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Leading Stiff Necked People: A Message to Church Leaders

This teaching is especially intended for leaders in the Body of Christ whether pastors, elders, or anyone overseeing a group of people, even as few as two or three. If you have a flock under your care, this message is for you.

God’s View of Stiff Necked People

Exodus 32:9-10 (ESV):
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.’”

When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, He already knew the kind of people Moses would be dealing with. Moses may have assumed he was delivering a grateful and humble people. But the reality was far from it.

Despite witnessing astonishing miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, manna falling from heaven, water coming out of a rock, and the pillar of fire guiding them at night the Israelites still hardened their hearts. They crafted a golden calf and declared,

“This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4).

They grumbled, gossiped, rebelled, and even formed factions against their God appointed leader.

Every True Leader Will Face a Similar Test

At some point, every genuine servant of God will face a season like Moses did leading people who seem ungrateful, rebellious, and resistant to spiritual authority.

Many leaders reach a breaking point and say, “If this is what ministry looks like being betrayed, misunderstood, and repaid with rebellion then I might as well quit.” If you’ve thought that, it simply means you’re not alone, but it doesn’t mean you should quit.

God knew what kind of people Moses was dealing with“a stiff necked people.” And yet, He still gave them a shepherd. Even Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He still allowed him to walk closely with Him and be counted among the twelve.

What Does It Mean to Be Stiff Necked?

To be “stiff necked” is to be stubborn, resistant to correction, and unwilling to submit. It’s like an ox that refuses to accept the yoke from its master. These are people who, even after seeing great signs and wonders, still cling to gossip, pride, disobedience, and rebellion. And yet God entrusts such people to shepherds.

Moses dealt with idolaters, complainers, and those who quickly forgot the goodness of God.

How Did Moses Respond?

Instead of abandoning them, Moses interceded for them. Even when God was ready to destroy the people and start over with Moses, Moses pleaded for mercy.

Exodus 32:32 (ESV):
“But now, if you will forgive their sin, please do; but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.”

This is true leadership. A godly leader does not abandon their flock when they fail but goes to God in prayer, asking for grace and restoration.

A true shepherd is even willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of those under his care just as Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

Spiritual Leadership is About Grace and Truth

True leadership is not about leading perfect people. It’s about leading imperfect people toward a perfect God. A faithful leader balances grace and truth (John 1:14).

Yes, Moses interceded, but not always. There were times he allowed the judgment of God to fall. When the golden calf was made, Moses called for those on the Lord’s side to separate themselves and those who remained in rebellion were judged by the sword (Exodus 32:25–28).

This teaches us that sin should never be tolerated in the house of God. At times, correction and even separation must take place for the health of the church. Just as Paul taught:

1 Corinthians 5:13 (ESV):
“Purge the evil person from among you.”

Yet, through all this, a true leader must remain prayerful, patient, and courageous correcting in love, but also standing firmly for righteousness.

The Reward is Worth the Pain

Ministry comes with hardship, rejection, and pain but the reward outweighs the cost. Leading God’s people is one of the highest honors and the greatest expressions of love toward God.

Proverbs 14:4 (KJV):
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.”

Yes, the pen is messier when oxen are present, but they bring increase. Likewise, shepherding people is messy but it brings great eternal fruit.

To every pastor, leader, and overseer: Don’t give up. Lead with grace. Intercede like Moses. Correct when needed. And love the flock even when they have stiff necks.

This is what it means to be a faithful shepherd.

1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV):
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

May the Lord strengthen you to shepherd His people faithfully.

God bless you.


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LET YOUR LOVE CROSS BORDERS

Blessed be the Name of the Savior JESUS, our Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10).

We have not been called to love only ourselves, or to love only those who share our faith or belong to our families. Instead, we have been called to love even those who are distant from our faith, our culture, and even our ideologies. These are the people the Bible refers to as our “neighbors.”

True Love Transcends Familiar Boundaries

Jesus teaches that love should not be confined to those who already love us. In His Sermon on the Mount, He clearly explains:

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 5:46–48 (NIV)

In the Old Testament, people commonly understood their “neighbor” to mean someone from their own tribe, religion, or nation. As a result, the Israelites avoided association or fellowship with people from other nations, often viewing them as enemies. At the time, they weren’t necessarily wrong, because they didn’t yet have the full revelation of God’s love.

But when Jesus Christ came — the Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 12:24) — He brought the full truth and clarified that our neighbor is not just someone of the same tribe or faith.


Radical Love: Even for Your Enemies

Jesus corrected the limited interpretation of neighborly love and taught a new, radical commandment:

“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. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,
and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Matthew 5:43–45 (NIV)

This kind of love reflects the character of our heavenly Father — love that reaches both the just and the unjust, the good and the wicked.


Who Is My Neighbor? — Jesus’ Powerful Parable

One day, a lawyer tried to test Jesus by asking how to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him to love God and love his neighbor, he sought to justify himself by asking:

“And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:29

Jesus answered with the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37), where a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by robbers. A priest and a Levite (both fellow Jews) passed him by. But a Samaritan — considered an outsider and religious enemy by the Jews — stopped, cared for his wounds, and ensured his recovery.

Jesus then asked:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’
Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

Luke 10:36–37 (NIV)

This parable powerfully illustrates that being a true neighbor means showing mercy, not just to those within our faith or tribe, but to anyone in need, regardless of differences in background or belief.


A Call to Reflect God’s Universal Love

Jesus was teaching the Jews — and us today — that just as God makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, we too must shine the light of love, kindness, and generosity on all people — whether they are like us or not.

Limiting love based on religion, tribe, political affiliation, or race closes us off from experiencing and reflecting the fullness of God’s grace.

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High,
because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Luke 6:35 (NIV)


We Need the Help of the Holy Spirit

Let’s be honest — loving our enemies or people completely different from us is not easy. In our human strength, we can’t do it. But God hasn’t left us alone.

He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us and help us overcome our natural limitations.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Let us, therefore, pray for grace, so that we can love beyond borders, and be perfect just as our Father in heaven is perfect.


Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)

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WHAT IS WRITTEN IN THE TORAH? HOW SHOULD WE READ IT?

Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Build a habit of reading the Bible. In these last days, the devil is putting extra effort into keeping people from reading or understanding the Word. Instead, people are encouraged to just listen to sermons or receive prayers, but not to read for themselves.

The truth is: if we want to hear God’s voice clearly, the way is to read His Word. If we want to see God, the solution is to read His Word. If we want to understand God on deeper levels, the answer is to read the Bible. If we want to live a life that pleases God, it is only through reading Scripture. Never neglect it.

Let us learn from the Lord Jesus when He met the lawyer. Consider what He said:

Luke 10:25-28 (ESV/NIV)

“And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’
He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’
And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’
And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’”

Notice the words in verse 26: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

I wonder why Jesus didn’t give him a direct answer. Instead, He returned the question: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

The meaning is clear: if the lawyer did not know, Jesus wouldn’t have given him an answer outright. He would have told him to search the Scriptures. Even today, many of us ask the Lord questions whose answers are already in the Bible.

When we ask God something that’s already in His Word, He might answer us the same way He did the lawyer: “What is written in the Bible? How do you read it?”

We cannot force God to speak something He has already spoken in Scripture. When we ask for something that is already in the Bible, the response can only point us back to it: “What is written in the Bible? How do you read it?”

The one thing Satan wants us to ignore is God’s power—especially God’s power revealed in Scripture. How do we see this?

Mark 12:24 (ESV)

“Jesus said to them, ‘Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?’”

Set a schedule for studying the Bible, child of God. Don’t stop at just listening to sermons or prayers—read, read, read! There will be times when you don’t know what to do or what to pray. Those are the moments to read the Bible, and you will discover what to do and how to pray.

The prophet Daniel was wise because he studied Scripture. He knew what to do through the Word, not just by visions or dreams.

Daniel 9:2-4 (ESV/NIV)

“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.
Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.’”

Notice: reading the Bible is not just about finding a “verse of the day” to live by. Let the Word of the day be a summary of the greater portion you’ve studied.

May the Lord help us.

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The Lord bless you.


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DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY

 


DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY
(A Biblical Guide for Raising Godly Children)

As a parent, the best way to raise your child is not by indulging every desire immediately. Even if they deserve it, resist giving them everything just because you can. Godly parenting requires foresight: investing in your child’s character, discipline, and spiritual foundation now so they can stand firm tomorrow. Overindulgence can ruin not only their character but also their spiritual destiny.

Many parents fail to recognize a key biblical principle: even though a child is an heir, they must first live under guidance and discipline.

📖 Galatians 4:1–2 (NKJV)
“Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.”

God’s design is that children learn to obey and grow in wisdom before inheriting wealth or authority. A child who receives everything too soon may grow proud, irresponsible, or spiritually weak.

A wise parent does not measure love by how much wealth they spend on their child today. True love seeks to build a life rooted in God’s wisdom.

Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–31, NIV). The younger son demanded his inheritance early, left home, and squandered it in reckless living. Only when he reached rock bottom did he repent and return home. The father welcomed him with open arms, showing God’s heart of forgiveness and mercy.

Meanwhile, the older son, who had faithfully served, became resentful. Even though he had been obedient, he felt unappreciated. This illustrates that obedience and faithfulness are often tested before blessing, a principle God uses to shape character and faith.

📖 Romans 8:17 (NIV) — “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

  • Just as God’s children must endure discipline and trials, so too must human children learn responsibility before fully inheriting privileges.

Sadly, many modern parents do the opposite. They spoil their children with wealth and convenience — hiring staff to cook, clean, and serve, while the children spend hours on entertainment. This may seem loving, but it can produce modern prodigals: children who are entitled, spiritually weak, and unprepared for life.

When children misbehave, some parents hesitate to discipline them, fearing they might “suffer.” But the Bible teaches:

📖 Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) — “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

📖 Hebrews 12:7–11 (NIV) — “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. … No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Discipline is an act of love that prepares children for spiritual and moral strength. Without it, children remain vulnerable to sin and poor choices.

It is not necessary to give your child gourmet meals or satisfy every whim. Sometimes they should eat simple food — plain ugali and beans — to develop patience, gratitude, and humility. Let them experience small hardships; these are the building blocks of strength and resilience.

During school holidays, instead of beaches or parties, take your child to the village. Let them experience simple living: eat local food, fetch water, help with farming, or tend animals. Let them observe God’s creation, understand responsibility, and learn the dignity of work.

Meanwhile, a wise parent quietly prepares for the child’s future — saving, providing education, and building spiritual foundations. When the child matures, they will be capable, disciplined, and compassionate leaders, able to serve God and humanity faithfully.

True parenting is about making your child a servant today so they can become a king tomorrow. If you make them a king today, you may end up serving them tomorrow — like the elder son in the parable.

📖 Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) — “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

 


📖 Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) — “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

May the Lord bless you as you raise your children in wisdom, discipline, and godly love. Share this teaching to inspire other parents to build strong, Christ-centered families.

 

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BEING PERSUADED IS NOT ENOUGH – BELIEVE COMPLETELY!

 

When the Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and brought before kings to be judged, we see his remarkable boldness. Instead of using that opportunity to defend himself legally, he boldly preached the gospel. His message was so powerful that King Agrippa was almost persuaded to believe in Christ. Such courage is truly worth imitating.

**Acts 26:25–29 (NIV)**
25 Paul replied, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and reasonable.
26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

We notice something important here: King Agrippa was deeply moved by Paul’s words and was fully persuaded in his heart, yet he stopped short of surrendering to Christ. He ended at being “persuaded” but never truly converted. The truth is, anyone in that position is still unsaved.

This is similar to what happens today. Many people hear the gospel—they respect it, enjoy it, and are touched by it. Some even feel sorrow for their sins. But the question remains: **Have they truly accepted it and obeyed it?**

You will often hear people say:

* *“I’ve been blessed today.”*
* *“That was a powerful word.”*
* *“God help me, I’ve been touched today.”*

But, dear friend, those words do not mean you are saved. You are no different from Agrippa.

Those who are genuinely convicted by the Word always take the next step. They ask: **“Brothers, what shall we do?”**

**Acts 2:37–42 (NIV)**
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “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.
39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Did you notice? They didn’t just say, *“Thank you Peter for the word,”* or *“Be blessed, pastor.”* Instead, they responded with action—repenting, getting baptized the very same day, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching. These are the people who later carried the gospel across the world.

This is what we need to see today—a generation of believers who don’t stop at being “persuaded,” but who fully surrender to Jesus with all their hearts and lives. Not like Agrippa, who admired the message but never obeyed it.

The time for salvation is **now**. Don’t say, “Tomorrow I will give my life to Christ.” There is no salvation tomorrow—only today. Do not deceive yourself. The Lord requires action now. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). So don’t just enjoy sermons and emotional moments. The real question is: **Have you been saved? If Christ returned today, would you go with Him?**

👉 Share this good news with others.

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✝️ May the Lord bless you!

 

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ARE YOU PERSECUTING YOUR SAVIOR?

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”Acts 9:4

There are things you may do that seem right in your own eyes but in truth, they deeply grieve Christ.

The Apostle Paul formerly known as Saul thought he was doing God’s work by opposing those who followed Jesus. He was zealous, believing he was defending the faith. But what he didn’t realize was that he was actually fighting against Christ Himself.

It wasn’t until his dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus that the truth was revealed:

“And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’”Acts 9:4–5, ESV

In the original Greek, the word translated as “persecuting” also carries the idea of “causing suffering” or “harassing.” Jesus was telling Saul: “You’re not just opposing people you are attacking Me.”


TWO GROUPS WHO PERSECUTE CHRIST TODAY

1. Unbelievers Who Oppose the Church

Paul is a prime example of a religious person who didn’t know Jesus, yet aggressively opposed those who did. He dragged Christians out of their homes, imprisoned them, and even supported their execution (see Acts 8:1–3).

Today, there are still people governments, communities, even individuals who:

  • Oppose true churches,
  • Speak against God’s servants,
  • Mock or physically harm believers.

But what they may not realize is that in doing so, they are persecuting Christ Himself.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”Matthew 25:40, ESV

If you’re in this category whether by actions, words, or attitudes repent today. Turn to Jesus and receive His mercy. Don’t continue fighting the very One who died to save you.


2. Believers Who Fall Away and Return to Sin

There’s another way people “persecute” Christ and it comes from within the Church.

This happens when someone has truly received salvation, experienced the Holy Spirit, and tasted the goodness of God’s Word but then willfully returns to their old sinful life.

“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened…and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”Hebrews 6:4–6, ESV

This is not just “backsliding” it is re crucifying Christ, treating His sacrifice as something cheap. It’s not just a mistake; it is spiritual rebellion.

When you, as a believer:

  • Go back to sexual immorality,
  • Indulge in drunkenness and worldly pleasures,
  • Treat sin casually…

you are wounding the Savior who died for you.

It’s like a child striking his own father. Isn’t that a curse?


STOP PLAYING WITH SIN

Don’t grow comfortable in sin just because you’re “already saved.” The sins of a believer are not like the sins of the world they are acts of spiritual betrayal.

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”Hebrews 10:26, NIV

So ask yourself honestly:

Did you receive Christ just to wound Him again?


RETURN TO HOLINESS

Repent sincerely. Return to Christ before your heart becomes too hard to feel conviction.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”Hebrews 12:14, ESV

Love righteousness. Pursue a holy life. Jesus didn’t die so we could live like the world. He died to set us free from sin.

  • Unbelievers persecute Christ when they attack His Church.
  • Believers persecute Christ when they return to sin after knowing the truth.
  • Whether you’re in the world or in the Church, if your life is grieving Christ, repent.
  • Choose holiness. Follow Jesus with sincerity. Don’t be the one who brings sorrow to the One who saved you.

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Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

When Mary was visited by the angel and told of things that were humanly impossible, she responded in a most extraordinary way. She did not argue. She did not resist or oppose the purpose and plan of God for her life even though it far surpassed her human understanding. On the contrary, she embraced it. And not with shallow words or surface agreement, but with a confession of servanthood. She said:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
(Luke 1:38, ESV)

In other words, she was saying: If this task requires me to serve as a slave, then so be it I am willing.

Let’s revisit the passage:

Luke 1:34-35, 38 (KJV)
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary becomes a perfect model not just for godly women but for the entire Church of Christ. Her example shows the kind of obedience the Lord desires from all who revere Him.

Despite the fact that this calling was, by human standards, impossible, and even though she knew it could bring shame and public disgrace, she still accepted God’s plan. She knew that becoming miraculously pregnant would make people assume the worst that she had committed adultery. She knew there were serious responsibilities ahead. Still, she received the purpose of God, a purpose far beyond her ability.

Mary didn’t make the mistake Moses did, telling God to “send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). She didn’t resist the calling like Jonah, fleeing to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Instead, she received the divine assignment with greater devotion than a slave she gave her whole self.

No wonder the Lord granted her such great grace.


God Looks for Willingness Over Ability

Dear brother or sister, the Lord is looking more at your willingness than at your natural ability. He values your obedience more than your age, experience, or qualifications.

Every believer today, under the New Covenant, has been called to do great things just as Mary did. There is no one who is exempt from the high calling of God, because our God is the God of the impossible:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
(Luke 1:37, ESV)

The only reason many do not see great results in their spiritual lives is because our faith is weak. What is required is a complete surrender to God.allowing Him to work through us, beyond our own understanding.

It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, educated or not, rich or poor.what matters is that you, like Mary, surrender yourself fully to whatever purpose God has for your life.

If you have the opportunity to pray for the sick, do it. If you can share the gospel on the streets, in marketplaces, at sports grounds, do it. In these moments, the Lord will reveal Himself to you in extraordinary ways and all glory will go to Him.


God Uses Weak Vessels

Never forget: God has chosen to use weak and ordinary vessels to fulfill His perfect purposes.

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
(1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV)

So let us, like Mary, say from the heart:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Amen.

May the Lord bless you.


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Consider It in Your Heart

Blessed be the name of our Lord JESUS.

God often speaks to us in our hearts, but many times we fail to pay attention to His voice. As a result, we end up in unnecessary troubles and hardships.

The consequences of ignoring God’s voice are serious. Let us learn from the story of the prodigal son, who demanded his inheritance from his father.

Luke 15:11–13

“Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.’”

The son ignored the inner voice of wisdom and chose the path of self-indulgence. Scripture continues:

Luke 15:14–16

“After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”

But then comes the turning point:

Luke 15:17–18

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.’”

The phrase “when he came to his senses” or literally “when he considered in his heart” shows us that God had already been speaking to him inwardly for a long time. His conscience was warning him that the path he had chosen was wrong, but he kept ignoring it—until the day he finally decided to listen.

This is how God speaks to us today. Sometimes it is through His Spirit nudging our conscience, reminding us: “Do not go that way. Do not continue in that sin. Turn back to God.” But many of us harden our hearts and refuse to pay attention.

The Bible says:

Proverbs 23:26

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.”

The Lord does not merely want our outward actions, but our hearts. When we ignore His voice, we walk into destruction. But when we yield, repent, and return to Him, we experience restoration—just like the prodigal son.

Think about the examples:

  • Jonah ignored God’s voice and ran away, only to face storms and the belly of a great fish (Jonah 1:3–17).

  • Israel ignored the prophets, and judgment came upon them (2 Chronicles 36:15–16).

But God is merciful. If you choose today to pay attention to His voice, He will welcome you back with open arms.

Hebrews 3:15

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

So listen to the voice that urges you to pray, to fast, to study the Word, to forgive, to serve God, or even to leave a place or relationship that is not pleasing to Him. Ignoring that voice leads to pain, but obeying it brings life and blessing.

May the Lord help us to always consider His voice in our hearts.

If you desire to receive Jesus Christ into your life, open your heart to Him today.

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Break Up the Fallow Ground of Your Heart

Hosea 10:12 (ESV)

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”

We are living in a season where seeking God cannot be superficial. The Word of God compares us to farmers sowers with the intent to harvest what we plant.

But no wise farmer simply throws seeds on hard, unbroken ground and expects a fruitful harvest. A true farmer, especially one planting grain, will take a strong plow and dig deep into the soil. Sweat pours from his brow as he works hard to break the ground even if it is dry, rocky, or tough so that the seeds can take root and produce fruit.

The Spiritual Plowing: A Call to Deep Devotion

This is exactly what God is calling us to do:

“Break up the fallow ground of your hearts, for it is time to seek the Lord.”

To seek the Lord is to dig deep.

That means:

  • If it’s prayer, it’s fervent, extended prayer, not just a quick blessing over your morning tea.
  • If it’s studying the Word, it’s daily, intentional meditation, not just waking up to one verse or passively listening to sermons on YouTube.
  • If it’s worship, it’s dwelling in God’s presence deeply and consistently, not just attending service for routine’s sake.

This is the kind of spiritual digging God desires where we put in effort, time, and sacrifice.

Superficial Christianity Is Costly

When we choose to live a shallow Christian life, we suffer great loss. Superficial soil allows the birds (Satan) to steal the Word before it can take root (see Matthew 13:4, 19).

Matthew 13:19 (ESV)
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.”

If your spiritual life is shallow, your seed will be stolen. You will miss out on fruitfulness, intimacy with God, and the strength to endure trials.

Jesus Is Coming Soon Are You Ready?

Understand this: Jesus is coming back soon.
Have you truly gone deep in Him? Are you earnestly seeking Him with all your heart? Are you spiritually prepared for His return?

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Revelation 19:7 (ESV)
“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.”

No one will casually enter Heaven. It is a prepared place for a prepared people.


So, break up your ground.

Get the plow of prayer.
Dig with the shovel of the Word.
Saturate the soil with worship and obedience.
Now is the time to seek the Lord before it’s too late.

Isaiah 55:6 (ESV)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”

May the grace of the Lord cover you and empower you to dig deep.


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The Author of the Song of Songs

The author of the book known as Song of Songs (also called Song of Solomon) is Solomon, the son of David, as indicated in the very first verse of the book:

“The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.”
Song of Songs 1:1 (ESV)

King Solomon was divinely gifted with great wisdom and understanding. Scripture records that he composed a vast number of proverbs and songs:

“He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.”
1 Kings 4:32 (ESV)

Among all the songs Solomon wrote, this particular one was considered the best thus its title, “The Song of Songs” (i.e., the greatest song). This phrase follows a Hebrew superlative pattern, much like the expressions:

  • “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15)
  • “Holy of holies” (Exodus 26:33–34)

Such expressions are used to emphasize supremacy or excellence. Therefore, just as the “King of kings” is the highest of all kings, the “Song of Songs” is the finest among songs.


The Song of Songs  More Than Poetry

This book stands as one of Solomon’s most profound writings, carrying deep wisdom inspired by God. On the surface, it is a poetic dialogue exploring the love between a bride and her bridegroom, filled with vivid imagery, passion, and devotion.

However, throughout church history, theologians have also recognized that this book symbolizes the spiritual relationship between Christ and the Church between the Bridegroom (Christ) and His Bride (believers).

This aligns with New Testament themes, such as:

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.”
Revelation 19:7 (ESV)

So while The Song of Songs is a celebration of romantic love in marriage, it also foreshadows the divine love Christ has for His people a covenant love that is eternal, faithful, and intimate.

To explore more in depth insights into this book, including its connection to other wisdom books of Solomon, click here:
📖 BIBLE BOOKS SERIES: Part 11 (Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes)

You may also explore the following thematic lessons found within this rich and poetic book:


1. What Does “Do Not Awaken Love Until It Pleases” Mean?

Song of Songs 2:7

“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem… that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”

This speaks to the importance of waiting for the right time for love a call to patience, purity, and honoring God’s timing in relationships.


2. Don’t Delay  Open Your Heart to Love

Love requires a heart that is ready and willing. Delays in vulnerability or holding back emotionally can hinder the beauty of genuine connection, both in human relationships and in our walk with Christ.


3. Different Seasons  The Changing Nature of Love

Just as nature changes, so do the seasons of love. Understanding that love can grow, be tested, and mature helps believers navigate the dynamics of marriage and faith alike.

“For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.”
Song of Songs 2:11


4. The Wonder of Christ’s Covenant Love

The love of Christ is not based on emotion alone it is a covenant. This book reflects that sacred commitment, reminding us that Jesus’s love for us is unwavering and sacrificial.

“Set me as a seal upon your heart… for love is strong as death.”
Song of Songs 8:6

May the Lord bless you as you seek to understand the depth of His love through this sacred book of Scripture. May your heart be awakened to the intimacy, faithfulness, and beauty of Christ’s covenant with His people.

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