason.

As human beings, we usually show favor with a reason—we are kind to people we know, people who are good to us, or who offer us something in return, like our family or close friends. But it’s rare—almost impossible—for a human to show favor to someone who doesn’t deserve it, especially someone who offends or harms us.

Romans 5:7-8 (NIV)
“Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

That’s the difference between human favor and divine grace. God’s grace isn’t based on our goodness. It’s based on His character—He chooses to love us even when we don’t deserve it.

Understanding Grace Through a Parable

To understand grace more clearly, Jesus told a parable in Matthew 20:1–16. In it, a landowner hires workers at different times throughout the day—some in the morning, some at noon, and others just an hour before the day ends. Yet at the end of the day, he pays everyone the same wage.

Matthew 20:13–15 (NIV)
“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’”

The lesson? Grace isn’t about fairness—it’s about generosity. The latecomers didn’t earn equal pay—but they received it because of the landowner’s kindness. That’s how grace works: God gives us what we don’t deserve.

The Greatest Example of Grace: Eternal Life

The most powerful act of grace ever shown to humanity is this: God gave us eternal life through Jesus Christ. After the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, humanity became separated from God. We didn’t deserve another chance.

Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

God could have left us in our sin and started over—but instead, He chose to save us. Not because we begged Him. Not because we impressed Him. But simply because He is gracious.

Titus 3:5-7 (NIV)
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit… so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

Responding to Grace: Don’t Take It Lightly

If we’ve been saved purely by God’s grace, then we should never take it for granted. Sadly, some people treat the grace of God lightly—as if it’s cheap or automatic.

Hebrews 2:3 (NIV)
“How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?”

Hebrews 10:29 (NIV)
“How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot… and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

Grace is a gift, but it’s not something to be abused. There will come a time when this opportunity ends—when Christ returns and judgment begins. On that day, people will realize that grace was their only hope—and that rejecting it was their greatest mistake.

Today Is the Day of Grace

Friend, don’t waste the grace of God. If you haven’t yet received Jesus Christ, today is the day. He is at the door of your heart, ready to enter and give you eternal life.

Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

If you’re ready, pray and repent of your sins. Turn away from them completely and trust in Jesus for your salvation.

John 1:14 (NIV)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Final Encouragement

May the grace of Christ remain with us all.

Maranatha—The Lord is coming!

 

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What Is the Meaning of “Inspiration” (Uvuvio)?

The word “uvuvio” in Swahili can be directly translated as “inspiration” or more literally, “blowing air forcefully.” In a practical sense, it means to blow air—often through the mouth or with a fan—onto something, like hot coals, in order to make them burn more intensely. This action ignites or revives fire.

For example, when you blow on hot charcoal, you’re inspiring the fire—you are adding oxygen, causing it to flare up and grow.

A Biblical Example: Job 20:26

“Total darkness is reserved for his treasures. An unfanned fire will consume him; it shall go ill with him who is left in his tent.” — Job 20:26 (NKJV)

Here, Scripture speaks of “an unfanned fire”—a fire that no human has blown on or kindled. It implies a fire that arises by itself, uncontrollable and destructive. The verse conveys judgment: such fire will consume what remains in the wicked person’s dwelling. This is a spiritual truth too—judgment that comes not by human hands but from divine origin.

If the person had been present, perhaps he would have controlled or moderated the fire for cooking or warmth, and extinguished it after use. But since he was not there, the fire consumed everything—symbolizing how sin or divine judgment, once unleashed, can be beyond our control.

The Spiritual Meaning of “Inspiration” in the New Testament

When we move into the New Testament, the concept of “inspiration” takes on a spiritual dimension. It’s used to describe the receiving of the Holy Spirit, often symbolized by wind or breath.

John 20:22

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” — John 20:22 (NKJV)

Here, Jesus breathed (Greek: enephusēsen) on His disciples—this was a symbolic act of inspiration. It was a prophetic gesture, foreshadowing the actual outpouring of the Holy Spirit that would take place a few days later at Pentecost.

Acts 2:1–4

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. — Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV)

This moment marked the fulfillment of Christ’s earlier promise. The Holy Spirit came down like a mighty rushing wind—the ultimate divine inspiration. Just as wind intensifies a fire, the Holy Spirit ignited spiritual fervor within them. The disciples, once timid, were now bold, speaking in tongues and proclaiming God’s Word with power. The “tongues of fire” were symbolic of spiritual gifts, purification, and divine empowerment.

The Effect of Spiritual Inspiration

This divine inspiration transformed the disciples. The “small flame” within them—their simple faith—was now fanned into a blazing fire. They began speaking words full of power, fire, and life—words that pierced hearts, brought repentance, and turned the world upside down.

The Holy Spirit didn’t just rest on their lips (as symbolized by the tongues); He filled their whole being, equipping them for miracles, signs, and wonders.

This Promise Is for Everyone

This experience was not just for the apostles. The Bible makes it clear:

Acts 2:37–39

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” — Acts 2:37–39 (NKJV)

This promise—the gift of the Holy Spirit—is available to all: to you, to your children, to those far away in time and place. Anyone who genuinely repents, gets baptized in the name of Jesus, and seeks God sincerely can receive this divine inspiration.

Final Reflection

Dear reader, it is possible that God has placed a gift within you, or a calling, or a divine purpose that you have yet to discover. Maybe your spiritual fire is just a flicker—a tiny coal. That’s not a problem; what you need is spiritual inspiration—the blowing of the Holy Spirit upon you to fan your inner fire into full flame.

To receive this, the Bible gives a clear formula:

  • Repent genuinely from your sins.

  • Be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ.

  • Seek God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When the breath of God (His Spirit) blows over you, you will be changed. That fire will not just stay in your heart—it will spread through your words, your life, and your calling.

Maranatha! — The Lord is coming!

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DO NOT TURN THE HOUSE OF GOD TO BECOME A DEN OF THIEVES

Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you woke up safely this morning, it is something to be thankful to God for. I welcome you to meditate on the words of life from our Lord, which are the food for our souls.

The Word of God says:

Jeremiah 7:9
“Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods whom you have not known,
10 and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered’—only to go on doing all these abominations?
11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, says the Lord.”

Matthew 21:13
He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.”

Have you ever wondered why the Lord used the phrase, “but you have made it a den of thieves”? Have you taken time to reflect on what a den of thieves truly means?

Thieves or criminals always have a hideout where they go to conceal themselves after committing their crimes. This place serves as their temporary refuge, a hiding spot, often located in a remote place, an incomplete building, or a dark cave. The purpose is simple: once they have stolen, they retreat to this place to hide until things calm down, only to return and commit more crimes. These hideouts are often places for illicit activities such as gambling, smoking, or engaging in illegal business, like selling drugs.

A modern example is of someone who commits adultery and then, on Sunday, goes to church. The same person will return to their sinful lifestyle during the week and once again appear in church the following Sunday. The church becomes a refuge for them to pretend they are righteous, to deceive themselves that they still love God, and to appear as though they are part of the community, when in reality, they have no intention of giving up their sinful behavior. It is as if the church becomes a temporary hiding place for their sins.

Similarly, a corrupt person or a scammer might attend church regularly, not to seek change, but to use the church as a cover-up, hiding their deceitful activities behind a facade of religious practice.

Let us remember the words of the Lord:
Matthew 21:13 – “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.”

We must not turn the house of God into a hideout for our sins. Instead, it should be a place of prayer, holiness, and spiritual nourishment for our souls. The house of God is not a place for revealing our physical bodies in an inappropriate way, wearing revealing clothing, or engaging in self-advertisement. It is a place of reverence and respect for the holiness of God.

If the Lord Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple, He will certainly not hesitate to overturn the business of selling our bodies and our sinfulness in His house. If you want to engage in the business of sin, there are many other “dens” in the world, but do not turn the house of God into one of them.

If you have not given your life to Christ, today is the day. Repent, and He will forgive you freely. Remember, Christ is coming back, and a time will come when you will no longer hear such messages as this one. The moment of the rapture will have passed, and you will not be disturbed by the preaching anymore. However, if you choose to repent today, Christ will accept you, as His Word promises:

John 6:37 – “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

Maranatha (The Lord is coming).

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What is the meaning of Worshipping God?

Worship is the act of glorifying and honoring God through devotion and praise. In the Christian context, true worship is defined as approaching God with a heart of sincerity and in alignment with His truth. The Bible emphasizes that worship must be done “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), which means that it must come from the heart and according to God’s Word.

For worship to be genuine, it must include five essential components, all of which are rooted in Scripture:

1. Learning and Meditating on God’s Word

This is the first and most important element of worship. It is not merely about memorizing verses, but about carefully studying and reflecting on God’s Word with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, when tempted in the wilderness, emphasized the importance of the Word, stating, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Worship begins with a deep understanding of Scripture, not just intellectual knowledge but a heart transformation through the Word.

2. Singing and Praising God

Worship often involves music as a form of expression. Singing praises to God, whether through hymns, spiritual songs, or spontaneous worship, is a powerful way to honor Him. The Psalms are filled with examples of worship through singing, such as in Psalm 100:2, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Through singing, we can offer thanks and praise to God for His goodness, love, and mercy.

3. Partaking in the Lord’s Supper (Communion)

Sharing in the Eucharist or Communion is a vital part of Christian worship. It is a moment of reflection and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:25, “In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'” The Lord’s Supper serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s body broken for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins.

4. Prayer

Prayer is a form of worship where believers communicate with God, expressing their hearts and desires while seeking His guidance and presence. In Philippians 4:6, Paul encourages believers to pray about everything: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Worship involves a time of prayer, where we bring our needs, thanksgivings, confessions, and praises before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness.

5. Giving (Tithes and Offerings)

Giving is an important aspect of worship. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to bring offerings as a sign of gratitude and reverence. In Deuteronomy 16:16, it says, “No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed.” The act of giving reflects a heart of generosity and an acknowledgment that all we have comes from God. Jesus also taught in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Through giving, we express our trust in God’s provision and our willingness to support His work on earth.

Worshiping in Spirit and Truth

To worship in spirit and truth means to engage in worship that is both heartfelt and biblically accurate. Jesus taught this in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This doesn’t mean experiencing visions or seeing angels, but it means living according to the principles of God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our worship. Living “in the Spirit” involves following the teachings of Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said in John 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”

Receiving Christ and True Worship

The key to worshiping God in spirit and truth begins with accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Without a personal relationship with Christ, our worship cannot be considered “true.” John 14:6 reminds us that Jesus is the only way to the Father: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If someone has not received Christ and is simply attending church or performing rituals, they cannot worship God in the truest sense. But once a person repents and accepts Christ into their heart, they are cleansed by His blood and empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship God in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Invitation to True Worship

If you haven’t received Christ as your Savior, today is the day to do so. Open your heart, repent of your sins, and invite Jesus into your life. If you are ready to make that decision, you can follow this prayer of repentance: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. I ask for Your forgiveness and invite You into my heart as Lord and Savior. Help me to live for You and worship You in spirit and in truth. Amen.”

In summary, true worship is not just a ritual or routine but a heartfelt, transformative act that involves learning God’s Word, praising Him, partaking in Communion, praying, and giving. It begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a life of authority.

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