BE A MOURNER
Special Teachings for Women
Jeremiah 9:20 (ESV)
But hear the word of the Lord, you women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth; teach your daughters wailing, and each her neighbor lamentation.
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Giver of Life. Welcome to this important teaching focusing on the spiritual role of women in God’s redemptive plan. This message builds on the biblical call for women to embrace a ministry of mourning, prayer, and intercession.
Understanding Barrenness in the Bible:
Barrenness in Scripture is often misunderstood. Today, we see it merely as a biological issue, but biblically, it holds deep spiritual significance. Many prominent women chosen by God were barren, including Sarah (Genesis 11:30), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Rachel (Genesis 29:31), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:5-6), Manoah’s wife (Judges 13:2), and Elizabeth (Luke 1:7). Their barrenness was not a curse but a divine appointment.
Theological Insight:
In the Old Testament, barrenness was sometimes seen as a divine act of discipline or preparation. God “shuts the womb” to fulfill His sovereign purposes (Genesis 20:18, Exodus 23:26). This is an expression of God’s sovereignty over life and the continuation of His covenant promises. These women’s barrenness prepared the way for God’s miraculous interventions and the birth of key covenantal figures—Isaac, Samuel, Samson, and John the Baptist—each pivotal in salvation history.
God’s Purpose Through Mourning and Intercession:
God calls women to be mourners and intercessors because spiritual breakthroughs often come after seasons of lament and heartfelt prayer. Mourning, biblically, is more than sorrow; it is a form of spiritual engagement where one aligns with God’s heart over brokenness and injustice (Matthew 5:4).
Why God closed their wombs:
It was to cultivate faith, dependence, and perseverance. For example, Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 1:10-11 shows deep earnestness and faith, and God rewards her faith by giving her Samuel. Her barrenness was a season of spiritual preparation, not punishment.
The Role of Women as Spiritual Catalysts:
You, as a woman, have been appointed to bear the Light of Christ into this world. Your tears, prayers, and mourning are powerful spiritual weapons that can break strongholds and bring revival in your family, church, and nation. This ministry of intercession reflects the heart of Christ, who mourned over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41).
Practical Application:
If you face delays or barrenness—whether in having children, career, health, or other areas—see this as a divine “closing” meant to redirect your heart to God. Instead of begging for specific blessings, ask God to bring revival, repentance, and transformation through you.
The Bible teaches that prayer and fasting, often accompanied by mourning, open the way for God’s mighty acts (Joel 2:12-13, James 5:16). The lack of immediate answers is not a sign of God’s neglect but a call for deeper surrender and alignment with His purposes.
The Church Needs You as a Mourner:
Without women who mourn and pray, the church is weakened. You are crucial in strengthening the body of Christ. Your prayers release God’s power to bless pastors, awaken spiritual gifts, and bring healing and restoration.
Jeremiah 9:17-21 (ESV)
“Thus says the Lord of hosts:
‘Consider and call for the mourning women,
that they may come;
and send for skillful women,
that they may come.
Let them make haste and take up a wailing for us,
that our eyes may run down with tears,
and our eyelids gush out with waters.
For a sound of wailing is heard from Zion:
“How we are ruined!
We are utterly ashamed,
because we have left the land,
because our houses have been forsaken.”
But hear the word of the Lord, you women,
and let your ear receive the word of his mouth;
teach your daughters wailing,
and each her neighbor lamentation.
For death has come up into our windows;
it has entered into our palaces,
cutting off the children from the streets
and the young men from the public squares.’”
Closing Encouragement:
Embrace this calling as a divine appointment, not a burden. God is inviting you to partner with Him in a powerful ministry of spiritual intercession. Your prayers and tears are not wasted—they are the seedbed of revival and renewal.
May the Lord empower you to fulfill this vital role, and may His grace abound in your life as you learn to mourn, pray, and intercede according to His perfect will.
Shalom.
Father, Forgive Them
Luke 23:34 (NIV) — Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Have you ever prayed for someone who has wronged you deeply?
Many Christians understand forgiveness as simply letting go and saying, “I leave them to God.” We believe God will deal with those who have hurt us. While this is true and important, this alone does not reflect the fullness of Christian forgiveness.
Biblical forgiveness is twofold: it involves personally forgiving the offender and actively praying for God’s mercy on their behalf. This echoes Jesus’ own example on the cross.
Jesus forgave those who crucified Him—those who mocked, spat on, and beat Him. Despite His personal forgiveness, Jesus knew that the divine judgment for sin still remained. God’s righteous wrath against sin had not been lifted simply by Jesus’ words alone. So, Jesus petitioned the Father: not to condemn, but to forgive them fully (Luke 23:34). This teaches us that true forgiveness includes entrusting the ultimate justice to God, while also interceding for the offender.
When you face persecution or humiliation, do not only forgive in your heart. Pray to God for the one who wronged you, asking Him to extend grace and mercy to them. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew 5:43-44, 48 (NIV) — “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven… Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
True Christian perfection involves this radical love and forgiveness, modeled supremely by Christ Himself.
Furthermore, when you forgive and pray for your enemies, you participate in God’s redemptive work. Forgiveness is not only a personal release but also a spiritual act of reconciliation. It breaks the cycle of sin and invites God’s transforming grace into the offender’s life.
If you have been hurt or mistreated, start by forgiving those who wronged you. Then, follow Christ’s example by praying for their forgiveness as well. This is how we become mature followers of Jesus—imitating His mercy, grace, and love.
Please share this message of true forgiveness with others. It is a powerful way to spread the Gospel and reflect the heart of Christ.
I Have Treasured the Words of His Mouth More Than My Necessary Food
(Job 23:12, NKJV)
I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
These words, spoken by Job, reflect the posture of a heart fully devoted to God. Job is not simply expressing his obedience; he is revealing the priority he places on God’s Word—elevating it even above his basic human need for food. This is no small statement. It’s a declaration of spiritual hunger that surpasses physical appetite.
Job’s deep reverence for God’s Word gives us a glimpse into why God Himself described Job as “blameless and upright, and one who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:1, NKJV). His spiritual discipline and integrity were rooted not in tradition or ritual, but in personal devotion and reverence for God’s revealed will.
Spiritual Appetite Above Physical Needs
In a world driven by material pursuit, Job’s example is countercultural. The natural instinct of man, as Jesus acknowledges in Matthew 6:31–32, is to worry about “what shall we eat?” or “what shall we drink?” Yet Job testifies that his deepest need was not bread, but God’s Word—an attitude echoed in Deuteronomy 8:3 and affirmed by Jesus during His wilderness temptation:
Man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
(Deuteronomy 8:3, NKJV; quoted by Jesus in Matthew 4:4)
Jesus Himself modeled this when His disciples urged Him to eat, and He replied:
My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
(John 4:34, NKJV)
This profound statement reveals that obedience to the Father was Christ’s true nourishment. It is the same spiritual hunger that drove Job to seek God not for blessings, but for relationship, reverence, and righteousness.
A Life of Spiritual Watchfulness and Integrity
Job’s life was marked by consistent spiritual discipline. He offered sacrifices not only for his own sins, but also as intercession for his children:
“Thus Job did regularly.”
(Job 1:5, NKJV)
This habit shows a man who did not merely react to life’s events, but anticipated spiritual consequences and acted proactively. He also made a covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1), lived justly toward the poor and needy (Job 31:16–22), and refused to let evil settle in his heart.
These weren’t random acts of kindness—they were the fruit of a life grounded in the fear of the Lord and rooted in God’s truth. Job teaches us that righteousness is not just about avoiding sin, but actively pursuing God’s heart.
The Call to All Believers
The Bible never identifies Job as a Jew, a prophet, or a priest. Instead, he is described simply as “a man” from Uz (Job 1:1). This reminds us that intimacy with God is not reserved for spiritual elites. Job’s story shows that anyone—regardless of title or background—can live a life that honors God deeply and authentically.
As believers under the New Covenant, we are even more privileged. We have access to the full revelation of God through Scripture and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His followers:
If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
(John 8:31–32, NKJV)
And again:
If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
(John 14:23, NKJV)
We are called to make the Word of God our home, just as Job did—treasuring it more than comfort, reputation, or even our daily sustenance.
Living Watchfully and Prayerfully
Jesus taught that spiritual alertness and prayer are essential for those who follow Him:
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
(Matthew 26:41, NKJV)
If we forget this command, we risk becoming spiritually dull—more aware of mealtimes than moments of prayer. But when our hunger for God outweighs our hunger for food, we begin to walk in the footsteps of those like Job, Daniel, and Paul—people who knew the cost and joy of spiritual discipline.
Forgiveness: A Core Command of Christ
Another test of spiritual maturity is found in how we forgive. Jesus taught clearly:
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive… neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Matthew 6:14–15, NKJV)
Forgiveness is not optional—it’s a command. It reflects our understanding of God’s grace. As Paul urges in Ephesians 4:32:
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
No matter how many times we’ve been hurt, robbed, or mistreated, we are called to remember Jesus’ words: “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22, NKJV)
God is Watching for the Devoted
The life of Job assures us that God sees and honors those who are fully committed to Him:
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
(2 Chronicles 16:9, NKJV)
May we be found among those whose hearts are loyal—those who value God’s Word above all else, and live each day seeking to fulfill His will.
May the Lord strengthen us to hunger for Him more than for food, and to treasure His Word above all things.
Shalom.
What Does the Bible Mean by “Without Human Hands”?
Understanding the Phrase Theologically
The phrase “without human hands” appears in several key biblical passages and carries profound theological meaning. It signifies divine origin, supernatural action, and God’s sovereignty operating independently of human effort or influence. This concept is crucial in understanding God’s redemptive plan and His ultimate authority over history.
1. The Messianic Rock in Daniel’s Vision
Daniel 2:34 (NKJV)
You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.
This verse appears in the context of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, interpreted by the prophet Daniel. The dream described a large statue made of various materials, symbolizing successive world empires (Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, Roman). The stone “cut without hands” represents a kingdom not founded or sustained by human power—it is divinely initiated and eternal.
Theologically, this stone points to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He is the “stone the builders rejected” (Psalm 118:22; Luke 20:17), yet He becomes the chief cornerstone of God’s kingdom. His birth was supernatural (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18–23), and His rule will not rely on worldly systems. At His second coming, He will destroy all earthly powers and establish God’s everlasting kingdom.
Daniel 2:44 (NKJV)
And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed… it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
This affirms that Christ’s kingdom is not only spiritual but also will be physically manifest in the future millennial reign (Revelation 20:4–6) and ultimately in the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1–5).
2. Divine Judgment on Earthly Power: Antiochus Epiphanes
Daniel 8:25 (NKJV)
Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.
This prophecy refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Greek ruler who desecrated the Jewish temple (circa 167 B.C.). He foreshadows the coming Antichrist. His downfall—“broken without human means”—implies divine judgment. Historical records indicate he died of a mysterious and gruesome disease, not by human force.
Theologically, this shows God’s authority over rulers and reinforces that no power can stand against Him. It also points forward to how the final Antichrist will be destroyed by the breath of Christ’s mouth (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
3. Christ as the Better Temple
The idea of “without human hands” also applies to the spiritual temple—Christ Himself and His Body, the Church.
Mark 14:58 (NKJV)
We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
This refers to Jesus’ body as the true temple (John 2:19–21). His resurrection inaugurates a new spiritual order not built by human effort, but by the power of God.
Colossians 2:11 (NKJV)
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh…
This shows that salvation and transformation come not through ritual or human works, but by divine intervention through Christ.
4. The Impending Kingdom of Christ
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return, not just to spiritually rule, but to physically reign over the earth.
Revelation 19:11–16 (NKJV) describes Christ returning as a warrior King:
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True… Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations… And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
This return will be independent of human political systems or military alliances. He alone will bring judgment and establish righteousness (Isaiah 11:1–5).
5. A Call to Live for the Eternal Kingdom
John 7:7 (NKJV)
The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.
Jesus exposes the corruption of worldly systems. Believers are urged not to place hope in temporal institutions but in the unshakable Kingdom of God.
Hebrews 11:13–16 (NKJV) describes faithful believers as “strangers and pilgrims on the earth,” seeking a “better, that is, a heavenly country.”
2 Peter 3:10–13 (NKJV) reminds us that this world will be judged by fire, and we should live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
Conclusion: Prepare for the Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
The phrase “without human hands” is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are unstoppable and not dependent on human strength. His kingdom, His justice, His judgment, and His salvation come purely by His power.
So, reflect: Are the things you’re striving for eternal, or are they fleeting? Live as a pilgrim. Invest in the eternal. Let Christ be your cornerstone. His kingdom is near—perhaps even in our generation.
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Was Mose’s Wife Black?
Was Moses’ wife black? More specifically, was Zipporah, Moses’ wife, a Kushite—a dark-skinned woman—as indicated in Numbers 12:1? And why did Miriam and Aaron become upset with Moses for marrying a Kushite woman? If Zipporah was Kushite, why does the Bible say her father, Jethro, was a Midianite—a people from the Middle East generally identified with lighter skin? Or did Moses have another wife besides Zipporah?
Scriptural Clarity on Moses’ Wife
Answer: No. The Scriptures give no indication that Moses married anyone other than Zipporah.
To better understand Zipporah’s ethnicity, let’s examine the passage:
Numbers 12:1–3 (ESV):
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, ‘Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?’ And the LORD heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.
Who Were the Kushites?
Kush is generally identified with the ancient kingdom located in what is now Ethiopia and parts of Sudan. It was known biblically for its dark-skinned people:
Jeremiah 13:23 (ESV):
Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to doing evil.
This rhetorical question underscores the permanence of the Kushite’s skin color, implying that Zipporah’s skin was likely dark, consistent with Kushite ethnicity.
The Puzzle: Midianite or Kushite?
Why then does the Bible say Zipporah’s father, Jethro, was a Midianite? The Midianites were a nomadic people in the Arabian Peninsula, generally considered lighter-skinned.
The key to this apparent contradiction lies in understanding ethnicity versus nationality. Jethro was Midianite by nationality but Kushite by ethnicity. This is comparable to a person born and raised in a foreign land adopting its nationality but retaining ethnic roots:
For example, a person of Chinese descent born and raised in Tanzania is Tanzanian by nationality but ethnically Chinese.
Similarly, Jethro was a Kushite who settled in Midian, making him a Midianite by residence and citizenship, but Kushite by birth.
Moses’ Identity and the Egyptian Connection
When Moses fled Egypt, he ended up in Midian and met Jethro’s daughters. They described Moses as “an Egyptian” because of his upbringing and appearance, although ethnically he was Hebrew.
Exodus 2:15–22 (ESV):
When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. … The priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. … When they came to Reuel their father, he said, ‘Why have you come back so early today?’ They said, ‘An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and also drew water for us and watered the flock.’ … Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.
This passage clarifies that Moses married Zipporah in Midian and lived there before God called him to lead Israel.
Why Were Miriam and Aaron Angry?
Miriam and Aaron’s complaint in Numbers 12 was not about skin color per se but about Moses marrying a foreign woman—a woman outside Israel’s ethnic and religious community.
Jewish law and tradition strongly discouraged intermarriage with foreigners, especially pagans, because of the danger of idolatry and spiritual compromise. The opposition to Moses’ marriage reflected this concern.
Theological Insight: God’s Perspective
Interestingly, God rebuked Miriam and Aaron, affirming Moses’ unique prophetic role and indicating that their complaint was unjustified.
Numbers 12:6–8 (ESV):
Hear my words: When there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles.
This emphasizes Moses’ special relationship with God, and that personal circumstances like marriage should not detract from his divine calling.
The Law and Intermarriage
Later, the Law given through Moses forbade Israelites from marrying foreigners:
Deuteronomy 7:3–4 (ESV):
You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me to serve other gods.
However, Moses’ marriage to Zipporah predates this law. Thus, he was not violating the covenant because the law was not yet given.
What Does This Teach Us Today?
Biblical Consistency: The Bible does not contradict itself but requires careful interpretation of ethnicity, nationality, and culture.
Marriage and Faith: The New Testament teaches believers not to divorce unbelieving spouses who are willing to live with them, emphasizing the sanctifying power of a believing partner.
1 Corinthians 7:12–14 (ESV):
To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. … For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband.
Marriage Within the Faith: While believers are not to abandon unbelieving spouses, the Bible also encourages believers to marry “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39), meaning marriage between two Christians sharing faith, baptism, and spiritual unity.
Spiritual Unity:
2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV):
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
This warns believers against forming binding relationships that can lead to spiritual compromise.
Final Thoughts
Moses’ marriage to Zipporah, a Kushite woman, reflects God’s providence and grace beyond ethnic and national boundaries. It challenges believers today to look beyond superficial divisions and to prioritize faith and obedience to God.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, no matter how much knowledge or wisdom you possess, without salvation you will perish. Salvation through Jesus is essential for eternal life.
Maranatha!
AVOID BEING LATE TO WORSHIP
Key Principles for Honoring God in the House of Worship – Part 2
(With theological insights and Scripture references in NKJV)
The Importance of Punctuality in Worship
Being late to a worship service may seem like a minor issue to some, but from a biblical and spiritual standpoint, it speaks volumes about our reverence for God. Scripture teaches us to honor God not only with our lips but with our actions, priorities, and time.
In Malachi 1:6 (NKJV), God says:
A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence?
Showing up late to worship is one way we unintentionally fail to give God the honor He is due.
A Sobering Example: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)
The account of Ananias and Sapphira provides a powerful example of how dishonesty and lack of spiritual attentiveness can lead to judgment:
Acts 5:1–5 (NKJV)
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it…
Peter confronts them for lying to the Holy Spirit, and both fall dead as a result of their deceit.
What’s especially striking is verse 7:
Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
This verse highlights that Sapphira was not present at the beginning of the church gathering. Had she been there, she would have known what happened to her husband. Her delayed arrival cost her the opportunity to repent. Timing in spiritual matters matters deeply.
Theological Insight: God’s Presence Is Timely and Holy
Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates that His presence and blessings often manifest at specific times:
Exodus 19:10–11 (NKJV): God told Moses to consecrate the people and prepare them in advance because He would descend on Mount Sinai on the third day.
Luke 1:8–11 (NKJV): Zechariah encountered the angel of the Lord while he was on time and in position performing priestly duties.
These examples underscore a pattern: God meets people who are prepared, punctual, and reverent.
Spiritual Consequences of Being Late
Being late may cause you to miss:
Corporate repentance or consecration prayers that open the service
Worship that invites the manifest presence of God
Spiritual impartation or prophetic words released early in the gathering
Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV) says:
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning…
If God is ready with new mercies each morning, we should be ready to receive them.
The Alpha and the Omega Principle
Revelation 22:13 (NKJV):
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
If God identifies Himself as the beginning and the end, then our full participation in worship—from start to finish—reflects His nature. To miss the beginning of worship is to miss a portion of God’s intended encounter for us.
Just as 999.99 is not 1,000, partial worship is not complete worship.
Practical Wisdom for Worshipers
Set a spiritual standard: arrive at least 30 minutes early to prepare your heart. Jesus often withdrew early to pray (Mark 1:35). Arriving early allows time for:
Prayer and personal reflection
Aligning your heart and spirit with God
Becoming sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit
Final Exhortation
God is not our guest—we are His. He deserves our best, our first, and our full attention. If we are punctual and faithful in our workplaces, how much more should we honor the One who gives us life, breath, and all things?
Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NKJV):
Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.
Let’s honor God with our time, presence, and punctuality. Doing so not only attracts His blessings, but it also reflects a heart truly devoted to Him.
Shalom.
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What Does It Mean to Observe Bad Omens?
An Exploration of Biblical Truth and Spiritual Discernment
Deuteronomy 18:10–11 (ESV)
There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortress or interprets omens, or a sorcerer
or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead.
In this passage, God issues a strong warning to the people of Israel not to participate in pagan practices common among surrounding nations. One such practice is “observing omens”, which means looking for signs in nature, events, or coincidences that supposedly reveal hidden knowledge or predict the future.
This includes superstitions like fearing black cats, owls, or bats, or believing that tripping, sneezing, or seeing certain animals is a bad sign. In many cultures today—including some Christian communities—people still fall into the trap of interpreting such occurrences as spiritual warnings. These beliefs are rooted not in Scripture, but in fear, folklore, and demonic deception.
The Heart of the Matter: Trust and Worship
Theologically, the issue at stake is trust and worship. When someone seeks meaning or guidance from omens, they are placing their trust in something other than God. The Bible says:
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Observing omens subtly shifts trust away from God’s Word and providence and turns it toward the created world, which can lead to idolatry. In fact, Scripture warns that such practices are an abomination to God:
Deuteronomy 18:12 (ESV)
For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
Christ’s Victory Over Superstition
For those who are in Christ, there is no place for fear of signs or superstitions. Jesus Christ has defeated all the powers of darkness.
Colossians 2:15 (ESV)
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
This means that, as believers, we don’t need to consult spiritualists, dream interpreters, or omens to know our future. God has already revealed all we need to know through His Word, and He guides us by His Spirit:
Romans 8:14 (ESV)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Animals and objects—such as owls, bats, black cats, and shooting stars—have no spiritual power in themselves. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to fear:
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
What Is the Real Sign of Judgment?
The true biblical “signs” that danger or judgment may be near are not found in nature, but in the moral and spiritual state of our hearts. Sin is the clear indicator of coming judgment.
Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV)
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery… envy, drunkenness… those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If someone lives in unrepentant sin—whether it’s gossip, lust, drunkenness, or idolatry—that is a far greater danger than crossing paths with a black cat. But if we walk in righteousness and our conscience is clear before God, there is no need to fear.
Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Final Warning and Encouragement
If you find yourself turning to diviners, dream interpreters, or signs to understand your future or explain your circumstances, the Bible says plainly: this is a sin that provokes God’s wrath. Instead, turn to Him in repentance, and He will lead you in peace.
Isaiah 8:19 (ESV)
And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God?
God’s will is not found in omens, but in His revealed Word. Let us turn away from all forms of occultism and trust in the Lord alone.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
May the Lord help us remain faithful, discerning, and free from every form of deception.
BAPTISM: A DIVINE SYMBOL OF SALVATION AND NEW LIFE
Many people see baptism as merely a religious ritual—but the Bible reveals it to be far more than that. Baptism represents death and life, judgment and salvation. It is a holy mystery that, when understood rightly, leads to transformation and spiritual rebirth.
Let’s explore the depth of this sacred act through Scripture.
1. Baptism Prefigured in the Days of Noah
Because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
1 Peter 3:20 (ESV)
In Noah’s time, water brought judgment upon the world—but also salvation to the eight people who believed and entered the ark. The same water that destroyed the wicked was the very means by which the faithful were preserved.
This prefigures baptism. Just as Noah was saved through water by faith and obedience, we too are saved through baptism, by trusting in Christ and entering into covenant with Him.
2. Baptism Now Saves You – But Not as You Might Think
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 (ESV)
Baptism is not a mere external washing. It is a spiritual act—a response of a heart cleansed by faith, a pledge of a good conscience toward God. It is effective because of Christ’s resurrection. Without His resurrection, baptism would have no power.
Jesus Himself affirmed the necessity of baptism:
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16 (ESV)
Salvation is not simply intellectual belief—it includes obedience. Baptism is the outward sign of inward faith, just as circumcision was for the Jews (Romans 4:11). It is the public declaration that one has died to sin and now lives for Christ.
3. Baptism is Burial and Resurrection with Christ
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:3–4 (ESV)
Baptism symbolizes our death to sin and our resurrection to new life in Christ. Going under the water is a burial of the old self; rising from it is a sign of new birth. This is why baptism by full immersion best reflects this biblical pattern—it portrays dying, burial, and resurrection.
Paul explains further:
Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12 (ESV)
Through faith, baptism unites us with the redemptive work of Jesus. It is not a work that saves on its own, but a faith-filled act of obedience that connects us with the grace of God.
4. Baptism Is Done in the Name of Jesus Christ
And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
In the early Church, baptism was always accompanied by repentance and done in the name of Jesus. This wasn’t just a formula—it was a declaration of allegiance, a renouncing of the world, and a turning fully to Christ as Lord and Savior.
This pattern continues throughout the book of Acts (Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5), emphasizing the centrality of Jesus’ name in salvation and baptism.
Conclusion: Have You Been Baptized the Biblical Way?
Have you been baptized according to the pattern revealed in Scripture—by immersion, in the name of Jesus, after genuine faith and repentance?
If not, now is the time. Baptism is not just a tradition—it is a command from the Lord (Matthew 28:19), and a vital part of entering into the kingdom of God:
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 (ESV)
Don’t delay. If you’ve believed in Jesus and turned from your sins, seek out a Bible-believing church that baptizes according to the Scriptures. If you’re unsure where to go, we’re here to help. Contact us using the details below, and we’ll guide you to a place near you.
May the Lord open your heart and lead you into the fullness of life in Christ.
YOUR HANDS ARE FULL OF BLOOD
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.
“Kiyama” – The Day of Resurrection
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.
