Title Rose Makero

In the Bible, the term “fortress” is often used to describe a place of safety, security, and refuge. One of the most notable references comes from the Psalms and other writings of David.

For example, in 2 Samuel 22:2, David declares:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (ESV)

David’s comparison of God to a fortress draws from the understanding of fortresses in ancient times. These were strongholds built to protect a city or nation from invaders. A fortress typically had high, thick walls that were difficult to breach. There were also guard towers where watchmen kept a constant lookout for enemies, and if danger was spotted, the people would retreat inside the fortress for protection.

In ancient Israel and other civilizations, a fortress was not just a building but a symbol of safety, strength, and security in times of danger. The fortress was the last line of defense, a place where one could find protection from those who wished harm.

Here are a few Bible verses that mention the concept of a fortress:

Psalm 18:2: “T

he Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (ESV)

This verse emphasizes God as not just a fortress, but a complete source of defense—our rock, shield, and stronghold.

Psalm 71:3: “

Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” (ESV)

Here, the Psalmist refers to God as a “rock of refuge,” a constant place to which one can return for protection and deliverance.

Psalm 144:2: “

My lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the one in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me.” (NKJV)

In this verse, David highlights multiple attributes of God—His lovingkindness, fortress, and deliverance—all qualities that make God a source of ultimate security.

These verses show that, for David, the fortress was not a mere physical building, but a spiritual reality symbolizing God’s protection, strength, and trustworthiness.

What About Us? What is Our Fortress?

For us, as believers in Christ, there is only one true fortress—JESUS CHRIST. No matter how powerful, wealthy, or influential we become in this world, if we do not have Christ as our fortress, we cannot stand against the spiritual forces of evil.

In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul writes:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

(NKJV) This reveals the nature of the battle we face—it’s not against physical enemies, but against spiritual forces, and only Christ can provide the ultimate protection.

John 10:28-29 assures us of Christ’s protective power: “

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

(ESV) This passage highlights the security we have in Christ—no external force can remove us from His protective care.

Jesus Himself speaks about being our refuge in Matthew 11:28, where He invites us:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (ESV)

In Christ, we find peace and protection from the struggles and dangers of life.

Jesus as Our Fortress
Jesus is not only our fortress, but He is our rock, shield, and refuge. The Psalms often speak of God as a “rock” or “refuge,” and Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of these roles.

In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul writes, “..

.and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” (ESV)

Jesus is the Rock that provides spiritual sustenance and protection.

Jesus is our true and lasting fortress because He secures our salvation.

Hebrews 6:19 states: “

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (NIV)

Christ, as our fortress, is the foundation upon which our lives are built, offering us not just protection in this life, but eternal security in Him.

Why is Christ Our Only Fortress?
Without Christ, we are vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, who seeks to destroy and deceive us.

John 10:10 tells us: “

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (ESV)

The enemy’s intention is to rob us of life, but in Christ, we find life and protection.

No matter how strong or safe our earthly circumstances may seem, without Jesus, we have no true security.

Psalm 127:1 says,

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (ESV)

This reminds us that true security comes only from God. Without Him, our efforts are futile.

What Should We Do?
If you are still outside of Christ, you are vulnerable to the spiritual attacks of the enemy.

2 Corinthians 6:2 urges: “

For he says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

The time to seek refuge in Christ is now. These are perilous times, and only in Christ can we find lasting protection.

If you are ready to repent and make Jesus your fortress, He will become your ultimate refuge and protection.

As Romans 10:9 says: “

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.” (ESV)

Prayer of Repentance
If you are ready to accept Christ as your fortress and savior, open your heart to Him today. Click here for the prayer of repentance and further guidance.

May God bless you abundantly

The Bible teaches us that animals, like humans, are created by God, and they experience pain and suffering. Since God is the Creator of all things, He cares deeply about how we treat His creation, including animals.

Romans 8:22 –

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (NIV)

This verse highlights that the entire creation—animals, nature, and humanity—is affected by the brokenness of the world, as a result of sin. Just as we suffer, animals experience pain. Therefore, causing unnecessary harm to them contradicts God’s will to protect and care for His creation.

The Bible allows for two primary reasons why it might be necessary to kill or discipline an animal:

1. For Food or Essential Use

It is permissible to slaughter animals for food or when necessary for survival. This is not seen as sinful, as God provides animals for our sustenance. In the Old Testament, God gave specific instructions regarding the use of animals for food:

Deuteronomy 12:15 –

“Nevertheless, you may slaughter your animals in any of your towns and eat as much of the meat as you want, as if it were gazelle or deer, according to the blessing the Lord your God gives you.” (NIV)

Here, God provides a way for His people to use animals for food, and this practice is not sinful as long as it is done with respect for God’s creation. Similarly, trade and other necessary uses of animals for livelihood are also acceptable in God’s eyes.

2. For Protection or When Animals Cause Harm

The Bible also allows for the killing of animals when they pose a danger or cause harm. This can include wild animals or domestic animals that have become a threat. The Bible clearly lays out the principle of justice and protection in such cases:

Exodus 21:28-29 –

“If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned, and its owner also must be put to death. However, if the ox has had a habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox is to be stoned and the owner also is to be put to death.” (NIV)

In this case, an animal is held accountable for its actions, and its owner is responsible if they failed to prevent harm. This emphasizes the importance of justice in the treatment of animals, particularly when they endanger human life. Similarly, harmful pests such as snakes, rodents, and insects that spread disease can be removed or killed as a protective measure.

However, the Bible does not allow cruelty or unnecessary harm to animals. If an animal is not a threat, there is no justification for harming it.

Theological Insights: The Importance of Compassion for Animals

God’s creation includes both humans and animals, and He has made us stewards of the earth.

Genesis 1:26 says, “

Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” (NIV)

This verse emphasizes humanity’s role as stewards or caretakers of the earth. As stewards, we are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for God’s creation, which includes showing kindness and respect to animals.

Psalm 24:1 also reminds us, “

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (NIV)

God owns everything, including animals, and as humans, we are accountable to Him for how we treat them. This means that cruelty toward animals is not just an ethical issue; it is a theological one, as it goes against God’s command to care for His creation.

The Example of Balaam and His Donkey

In Numbers 22:21-29, we see an interesting story where Balaam’s donkey sees an angel of the Lord blocking the road. Balaam, not seeing the angel, strikes the donkey in frustration. God then opens the donkey’s mouth, and it asks Balaam why he is beating it. The Lord rebukes Balaam, showing that He does not condone the unnecessary suffering of animals.

Numbers 22:28 –

“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’” (NIV)

This story illustrates that even when we don’t understand why an animal behaves in a certain way, we should not resort to violence. God cares for all creatures, and He expects us to do the same. Balaam’s actions were unjust because the donkey had done nothing wrong.

A Blessing for Kindness to Animals

In addition to the prohibition against cruelty, the Bible also highlights the reward for showing kindness to animals. One notable example is found in Deuteronomy 22:6-7, where God instructs His people to show compassion to a bird by not taking the mother bird along with her young:

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 –

“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother bird is sitting on them or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. Let the mother go, and take the young. Do this so that it may go well with you and you may live long.” (NIV)

This small act of mercy—allowing the mother bird to go free—comes with a promise of blessing and long life. This is an example of how God rewards those who treat animals with kindness.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that God cares for all of His creation, and we are called to be good stewards of it. While it is acceptable to use animals for food and protection, unnecessary harm or cruelty is not in line with God’s will. God wants us to show kindness and respect to His creatures, reflecting His love and compassion. When we treat animals well, we honor God as the Creator of all things.

Shalom.

The Bible often uses animals symbolically to teach spiritual truths. Among these, ayala (doe), gazelle, and deer are mentioned several times, especially in poetic or wisdom literature. But what exactly are these animals, and what do they represent spiritually?

1. Ayala – The Doe

An ayala is a female deer or antelope, often associated with grace and agility. In Hebrew, the word “ayalah” refers to a graceful animal that is swift and elusive. It is frequently mentioned in Scripture as a symbol of beauty and tender affection.

Psalm 42:1 (NKJV) –

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”

Here, the psalmist compares his deep longing for God to a thirsty deer seeking water. This is a powerful image of spiritual desire and dependence.

2 Samuel 22:34 (NKJV) –

“He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.”

This portrays God giving strength and stability to the believer, just as deer are sure-footed even in rough terrain.

2. Gazelle – The Swift and Beautiful

The gazelle, known in Swahili as paa, is another type of antelope. It is admired for its speed and elegance. In biblical poetry, it often represents youthful beauty and vitality.

Acts 9:36 (NKJV) –

“At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas (gazelle). This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.”

The name Dorcas (Greek for gazelle) signifies not just physical grace, but spiritual beauty—seen in her acts of kindness and service.

In Song of Solomon, the gazelle symbolizes romantic love and tenderness:

Song of Solomon 2:9 (NKJV) – “

My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he stands behind our wall…”

This shows how Scripture uses natural imagery to express affection and admiration in godly relationships.

3. Deer – The Strong and Noble

The deer, or kulungu, is another antelope-like creature found in cooler climates. It is known for strength, awareness, and resilience. Spiritually, it represents those who are quick to obey God and who possess alertness to spiritual realities.

Habakkuk 3:19 (NKJV) – “

The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”

This reflects a believer’s ability to rise above difficulty and move with divine strength.

4. Mentioned Together in the Bible

These animals appear together in royal and poetic texts. For example, they were part of King Solomon’s provision:

1 Kings 4:22–23 (NKJV) –

“Now Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty kors of fine flour, sixty kors of meal, ten fatted oxen, twenty oxen from the pastures, and one hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fatted fowl.

Their inclusion signifies luxury, abundance, and the beauty of God’s creation even in provision.

5. Spiritual Lessons from These Animals

These creatures are not just mentioned for their physical traits—they represent spiritual virtues, especially in the context of youth:

• Beauty and Strength – Youth is marked by energy, attractiveness, and zeal. But these should be directed toward righteousness.

• Speed and Alertness – Just as antelopes are quick and watchful, so believers should be quick to flee sin and pursue holiness.

2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV) –

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

Here, Paul instructs young believers to redirect their passions toward godly virtues.

And again, the Bible warns against awakening romantic or physical desires prematurely:

Song of Solomon 2:7 (NKJV) –

“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.”

This calls for patience, self-control, and emotional purity.

Final Word: A Call to Youth and All Believers

The Bible uses animals like the ayala, gazelle, and deer to symbolize qualities that are pleasing to God—grace, spiritual thirst, purity, and strength. As young people especially, we’re encouraged not to chase the desires of the flesh but to pursue the beauty of holiness and righteousness.

Maranatha – The Lord is coming.

“I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.”
— Song of Solomon 2:1, NKJV

This poetic verse from the Song of Solomon contains rich symbolism. It mentions two types of flowers:

1. The Rose of Sharon, and

2. The Lily of the Valleys

Each of these carries spiritual significance and has been interpreted by many theologians to represent aspects of Jesus Christ, especially His beauty, humility, and accessibility to all.

If you’d like to explore more about the Rose of Sharon, you can read about it [here] >> Rose of Sharon.
But for now, let’s focus on the Lily of the Valleys.

What is a Lily?

The lily is a delicate, beautiful flower that thrives in valleys and gentle hillsides — low places. In contrast to the Rose of Sharon, which grows in open plains, the lily’s preferred environment symbolizes humility, gentleness, and quiet beauty.

In biblical times, lilies were often associated with purity and grace. Jesus referred to lilies in His teachings to illustrate God’s provision and care:

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
— Luke 12:27, NKJV

Who Does the Lily Represent?

The lily of the valleys is often interpreted as a symbolic description of Christ Himself. He is the one who descended into the “valleys” of human suffering and sorrow. He did not remain distant or exalted, but came down into our brokenness. This reflects the incarnation — God becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14).

Jesus is both:

• The Rose of Sharon – glorious, majestic, exalted

• The Lily of the Valleys – gentle, humble, close to the lowly

He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). His presence covers the heights and the depths of life. Whether we are in a high place or the lowest valley, Christ is there.

Just like a lily attracts the eye with its beauty and fills the air with fragrance, Jesus draws people to Himself with His love, compassion, and truth. As Scripture declares:

“He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend.”
— Song of Solomon 5:16, NKJV

Why Does This Matter?

Knowing Christ as the Lily of the Valleys reminds us that He is present in our hardest moments, not just in times of joy. He is the Savior who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15), who was “despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” (Isaiah 53:3, NKJV)

And yet, He offers us rest, peace, and salvation.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28, NKJV

Will You Come to Him?

If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus, you are missing the most vital relationship in life. He offers not religion, but rest for your soul — forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and eternal life.

Receive Him today.

Maranatha — The Lord is coming!

What Is Revelation?

In biblical terms, revelation refers to God making Himself, His will, or His truth known to human beings—truths that were previously hidden or not fully understood.

The word “reveal” comes from the Latin revelare, meaning “to uncover.” Spiritually, it is when God allows us to understand a truth that we couldn’t grasp on our own. This kind of understanding comes through the work of the Holy Spirit, not through human intellect alone.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”
— Proverbs 25:2

“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV)

When you read the Bible and suddenly understand something in a way you never did before, especially concerning Christ, salvation, or the nature of God, that’s a form of divine revelation. For example, when you begin to grasp the power of Jesus’ blood—not just as a concept, but as a spiritual truth that changes your life—that’s revelation.

As your understanding grows, so does your faith. Paul says:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
— Romans 10:17

Why Revelation Matters

Spiritual revelation empowers us to live victorious lives. It helps us pray more effectively, resist sin, and walk in the truth. A believer who receives revelation about God’s power and promises lives with greater authority than someone who only has head knowledge.

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
— John 8:32

Revelation strengthens our walk with God and gives us spiritual tools to fight the enemy.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
— Hosea 4:6

True vs. False Revelation

Not every so-called revelation is from God. There are true and false revelations. Any insight from God will always align with the entire message of Scripture. It will never contradict God’s Word.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

False revelations often twist Scripture or add to it, which is dangerous.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
— Galatians 1:8

So how can we tell if a revelation is true? Test it:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
— 1 John 4:1

How Can We Receive Revelation?

There are two main ways to receive true revelation from God:

1. Reading and Meditating on God’s Word

The most foundational way to receive revelation is by reading the Bible for yourself. God reveals His truth through His written Word.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105

Sadly, many believers depend solely on preachers, Christian entertainment, or social media posts instead of going directly to the Word. But without personal study, it’s easy to be misled.

Jesus emphasized the narrow path:

“Enter by the narrow gate… because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
— Matthew 7:13–14

To walk this path, you must know the Word. That means reading entire books of the Bible systematically, not just jumping from verse to verse. Don’t just “browse” the Bible like a preacher preparing a quick sermon—study it slowly and thoroughly.

For example, if you begin reading Genesis, take your time. Meditate on the first 10 chapters. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand. Don’t skip parts that seem hard or boring, like genealogies; they have purpose. God often reveals insights in places we least expect.

As you read, also use Bible maps (often found in the back of printed Bibles) to understand where events took place. This will deepen your understanding of biblical history and geography.

This kind of consistent, humble reading is what opens the door to true revelation.

2. Listening to Biblical Teaching—With Discernment

God can also reveal truth through the preaching and teaching of others. But this method comes with a warning: not all teaching is true.

“For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine… they will gather around them teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
— 2 Timothy 4:3

False teachers are more common than true ones. That’s why you must first read the Word yourself. Then, when you listen to a sermon or watch a teaching video, you’ll be able to test what is being taught.

A wise method is this: study a topic on your own in Scripture first. Then, if something is unclear, seek trustworthy pastors or biblical resources to help you dig deeper. Don’t search for answers on topics you haven’t studied at all—you’re more likely to be deceived.

Jesus gave a serious warning:

“Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
— Luke 8:18 (NIV)

This means if you go looking for truth without a foundation in God’s Word, you may lose even the little truth you had. False teaching can steal it from you.

Imagine walking through a chaotic city like Kariakoo without knowing where you’re going. You could easily be misled or robbed. In the same way, you must know where to find truth in the Bible before you go searching for more from others.

Let the Holy Spirit Teach You

The Holy Spirit is the true teacher of revelation. Jesus promised:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…”
— John 14:26

But the Holy Spirit needs willing hearts—people who hunger for the truth and take time to seek God’s Word.

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.”
— Hebrews 5:11 (NIV)

Let’s not be lazy in spiritual things. Let’s give the Holy Spirit room to work by spending time in the Word.

A Final Word

If you haven’t yet received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, know that He is coming soon:

“For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”
— Hebrews 10:37

Today is the day to draw near to Him. He is ready to reveal His truth to those who seek Him with all their heart.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
— James 4:8

May the Lord bless you and open your heart to receive true revelation through His Spirit and His Word.

Jesus gives a profound warning in Luke 12:58–59:

“As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

At first glance, it seems Jesus is simply giving practical advice about settling legal disputes quickly. But when we study the context and the spiritual implications, we realize He is speaking about something much deeper: final judgment before God.

Many believers assume that the only accuser we have is Satan. Indeed, 1 Peter 5:8 warns us:

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

And Revelation 12:10 calls Satan “the accuser of our brothers and sisters,” who accuses them before God day and night. But in Luke 12, Jesus is not speaking about Satan. He is speaking about spiritual accusers—those who will testify against us at the final judgment.

We see an example of this in John 5:45–46, where Jesus says:

“Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.”

Here, Jesus was talking to the Jews who claimed to follow Moses and the Law, yet rejected Him. He tells them that Moses—whom they claim to follow—will stand as their accuser on the Day of Judgment, because they failed to obey what Moses actually taught. They misunderstood the Law and missed the very One to whom the Law pointed.

This is why Jesus urges His listeners in Luke 12 to “be reconciled with your accuser” before reaching the Judge. The Judge in this parable represents God, and the accuser represents anyone or anything that holds a true testimony against us according to God’s Word—whether it be the Law, the prophets, the apostles, or even the Gospel itself.

Once you stand before God in judgment, there will be no more negotiation, no chance for repentance. Judgment will be final. The “officer” in Jesus’ words represents God’s holy angels, who carry out divine judgment (cf. Matthew 13:41–42). The “prison” is symbolic of eternal separation from God—hell.

Jesus says:

“You will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
This shows the eternal consequence of rejecting truth. Since no one can repay the debt of sin on their own, that “last penny” can never be paid—meaning the punishment is eternal (see Romans 6:23).

Who Are Our Accusers Today?

Just as Moses was an accuser to the Jews in Jesus’ time, we today have other potential accusers. If we claim to be Christians—followers of Christ—we must live according to the teachings of the apostles and prophets, as the Bible says in Ephesians 2:20:

“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

But many who claim Christ ignore what the apostles taught. The very Scriptures we claim to believe may rise to accuse us on the Last Day. The words of Paul, Peter, John, and others in the New Testament will testify either in our favor or against us—depending on whether we obeyed the Gospel.

This is why Hebrews 12:14 tells us:

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

Now—while we are still alive and on the way—is the time to be reconciled:

• Reconciled with God through faith in Jesus.

• Reconciled with the truth of Scripture.

• Reconciled with those we’ve wronged.

We must repent, believe the Gospel, and be sealed with the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 1:13). This is how we prepare ourselves for the Day of Judgment.

Will the Gospel Accuse Us?

Yes—if we ignore it. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 2:16:

“This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.”

Paul makes it clear that the Gospel itself will be the standard by which God judges humanity. If we have heard it but rejected it, that very Gospel will testify against us.

So, What Should We Do?

The big question is: Are you saved?
Are you certain that if you died today, you would be with the Lord? If not, now is the time to repent. Turn your life over to Jesus and let Him cleanse you. These are the last days. We all know it. We’re living on borrowed time.

Jesus is coming soon. The Rapture could happen at any moment. Now is the time to wake up, take up your cross, and follow Christ. Focus on what matters most—your eternal destiny. Everything else can wait.

Let us lay aside the burdens of this world for a moment, and prioritize our relationship with God. Let us be reconciled with our accusers before it’s too late.

Shalom.

For a long time, I believed that anyone who had demons would inevitably experience some dramatic manifestation. I thought if there was no visible sign, then the person didn’t have demons. However, I’ve come to realize that this understanding is not correct. The truth is, anyone who is not in Christ, for one reason or another, has a demon living inside them. This could be true whether they know it or not, and whether the demon manifests or not.

The Bible teaches us this truth. The apostle Paul warns in Ephesians 6:12 that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This highlights that the spiritual battle is real, even if we don’t see it with our eyes. Not every demon that encountered Jesus visibly manifested, or was cast out in a loud, dramatic way as we often expect. Let’s take a look at a passage of Scripture. You might have read it before, but there’s something in it that you might not have noticed. Let’s read it together:

Luke 13:10-13
“On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,
11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bent over, and could in no way raise herself up.
12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said, ‘Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.’
13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”

In this passage, we see Jesus addressing the spiritual root of the woman’s illness. Jesus recognized that her physical ailment was linked to a demonic spirit of infirmity. This aligns with Luke 4:18, where Jesus states, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Jesus came to set people free from both physical and spiritual oppression.

This woman’s condition was hidden behind her physical weakness, and the demon didn’t cause a big scene. It didn’t shout or manifest in the dramatic way we might expect. Jesus, however, saw through that. He called the woman over, laid His hands on her, and immediately, she was healed. The demon left, and the woman was made whole.

The interesting thing is that when the demon left, the woman didn’t experience any dramatic reaction. She didn’t fall to the ground or scream. She only realized the demon had left because of the sudden physical changes she began to feel in her body. This shows that demons can exist without outward signs, but when Jesus intervenes, the change is profound.

Here’s the point I want to make: the powers of darkness don’t pick and choose who to enter

. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

As long as you are outside the “dominion of Christ Jesus,” there is always a place where a demon can dwell. It could manifest in illness, addiction, sinful behaviors like immorality or theft, gossip, or even certain negative habits that control your life

. Romans 6:16 teaches us,

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

” These powers take root in your life through sin, and they can remain hidden for a long time.

And many times, you won’t even realize it until Jesus comes to save you

. John 8:36 says,

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

” When you surrender to Christ, His power to set you free becomes evident, and the chains of darkness are broken.

However, if you are in Christ and saved, demons have no power over you.

1 John 4:4 affirms,

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

” Once you are in Christ, you are no longer under the influence of demonic forces. The authority of Christ in you is greater than any demonic power.

So, if you’re reading this and you haven’t yet accepted Christ into your life, you may not have realized that dark spirits are influencing your life in some way. But now you know the truth. The only way to break free from these spirits is by surrendering to Jesus

. Colossians 1:13-14 says

, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

” Through His blood shed on the cross, He has the power to remove all curses, break the chains of sin, and drive out all the foreign spirits that live inside of you. But you must be willing to repent, surrender your life to Him, and commit to following Him fully, without turning back.

Acts 3:19 tells us

, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” If you do this, He will forgive you completely.

If you’re ready for this, I invite you to pray this short prayer, knowing that God hears you and that He will begin a new work in your life from today. Open your heart to Him.

Prayer for Salvation:

Father God,
I come before You, acknowledging that I am a sinner and that I have sinned against You in many ways. I know that I deserve judgment. But You, my God, are merciful, and You said in Your Word that You are a God of mercy, who shows compassion to thousands who love You. Today, I come before You asking for Your forgiveness and help. I repent of all my sins with a sincere heart. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that He is the Savior of the world. I ask for the blood of Your Son to cleanse me and remove all my sin from within me. Make me a new creation today and forever.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for accepting me and forgiving me.

Amen.

If this prayer came from your heart, know that this is just the first step toward true freedom in Christ. The next step for you is to receive the proper baptism, which is by full immersion in water (John 3:23) and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we see in Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, and 19:5. Once you do this, Jesus Himself will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19 gives us the command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

.” Once you are baptized, you will receive the Holy Spirit, who will empower you to live a victorious life in Christ.

If you are ready for this step, please reach out to us. You can contact us through inbox or by calling these numbers: +255693036618 / +255789001312. We are here to help you with the next steps in your salvation journey.

God bless you