Salvation Often Comes Through Unexpected Paths Don’t Turn Back When You Don’t Understand
If God has delivered you from the bondage of sin today if you’ve been saved remember this: the path He leads you on next might be completely unexpected, and it might not look appealing at all. It’s important to understand God’s ways so that when you encounter them, you won’t become discouraged, complaining or asking, “Why this?” or “Why that?”
The Unpredictable Way of God’s Deliverance
When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, they expected to take the most direct, well-traveled route the Philistine road (Exodus 13:17-18, NIV). This route was the quickest way to the Promised Land and would have gotten them there in weeks. But God deliberately avoided this path. Why?
Exodus 13:17-18 (NIV)
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.”
God’s choice here is deeply theological: He knew that if the Israelites faced immediate conflict, their faith might falter, causing them to return to slavery (bondage to sin is like Egypt). Instead, God leads them through a longer, more difficult path a “wilderness” experience to shape their faith, reliance on Him, and identity as His covenant people.
The wilderness is often symbolic in Scripture for a place of testing and preparation (Deuteronomy 8:2, ESV), where God teaches dependence on Him alone.
Facing the Impossible and God’s Faithfulness
The path God chose led the Israelites to the edge of the Red Sea, trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea a situation that looked like certain defeat.
Exodus 14:1-6 (ESV)
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal-zephon; you shall encamp before it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, “They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.” And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.’”
Here, God’s sovereign plan is in motion: He hardens Pharaoh’s heart (a difficult doctrine, but seen as God exercising His justice and power), allowing Pharaoh to pursue Israel so that God can demonstrate His glory through a miraculous deliverance. This teaches us that God’s ways are not always straightforward, but His purposes are perfect.
Why Do We Turn Back?
Today, many new believers expect salvation to mean immediate peace, prosperity, and ease. When difficulties arise persecution, hardship, unmet expectations some turn back, saying, “This isn’t the God I signed up for.”
But Scripture calls us to a different mindset:
Luke 9:23 (NIV): “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”
Following Christ often means walking a hard, narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14), full of tests and trials that refine faith and character.
The Long Journey to the Promised Land
Remember, it took the Israelites 40 years to enter Canaan the land God promised them. This period was necessary to prepare a generation to inherit God’s promises. Similarly, God’s timing for us might be longer than we expect, but His plan is perfect.
God’s Ways Are Higher Than Ours
As Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) reminds us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God’s ways often involve mysterious, difficult paths that lead to ultimate blessing.
If you have truly repented and committed to following Christ, don’t turn back just because the road is hard. Keep moving forward, trusting God daily. Miracles often accompany these difficult journeys, confirming that you are on God’s path.
If you endure, God promises not only eternal life but blessings in this life as well (James 1:12, NIV):
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
May the Lord bless you abundantly as you walk the path He has set before you.
GOD DOES NOT ACCEPT STRANGE FIRE BE CAREFUL!
When I was a child, I attempted a dangerous experiment. I believed all a lightbulb needed was “electricity” any kind without understanding the voltage or proper setup. So, I plugged two bare wires directly into a power socket and touched them to a bulb, expecting it to light up. Instead, the bulb exploded. Thankfully, by God’s mercy, the shards missed my eyes. That day, I learned that a lack of understanding can be dangerous even deadly.
The problem? I thought that the presence of electricity alone was enough. I completely ignored the process and design intended for safely using it. That mistake mirrors a common spiritual issue today: people try to worship God in ways He has not authorized.
The Danger of Unauthorized Worship
In Leviticus 10:1–2 (ESV), we see the tragic story of Aaron’s sons:
“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.”
Their error? Offering “unauthorized fire” also called “strange fire” in other translations. This was a fire not taken from the altar of burnt offering, where God Himself had ignited the flame (Leviticus 9:24), and which was to burn perpetually (Leviticus 6:12–13). God had given clear instructions that any fire used in the tabernacle must come from His altar, symbolizing worship that originates from divine instruction, not human innovation.
“Holy Fire” vs. “Strange Fire”
The altar fire represented God’s holiness, His wrath against sin, and His provision for atonement through sacrifice. That fire was not just symbolic; it was sacred. To use a different fire was to treat the holy as common something God repeatedly warns against:
“You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.”
Leviticus 10:10 (NIV)
In other words, Nadab and Abihu treated divine worship casually. They likely thought, “Fire is fire as long as it burns, it works.” But God doesn’t accept just any offering. He requires obedience, reverence, and holiness.
New Covenant Worship: In Spirit and in Truth
Jesus echoed this principle in John 4:23–24 (NIV):
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Worship under the New Covenant is not based on rituals alone, but it must still follow God’s guidelines: it must be sincere (“in spirit”) and doctrinally correct (“in truth”). Offering worship with unrepentant hearts, false doctrine, or self-centered motives is equivalent to offering “strange fire.”
Who May Offer Worship That Pleases God?
In Revelation 8:3–4 (NIV), we read about incense being offered with the prayers of the saints:
“Another angel… was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people… The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God…”
Only the prayers of the saints those who have been made holy through faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2) are accepted on God’s altar. God does not receive worship from those who live in unrepentant sin.
“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”
Proverbs 15:8 (NIV)
“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
Psalm 66:18 (NIV)
Beware of Lukewarm Christianity
God abhors half-hearted commitment. In Revelation 3:15–16 (NIV), Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea:
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Claiming to be a Christian while living in open sin (drunkenness, immorality, pride, rebellion, vanity, etc.) is not just hypocritical it is spiritually dangerous. Just like Nadab and Abihu, such people risk provoking God’s holy anger.
True Worship Requires True Conversion
If you have not been born again if your life hasn’t changed, your desires haven’t been transformed, and you’re still walking in darkness then you haven’t truly come to Christ. The first step toward acceptable worship is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
After repentance comes baptism, as Jesus commanded in Mark 16:16 and as practiced in Acts 2:38.
A Call to Examine Ourselves
Before we offer anything to God whether it’s a song, a prayer, an offering, or a ministry we must examine ourselves:
- Are we truly born again?
- Are we walking in holiness?
- Are we following His Word or our own traditions?
- Are we worshiping in spirit and truth or offering strange fire?
Let us not take God’s holiness lightly. Let us not bring Him what we think is acceptable, but what He has commanded. Just like with electricity, the wrong connection in worship can be fatal. But when we walk in obedience, our worship becomes a pleasing aroma before His throne.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
May God open our eyes and teach us to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
Be blessed.
THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR OUR TIME
Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit today is challenging for many Christians just as it was for the Jews to grasp the full ministry of Jesus Christ in His time. The Jews anticipated the Messiah primarily as a political king, focusing on passages like
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder…
“while overlooking other important prophecies. When Jesus arrived as the suffering Servant the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (Isaiah 53) they missed the deeper purpose and rejected Him as the Messiah (see John 1:11).
As believers today, we understand the Messiah will ultimately reign in glory like King David (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16), bringing salvation and deliverance from spiritual enemies.
In a similar fashion, many Christians today equate the Holy Spirit primarily with speaking in tongues (glossolalia), often neglecting the breadth of His work in the church and His unfolding purpose for this age. The Holy Spirit is not limited to one manifestation; He is actively working in multiple ways, especially in the end times.
Today, we explore the multifaceted ministry of the Holy Spirit, particularly His activity during the last church age.
The Seven Spirits of God
In Revelation 1:4 (NIV) John writes:
“John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne…”
The “seven spirits” mentioned here are often misunderstood. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and has one Holy Spirit, but this passage symbolizes sevenfold aspects or ministries of the Holy Spirit a fullness and completeness of His work (cf. Isaiah 11:2, where the Spirit of the Lord is described as having seven qualities: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and delight in the fear of the Lord).
These seven spirits correspond to the seven churches described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, representing different stages of church history. Biblically, we understand we are now in the seventh and final church age Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), which began approximately in 1906, coinciding with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.
This seventh spirit signifies the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit before Christ’s return.
The First and the Last: Strength and Significance
In Scripture, the first and last stages of a process are often the most significant and powerful whether it’s the foundation and finishing of a building or the start and finish of a race (Hebrews 12:1-2). Similarly, the Holy Spirit’s activity was powerful at Pentecost (the first church) and will be powerful again in the Laodicean church age, but in a unique and intensified way.
The early church experienced great signs and wonders (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 19:11-12 (ESV)). However, after the apostolic age, many of these miraculous gifts diminished as the Spirit worked differently through the ages (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), and many gifts seemed to disappear from view in subsequent church history.
The Restoration of the Gifts
In Laodicea, starting around 1906, we see a restoration of apostolic gifts and power, marking the return of the sevenfold Spirit’s manifestations. This includes gifts like prophecy, healing, tongues, and miracles, confirming that the Holy Spirit is preparing the church for the final phase of His work (cf. Ephesians 4:11-13).
Yet, this revival also brought confusion, false prophets, and exploitation of spiritual gifts for personal gain (2 Peter 2:1-3), reminding us to discern carefully.
The Special Outpouring on Faithful Servants
A crucial distinction is made in Joel 2:28-32 (ESV):
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.”
Here, God promises a general outpouring of the Spirit on all believers, empowering them with prophecy, dreams, and visions. This outpouring is universal for all who believe.
However, the greater, more extraordinary outpouring is reserved for God’s faithful servants both men and women who will perform wonders and miracles as signs to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord. This second outpouring is characterized by supernatural phenomena unprecedented since the times of Moses and Elijah (cf. Exodus 7-11; 2 Kings 2).
The Purpose of These Signs
These signs will not be for show, fame, or profit as is often the case with false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Instead, they will serve to:
- Confirm God’s presence with His faithful servants
- Draw back the genuine remnant of believers who have been confused by false teachings
- Prepare the way for Christ’s imminent return
Are you saved? Are you one of God’s faithful servants, ready to receive this special outpouring of the Spirit?
The time is near. Serve the Lord with faithfulness today, so when this final outpouring arrives, if you are alive, you will be part of this powerful work. We are called to serve God according to the gifts He has given us (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Let us seek the Holy Spirit earnestly and align our lives with His plans, living according to God’s will here on earth.
Shalom.
What Does “Not Permitted” Mean in 2 Corinthians 12:4?
Let’s begin by reading a little earlier in the passage to get context:
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (NIV)
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know God knows. And I know that this man whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”
Paul is clearly referring to a mystical, supernatural experience either a vision or a spiritual journey where he was caught up beyond the earthly realm to the “third heaven,” a Jewish term for God’s dwelling place (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:2). The “third heaven” is distinguished from the first heaven (sky) and the second heaven (space or realm of celestial bodies). Here, Paul describes hearing “inexpressible things” (Greek: alogēta, meaning “unspeakable” or “indescribable”) that he was forbidden to reveal to others. The phrase “no one is permitted” (Greek: ouk exestin) underscores the holiness and mystery of these revelations some divine truths are so sacred they cannot be shared.
The concept of things being “not permitted” or “forbidden” appears elsewhere in Scripture, emphasizing moral and covenantal boundaries:
Genesis 34:7 (NIV)
“When Jacob’s sons heard what had happened, they were deeply distressed and very angry because their sister had been treated in a way that was forbidden among the Israelites.”
In this case, “forbidden” (Hebrew: lo yezul) relates to God’s moral law and the sanctity of the family covenant. The violation angered Jacob’s sons because it broke God’s ethical standards for His people.
The idea of “not permitted” has both doctrinal and ethical dimensions in the Christian life. Spiritually, certain divine mysteries and heavenly revelations are guarded by God’s sovereignty and holiness, as Paul experienced. Ethically, believers are called to live lives separated from sin and worldly passions. The New Testament calls Christians to holiness because God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
For the believer who is “born again,” it is not permitted (i.e., contrary to God’s will and moral order) to:
- Love the world in a way that rejects God (1 John 2:15-17)
- Continue living in habitual sin and indulgence (Romans 6:1-2)
- Engage in blasphemy, theft, deceit, sexual immorality, drunkenness, or idolatry (Galatians 5:19-21)
- Associate closely with unbelievers in ways that compromise faith (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)
Instead, believers are called to pursue holiness actively:
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Holiness is not optional it is essential to seeing and experiencing God. This means a daily commitment to purity, obedience, and faithfulness, taking up one’s cross to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
- Paul’s “not permitted” words reflect sacred divine mysteries reserved by God.
- Scripture consistently emphasizes boundaries that protect God’s people morally and spiritually.
- Christians must live lives set apart, reflecting God’s holiness in thought, word, and deed.
May the Lord bless and strengthen us in our walk of holiness.
Who Will Not Inherit Eternal Life?
Revelation 21:8 (ESV) says:
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
This sobering verse gives a list of people who will not inherit eternal life. Among them are “the cowardly”—a group we don’t often think of in this context. So what does it mean to be “cowardly” in a spiritual sense, and why is it serious enough to cost someone eternal life?
1. The Root of Fear: Lack of Faith
Fear, at its core, stems from uncertainty and lack of trust in God. A person who lives in fear is often uncertain about their future—what they will eat, where they’ll go after death, or whether they’ll survive the storms of life.
The Bible teaches that true peace and assurance can only be found in Jesus Christ. Without Him, people are spiritually insecure, and that insecurity breeds fear.
Hebrews 2:15 (ESV) tells us that Jesus came
“to deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
Without Christ, fear of death becomes a kind of spiritual bondage. But in Christ, that fear is broken.
2. The Connection Between Fear and Faith
Fear and faith are opposites. When we trust God, fear loses its grip. But when faith is absent, fear takes over—and that can lead people away from God and into sin.
1 John 4:18 (ESV) says:
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
This means that someone who is filled with fear may not have fully embraced the love of God through Jesus Christ. That person still lives under the shadow of judgment and uncertainty, rather than the light of grace and assurance.
3. Fear as a Sign of Being Outside Christ
Living in fear of death, of evil forces, or of life’s uncertainties can be a sign that someone is not truly rooted in Christ. That kind of fear reflects a spiritual condition, not just an emotion. It reveals a heart that has not been anchored in the promises of God.
Paul writes in
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV):
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
A life led by God’s Spirit is marked by courage, love, and sound judgment—not paralyzing fear.
4. Fear Often Leads to Sin
People who live in fear tend to cling to what they can control. This can lead to sin—idolatry, lying, sexual immorality, or even the worship of money or security. When people don’t trust God to provide or protect, they often turn to worldly solutions that lead them further from Him.
Fear, then, is not just emotional—it is spiritual rebellion when it replaces trust in God. That’s why “the cowardly” are grouped with murderers and idolaters in Revelation 21:8. Their fear led them away from faith, and their lives showed it.
5. Jesus Calms Both Storms and Souls
In Mark 4:39–40 (ESV), Jesus rebukes a storm and then asks His disciples:
“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
The disciples were afraid because they didn’t yet fully trust who Jesus was. But once they understood His authority, even over nature, they were filled with awe.
Likewise, if we truly believe that Jesus is Lord—over life, death, and eternity—we will not live in fear. We will have peace in the storm, even if our circumstances don’t change.
6. Eternal Security Through Faith
In contrast to the fearful, Revelation 21:7 (ESV) says:
“The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
To “conquer” in this context means to remain faithful to Christ, even through hardship and persecution. It is to live by faith, not fear.
Final Reflection
Ask yourself honestly:
- Do I fear death?
- Am I anxious about my future?
- Do I doubt where I’ll go when I die?
- Do I fear the spiritual forces of darkness, like witchcraft or curses?
If so, those fears may be pointing to a deeper issue: a need for genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
The good news is that Jesus invites you to come to Him, trust Him fully, and live in the peace and power of His Spirit.
John 14:27 (ESV) –
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Today, let go of fear and take hold of faith in Christ. Eternal life begins not when we die—but when we trust.
ARE YOU A SERVANT OF THE LORD?
The word “slavery” may sound harsh, but in the biblical context, it can also carry a positive meaning. Just as people in this world may be slaves to others, Jesus Christ also has His servants those who willingly submit their lives to Him. This is why Jesus said:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This passage shows that coming to Jesus means more than just rest it means entering into a new kind of submission or “yoke.” A yoke is a wooden frame placed on the necks of oxen to guide and harness their strength for a task (see Genesis 49:10 for Old Testament imagery). Jesus invites us to take His yoke a symbol of submission to His lordship. Unlike the heavy burdens of sin or legalism, His yoke is gentle and His burden light, reflecting His grace.
Notice Jesus doesn’t say, “I will put my yoke on you.” Instead, He says, “Take my yoke,” emphasizing that accepting Christ’s lordship is a voluntary choice (cf. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 the call to choose life). This reflects free will and personal responsibility in responding to God’s call.
The Biblical Meaning of Being a “Servant” or “Prisoner” of Christ
In the New Testament, Paul often refers to himself as a “prisoner” or “bondservant” of Christ, expressing his total commitment and surrender to Jesus for the sake of the Gospel:
Philemon 1:1 (NIV):
“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker”
Ephesians 3:1 (NIV):
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles”
2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV):
“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God”
Colossians 4:3-4 (NIV):
“…that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,
so that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”
Paul’s self identification as a prisoner shows that serving Christ involves sacrifice, hardship, and sometimes literal imprisonment, but also spiritual freedom and fulfillment in proclaiming the Gospel (see Philippians 1:12-14).
Characteristics of Servants of Christ
- Total Commitment to God’s Work
Servants of Christ dedicate their time and energy fully to the work of God, often forsaking worldly pursuits (cf. Philippians 3:7-8). Paul describes worldly things as “rubbish” compared to knowing Christ. - Unashamed of the Gospel
Believers who serve Christ boldly share the Gospel, regardless of persecution or suffering (2 Timothy 1:8). - Renunciation of Self and Worldly Freedoms
True servants understand they have given up personal freedoms for God’s work. Like a slave or servant, their life revolves around serving the Master faithfully. - Work Ethic and Discipline
Servants do not waste time on worldly pleasures. Their focus is on completing God’s mission, and preaching the Gospel is not optional but essential (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:16-17).
Are You Yoked to Jesus or to the Enemy?
The “yoke” of Satan is described metaphorically as slavery to sin and its various forms addiction, lust, idolatry, and other sinful patterns. The Bible warns about slavery to sin in John 8:34 (“Everyone who sins is a slave to sin”).
Examples of Satan’s yoke include:
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs
- Sexual immorality or prostitution
- Fanaticism over worldly entertainment or distractions
- Lustful desires and sinful habits
You cannot break these chains on your own because Satan does not want you free. Only Jesus can break the power of sin and set you free.
Jesus Offers Freedom and a New Yoke
Jesus said in John 8:36 (NIV):
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
This freedom, however, involves voluntarily submitting to Jesus’ lordship taking His yoke on yourself and committing to serve Him.
The Cost and Reward of Discipleship
In Mark 10:28-30 (NIV), Peter says, “We have left everything to follow you!” Jesus replies:
“Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel
will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields along with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life.”
Serving Christ may cost earthly things, but the eternal reward is priceless.
How to Become a Servant of Christ
- Repent from Sin: Turn away from all your sins, both secret and open (cf. Acts 3:19).
- Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior: Believe in His death and resurrection for your forgiveness and salvation.
- Be Baptized: Seek proper baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism symbolizes dying to your old self and rising to new life in Christ.
- Commit to Serving Christ: Take His yoke willingly and serve Him faithfully in the Gospel work.
Are you a servant of Jesus Christ? Have you taken His yoke, submitting to His lordship? Or are you still under the heavy yoke of sin and the enemy?
Jesus calls you today to freedom, but that freedom comes through humble submission to Him. If you accept His invitation, He will make you His servant, and your reward will be abundant both now and forevermore.
May the Lord bless you richly as you choose to serve Him.
Even If They Are Foolish, They Will Not Go Astray
Shalom Peace be with you. May the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be praised forever. Today, let us take a moment to reflect on a powerful and often overlooked passage of Scripture that speaks deeply about God’s grace and the security of those who walk in His ways.
Isaiah 35:8 (ESV)
“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.”
This prophetic verse from Isaiah speaks about the redeemed returning to Zion a vision of the Messianic age and the future restoration of God’s people. The “Way of Holiness” is a metaphor for the spiritual path that God has prepared for the redeemed a path of righteousness, sanctification, and ultimate salvation through Christ.
Even If They Are Fools, They Will Not Go Astray
The phrase “even if they are fools, they shall not go astray” is striking. It implies that those who walk this path even if they lack full understanding, wisdom, or spiritual maturity will not be lost. This is not a license for ignorance, but rather a picture of God’s preserving grace for those who sincerely follow Him.
1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV)
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…”
John 10:27–28 (ESV)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
This reflects a powerful biblical doctrine: the security of the believer. Salvation is not based on our intellect, eloquence, or strength, but on the redemptive work of Christ and the faithfulness of God to keep His people.
The Danger of Misjudging Others in the Faith
Today, many mock or look down upon believers, especially those who seem poor, uneducated, or overly devout. Some say, “If that’s what being saved looks like, I’d rather live my life.” Others claim Christians are backward, unattractive, or unnecessarily self-denying.
Yet the Bible reminds us that appearance and worldly success are not the markers of righteousness. God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Those who appear foolish or weak by worldly standards may be walking on the very road that leads to eternal life.
Worldly Wisdom vs. God’s Way
Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Many are attracted to the pleasures and philosophies of this world success, indulgence, personal freedom without accountability. But Scripture warns that the broad road leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13–14).
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Even if someone appears wise in the eyes of the world, if they reject Christ, they are on a path that leads away from God. What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? (Mark 8:36).
The “Vehicle” of Salvation: Christ Alone
Think of salvation as a moving vehicle and Christ is the driver. Even if some passengers don’t understand the route perfectly, as long as they are in Christ, they are heading in the right direction.
Romans 8:1 (ESV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Those who mock Christians, calling them “fools” or “fanatics,” fail to see that these very people are often held by the grace and power of God. Their “foolishness” may simply be childlike faith which Jesus highly commended.
Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Enter the Way of Holiness
Life is short. The future is uncertain. Today you are alive and breathing, but tomorrow is not promised. You may laugh at Christians now, but the moment you face eternity, the only thing that will matter is whether you were in Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)
“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Friend, give your life to Jesus today. Get into the vehicle of salvation while there’s still time. Even if you feel weak or unworthy, even if you don’t know the Bible well if you surrender to Christ and walk in His way, you will not be lost.
Let us examine ourselves daily:
Are we still on the highway of holiness, or have we stepped off long ago?
May the Lord help us all. Amen.
THE HARVEST IS ALREADY OVER
Matthew 24:14 (ESV) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Praise the Lord, dear brother or sister,
If you want to understand where we are in God’s prophetic timeline, consider this: most of the signs have already been fulfilled. The only remaining event before the Great Tribulation begins is the Rapture of the Church the catching away of true believers (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
One way to discern the times is to examine the state of the spiritual harvest in God’s field. Let’s compare how people responded to the gospel during the days of the apostles with how they respond today.
1. The Early Church: A Time of Great Harvest
During the apostolic age, when the gospel was preached in new regions for the first time, the response was overwhelming. On the day of Pentecost alone, 3,000 souls were saved (Acts 2:41). Shortly afterward, the number grew to 5,000 men (Acts 4:4). This was the power of the gospel in a ripe field fertile ground for salvation.
Despite persecution, the message spread rapidly. Paul writes that the gospel “has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven” (Colossians 1:23), and that it “is bearing fruit and increasing” (Colossians 1:6). The Thessalonian believers were so impactful that “the word of the Lord sounded forth from [them] in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:8).
This explosive growth shows that the early Church lived during a season of spiritual harvest. The Holy Spirit was powerfully drawing people to Christ, and their hearts were soft to the truth.
2.A Time of Witness, Not Harvest
Now fast forward to our time. The gospel has reached virtually every part of the world. The Bible is translated into thousands of languages. Churches exist on every continent. Sermons are streamed into homes. Free Bibles are available on apps. Social media is filled with Scripture.
And yet the response has dramatically declined. People aren’t ignorant of the gospel. They reject it. Many are not just uninterested; they are hostile. 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (ESV) warns of such times:
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions…”
This widespread rejection indicates something sobering: the harvest is over.
What remains is what Jesus described in His parable the wheat and the tares (weeds) growing together until the end (Matthew 13:24–30). The wheat has been gathered, and the tares are all that remain. The gospel still goes forth, but not necessarily to save rather, as a witness.
Jesus said this would happen:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14, ESV).
3. The Gospel as a Witness
Today, when the gospel reaches you through a TV, smartphone, or pamphlet, it may not be to draw you but to testify against you on Judgment Day, if you continue to reject it.
Romans 1:19–20 (ESV) says:
“For what can be known about God is plain to them… So they are without excuse.”
You will not be able to say, “I never knew. I never heard.”
4.Are You Wheat or a Weed?
You’ve heard many sermons. You’ve read Bible verses. And yet, perhaps there’s still no real transformation in your life. Why?
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) declares:
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…”
The Word should pierce your heart and change your life. If it doesn’t, it may be because your heart is hard not like good soil (Matthew 13:19–23), but like rocky or thorny ground. Or perhaps, as Jesus warned in Matthew 13:38, you are not wheat, but a weed.
5.The Rapture
We are on the edge of eternity. The next prophetic event is the Rapture of the Church, when Jesus will return to take His faithful people home.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (ESV):
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up together… to meet the Lord in the air…”
Jesus also foretold this moment:
Matthew 24:40–41 (ESV):
“Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.”
Those who are left behind will experience anguish, regret, and judgment weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:28). They will mourn that they ignored the gentle voice of God when He was calling them in love.
6. Hope for the Redeemed
But for those who are ready the faithful, the repentant, the true believers they will be taken to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7–9). They will receive glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51–52), and enter into the joy of the Lord, where every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4).
7.Repent Today
Maybe this all sounds like a fairy tale to you something that will happen 5,000 years from now. But Jesus said:
Matthew 3:2 (ESV) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
He wasn’t exaggerating. The kingdom of heaven truly was near, and it’s even nearer today. If the early Church lived with urgency, how much more should we?
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV):
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Wake Up
God is not obligated to call you again. If He’s tugging on your heart right now, don’t ignore Him. The gospel you’re hearing now may be your final call not an invitation, but a witness.
Turn to Jesus while there’s still time.
Shalom.
What Does “defecate” Mean in the Bible?
“To defecate” or “to relieve oneself.” While the word itself may seem crude or archaic, it is deeply rooted in a biblical context where hygiene, order, and reverence for God’s presence are emphasized. This is not merely about physical cleanliness, but a reflection of spiritual discipline and respect for God’s holiness.
In Deuteronomy 23:13–14 (NKJV), God gives specific instructions to the Israelites:
“And you shall have an implement among your equipment, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig with it and turn and cover your refuse. For the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you.”
1. God’s Presence Demands Holiness
The key theological point here is that God dwells among His people. His presence is not symbolic or metaphorical; it was real and active among the Israelites. Therefore, everything about the camp had to reflect His holiness including how they managed bodily waste.
In the Old Testament, God repeatedly emphasizes that holiness is not just spiritual but also practical. This includes dietary laws, cleanliness laws, and even sanitation practices (see Leviticus 11–15). These were not arbitrary rules; they symbolized deeper truths about purity, obedience, and reverence.
Leviticus 19:2 (NKJV) “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’”
2. God Sees the Physical and the Spiritual
Contrary to the common belief that “God only looks at the heart,” the Bible teaches that God is concerned with both the inward and outward life. The way we present ourselves, our surroundings, and our bodies reflects the state of our hearts.
Paul affirms this in the New Testament:
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NKJV) “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
If our bodies are temples, then our behavior, clothing, hygiene, and lifestyle choices must align with the sacredness of God’s dwelling place.
3. Cleanliness as a Reflection of Divine Order
The instructions in Deuteronomy were not merely for health reasons but were symbolic of the moral and spiritual order God expected from His people. Dirt, uncleanness, and disorder symbolized sin and rebellion in the Hebrew mindset.
Jesus also used the theme of internal vs. external cleanliness to teach deeper truths:
Matthew 23:25–26 (NKJV) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”
In this context, Jesus wasn’t rejecting physical cleanliness, but rebuking those who only focused on appearances without inward transformation. The true call is to pursue both inner purity and outward holiness.
Cleanliness, Modesty, and Respect for God
If God was willing to withdraw His presence from the Israelite camp due to uncovered human waste, what does that say about how we live today?
- How we dress matters. Immodest clothing that exposes or emphasizes the body in sexually provocative ways goes against the principle of honoring God with our bodies.
- Our environment matters. Living in filth and disorder can reflect spiritual neglect and disrespect for God’s presence.
- Our physical choices matter. Tattooing, body mutilation, and other practices that dishonor the body should be seriously reconsidered in light of Scriptures like Leviticus 19:28 and Romans 12:1.
Romans 12:1 (NKJV) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The command in Deuteronomy to bury human waste may seem minor, but it speaks volumes about how seriously God takes order, purity, and reverence. The same God who walked through the Israelite camp now lives within us by His Spirit. Therefore, we must strive to keep our bodies, spirits, and surroundings holy.
May we not fall for modern teachings that reduce holiness to only inner intentions. God is concerned with the whole person body, soul, and spirit.
May the Lord bless us as we seek to live lives that are clean, holy, and pleasing to Him.
YOU ARE SAVED, BUT WHEN THESE THOUGHTS COME TO YOU, REJECT THEM IMMEDIATELY.
There are spiritual weapons Satan uses against people who are close to salvation or those who have already been saved but remain immature in faith. These attacks often cause fear, doubt, and mental anguish I was once among them before my salvation.
When such thoughts come, reject them with all your strength. This is a battle for your mind a warfare that Satan and his demons wage to shake your faith, keep you stagnant, or cause you to fall away. Remember: Do not allow these thoughts to take root or control you even briefly.
1) “You have blasphemed the Holy Spirit.”
This is Satan’s primary weapon. He tries to convince you that your sin is unforgivable because it’s blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. He floods your mind with the lie that this sin is engraved “with an iron pen” (cf. Jeremiah 17:1), so you believe you’re beyond God’s forgiveness.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a serious sin described by Jesus
in Matthew 12:31-32 (ESV):
“Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
This sin refers specifically to the willful, hardened rejection of the Holy Spirit’s testimony about Jesus an ongoing, deliberate resistance, not fleeting doubts or unintentional sins.
The Pharisees and Sadducees who accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul openly rejected the Spirit’s work (Matthew 12:24-32), showing a hardened heart. If you have not knowingly and persistently rejected God’s Spirit in this way, you have not committed this sin.
So, if you’ve never actively opposed the Spirit’s work or declared it demonic, these accusations come from Satan to condemn you falsely.
Such troubling thoughts are often a sign that God is close to you. You need to grasp the truth to be fully free.
2) “You’re not really saved yet.”
You may have genuinely repented, been baptized, and begun living a life pleasing to God. Yet, Satan might try to convince you that you’re not truly saved, or that others are better believers.Reject this lie. Jesus clearly teaches in John 6:44 (ESV):
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”
Salvation begins with God’s drawing so if you have repented and started following Jesus, it is because God Himself has drawn you. Salvation is not a human work but a divine act (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Keep moving forward, growing in holiness day by day, because Jesus promises to be with you always (Matthew 28:20).
3) “You’re too late.”
This discouraging thought comes from worldly perspectives that measure worth by age or timing. The world might say you’re “too old” to start or accomplish something.
But God’s kingdom operates differently. As long as you breathe, it’s never too late to serve Him. The Apostle Paul, called after Pentecost and not one of the original twelve disciples, accomplished more than many of his contemporaries (Acts 9:1-19).
Remember the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16 ESV), where latecomers received the same pay as those who worked all day, illustrating God’s grace and sovereignty.
No matter your age 20, 30, 40, 50, or beyond you are never too late to serve God with all your heart. Your reward can be great.
4) “God can’t be pleased with you.”
These thoughts arise when you feel unworthy because of past sins or failures like adultery, murder, theft, or breaking important vows.
If you have truly repented (Acts 3:19), do not let these thoughts dominate you. God is merciful and ready to forgive. King David, despite his grave sins (2 Samuel 11-12), repented sincerely and was called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).
Return to God, serve Him wholeheartedly, and know He can still delight in you and be your closest friend if you obey Him (Psalm 51 is David’s model prayer of repentance).
5) “Someone else is better than you before God.”
Satan wants to keep you discouraged by comparing you unfavorably to others.
But God doesn’t operate by human comparisons. He judges each person by His standards, not by how you measure up to others. It’s like a teacher grading an exam fairly, based solely on answers, not on popularity or talent (Romans 2:11).
If you walk in God’s ways, He will be your friend and will not compare you to others (Galatians 6:4-5).
Focus on your own spiritual walk and measure yourself by God’s Word, not by others. Otherwise, you risk falling into discouragement and spiritual defeat.
Entering salvation is simple “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, ESV). But remaining faithful and growing in faith can be challenging because of spiritual warfare.
Satan and his demons attack not just physically, but mentally and spiritually (Ephesians 6:12). The greatest weapon we have is the Word of God. Jesus Himself used Scripture to defeat Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
Freedom comes through knowing the truth
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, ESV).
True freedom is found in God’s Word (John 17:17), not just by quoting verses, but by understanding and applying God’s Word daily.
If you haven’t repented and been baptized yet, there’s still time. Turn to your Creator, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38), and receive the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).
God bless you richly as you grow in His truth and walk in His victory.
