Title 2022

Solomon, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was granted insight into six things that God abhors. Among them is hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17).

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly rebukes His people for the sin of bloodshed. For instance, in Isaiah 1:15, He declares:

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!

This imagery of “hands full of blood” signifies more than literal murder; it encompasses all forms of injustice and oppression. The people of Judah were guilty of exploiting the vulnerable, neglecting the oppressed, and engaging in corrupt practices. Their outward religious rituals were rendered meaningless due to their inward moral corruption.

In Isaiah 59:3, the prophet further emphasizes:

For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things.

Here, “stained with blood” indicates a deep-seated guilt and a pervasive culture of sin. The people’s actions were not merely individual transgressions but reflected a systemic issue of injustice and deceit.

Theologically, these passages underscore a profound truth: God does not desire mere ritualistic worship but seeks justice, mercy, and humility from His people. As Micah 6:8 states:

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

The New Testament echoes this sentiment. In Matthew 5:22, Jesus teaches:

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Here, Jesus equates harboring anger and contempt with the gravity of murder, highlighting the importance of reconciliation and purity of heart.

Furthermore, in 1 John 3:15, the apostle writes:

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

This reinforces the idea that sin is not confined to outward actions but encompasses thoughts, attitudes, and intentions.

Dear reader, you may be a devoted prayer warrior, a diligent teacher, a compassionate helper, or a faithful pastor. However, if your heart harbors hatred, unforgiveness, or malice, your hands are spiritually stained. These internal sins are just as grievous in God’s sight as outward acts of violence.

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus instructs:

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

This passage emphasizes the necessity of reconciliation before engaging in worship, indicating that God values relationships and justice over ritual.

To cleanse our hands and hearts, we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word. As Psalm 119:9 asks:

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

The Word of God serves as a mirror, revealing our flaws and guiding us toward righteousness. It convicts, heals, and transforms us.

In Matthew 18:22, when Peter inquires about the extent of forgiveness, Jesus responds:

Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

This indicates that forgiveness should be limitless, reflecting God’s boundless mercy toward us.

May the Lord help us to purify our hearts and hands, making them clean like those of His Son, Jesus Christ. Only then can we draw near to Him and receive His blessings.

As Job 17:9 affirms:

Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

Shalom.

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A Theological Reflection

The word “Kiyama” (or Kiama) is a Swahili term meaning “the Day of Resurrection.” In Christian theology, this refers to the future, bodily resurrection of the dead—a central tenet of the Christian faith, rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. Biblical Foundations of the Resurrection

a. Jesus and the Sadducees

Matthew 22:23–28 (NIV)

That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question…

(vv. 23–28 summarize the Sadducees’ attempt to trap Jesus with a hypothetical scenario about marriage in the resurrection.)

The Sadducees, a sect of Judaism that denied the resurrection and the existence of spirits (see Acts 23:8), questioned Jesus to discredit the concept of life after death. Jesus, however, corrected their misunderstanding in verse 30:

Matthew 22:30 (NIV)

At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

This passage reveals that life after the resurrection is qualitatively different, not just a continuation of earthly existence.

b. Paul’s Desire to Attain the Resurrection

Philippians 3:10–11 (NIV)

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Here, Paul emphasizes not only a future hope but also a present transformation: knowing Christ and becoming like Him prepares the believer for the future bodily resurrection.

c. False Teaching about the Resurrection

2 Timothy 2:17–18 (NIV)

Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

This shows that denying or misrepresenting the resurrection undermines the very foundation of Christian faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:12–19).

2. The Resurrection and the Rapture

Paul gives detailed teaching on the resurrection and the rapture in:

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NIV)

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

This event—often referred to as the Rapture—is closely tied to the resurrection of believers. It marks the moment when those who died in Christ will be raised to new, glorified life (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:50–52).

3. The Resurrection: Our Blessed Hope

Belief in the resurrection gives us unshakable hope:

Titus 2:13 (NIV)

…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…

Romans 8:11 (NIV)

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

4. A Personal Challenge: Are We Ready?

The Day of Resurrection is not just a doctrinal concept—it is a call to holiness, vigilance, and preparation:

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

We must ask ourselves:

Am I living in light of eternity?

Do my actions reflect the hope I have in Christ?

Conclusion: The Nearness of the Resurrection

The resurrection is not a distant fantasy but a soon-coming reality. It is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the gateway to eternal life for all who believe in Jesus.

Let us, therefore, anchor our faith in Christ, walk in righteousness, and prepare our hearts for the glorious Day of Resurrection.

Shalom.

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Revelation 19:11–13 (NKJV)

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

Why Is Jesus Called “The Word of God”?

In this striking vision, John doesn’t identify Jesus with the earthly name Jesus of Nazareth or the title Son of God, but instead uses the title: “The Word of God.” This isn’t just poetic—it’s theologically profound.

John 1:1,14 (NKJV) makes the connection clearer:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…

This shows us that Jesus isn’t just the messenger of God’s Word—He is the Word itself. The Greek term used is Logos, meaning divine logic, reason, or expression. He is the very embodiment of God’s communication to humanity—eternal, powerful, and creative.

Jesus: Both Person and Word

To truly know Christ, we must understand Him in two dimensions:

Jesus the Person – the incarnate Son of God, who walked the earth, died for our sins, rose again, and now reigns in glory.

Jesus the Word – the embodiment of God’s will, wisdom, and instruction through Scripture.

Many Christians acknowledge Jesus the Person—His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. Through this, we receive salvation (Romans 10:9–10). But fewer truly embrace Jesus as the Word—that is, allowing His teachings to form the foundation of our daily lives.

Living Out the Word

Embracing Jesus as the Word means living by what He taught. It requires obedience, discipline, and transformation.

James 1:22 (NKJV):

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

John 14:23 (NKJV):

Jesus answered and said to him, If  anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…

When we internalize and act on Jesus’ words, we are not just following a teacher—we are becoming like Him in nature, empowered to act with His authority.

Why Some Prayers Go Unanswered

Many believers call on Jesus, hoping for a miracle, but remain unchanged in character. Like using a calculator without understanding math, they rely on external help without seeking internal growth.

Matthew 17:17 (NKJV):

Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?”

Jesus rebukes not only their lack of faith but their lack of spiritual maturity—an unwillingness to engage with the Word and grow.

The Power of Seeking First the Kingdom

Instead of seeking things from Jesus (healing, money, blessings), Jesus teaches us to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness first, and the rest will follow.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

When we prioritize the Word, we align ourselves with God’s Kingdom economy—not the world’s system. We receive from God not by begging, but by walking in the principles of the Kingdom.

When the Word Lives in Us

John 15:7 (NKJV):

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

This is not a blank check—it’s a promise grounded in union with Christ through His Word. When His Word lives in us, our desires are aligned with His will, and our prayers become powerful and effective.

Jesus the Word: A Final Reflection

To follow Jesus the Person leads to salvation.

To follow Jesus the Word leads to transformation.

When we forgive, when we live holy, when we love sacrificially—we are not merely obeying commands. We are becoming like the One whose name is The Word of God.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, help us not only to believe in You as our Savior but to live by Your words as our Lord. Teach us to reflect Your nature by obeying Your truth. Let Your Word dwell richly in us, shaping our thoughts, decisions, and actions every day. Amen.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

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QUESTION:
Does 1 Corinthians 7:14 mean that if an unbeliever marries a believer, they are automatically made righteous or saved through the faith of their believing spouse?

1 Corinthians 7:13-14 (NIV):
“And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”

Answer:

No this verse does not mean that an unbelieving spouse is saved or made righteous before God simply because they are married to a believer. The broader biblical context makes it clear that salvation is a personal matter, not transferable by association or marriage.

Galatians 6:5 (NIV):
“For each one should carry their own load.”

Romans 14:12 (ESV):
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

“Sanctified” 

The word “sanctified” (Greek: ἡγίασται, hēgiastai) in 1 Corinthians 7:14 does not mean “saved.” It means “set apart” or “made holy” in a relational or ceremonial sense, not a salvific one.

Paul is explaining that the presence of a believing spouse in a mixed faith marriage sanctifies the union and family in a relational and covenantal sense. This does not imply the unbelieving spouse is spiritually regenerated or justified before God.

Rather, the believer brings a spiritual influence and covering into the home, which allows the marriage to remain honorable before God (cf. Hebrews 13:4) and ensures that the children of such a union are not considered ritually “unclean.”

1 Corinthians 7:14 (NLT):
“For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy.”

Does This Mean the Unbeliever Is Automatically Saved?

Absolutely not. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by proximity to someone who believes.

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

John 3:18 (ESV):
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

So, while the unbelieving spouse may experience the blessings and influence of living with a godly partner including love, prayer, godly behavior, and biblical instruction they are not saved unless they personally believe in Christ.

This is why Paul goes on to say:

1 Corinthians 7:16 (NIV):
“How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”

This question affirms that salvation is uncertain and not guaranteed, even in a godly home. Yet, it also implies that the believer should live in such a way as to give their spouse every opportunity to come to faith.

A Powerful Witness Through Marriage

Many real life testimonies confirm what Paul describes. A spouse may eventually come to faith after witnessing consistent godly conduct and prayer from their believing partner:

1 Peter 3:1-2 (NIV):
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”

However, this spiritual influence is not a substitute for personal faith. An unbelieving spouse who continues to reject Christ will remain lost, despite being married to a believer (cf. John 3:36).

Do Not Marry an Unbeliever

While 1 Corinthians 7 addresses believers who were already married to unbelievers before coming to faith, Scripture elsewhere clearly teaches that Christians should not knowingly enter into marriage with unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV):
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

Entering a marital covenant with an unbeliever often leads to spiritual conflict, divided priorities, and compromised faith. Many modern Christian marriage struggles stem from ignoring this command.

If You’re Already Married to an Unbeliever

If you’re already in such a marriage, take courage God can still use you as a vessel of grace and truth. You have a responsibility to:

• Pray persistently for your spouse’s salvation.
• Live a godly life that reflects Christ.
• Model biblical love, patience, and humility.
• Share the Gospel as opportunities arise, with wisdom and gentleness (cf. Colossians 4:5-6).

Your influence is significant, but your spouse must ultimately choose Christ for themselves.

While 1 Corinthians 7:14 highlights the sanctifying influence of a believer in a mixed marriage, it does not suggest that salvation is automatically granted through marriage. Each person must individually respond to the Gospel. Nevertheless, your faithful witness as a spouse can be a powerful instrument in God’s hands to bring your partner to salvation.

May the Lord give you strength, wisdom, and grace in your marriage.
Remain faithful and trust that God can use your life to lead others to Christ.

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In Christian teaching, people sometimes distinguish between “the Scriptures” and “the Word of God,” while others use these terms interchangeably. To understand the nuance, we must look carefully at how the Bible itself uses these terms.

1. Scripture and the Word Are Deeply Connected

Jesus Himself affirmed that the Word of God and the Scriptures are interconnected and authoritative. In

John 10:35 (ESV), He says:

If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken…

Here, Jesus uses “word of God” and “Scripture” almost interchangeably. Yet, He emphasizes the Scriptures as an unbreakable, fixed authority. The Greek term used for Scripture is graphē (γραφή), which refers specifically to the sacred writings.

2. Scriptures: The Written Word

The term Scriptures always refers to what has been written—what we today recognize as the Holy Bible. This includes the Old Testament, and by extension in the New Testament era, the writings of the apostles and prophets under divine inspiration.

Paul writes in

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV):

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

This reveals that the Scriptures are God’s written Word—”breathed out” (theopneustos in Greek), meaning inspired and authoritative.

3. The Word of God: Written and Spoken

The Word of God is broader than just the written text. It includes God’s spoken Word—through prophets, visions, and even direct revelation. Hebrews describes this clearly:

Hebrews 1:1–2 (ESV):

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…

God’s Word can come in different forms:

Written (Scriptures – e.g., Bible)

Spoken (Prophetic utterance – e.g., through prophets or dreams)

Living Word (Jesus Christ Himself – see John 1:1, 14)

Jesus is referred to as the Word (Greek: Logos) in

John 1:1, 14 (ESV):

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…

4. Unchanging Nature of Scripture vs. the Conditional Nature of Spoken Revelation

While the spoken Word of God is real and valid, it may be temporary or specific to a situation. God may give a prophetic word for a particular time or purpose, which He may later fulfill, revoke, or update (e.g., Jonah’s prophecy to Nineveh).

However, Scripture is permanent, fixed, and cannot be broken. As Jesus emphasized in John 10:35, it stands forever. The Psalmist also affirms:

Psalm 119:89 (ESV):

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

5. Why We Must Anchor Ourselves in Scripture

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders not for lack of zeal, but for ignorance of Scripture:

Mark 12:24 (ESV):

Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?

We are called to love and study the Bible, recognizing it as our daily bread. As Jesus said:

Matthew 4:4 (ESV):

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

And David declared:

Psalm 119:140 (ESV):

Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

Conclusion

So, while the Word of God can come in multiple forms—spoken, written, and even incarnate in Christ—the Scriptures are the preserved, unchanging foundation of that Word. They are our safest and clearest guide. To neglect them is to risk spiritual deception and ruin.

Let us therefore treasure the Bible more than our daily food, anchoring our lives in the eternal truth it holds.

May the Lord bless you as you grow in love for His Word.

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Question:
What did John mean when he said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day”? Which day is the “Lord’s Day,” and why is it specifically mentioned in Revelation 1:10?

Revelation 1:10 (ESV):
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.”

The Apostle John wrote this while exiled on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9), a place of isolation due to his testimony for Jesus Christ. The phrase “in the Spirit” indicates a state of deep spiritual communion or being led by the Holy Spirit, often associated with prophetic revelation (cf. Ezekiel 37:1; Acts 10:19-20).

When John says he was on the “Lord’s Day,” he is referring to a particular day of the week that early Christians recognized as sacred because of Jesus’ resurrection. Historically, the Jewish Sabbath is Saturday (the seventh day), but the early church shifted its primary day of worship to Sunday, the first day of the week, to commemorate Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). This day became known as the “Lord’s Day” (Greek: Kyriake hemera)  a term that appears only here in the New Testament.

The Lord’s Day as Sunday:

Mark 16:9 (NIV):
“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene…”

• This passage identifies the first day of the week as the day of Jesus’ resurrection, foundational for Sunday worship.

John 20:19 (NIV):
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them…”

• Here, Jesus’ post resurrection appearances also take place on Sunday, emphasizing its significance.

Acts 20:7 (ESV):
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day…”

• This shows the early church gathering for worship and communion on Sunday.

1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV):
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collections when I come.”

• This illustrates Sunday as the designated day for Christian fellowship and giving.

The shift from Saturday (Sabbath) to Sunday (Lord’s Day) in early Christianity was not a rejection of rest and worship but a fulfillment in Christ. Sunday worship celebrates the new creation inaugurated by Christ’s resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17), symbolizing the new covenant and eternal rest in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10). The Lord’s Day thus becomes a weekly celebration of the paschal mystery Christ’s death and resurrection, which redeemed humanity.

John’s being “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day underscores the spiritual readiness and sanctity of the day for receiving divine revelation. This suggests that the Lord’s Day is more than a routine day of worship; it is a special time appointed by God for divine encounter and prophetic insight.

Practical Application:

The early church’s recognition of the Lord’s Day as Sunday set a pattern of dedicated worship, teaching, fellowship, and rest that continues today. It is not that the day itself is inherently holy, but that God honors the commitment of His people when they consecrate time to Him. This dedicated time fosters spiritual renewal and openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

If your day of worship is Saturday or any other day, the principle remains: honor it as sacred by preparing your heart and spirit, as John did. Avoid worldly distractions that hinder your spiritual experience. Seek solitude, prayer, and scripture study so God can reveal Himself to you.

Warning Against Neglect:

Today, many treat weekly worship as a mere obligation, often distracted by worldly concerns or entertainment. Yet, the Lord’s Day is a divine appointment an opportunity for intimate fellowship with God. Neglecting it risks missing the powerful encounters and transformation God desires to bring about.

Blessing:

Value your day of worship, whether it’s Sunday or another day, and God will surely reveal Himself to you as He did to John on Patmos.

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In any family, children often have different levels of closeness and trust with their parents. Some may be especially trusted, others more loved or relied upon but they are all still part of the family. The same dynamic is true in the family of God.

As believers, we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26). Yet Scripture and history show that not all believers walk in the same level of intimacy, favor, or trust with God. The Bible shows us that it is indeed possible to be especially loved by God not in terms of salvation, which is by grace alone, but in terms of fellowship, obedience, and divine trust.

This is not about earning God’s love, but about cultivating a relationship with Him that draws His delight and favor. Let us look at three key traits seen in people throughout the Bible who were deeply loved by God: love, steadfast devotion, and wisdom.

1. LOVE  The Mark of True Intimacy with God

The apostle John is often referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This unique expression doesn’t imply that Jesus didn’t love the others, but rather highlights a unique intimacy between Jesus and John. John was not only close to Jesus physically leaning on His chest at the Last Supper (John 13:23) but he also reflected Christ’s heart more deeply than any other disciple.

John 21:20 (ESV):

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?”

John understood and practiced agape love selfless, sacrificial love the kind that reflects God’s own character. In fact, his gospel and letters are filled with teachings about love, because God is love (1 John 4:8).

The Apostle Paul further describes the nature of love in 1 Corinthians 13. These traits are not just virtues they are divine attributes God desires in His children.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (ESV):

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Walking in this kind of love reflects the very heart of God. When we love others deeply, we enter into deeper fellowship with Him (John 14:21). God delights in those who carry His love and character to others.

2. STEADFAST DEVOTION  A Heart Fully Committed to God

The prophet Daniel was described repeatedly as someone “greatly loved” or “highly esteemed” by God. This wasn’t due to his position or intelligence, but his unwavering commitment to holiness and prayer even in the face of death.

Daniel 10:11 (ESV):

And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.”

Daniel’s decision in chapter 1 to refuse the king’s defiled food (Daniel 1:8), and his persistence in prayer even when threatened with the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10), show a man who feared God more than man. His heart was fully set on pleasing God above all.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV):

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

Today, believers face different challenges: compromise in the workplace, peer pressure, or even moral temptation. But like Daniel, those who stand firm in their convictions especially when it costs them something show that their hearts are loyal to God. Such people receive not only God’s love but His favor and trust.

3. WISDOM  Seeking to Serve God’s People with Understanding

Solomon is another man the Bible says was “loved by his God.”

Nehemiah 13:26 (ESV):

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin.

Solomon’s love for God was especially evident in the beginning of his reign when he asked, not for riches or long life, but for wisdom to lead God’s people well.

1 Kings 3:9–10 (ESV):

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil…” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

Because of this unselfish desire, God gave Solomon both wisdom and blessings beyond what he asked for (1 Kings 3:13). Wisdom is closely linked with God’s love because it reflects a heart that wants to align with God’s will and bless others.

Today, we access divine wisdom through God’s Word.

Proverbs 2:10 (ESV):

For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

When you diligently study Scripture not just reading casually, but meditating and applying it you begin to carry God’s mind and heart. And when God sees that you desire His truth to serve and uplift others, He draws near to you in love.

Becoming a Person God Delights In

If we desire to walk in deeper intimacy and favor with God, we must pursue these three traits:

• Love: Embracing God’s selfless, patient, forgiving love.
• Steadfastness: Remaining loyal to God in the face of pressure and cost.
• Wisdom: Seeking understanding to serve and bless others.

These are not ways to earn God’s love because He already loves us unconditionally through Christ but they are ways to grow in closeness and divine favor, just as Jesus did:

Luke 2:52 (ESV):

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

As we walk in these qualities, God will entrust us with more revelation, influence, and provision. Daniel and John were granted visions of the future. Solomon received unmatched wealth and peace. Their lives show what God can do through someone who walks in love, loyalty, and wisdom.

May you be counted among those whom God loves deeply not just as His child, but as His friend and vessel of honor (2 Timothy 2:21).

May the Lord bless you and draw you ever deeper into His love and favor.

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Denial is when you reject or disown someone close to you due to fear or external pressure. This can stem from fear of embarrassment, rejection, or harm. It doesn’t necessarily mean you no longer care about the person, but rather that fear or circumstance pushes you to act in a way that doesn’t reflect your true feelings.

Peter’s Denial as an Example of Fear
A biblical example of denial is Peter. Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear, despite earlier boldly declaring that he would never do so, even if everyone else abandoned Him (Matthew 26:33-35, NIV).

His denial was not motivated by a lack of love but by fear of being arrested or harmed. Jesus had warned him this would happen (Luke 22:34, ESV), and Peter’s heart was still for Jesus, though his actions were a result of external pressure. After his denial, Peter wept bitterly, showing his remorse (Matthew 26:75, ESV), and later reaffirmed his love for Jesus three times after Jesus’ resurrection (John 21:15-17, ESV).

In Peter’s case, his denial was temporary and born out of fear, not malice. This reflects the nature of fear-driven denial, where one’s actions do not reflect the true state of their heart.

Betrayal: A Deeper, More Sinister Act
Betrayal, however, is far worse. It involves a deliberate, voluntary rejection of someone close to you, often for selfish gain, and without any external pressure. Betrayal is a cold-hearted act, often rooted in greed, pride, or a hardened heart.

Judas’ Betrayal of Jesus
The most notorious example of betrayal is Judas Iscariot. Judas never truly loved Jesus, even though Jesus loved him deeply (John 13:1, NIV). Despite being entrusted with the responsibility of handling the group’s finances (John 12:6, ESV) and having intimate access to Jesus, Judas chose to betray Him. He approached the chief priests on his own initiative, asking, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” (Matthew 26:14-16, ESV). The priests offered him thirty pieces of silver, and Judas agreed to hand Jesus over in exchange (Matthew 26:15, ESV).

Judas’s betrayal was a premeditated act, done willingly for personal gain. His choice to betray Jesus was a rejection of the love and trust that Jesus had shown him, highlighting how betrayal is often driven by selfishness, rather than external pressure.

Theological Insights on Denial and Betrayal
Denial can be seen as a temporary act driven by fear, but it can be corrected when one turns back to God in repentance, as seen with Peter. Betrayal, however, is more deeply rooted in the rejection of the relationship itself. Jesus often warned His followers about the seriousness of betrayal and denial.

Jesus’ Teachings on Acknowledging Him
Jesus made it clear that both denial and betrayal have serious consequences.

  In Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV), He said:
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” 

This verse teaches that public confession of Christ is essential to salvation and fellowship with God. Denying Him, especially when it’s done willingly and out of fear or selfishness, can lead to separation from God. The stakes are high, as Jesus warns in verses 34-39 (NIV) that following Him may even bring division, even within families. He continues:
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This shows that loyalty to Christ must surpass all other relationships and desires.

The Cross: A Call to Commitment
Taking up one’s cross is a fundamental part of following Christ.

    In Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV), Jesus says:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

This highlights the cost of discipleship. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, to die to our own desires and ambitions, and to follow Him no matter the personal cost.

Philippians 3:18-19 (ESV) also warns of those who choose selfish gain over Christ, saying:
“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

Paul warns that those who prioritize earthly pleasures or gain, rather than Christ, are not true followers of Him.

A Call to Boldness
As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when it means facing rejection or persecution. Jesus Himself was despised and rejected, but He remained faithful to His mission.

 Isaiah 53:3 (ESV) describes Jesus as:
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”
Despite this rejection,

He did not turn back or abandon His purpose. Similarly, we are called to follow His example, embracing the rejection of the world in order to be faithful to Him.

Conclusion: The Choice Between Denial and Betrayal
In light of all this, the choice is clear: we must remain faithful to Christ, no matter the cost. Denying Christ out of fear or weakness can be forgiven through repentance, as we see in Peter’s life. Betraying Christ, however, is a more serious matter, as it involves willingly choosing personal gain over the relationship with Him.

Jesus challenges us to boldly acknowledge Him in our lives, to take up our crosses, and to prioritize Him above all else. The kingdom of heaven is not easily obtained, but it is worth everything.

As Jesus says in Matthew 16:26 (ESV):
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”

May we be faithful to Christ, following Him wholeheartedly and not denying or betraying Him for any earthly gain.

May God bless us and give us the strength to remain true to our calling.

Bible Versions Used:

• NIV: New International Version
  
  
• ESV: English Standard Version
  
  

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