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.
THE GARMENT OF JESUS CANNOT BE DIVIDED
Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we draw closer to the return of Christ, it is vital that we examine the Scriptures with a discerning heart. Today, let us meditate on a seemingly small detail in the crucifixion narrative that carries a profound theological message: the seamless robe of Jesus.
1. The Crucifixion and the Garment
At the foot of the cross, the Roman soldiers carried out a brutal routine. After crucifying Jesus, they divided His clothing into four parts one share for each soldier. However, when they came to His inner garment a tunic they discovered it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. Not wanting to tear it, they cast lots to determine who would take it.
John 19:23–24 (NIV):
“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another. ‘Let’s decide by lot who will get it.’
This happened so that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, ‘They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.’ So this is what the soldiers did.”
2.Significance of the Seamless Robe
This robe is more than a historical artifact it carries symbolic and theological weight.
- Unity and Wholeness:
The robe’s seamlessness represents the indivisible nature of Christ’s person and mission. It points to the oneness and integrity of the gospel message, which cannot be fragmented to fit personal preference or cultural convenience. - Fulfillment of Prophecy:
The soldiers’ actions fulfilled Psalm 22:18, a messianic prophecy:
“They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”
- This underscores that every detail of Jesus’ suffering was foreseen and ordained.
- Christ’s Righteousness as a Garment:
The robe also serves as a metaphor for the righteousness of Christ, which believers receive through faith. This righteousness is not something we can divide or selectively adopt. It must be received in full.
Isaiah 61:10 (NIV):
“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness…”
3. The Indivisible Gospel and Christian Life
In our time, many professing Christians attempt to divide the “garment” of salvation seeking only the parts that are convenient or comfortable:
- They desire forgiveness but reject repentance.
- They accept the title “Christian” but resist the call to holiness.
- They want grace but not submission, blessings but not obedience.
But the seamless robe of Christ teaches us that salvation is a whole, not something we can tailor to our liking.
James 2:10 (NIV):
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
Holiness is not optional; it is essential to the Christian identity.
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.”
4. The Garment and the Bride of Christ
The Church is called the Bride of Christ. Only those who are clothed in Christ’s righteousness fully and without compromise will be part of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Revelation 19:7–8 (NIV):
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
Being ready means being clothed fully, not half-covered in compromise or self-righteousness. There is no room for lukewarmness.
Revelation 3:15–16 (NIV):
“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.”
5. A Call to Undivided Commitment
As we live in the Laodicean age a time marked by spiritual complacency and compromise we must make a clear decision to take up the whole garment of Christ. You cannot be half a Christian. Either you wear the full garment of salvation or you don’t wear it at all.
Romans 13:14 (NIV):
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Just as the soldiers could not divide the tunic of Jesus, we cannot divide His call. To follow Him is to surrender all.
Maranatha!
The time is short. Christ is coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). The only way to be ready is to be clothed in the seamless garment of His righteousness whole, pure, and undivided.
Let us not be found wearing only part of it. Let us surrender fully to Christ and walk in His holiness.
Revelation 22:12 (NIV):
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus!
What Does the Bible Mean by Saying “There Are Six, Yes Seven”?
Question: What does the Bible mean when it says, “There are six, yes seven”? Why doesn’t it just say seven outright, instead of first mentioning six and then adding seven?
Answer: This phrase reflects a common ancient Hebrew literary style known as numerical climax or inclusio. It’s a way of emphasizing the final item in a list by first stating a certain number, then adding one more to show that the last is especially important or significant.
In the original Hebrew texts, repeating numbers this way serves to draw special attention to the final point often the most critical or weighty. The expression “six, yes seven” means: if you think the list ends at six, be aware there is a seventh, which surpasses the rest in significance.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV):
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict among brothers.”
This passage reveals God’s moral standards. The seven things listed summarize behaviors that disrupt relationship with God and others, with the seventh sowing discord among brothers being the gravest offense. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on community harmony and peace.
Proverbs 30:18-19 (NIV):
“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:
19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the sea, and the way of a man with a young woman.”
Here, Solomon marvels at the mysteries of life and relationships. The “four” represents a crescendo highlighting the complexity and wonder of human relationships, especially between a man and a woman, which is deeper and less predictable than natural phenomena.
Proverbs 30:29-31 (NIV):
“There are three things that are stately in their stride, yes, four that move with stately bearing:
30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king whose army cannot be counted.”
This section celebrates majesty and dignity, culminating with a king an earthly authority who commands respect and power. The addition of the fourth item underscores leadership’s significance in God’s created order.
Proverbs 30:15-16 (NIV): Highlights insatiable things, emphasizing human limits and natural forces.
Job 5:19 (NIV): “He will rescueWhat Does the Bible Mean by Saying “There Are Six, Yes Seven”? you from six troubles; in seven no harm will touch you.” God’s protection is complete and beyond what one might expect.
Amos 1:3-4 (NIV): The prophetic judgment against Damascus uses the “three… four” pattern to stress certainty and severity of God’s punishment.
The Importance of the Final Item
The repeated pattern points to the final item as the climax the key truth to grasp. Theologically, this reminds believers to pay special attention to the concluding teaching, often carrying the weight of the entire passage.
Love
Even though the Bible lists many qualities important for spiritual maturity, it emphasizes that love (agape) is supreme.
2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV):
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
6 and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This passage highlights the progressive growth of Christian character. The final and greatest virtue love binds all others together and is the ultimate mark of Christlikeness (see also 1 Corinthians 13). Without love, other spiritual gifts or qualities are incomplete.
Do you have God’s agape love in your heart?
To learn how to receive and cultivate this selfless, unconditional love, visit:
https://wingulamashahidi.org/2020/12/21/nitaupataje-upendo-wa-ki-mungu-ndani-yangu/
God bless you.
DON’T TURN BACK BY TRUSTING IN YOUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS
A Message on Guarding Your Blessings and Walking in Obedience
1. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The Christian life is a spiritual battle. The Bible clearly warns us that our adversary, the devil, is actively seeking to destroy God’s people.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8, NIV
Satan is constantly seeking to derail believers not merely through temptation, but by using subtle strategies to rob them of their blessings, disrupt their destiny, and cause them to fall out of alignment with God’s will.
2. Satan’s Strategy: Not Always Witchcraft, But Separation from God
Contrary to popular belief, Satan doesn’t always use witches or sorcery to steal our blessings. Many waste time rebuking external enemies while overlooking the real battleground: our obedience and intimacy with God.
“There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel.”
Numbers 23:23, NIV
God’s promises to His people are secure. No curse or spell can cancel what God has declared. However, Satan can cause you to forfeit your blessings not by overpowering God, but by seducing you away from Him.
When believers fall into sin or pride, trusting in their own righteousness instead of daily surrendering to God, they step outside the realm of God’s protective favor. It’s in that vulnerable state that the enemy gains access.
3. God Can Revoke Promises When We Turn Back
Yes, God can cancel promises made to an individual if they abandon the path of righteousness. His blessings are conditional on continued obedience.
“If I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered; but in his injustice that he has done he shall die.”
Ezekiel 33:13, ESV
This passage makes it clear: past righteousness does not guarantee future favor. If we begin to trust in our history with God while living in sin today, we disqualify ourselves from receiving what was once promised.
4.Revoked Blessings
a. King Saul
Saul was chosen and anointed by God to be king (1 Samuel 10:1). Yet, due to his disobedience, God rejected him.
“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
1 Samuel 15:23, NIV
The kingdom, which was promised to Saul and his lineage, was taken away and given to David.
b. The Israelites in the Wilderness
God promised to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land (Exodus 3:17), yet because of their rebellion and unbelief, an entire generation perished in the wilderness.
“Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.”
Numbers 14:30, NIV
5. The Real Danger: Spiritual Complacency
When we start relying on our past faithfulness, rather than actively walking in obedience today, we give Satan room to work. The enemy’s goal is not always to curse us but to cool our passion, cause us to compromise, and gradually draw us away from God.
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
1 Corinthians 10:12, NIV
6. A Call to Genuine Repentance and Restoration
Even if you’ve fallen or forfeited a promise, hope is not lost. God, in His mercy, allows restoration for those who genuinely repent and return to Him.
“But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die.”
Ezekiel 18:21, NIV
“None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them.”
Ezekiel 33:16, NIV
Repentance must be genuine not just seeking blessings, but seeking to be reconciled with a holy God. That includes:
- Turning away from sinful behavior (Acts 3:19)
- Making restitution where possible (Luke 19:8–9)
- Walking in humility and holiness (Micah 6:8)
7. Baptism: The Next Step After Repentance
Jesus made it clear that baptism is a necessary response to saving faith.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:16, ESV
Biblical baptism is done by full immersion in water (Acts 8:38–39) and in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38), signifying death to sin and new life in Christ.
8. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Restoration
When you return to God, He not only forgives you are given the Holy Spirit, who leads you into all truth (John 16:13) and restores what was lost.
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…”
Joel 2:25, NIV
The Spirit will help you walk in obedience, and in due time, you will begin to see God’s promises unfold again in your life.
9. You Don’t Need a Prophet You Need a Relationship
You don’t need someone to lay hands on you or shout declarations over your life. What you truly need is to repair your relationship with God. Once that is restored, the blessings and promises will follow.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33, ESV
Keep Walking in Obedience
Never assume a promise from God is automatic. The fulfillment of His word is conditional on continued faithfulness.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7, NIV
If you’ve gone astray, return today. Repent, be baptized, walk in holiness, and let the Spirit guide you. Your crown can still be restored.
“Let no one take your crown.”
Revelation 3:11, NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you in His truth.
YOU WILL SEE GREATER THINGS THAN THESE
By the grace of God and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be glorified forever. Welcome, as we take time to study the Word of God together.
The Barrier of a Divided Heart
Many times, the greatest hindrance to experiencing the fullness of Christ is not external opposition but our own hearts. Scripture warns us against being double minded:
“He is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:8 (NKJV)
When we have divided loyalties or hidden hypocrisy, we close ourselves off from the deeper revelations of Christ. Today, we’ll examine two contrasting groups: the Pharisees, who were religious but spiritually blind, and Nathanael, a disciple who received profound revelation because of the integrity of his heart.
1.Seeking Signs, Missing the Savior
In Matthew 12, the Pharisees demanded a miraculous sign to prove Jesus’ authority:
“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.’
But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.’”
Matthew 12:38–39 (NKJV)
Jesus rebuked them, not because asking for a sign is inherently wrong (cf. Judges 6:36–40), but because their hearts were unbelieving and hypocritical. They had witnessed miracles, healings, and exorcisms, yet refused to believe (Matthew 12:22–24). Their demand for signs came from a heart unwilling to repent, not a heart seeking truth.
Jesus gave them only one sign the sign of Jonah, which foreshadowed His death, burial, and resurrection:
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish,
so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)
This was a messianic prophecy of the resurrection the ultimate sign validating His divine identity (Romans 1:4).
For more on the sign of Jonah, read:
The Dangers of Seeking Signs
2. Nathanael: A Heart Without Deceit
In contrast to the Pharisees, Nathanael exemplifies what it means to have a sincere, truth seeking heart. When he first hears from Philip that the Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth, he is skeptical but not cynical:
“And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’
Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’”
John 1:46 (NKJV)
This question reflects cultural and prophetic expectations Nazareth was not considered a significant or prophetic place (see Micah 5:2, which points to Bethlehem). But what sets Nathanael apart is his willingness to investigate, rather than reject, something that didn’t align with his assumptions.
When Jesus sees him coming, He immediately discerns his heart:
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him,
‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’”
John 1:47 (NKJV)
The Greek word for “deceit” is dolos, which refers to guile, trickery, or hidden motives. Nathanael had none of that. He was sincere in his pursuit of truth and because of that, Jesus revealed something deeply personal to him:
“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
John 1:48 (NKJV)
This moment of supernatural knowledge convinced Nathanael of Jesus’ divine identity:
“Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
John 1:49 (NKJV)
Then Jesus makes a remarkable promise:
“Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe?
You will see greater things than these.”
John 1:50 (NKJV)
This echoes the biblical pattern that faith precedes greater revelation. God reveals more to those who are willing to believe the little He first shows them.
3. God Reveals Himself in Levels
Jesus does not reveal Himself equally to everyone. Though He preached to multitudes, His deepest teachings were reserved for His disciples (Matthew 13:10–11). Even among the disciples, there were inner circles (e.g., Peter, James, and John) who witnessed events others didn’t (Mark 5:37, Mark 9:2, Luke 8:51).
Similarly, not everyone recognized Him, even when He was in their midst:
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.”
John 1:10 (NKJV)
This shows that intimacy with Christ is conditional it depends on the posture of our hearts (James 4:8, Psalm 24:3–4).
4. Barriers to Revelation Today
Even today, many believers miss out on a deeper walk with Christ due to religious tradition, pride, or denominational loyalty. Like the Pharisees, some reject clear biblical truths simply because they don’t align with their church background.
For example:
- The Bible teaches baptism by full immersion (Acts 8:38–39, Romans 6:4), but some insist on infant sprinkling something never practiced in the New Testament.
- The Bible teaches that idolatry is detestable to God (Exodus 20:4–5, 1 John 5:21), yet many still venerate images.
- Jesus is clearly the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12), but some still believe there are alternative paths.
When we prioritize tradition over truth, we become like those in Jesus’ time who “made the word of God of no effect through [their] tradition” (Mark 7:13).
5. Walking in Higher Realms of Revelation
If we want to experience greater things such as divine insight, spiritual gifts, deeper intimacy with Christ, and heaven opened over our lives we must return to pure, obedient faith:
“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine…”
John 7:17 (NKJV)
We must:
- Believe in the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly
- Study and obey the Scriptures without compromise
- Remove deceit, pride, and denominational prejudice from our hearts
- Be willing to follow truth wherever it leads, even when uncomfortable
When we do, we stand in the same place as Nathanael ready to see heaven opened, and Christ revealed in ways beyond what we’ve ever known.
Jesus Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)
The same Christ who promised Nathanael, “You will see greater things than these,” is still making that promise today to anyone with a sincere and humble heart.
If we obey His Word and walk in truth, we too will experience the unveiling of heaven, angelic encounters, divine direction, and an ever deepening relationship with the risen King.
May the Lord bless you and open your eyes to see greater things.
Who Is Blind but My Servant?
QUESTION: What does this passage mean?
Isaiah 42:19-20 (NIV)
“Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send?
Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the Lord?
You see many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.”
In this passage, Isaiah speaks prophetically about Israel, God’s chosen people, whom He calls His “servant.” The “servant” motif in Isaiah is rich in meaning, representing not only Israel but also the coming Messiah (see Isaiah 42:1-4). Here, the “blindness” and “deafness” are not physical but spiritual conditions an inability or unwillingness to perceive God’s truth despite their privileged position as His covenant people.
This spiritual blindness is tragic because Israel had been the first to witness God’s mighty acts, receive His Law, and understand His covenant (Exodus 19-24). Yet, instead of responding with faithfulness, many turned to idolatry and injustice (see Hosea 4:1-3). Isaiah’s words underline the tension between privilege and responsibility.
Historical and New Testament Fulfillment:
This spiritual blindness persisted into the New Testament era. Despite their deep knowledge of Scripture and prophetic promises about the Messiah, many Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus Christ. They knew the Old Testament prophecies but failed to recognize their fulfillment in Him.
Jesus addresses this in John 9:39-41 (ESV):
“Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.’
Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, ‘Are we also blind?’
Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, “We see,” your guilt remains.’”
Here Jesus uses spiritual sight as a metaphor for understanding and accepting God’s revelation. Those who acknowledge their blindness are open to God’s grace, but those who claim to “see” while rejecting Him remain guilty.
Sadly, this spiritual blindness is not confined to biblical times. Today, some who claim to be God’s servants fall into similar traps treating the gospel as a means to material success or social status, rather than a call to repentance, faith, and transformation (cf. Matthew 6:24). This distorts the heart of the gospel message and leads to a form of profound spiritual blindness.
This aligns with Jesus’ warnings against the religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees, as well as His critique of “hired hands” who lack genuine care for God’s flock (John 10:12-13).
Prayer:
May God grant us spiritual insight and humility to recognize our need for Him, so that we may truly see and hear His Word, remaining grounded in Scripture and faithful to the gospel.
Shalom.
Is It a Curse to Be Hated Just Because You’re Poor?
This is a question many have wrestled with does being poor mean you are under a curse? Or is poverty inherently shameful, especially when it seems to result in rejection from others?
Proverbs 14:20 (ESV)
“The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.”
And again:
Proverbs 19:4 (ESV)
“Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.”
These verses, written by King Solomon, reflect a realistic observation of human behavior, not divine commands or moral imperatives. Solomon, known for his unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 3:12), wrote much of the book of Proverbs not to issue commands, but to record principles, patterns, and realities of life. These are not laws or instructions, but insights drawn from human experience.
For example, if someone today says, “Kind people often get taken advantage of,” it doesn’t mean they are advising people to stop being kind. Rather, they are pointing out a pattern that can be observed in life, regardless of whether it’s just or fair.
The same applies to Solomon’s proverb in Proverbs 14:20 it’s not a call to pursue wealth in order to be accepted, but a sobering reflection of how society often treats people based on their status or resources.
Not Every Proverb Is a Command
Some misread the Proverbs as if every statement is a direct command from God. But that’s a misunderstanding of biblical genre. Proverbs are general truths, not universal guarantees. They are observations that are usually true, not promises that are always true.
Solomon clarifies this in another proverb:
Proverbs 28:6 (ESV)
“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
Here, Solomon affirms that integrity is more valuable than wealth. This verse directly contradicts any notion that wealth automatically equates to blessing or approval in God’s eyes.
This affirms the biblical truth that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), not at external status or possessions.
The Poor Often Go Unnoticed, Despite Their Wisdom
Solomon also highlights how society often disregards the wisdom of the poor, even when it is life-saving:
Ecclesiastes 9:14–16 (ESV)
“There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.”
This passage demonstrates that being poor does not mean one is lacking in value, intelligence, or divine favor. On the contrary, it shows how true wisdom can come from the most overlooked individuals. But due to social prejudice, their wisdom often goes unrecognized.
Yet Solomon concludes:
Ecclesiastes 9:18 (ESV)
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”
This wisdom has eternal worth, even if it’s ignored in this world.
True Riches Are Found in Wisdom and Integrity
Solomon consistently elevates wisdom and righteousness above material gain:
Proverbs 16:16 (ESV)
“How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
And again:
Ecclesiastes 4:13 (ESV)
“Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.”
These verses counter worldly thinking. According to Scripture, true wealth is spiritual wisdom, understanding, integrity, and the fear of the Lord.
The Christian Calling Includes Rejection
In the New Testament, Jesus makes it clear that following Him often leads to rejection, not popularity:
Luke 21:16–17 (ESV)
“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.”
Jesus never promised His followers a life of ease or universal acceptance. Instead, He warned that the world would hate them, just as it hated Him (John 15:18–19).
Being poor or rejected for Christ’s sake is not a curse it is a mark of faithfulness.
Spiritual Riches in the Midst of Earthly Poverty
To the church in Smyrna, Jesus says:
Revelation 2:9–10 (ESV)
“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. … Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Here, we see that poverty in the eyes of the world is not how God measures wealth. Jesus calls this persecuted, impoverished church rich, because they are rich in faith and perseverance (see also James 2:5).
The rejection or hatred one may experience due to poverty is not a curse, and it is certainly not a sign that one is outside God’s favor. Rather, it is a reality of life in a broken world a truth Solomon observed, and Jesus confirmed.
But the good news is this: God sees, God knows, and God rewards.
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Let us, therefore, seek wisdom over wealth, integrity over popularity, and faithfulness over comfort. In Christ, we are already rich beyond measure.
May the Lord bless you and give you strength to remain faithful, whether in abundance or in need.
