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Obey the Command of Jesus — That’s What Will Protect You

Scripture Focus: Luke 19:29–34 (ESV)
Key Theme: Radical Obedience to Christ Over Human Protocol

Shalom! I greet you in the glorious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us meditate together on a vital truth from God’s Word—the power of obedience to divine instruction, even when it seems illogical or risky by human standards.

Just before His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus gave a peculiar command to two of His disciples. He instructed them to go into a village, find a colt (a young donkey) tied up, and bring it to Him. At first glance, this might seem like a simple errand. But upon closer reflection, the instruction was quite unusual—even provocative.

Let’s read the passage carefully:

Luke 19:29–34 (ESV)
29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,
30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here.
31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’”
32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them.
33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”

Now pause and think: Why would Jesus instruct His disciples to untie someone else’s animal without first asking permission? Wouldn’t that appear to be theft? Did Jesus not understand property laws? Of course He did. In fact, He authored them through divine inspiration (cf. Exodus 20:15). But in this moment, Jesus was modeling a deeper principle—radical trust in divine authority over societal expectations.

Jesus wasn’t advocating lawlessness. Instead, He was demonstrating the supremacy of God’s mission and how divine providence aligns all things—even ownership—when we act in obedience. By the time the owners noticed and questioned the disciples, the action was already underway. The only answer needed was, “The Lord has need of it.” That answer sufficed, and the disciples were not detained.

Imagine this scenario in today’s context: Someone tells you, “Go to a shopping mall, find a parked car, unlock it, and drive it to me.” Your instinct would be fear—“This sounds like a setup! I might be arrested or even lynched!” That’s how absurd Jesus’ instruction might have sounded at the time.

But Jesus had His reasons. He knew what lay ahead: resistance, spiritual opposition, human bureaucracy, legal delays, unnecessary questions. Had the disciples started with negotiation or explanation, they likely would’ve faced red tape, rejection, or doubt. But Jesus taught them to act in obedience first, and then respond to opposition if and when it arises.

This principle is critical for us today. Often, we delay or abandon the work of God because we’re waiting for perfect conditions—official permissions, endorsements, funding, acceptance. But delayed obedience is often disobedience.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV)
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”

Satan uses these delays and procedural fears as tools to paralyze the Church. How many people have failed to start a ministry, launch a prayer group, evangelize, or serve because they’re stuck waiting for bureaucratic clearance or human support? Jesus teaches us—do what He says first, and trust that He will take care of the details.

He already gave us a global commission:

Mark 16:15 (ESV)
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

He did not say: “First seek approval from religious councils, governments, or local communities.” No, He said go. And when people ask why you’re doing it, tell them plainly: “The Lord has need of it.”

Obedience to Jesus activates divine protection and provision. You may face questions, resistance, or suspicion—but by then, the mission has begun. God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will soften hearts. He will remove barriers.

Isaiah 45:2 (NKJV)
“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.”

In Closing:

Let this be your takeaway—don’t wait for human authorization to do what Jesus has already commanded. His Word is your license. Start the work. Preach. Serve. Evangelize. And when asked “why,” simply say, “Because the Lord sent me.” His presence will go with you, and His command will be your shield.

May the Lord bless you and strengthen you to walk in bold, joyful obedience.

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AVOID BUILDING YOUR OWN EXPECTATIONS AROUND GOD’S PROMISES

A question was recently asked by one of our readers:

“Praise the Lord, servant of God. Thank you for your work in ministry. I wanted to ask about John the Baptist. He is the one who baptized Jesus, and testified that he saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and remain on Him. God Himself had told him, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ John even affirmed that the one coming after him was greater than him and existed before him. So why, then, when he was in prison, did he send his disciples to ask Jesus, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ (Matthew 11:3). Did he begin to doubt what he had previously testified?”

Answer:

This is a thoughtful and important question.

It is human nature that when God gives us a promise or revelation, we often begin to form our own assumptions and expectations about how and when that promise will come to pass. These expectations are usually shaped by our understanding, desires, or even cultural assumptions—not necessarily by God’s actual plan or timing.

So when God’s plan unfolds differently from how we imagined, our faith can be shaken, not because God was unfaithful, but because we let our expectations overshadow His truth.

This seems to be what happened to John the Baptist. It’s not that John stopped believing what he had seen and heard. He was absolutely convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. In John 1:32-34 (NIV), John says:

“I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him… I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

John had divine confirmation. But like many Jews of his time, John likely expected the Messiah to bring immediate judgment and political deliverance, to come wielding a winnowing fork—separating the wheat from the chaff, gathering the righteous, and destroying the wicked (Matthew 3:12). He preached boldly about this coming judgment.

But what he witnessed instead was Jesus moving in gentleness and grace, healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and even being rejected by many—not leading a political revolution or executing divine justice on the Roman oppressors.

So, when John found himself imprisoned by Herod for speaking the truth (see Matthew 14:3-4), and Jesus had not yet brought the kind of kingdom he expected, John’s confidence was tested. In his moment of isolation and suffering, he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). This wasn’t necessarily a crisis of faith, but a longing for reassurance, a search for clarity amid confusion.

Jesus didn’t rebuke John for this. Instead, He responded by pointing to the evidence of His works:

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” (Matthew 11:4–5, NIV)

These were direct fulfillments of Messianic prophecies like Isaiah 35:5-6 and Isaiah 61:1. Jesus was affirming: Yes, I am the One—but My mission is unfolding according to God’s timing and purpose, not human expectations.

Application:

Even today, many believers face the same temptation John did: We receive a promise from God and start imagining how it will come to pass. Then, when reality unfolds differently, we question whether we really heard from God at all.

For example, a woman might receive a prophetic word that she will have three children within five years. Instead of simply trusting God’s faithfulness, she might begin to calculate: “I’ll have the first in year one, the second in year three, and the last in year five.” But what if nothing happens in the first four years? Doubt begins to creep in. She might wonder, “Did God really speak to me? Was it just my imagination? Did I do something wrong?” And some end up abandoning the promise altogether.

But suppose God had planned for her to conceive triplets in the fifth year. Her timing was wrong—not God’s.

The problem wasn’t the promise, but her expectations. We often confuse God’s silence or slowness with absence. Yet God is always working—even when we can’t see it (see Habakkuk 2:3: “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”)

Conclusion:

John’s story teaches us a powerful truth: We must hold tightly to God’s promises, but loosely to our expectations of how they’ll be fulfilled. Let God’s Word shape your faith, not your assumptions.

“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
— Matthew 11:6 (NIV)

May we learn to trust God’s character even when His ways confuse us, and may we believe His promises without reshaping them into our own image.

God bless you.

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What Can We Learn from Demas and Mark?

In the New Testament, both Demas and Mark (also known as John Mark) are mentioned as co-workers of the Apostle Paul. In Philemon 1:24, Paul writes:

“…and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.” (ESV)

At first glance, both Mark and Demas appear to be faithful servants of God, laboring alongside one of the greatest missionaries of the gospel. But as their stories unfold in Scripture, we see two very different trajectories—each offering profound lessons for the believer today.

Mark – A Story of Redemption and Restoration

Early in Paul’s missionary journeys, Mark was chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas as an assistant (Acts 13:5). However, in Acts 13:13 we read:

“Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem.” (ESV)

The Bible does not specify why Mark left, but it clearly grieved Paul deeply. Perhaps Mark felt overwhelmed by the hardships of mission work, or he was discouraged. Whatever the reason, his premature departure left a lasting impression.

When Paul later proposed revisiting the churches they had planted, Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance. Paul, however, refused—leading to a sharp disagreement between the two apostles:

“Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.” (Acts 15:37–39, ESV)

But that was not the end of Mark’s story. Later in Paul’s life, we see that Mark had matured, repented, and regained Paul’s trust. In one of Paul’s final letters, he writes:

“Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11, ESV)

Mark’s transformation is so remarkable that God eventually used him to write one of the four Gospels—the Gospel of Mark. His story reminds us that failure is not final when there is repentance. God’s grace can restore and reposition us for impactful service.

Demas – A Cautionary Tale of Apostasy

In contrast, Demas also started well. Like Mark, he was once counted among Paul’s trusted companions. In Colossians 4:14, Paul mentions him briefly:

“Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.” (ESV)

And again in Philemon 1:24, Demas is called a “fellow worker.” However, by the time of Paul’s second imprisonment, the tone has changed dramatically. Paul laments:

“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.” (2 Timothy 4:10, ESV)

Unlike Mark, there is no record of Demas ever returning to the faith. His desertion is not just physical—it is spiritual. Paul’s wording, “in love with this present world,” indicates a turning back to worldly pleasures and ambitions. Demas chose temporary comfort over eternal reward.

His story echoes Jesus’ warning in Luke 9:62:

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (ESV)

Lessons for Today

These two men leave us with sobering lessons:

  1. God cares more about how we finish than how we start.

    • Mark started in weakness but ended strong.

    • Demas started strong but ended in shame.

  2. Repentance can restore your calling.

    • Mark’s story is a testimony of second chances.

    • Failure is not fatal in God’s kingdom when there is humility and repentance (Proverbs 24:16).

  3. Love for the world can destroy your destiny.

    • Demas loved the world more than Christ. His heart drifted, and so did his commitment.

    • 1 John 2:15 warns: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

  4. Faith must be contended for, not assumed.

    • Jude 1:3 says: “…contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”

    • This Christian journey requires perseverance. The enemy fights hardest when your faith matters most.

  5. Don’t tie your faith to favorable circumstances.

    • If you only serve God when things go well, you may fall like Demas when trials come.

    • True faith stands firm even when blessings delay, as Paul testified:

      “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV)

Conclusion: Hold Fast to Your Faith

In these last days, when temptations and distractions abound, the stories of Mark and Demas stand as a mirror and a warning. Will you be like Mark, who stumbled but returned, or like Demas, who abandoned the race for fleeting pleasures?

Jesus said in Matthew 11:12:

“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” (ESV)

In other words, the kingdom of God demands spiritual determination. John the Baptist exemplified a life of sacrifice and conviction—even in the wilderness, he was faithful. Should we not also persevere in our time?

The gospel race is not for the faint of heart, but for those who endure to the end. As Hebrews 10:39 says:

“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (ESV)

May we fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.

God bless you.

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WE HAVE BEEN A SPECTACLE TO THE WORLD; TO ANGELS AND TO MEN.

The Apostle Paul, reflecting on his own ministry and that of his companions, spoke about the difficult and often perilous path of serving God. Despite the struggles they faced, he described the life of a servant of God as being on display, almost like a public spectacle. Here’s what he wrote:

1 Corinthians 4:9

(NKJV): “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.”

Paul compares the life of a servant of God to that of those who were brought into the arena for public spectacle, where they suffered persecution and even death for the sake of Christ. He lists some of the hardships they endured: hunger, thirst, being beaten, and having no place to call home. Despite all this, they remained faithful, blessing those who reviled them and enduring hardship with patience.

Theological Reflection: The Cost of Discipleship

In this passage, Paul highlights the sacrificial nature of discipleship. The early Christians understood that following Jesus meant embracing suffering. Jesus Himself spoke about the cost of discipleship in

Luke 9:23 (NIV):

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

This means that the call to follow Christ is not one of comfort but of sacrifice, where believers often face persecution for the sake of the gospel.

Paul further writes that they are not just enduring physical suffering, but they are also enduring emotional and spiritual hardship. They were being mocked and dishonored for preaching Christ, but Paul reminds them that their reward is not of this world, but of eternal value.

Public Spectacles of the Ancient World

In the past, public spectacles in ancient times used to take place in very large arenas, where people would watch brutal, life-and-death combat. These events weren’t like the sports games we see today. They involved violent, life-threatening battles where the participants often faced either gladiators or wild animals. The Christians of the early church were sometimes thrown into these arenas, forced to face brutal fighters or savage beasts. The crowds would watch as they were persecuted, ridiculed, and killed for their faith. It was like watching a football match, but with much higher stakes—the life of the believer was on the line.

Theological Insight: The Value of Suffering for Christ

This spectacle-like treatment of the early Christians points us to

Philippians 1:29

(NIV): “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”

Suffering for Christ is not an accident or something to be avoided, but a privilege granted to believers. It is a sign of our union with Christ and a means of sharing in His sufferings for the sake of the gospel.

Today, as believers, we too are sometimes put on display. Our faith is often challenged and mocked, and in some parts of the world, it can even lead to death. But just as the crowds of old would watch the spectacle of gladiatorial combat, so too does the world observe us as we live out our faith. Paul said, “We die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV).

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

This question might come to mind as we reflect on the suffering of God’s servants. The answer, however, is twofold. First, as servants of God, we must understand that the path we walk is not easy. Insults, mockery, persecution, and sometimes even death are part of the cost of following Christ. Jesus Himself warned us of these hardships:

Luke 6:22-23 (NIV):

“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

Jesus assures us that while the world may mock and persecute us, there is great reward in heaven for those who endure. So, if you are suffering for your faith, rejoice, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to you.

Theological Reflection: The Paradox of Suffering and Reward

The paradox here is clear: suffering is not only inevitable for those who follow Christ, but it is also a means of eternal reward. Jesus Himself pointed to this paradox in

Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV):

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”

The reward for suffering for Christ is greater than any earthly suffering we face.

However, for those who hear the gospel and reject it, mocking or even laughing at the truth, Jesus had a stern warning:

Matthew 10:14-15 (NKJV): “

And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.”

For those who dismiss the message of the gospel and mock those who preach it, the consequences are severe. Jesus warned that the judgment would be greater for those who reject His message than for the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed for their sin.

Theological Insight: The Weight of Rejecting the Gospel

Rejecting the gospel is not a light matter. In

John 3:18 (NIV),

Jesus says, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

Those who reject Christ are under condemnation, and Jesus makes it clear that rejecting the gospel will result in judgment that is worse than that faced by Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jesus also warned that those who know His will but refuse to act on it would face even greater judgment:

Luke 12:47-48 (NIV): “

The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

As Christians, we are called to live according to God’s will, and those who are aware of what God expects from them but refuse to follow it will face harsher judgment. To whom much is given, much is required.

Where Will You Stand?

The servants of God are facing challenges, persecutions, and even death for their faith. If they are enduring such suffering, what about you, who has heard the gospel and rejected it? Where will you stand when you are judged?

As the Apostle Peter said:

1 Peter 4:15-17 (NIV):

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

Remember, heaven is not for the cowardly or for those who take salvation lightly. If you claim to follow Christ but do not truly live for Him, your salvation is in jeopardy. Even if you were baptized or gave your life to Jesus at some point, if you have not truly followed Him, you will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Maranatha (The Lord is coming).

Please share this message with others, so they too may understand the cost of following Christ and the reward that awaits those who endure to the end.

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Massacres Within the Church: A Call for Unity and True Worship

In 1994, Rwanda experienced one of the worst human tragedies of modern times. What began as an ethnic conflict escalated into a genocide where, in just three months, over 800,000 people were brutally killed. Many victims were not just shot—they were hacked with machetes or burned alive inside churches, places meant to be sanctuaries of hope. The world still mourns the memory of those events.

Although this happened between just two ethnic groups, the destruction was unimaginable. This tragedy mirrors a lesser-known but equally shocking event found in Scripture: a civil war within ancient Israel itself—between the tribes of Judah and Israel. These were not enemies from outside, but brothers of the same nation.

In 2 Chronicles 13:15–18, we read:

“…God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. The Israelites fled… and 500,000 of Israel’s able men were slain. The Israelites were subdued… because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.”

Think about that—half a million people from the same nation were killed in just one battle. It’s the highest recorded internal death toll in all of biblical history. Even Israel’s enemies like the Philistines never suffered losses on that scale. This tragedy wasn’t just political—it was deeply spiritual.

So what led to such devastation?

According to 1 Kings 11:9–14, it began with King Solomon turning away from God:

“The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord… So the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Since this is your attitude… I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.’”

Solomon compromised his faith by worshiping foreign gods. As a result, God judged the kingdom by dividing it into two—Judah and Israel. But even in judgment, God remembered His covenant with David and left a remnant.

This division marked the beginning of centuries of internal strife, proving a vital biblical principle: division always begins with disobedience to God.

The Modern Parallel: Division in the Body of Christ

Today, the spiritual Israel—the Church—is repeating the same mistakes. With over 30,000 Christian denominations worldwide, many claim to represent Christ, yet few walk in unity. Instead of reflecting the oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17:21, we often reflect the pride, division, and competition seen in ancient Israel.

Jesus Himself warned us in John 16:2

“They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.”

Today, many believers are more loyal to their denominations than to Christ. We’re quick to fight one another over doctrine, tradition, and church identity. Spiritual pride has blinded many. We speak of love but promote division. We speak of Christ but idolize systems, leaders, and labels.

This is spiritual murder—where believers wound each other with words, condemnation, and exclusion, believing they are serving God by defending their particular group.

But God is calling His people to something higher.

Revelation 18:4

“Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.”

This is a call to leave behind the spiritual Babylon—a system of religion that prioritizes tradition, pride, and form over the living presence of Christ. The Lord is inviting us to come back to the foundation: Jesus Himself.

The Way Forward: Return to Christ Alone

If the ancient Israelites had repented and turned back to God, the kingdom could have been restored. Similarly, if the Church today would humble itself, confess its divisions, and return to Christ, healing and unity would begin.

The apostle Paul reminds us in

1 Corinthians 1:10

“I appeal to you… that all of you agree with one another… and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

This doesn’t mean uniformity in every opinion, but unity in Christ—where Jesus is the center, not denominations or personal pride.

So, dear friend, step out of the bondage of sectarianism. Return to Christ, not just in name but in truth. Let Him be the King of your heart, not your denomination or traditions. Let love for Christ and His Word guide your life.

Because at the end of it all, God isn’t coming back for denominations—He’s returning for a unified, faithful Bride.

May the Lord bless you and give you discernment in these last days.

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THE TRAIN OF HIS ROBE NOW FILLS THE TEMPLE

(Isaiah 6:1, Matthew 9:20–22, Mark 6:56, 1 Corinthians 3:16 )

A Vision of Glory

The prophet Isaiah had a heavenly vision that revealed the unmatched glory and majesty of God. He writes:

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple”
(Isaiah 6:1)

This was not just a symbolic image. In biblical times, a king’s robe—particularly the train (or hem)—was a representation of his authority, majesty, and power. The longer and more elaborate the train, the greater the perceived glory of the king. Earthly kings, like those of Assyria or Egypt, often wore garments with long trains that trailed behind them to showcase dominance.

But in Isaiah’s vision, God’s robe is not just long—it fills the entire temple in heaven. This symbolizes that God’s sovereignty, holiness, and presence are limitless. Unlike earthly kings, whose glory ends at the edge of their garments, God’s glory overflows and permeates everything.

Jesus and the Hem of the Garment

Centuries later, the truth behind Isaiah’s vision was revealed more clearly in the person of Jesus Christ, who is God in the flesh (John 1:14).

In Matthew 9:20–22, we meet a woman who had been suffering for 12 years with a bleeding disorder—ritually unclean, socially isolated, and medically hopeless. Yet she believed that touching even the hem of Jesus’ garment would heal her:

“She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.”
(Matthew 9:21–22)

This act of faith was not superstition. According to Numbers 15:38–39, God had commanded the Israelites to wear tassels on the corners (hem) of their garments to remind them of His commandments. Jesus, as a Jew, wore such a garment. The woman touched that hem—not just physically, but spiritually—with faith in the authority and identity of Jesus.

Later, crowds began to understand that even the edge of His garment carried healing:

“They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.”
(Mark 6:56)

The Hem Now Reaches the Church

When Jesus walked the earth, His garment was ordinary—He had not yet been glorified (Philippians 2:7–9). But now, He is enthroned as the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). His glory is no longer veiled. His robe, as Isaiah saw, now fills the temple.

But here’s the stunning truth: we are now that temple.

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
(1 Corinthians 3:16)

Christ’s presence and power are no longer confined to a physical place or limited by human touch. His robe—His glory, healing, and authority—now flows through His Church. Every believer, everywhere, can access the power of Christ. We don’t need to press through a crowd or wait for a prophet to intercede. Wherever you are, the hem of His robe is there with you.

A Call to Respond: Don’t Miss the Moment of Grace

The vision of Isaiah also points to a sobering reality: one day, the same Lord who sits on the throne in glory will rise to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). The age of grace will end.

The book of Revelation chapters 2–3 describes seven churches that symbolically represent the spiritual conditions of the Church throughout history. The final church—Laodicea—is lukewarm and complacent (Revelation 3:14–22). That is the age we live in today.

Many people are busy chasing worldly success while neglecting the kingdom of God. But Jesus warns:

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

If you died today, where would you spend eternity? If Jesus returned today, would you be ready?

An Invitation

Today, you have access to Jesus—not just His words, but His power, His healing, and His forgiveness. Just like the woman with the issue of blood, you don’t need a long ritual or special status. All you need is faith and a heart that truly seeks Him.

Call on Jesus. Touch the hem of His robe by faith, and He will meet you right where you are.

He is ready to heal you. Ready to restore you. Ready to save you.

Because His robe now fills the temple—and you are that temple.

May the Lord bless you and draw you near.

The time is short. The King is coming. Be ready.

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Where Do True Godly Emotions Come From?

Introduction:

Jesus did many miraculous things during His earthly ministry. But among them, some moments reveal not just His power—but His heart. One such moment is recorded in Mark 7:32–34, where Jesus healed a deaf and mute man in a deeply personal and emotional way. This encounter teaches us that true, godly emotions—especially compassion—are not manufactured by human effort. They are drawn from deep communion with God.

The Healing in Mark 7: A Different Approach

Mark 7:32–34

“Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened.'”

Most of Jesus’ healings were immediate and declarative—He often just spoke a word. But in this case, Jesus took the man aside, used physical gestures, sighed deeply, and then healed him. Why such a dramatic and intimate method?

The answer lies in Jesus’ divine empathy. That sigh was not a breath of frustration—it was a sign of deep compassion and spiritual burden. This wasn’t just a healing—it was a moment of identification with human suffering. 

Rooted in Heaven

When Jesus “looked up to heaven,” He wasn’t merely gazing upward. He was connecting with the Father, drawing from the true source of love and mercy. This is a consistent pattern in His ministry:

John 5:19 

“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do…”

Jesus’ compassion wasn’t automatic; it came from an intentional alignment with the heart of God.

Comparing with John 9: Healing with Instruction

John 9:6–7

“When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.”

Even here, Jesus used physical elements—but He didn’t sigh. This tells us that Jesus tailored each miracle to the person’s need, emotionally and spiritually. The man in Mark 7 needed more than healing—he needed God’s deep empathy.

The Christian Call: Sharing in God’s Compassion

Luke 6:36

“Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”

As followers of Christ, we’re not just called to act; we’re called to feel. We cannot fake godly compassion. It comes from time spent with God—through prayer, reading Scripture, fasting, and worship. Jesus modeled this for us.

When we turn our attention and hearts to heaven—just as Jesus did—we invite God’s emotions into our own.

More Examples of Jesus’ Compassion:

Luke 7:13

“When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’”

Matthew 9:36

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Mark 6:34

“And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd.”

These verses show a recurring truth: Jesus did not act without feeling. He saw people as they truly were, and His heart was moved.

Looking to Heaven

Looking up to heaven doesn’t mean physically looking at the sky—it means setting your mind on God:

Colossians 3:1–2

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is… Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

When we seek God intentionally, we become more like Him. We receive the fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22–23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

These are the emotions that heal, restore, and unite.

How to Receive True Godly Emotions

We live in a world full of noise, pain, and disconnection. But if we want to love like Jesus, we must feel like Jesus. That means:

  • Turning our hearts heavenward (through prayer, Scripture, worship).
  • Seeking God’s heart daily.
  • Allowing the Holy Spirit to soften and reshape our emotional lives.

As we do this, we will become vessels of God’s compassion, just as Jesus was. And through us, others will experience not only human kindness—but divine healing.

“Lord, help us to look up—to draw from You the emotions that transform, heal, and save. Amen.”

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COULD THIS BE WHY YOU’RE LOST?

Understanding the Power of God and the Scriptures

“Jesus replied, ‘Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?’”
— Mark 12:24

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the Word of God today.

1. The Encounter with the Sadducees 

In Mark 12:18–27, the Sadducees—who denied the resurrection—present Jesus with a hypothetical story about a woman who had been married to seven brothers (following the Levirate law in Deuteronomy 25:5–10). Their intent was to mock the concept of resurrection.

Their question: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” was not genuine; it was rooted in their disbelief. They assumed that eternal life must mirror earthly life, especially in terms of marriage and relationships.

But Jesus responded with divine clarity:

“Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?”
— Mark 12:24

He revealed the core issue: their ignorance of Scripture and underestimation of God’s power. These two errors still mislead many today.

2. Not Knowing the Power of God – Limiting God to Human Logic

The Sadducees believed that life beyond death would operate under earthly constraints. But Jesus corrected them by explaining that in the resurrection, people will be like angels—not marrying or being given in marriage (Mark 12:25).

This highlights an essential theological truth:
Glorification – At the resurrection, believers will be transformed.

Philippians 3:21:

“…who, by the power that 8 understand the Scriptures they claimed to uphold.

He quoted Exodus 3:6, reminding them of God’s words to Moses:

“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
— Mark 12:26

Jesus pointed out that God spoke in the present tense—“I am,” not “I was.” This implies that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive in God’s presence. In other words, God is not the God of the dead, but of the living (Mark 12:27).

This highlights a vital biblical doctrine:
The Intermediate State – The souls of the righteous live on with God even before the final resurrection (cf. Luke 16:22, Philippians 1:23).

Even today, many churches and religious groups mislead people because they don’t accurately teach or study Scripture:

  • Worshiping idols, while Exodus 20:4–5 forbids it.
  • Claiming the Sabbath is the “seal of God,” while Ephesians 4:30 teaches that the Holy Spirit is God’s seal on believers.
  • Using relics or saints as intermediaries, despite 1 Timothy 2:5 clearly stating, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

4. The Consequence of Ignorance – A Life Misled

When people don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power, they either follow false doctrines or give up on spiritual life entirely. Some even claim no one can live a holy life in this world.

But Scripture says otherwise:

Hebrews 12:14

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

And:

John 1:12 

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

God not only calls us to holiness, but gives us the power to walk in it through His Spirit. 

Avoiding the Error

Jesus was clear: ignorance of Scripture and God’s power leads to spiritual ruin. But the opposite is also true—knowing God’s Word and trusting in His power brings clarity, strength, and eternal life.

2 Timothy 2:15 

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

If we hold on to these truths, we will not be led astray.

May the Lord bless you richly, guide you into truth, and empower you to live a life worthy of His calling.

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What is the difference between revelation, prophecy, and vision?

1. Revelation

Revelation is God’s act of making Himself or His will known to humanity. It often involves unveiling truths that were previously hidden or unknown. In Christian theology, God reveals Himself through Scripture, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

Example & Bible Reference:
In the New Testament, many people misunderstood who Jesus was. When Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered by divine revelation:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…”
(Matthew 16:17-18)

Peter’s knowledge was a direct revelation from God the Father, not from human reasoning. This highlights that true spiritual understanding comes by God’s initiative through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

2. Vision

A vision is a spiritual experience where God communicates visually, often symbolically, to convey His message. Visions are a common biblical means of divine communication used by prophets and believers (Numbers 12:6; Joel 2:28).

Example & Bible Reference:
Cornelius, a devout God-fearing man, received a clear vision where an angel instructed him:

“One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!’ … ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.’”
(Acts 10:3-4)

Visions can occur while awake or in dreams, and they often communicate God’s will or upcoming events (Daniel 7:1-2).

3. Prophecy

Prophecy is a divinely inspired message that often predicts future events or calls people to repentance and obedience. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10), functioning both in foretelling and forth telling God’s will. Prophecy may be conscious or unconscious, direct or symbolic.

Examples & Bible References:

  • The high priest Caiaphas prophesied unknowingly about Jesus’ sacrificial death:

    “He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation.”
    (John 11:51)

  • Prophecy can be a public declaration from God, as shown in Revelation:

    “And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days…”
    (Revelation 11:3)

  • Prophecy may also come through visions, as with Enoch:

    “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones.’”
    (Jude 1:14)

The entire book of Revelation is prophetic, containing visions of future events given to John. It concludes with this promise:

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy in this scroll.”
(Revelation 22:7)

May God richly bless your understanding as you seek His truth!.

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THE REWARD OF FAITHFULNESS

God’s way of blessing His people often involves testing their faithfulness. He rarely gives all His gifts or responsibilities at once. Instead, He starts small, observing how we handle what we receive. When He sees genuine faithfulness and integrity, He rewards us with greater blessings. This principle is rooted in Scripture and aligns with God’s character as a just and wise Father.

Example 1: Joshua the High Priest

In Zechariah 3:6-7, God speaks to Joshua, the high priest after the exile:

“Then the angel of the LORD said to Joshua, ‘…If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.’”

The promise to Joshua was conditional—his faithful obedience was a prerequisite for greater responsibility and intimacy with God. This reflects a core biblical principle: faithfulness precedes promotion (Luke 16:10):

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”

Just as not everyone can approach a nation’s president without invitation or authority, only those who are faithful gain closeness to God. This is not about earning salvation, but about stewardship and the honor of greater service in God’s kingdom.

Scripture lists faithful servants who stood near God—Abraham (Matthew 8:11), Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Job, David, the apostles, and others—highlighting that God rewards faithfulness with fellowship and authority in His presence.

Example 2: William Branham

William Branham’s story is a modern-day example of God’s reward for faithfulness. Born in 1909 in humble circumstances, Branham received divine visions early in life. Despite hardships, including personal loss, he remained committed to God.

One night, an angel revealed to him his divine calling and promised gifts including healing and spiritual discernment. God’s gifts are always tied to responsibility and require perseverance (1 Corinthians 4:2):

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

Branham demonstrated such faithfulness, performing miracles, preaching a message of repentance and holiness, and challenging denominational divisions. His ministry is a powerful example of how God uses faithful servants to prepare His church, especially in the Laodicean era (Revelation 3:14-22).

Stewardship and Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a key theme in biblical. God entrusts His people with gifts, callings, and opportunities as stewards (1 Peter 4:10). How we manage what we receive reflects our relationship with God and determines future blessings (Matthew 25:21):

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” 

Failure to be faithful leads to loss of blessing and influence. Examples include King Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 15) and Jeroboam’s pride (1 Kings 12).

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