Can a woman give birth without experiencing labor pains? That would be a strange and unnatural thing. Why? Because labor pains are part of the divine design for bringing forth life.
Even the Bible acknowledges this divine pattern:
“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; Before her pain came, She delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.”
This prophetic imagery refers not only to Israel’s restoration but also illustrates a spiritual principle: for new life to be born whether physical or spiritual there must be pain, labor, and sacrifice. No one comes into this world without someone else suffering for them. And the same is true in the spiritual realm.
This principle is mirrored in salvation history. Christ Himself labored in Gethsemane, sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44), and suffered on the cross to give birth to the Church (Acts 20:28). So, it follows that anyone brought into Christ must also come through spiritual labor someone paying a price in prayer, tears, and discipleship.
The Apostle Paul understood this deeply:
“My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.”
The Greek word used here for “labor in birth” is ōdinō (ὠδίνω), which literally means to feel the pains of childbirth. Paul is not just expressing emotion he’s pointing to the spiritual agony and intercession required to disciple others into maturity in Christ (cf. Colossians 1:28-29).
These Galatian believers had received the gospel but were turning back to the Law. Paul, like a spiritual mother, says he must go through the pain again to see them restored to the image of Christ. This is not just evangelism this is spiritual formation.
Just like in natural childbirth, spiritual travail has defining traits:
Spiritual birthing always begins with tears. Before revival or repentance comes to a person, a family, or a nation, there must be deep intercession.
“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
This wasn’t mere preaching. It was preaching with weeping the fruit of burdened prayer. Paul’s tears were an extension of Christ’s heart for the lost (cf. Matthew 9:36). Today, many want to see transformation in their homes or churches but are not willing to pray through the night, fast, and weep over lost souls.
Natural childbirth carries risks pain, bleeding, even death. Likewise, spiritual travail draws the attention of the enemy. Satan resists the birth of new life because every soul delivered from sin is a soul snatched from his dominion (Colossians 1:13).
“…The woman, clothed with the sun… Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth… And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.”
This imagery shows the constant battle between the Church (the woman) and the devil (the dragon). Whenever you intercede for someone’s salvation, don’t be surprised if opposition comes emotional discouragement, strange delays, health challenges, or relational conflicts. These are often strategic distractions from the enemy.
But the power within you is greater:
“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Don’t be discouraged when the person you’re praying for seems unresponsive. Don’t stop just because they start resisting. Spiritual birth is a battle, and perseverance is part of the process.
Labor is painful but the result is pure joy.
“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.”
This is what happens when someone truly comes to Christ not just emotionally moved, but spiritually reborn. That’s when every tear, every prayer, and every sacrifice feels worth it. The burden is replaced by rejoicing, and even heaven celebrates:
“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
So I ask: Where is your labor?
Can you look at anyone today and say, “This is my spiritual child. I travailed for them in prayer. I discipled them in Christ”? Or have you simply passed by, said “Jesus loves you,” and led them in a short prayer then left them to figure it out?
Too many claim to have “accepted Christ,” but show no evidence of new life. Why? Because they were never spiritually born, only emotionally influenced.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
True conversion produces transformation a new life, a new heart, a new direction.
Spiritual parenting is not casual it is costly. It means teaching, praying, following up, fasting, and loving consistently. It means refusing to give up until Christ is formed in them.
This is what Jesus did for us. This is what Paul modeled for the Church. And this is what we are called to do for others.
May the Lord give you gracefully.
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Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 — Understanding “For Out of Prison He Came to Be King”
Ecclesiastes 4:13 (NIV)
“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.” Verse 14: “[For] he came out of prison to become king; even though he was born poor in his kingdom.” Verse 15: “I saw all the living who walk under the sun, how they were held fast by the young man, the second who stood in his place.”
“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.”
Verse 14: “[For] he came out of prison to become king; even though he was born poor in his kingdom.”
Verse 15: “I saw all the living who walk under the sun, how they were held fast by the young man, the second who stood in his place.”
Verse 16: “Those who come after will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
Verse 13 emphasizes the supreme value of wisdom over human titles, age, or status. In biblical theology, wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but the ability to live rightly before God and others. The verse contrasts a poor but wise youth with an old and foolish king who refuses to accept correction. This rejection of counsel is a serious spiritual flaw (cf. Proverbs 1:7; 9:10), as wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and a humble heart willing to learn (Proverbs 13:1).
Biblical examples of foolish rulers who ignored divine warnings include Rehoboam (1 Kings 12), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4, early reign), Belshazzar (Daniel 5), Ahab (1 Kings 16-22), and Herod (Acts 12). Their stubbornness brought judgment and calamity on their nations, showing how vital it is for leaders to remain humble and obedient to God.
Verse 14 highlights the paradox of worldly success and divine sovereignty. The “young man who came out of prison to become king” likely alludes to figures like Joseph (Genesis 41), who was imprisoned unjustly yet raised to Pharaoh’s right hand, and David, a shepherd boy who became king despite humble origins (1 Samuel 16). This illustrates that God’s providence is not limited by human status; He exalts the lowly and humbles the proud (Psalm 75:6-7; Luke 1:52).
This verse warns against assuming success is guaranteed by birth or rank. True elevation comes from God’s sovereign hand, not merely human achievement.
Verse 15 describes the fleeting nature of human allegiance. After one ruler rises and gains loyalty, another soon follows, and people transfer their support. This portrays the transient and unstable nature of earthly power (cf. Psalm 146:3–4). Even the strongest leaders cannot hold favor forever, for all are subject to change and eventual replacement.
Verse 16 concludes with the sobering truth that no human reign brings lasting joy or satisfaction. The preacher calls it “vanity” (Hebrew hevel), a key theme in Ecclesiastes meaning “meaninglessness” or “breath” something fleeting and insubstantial (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12). The phrase “striving after wind” echoes human efforts to find lasting significance in earthly things, which ultimately fail.
This passage reminds believers that earthly honor, status, and success are temporary and often unpredictable. Human praise is unreliable and fades with time. The ultimate source of true wisdom and lasting security is God (Proverbs 2:6).
The cyclical rise and fall of leaders point to the vanity of placing hope in mortal rulers. Instead, Christians are called to place their hope in Jesus Christñ the eternal King who alone is wise, just, and faithful forever (Revelation 19:16). Unlike earthly kings, Jesus never loses favor, never grows tired, and offers eternal life to all who trust in Him (John 10:27-30; Hebrews 13:8).
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, this is an invitation to open your heart to Him, receive His wisdom, and find eternal life (John 1:12).
May the Lord bless you richly as you seek true wisdom in Him!
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Song of Solomon 2:10-13 (ESV)
“My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.’”
Just as creation moves through seasons winter, spring, summer, and fall our relationships and spiritual lives experience different seasons as well. These natural cycles reflect God’s ordained order and timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1), reminding us that change and growth are part of life.
In the Old Testament era, God’s people often faced harsh “winters” in their spiritual walk times marked by struggle, exile, and separation from God due to sin and the enemy’s influence. The presence of Satan brought hardship and confusion (cf. Job 1-2; Zechariah 3:1-2). They were still learning to fully know the character and redemptive plan of God.
Then Jesus Christ came, the promised Messiah (Isaiah 53), who through His death and resurrection fulfilled God’s plan to redeem humanity and defeat sin and death (Hebrews 9:12-15). He proclaimed Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), signifying His authority to bring true rest—not merely physical rest, but rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28-30). This rest is a gift of grace through faith, breaking the bondage of sin and spiritual weariness.
The invitation in Song of Solomon echoes Christ’s call to His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27), to arise from spiritual dormancy and come into the refreshing and renewing presence of God’s love. “The winter is past” signifies the end of hardship and the beginning of new life, symbolizing resurrection and renewal (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Accepting this invitation means entering into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus—a relationship that brings eternal life, peace, and hope beyond the temporary struggles of this world (John 10:10; Romans 15:13).
These are perilous times, filled with deception and spiritual darkness (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The world’s ways cannot truly save or satisfy the soul. But by turning to the Savior and following Him, we receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:16), and experience the fullness of joy and peace found only in Him (Philippians 4:7).
Shalom—peace and wholeness to you.
Based on Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (ESV)
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is as strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned.”
Theologically, this sealing points to the Holy Spirit’s role as the seal of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30). The Spirit guarantees our identity as God’s children and secures our inheritance in Christ.
The Seal of the Holy Spirit Receiving Christ’s love means being sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), which manifests as inward transformation and outward holiness (2 Corinthians 5:17). This seal is God’s mark of ownership and protection until the day of redemption.
Inner and Outer Transformation True faith involves both heart and deed (James 2:17). Some profess faith verbally but deny it by their works (Titus 1:16). Genuine love for Christ changes the whole person.
Security in Christ’s Love Romans 8:35-39 (ESV) assures believers that no trial or power can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This is the foundation of Christian hope and perseverance.
The covenant love of Christ is powerful, all-consuming, and eternal. It marks believers inwardly and outwardly by the Holy Spirit’s seal and secures them through every trial. Nothing in all creation can overcome this divine love.
May we all embrace this marvelous covenant and walk in the fullness of Christ’s love.
Be blessed!
Song of Solomon 5:2-6 (ESV)
“I was asleep, but my heart was awake. Listen! My beloved is knocking. ‘Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one, for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the drops of the night.’ I had taken off my robe should I put it on again? I had washed my feet should I soil them again? My beloved thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him. I rose to open for my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the bolt. I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn and was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I sought him but did not find him; I called him but he gave no answer.”
This passage from Song of Solomon serves as a powerful allegory of Christ’s pursuit of the believer’s heart. The bride represents the soul longing for communion with Christ, the Beloved. Her sleep symbolizes spiritual slumber or delay in responding to His call, while her heart remaining awake signifies a yearning or sensitivity to His presence (cf. Romans 13:11 “It is high time to wake from sleep”).
The Beloved knocking illustrates Christ’s patient and persistent invitation to fellowship (Revelation 3:20), revealing the grace and mercy of God who continually seeks a relationship with His people despite their hesitation.
The bride’s hesitation questioning whether to put on her robe again or soil her feet represents the conflict between remaining in a state of separation or sin, and the willingness to respond to God’s call (cf. Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:7).
When she finally rises to open, her hands dripping with myrrh (a fragrant resin used in worship and anointing) symbolizes preparation, devotion, and the costly effort of true repentance and openness before God.
However, the Beloved’s withdrawal before she opens is a sobering reminder that delays in responding to God’s call can lead to missed opportunities for intimate fellowship (Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door”).
Revelation 3:20 (ESV): “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” This verse emphasizes Christ’s initiative in salvation He patiently knocks, but it requires our willing response to open the door of our hearts.
Many delay due to worldly distractions or false security, waiting for “the right time” to surrender. This is dangerous because Scripture warns that the moment of salvation is urgent and unpredictable.
Luke 12:36-40 (ESV) exhorts believers to be spiritually vigilant and ready at all times, since Christ’s return may come unexpectedly.
The invitation is clear: Open your heart to Christ now. Do not procrastinate. Salvation is a present reality, but grace is not guaranteed forever (cf. Hebrews 3:7-8).
Delaying risks losing the intimate fellowship Christ desires, and the bride’s sorrow reminds us of the pain of missed opportunity.
If you feel the Lord knocking at your heart today, respond immediately. You don’t have to wait until life feels perfect or circumstances change. Jesus calls you now.
If you’re ready to receive Him as your Savior, please contact us for free prayer support and guidance. We are here to help you walk this new path of faith.
May God bless you richly as you respond to His loving call.
Song of Songs 3:1-4 (ESV)*\[1] At night, while lying in bed, I looked for the one my soul loves; I searched for him but didn’t find him.
\[2] So I got up and walked through the city streets and squares, searching for the one my soul loves. I looked for him but still couldn’t find him.
\[3] The city’s watchmen saw me as I wandered the streets and asked, “Have you seen the one my soul loves?”
\[4] Just as I was passing them, I spotted him! I held him tight and refused to let go until I brought him home to my mother’s house the place where I was born.
Theological Reflection:The Song of Songs is often misunderstood as a purely romantic or marital poem. However, within Christian theology, it is frequently interpreted allegorically to reveal the intimate relationship between Christ (the Bridegroom) and the Church (His bride). This passage reflects the mutual seeking of love God’s pursuit of humanity and our response in seeking Him.
The Bible consistently portrays God’s desire for a personal, covenantal relationship with His people. This relationship is founded on love, obedience, and intimacy. The imagery of the bride searching for her beloved mirrors the believer’s spiritual journey at times feeling distant from God but called to actively pursue Him (cf. Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart”).
In this passage, the woman’s urgent, persistent search illustrates *faith in action*. She does not remain passive despite spiritual “darkness” or dryness but actively seeks restoration of the relationship. This teaches believers that spiritual vitality requires intentional pursuit through prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation, and seeking godly counsel.
The “watchmen” represent spiritual authorities or obstacles that may seem to guard access to God, yet God’s grace breaks through these barriers for those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 4:16).
Jesus’ teaching in Mark 2:18-20 reinforces this dynamic of relationship: fasting (a form of spiritual discipline) is not appropriate while Christ is physically present with His disciples symbolizing the joy of intimate fellowship. However, after Christ’s ascension, fasting and earnest seeking become necessary to maintain and deepen that fellowship in His physical absence.
The passage challenges believers not to settle for a passive or one-sided relationship but to “respond with the love you’re searching for.” True Christian love is reciprocal and active, fueled by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
Practical Application:
If you feel spiritually dry or distant from God, don’t simply wait passively. Like the woman in the Song, get up and seek God with all your heart.
Engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, Bible study, and fellowship to restore intimacy with Christ.
Seek godly counsel and community when you feel lost or spiritually weak.
Remember that God is always pursuing you, but He also calls you to actively respond and deepen your love and faith.May this encourage you to pursue the Lord with a passionate, seeking heart, knowing He delights to be found by those who earnestly seek Him (cf. Proverbs 8:17).
Bible version:English Standard Version (ESV) you want, I can add specific
cross-references or expand any part further!
Shalom
Answer: To begin, it is essential to define who a Christian is. A Christian is someone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repented genuinely of their sins, been baptized as a public declaration of that faith, and received the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).
Because Christ dwells within a born-again believer, it is theologically impossible for that person to be possessed by demons. Jesus Christ is holy and pure, and His presence expels all demonic influences. Scripture affirms this:
1 John 4:4 (NIV) “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” This verse teaches that the indwelling Holy Spirit is far more powerful than any demonic spirit active in the world. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV): “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” Here, Paul stresses that righteousness (light) and wickedness (darkness) cannot cohabit the same person.
These passages make it clear that a genuine believer cannot harbor demonic spirits within them.
It is critical to understand the biblical distinction between demonic possession and demonic oppression or attack.
Demonic possession implies a spirit controls and lives inside a person. This is impossible for the indwelt believer because of Christ’s presence.
Demonic oppression or attack refers to external harassment or influence by demonic forces that attempt to trouble or distract the believer.
1. Lack of Understanding of Spiritual Authority
Many believers are unaware of the authority Christ has given them over demonic powers. Jesus gave His disciples authority over demons and evil forces:
Luke 9:1 (NIV): “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.”
This authority has been extended to all believers (Luke 10:19). When a Christian understands and exercises this authority by faith particularly through the name of Jesus demonic forces must submit.
The apostle Paul reminds believers of their victory:
Romans 8:37 (NIV):
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Hence, knowing and standing in this authority is essential to resisting demonic harassment.
2. Spiritual Immaturity
New believers or those who have not matured in the faith may still retain old habits, sinful attitudes, or ignorance that can create “open doors” for demonic attacks. The Bible compares spiritual babes to young plants easily shaken by the wind.
Growth in faith includes studying Scripture, pursuing holiness, prayer, and worship—all spiritual disciplines that protect the believer:
If a believer neglects these, they become vulnerable to demonic harassment, though not possession.
3. Deliberate Sin
Persistent, willful sin provides a foothold for the enemy. The Bible warns:
Ephesians 4:27 (NIV): “And do not give the devil a foothold.”
For example, someone who returns to habitual sin such as drunkenness.after conversion invites demonic oppression.
Jesus illustrated this danger:
Matthew 12:43-45 (NIV):
“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. The final condition of that person is worse than the first.”
This warns of the escalating danger of unrepentant sin.
A born-again Christian, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, cannot be possessed by demons, but they may be attacked, oppressed, or harassed by demonic forces. Such attacks can be resisted by:
Knowing and exercising the spiritual authority given in Christ
Growing in holiness and faith through the Word, prayer, and worship
The Bible encourages believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18).
May God bless you as you stand firm in His trut
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In biblical terms, mockery means ridiculing, belittling, or making fun of someone whether a person, Satan, or God. It involves treating someone as if they have no dignity or significance. Often, mockery carries elements of contempt, sarcasm, and insults.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people mocking fellow humans, mocking Satan and his kingdom, and even attempting to mock God Himself. Let’s examine these categories closely.
Example: Ishmael Mocking SarahAfter Hagar bore Ishmael to Abraham, Ishmael mocked Sarah, which was seen as a grave offense leading to their expulsion.
Genesis 21:9–10 (NKJV):“Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. Therefore she said to Abraham, ‘Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.’”
Theological note:This mockery represented not just childish teasing but an assault on Sarah’s honor and God’s covenant promise. Isaac was the child of promise (see Romans 9:7-8), so Ishmael’s ridicule threatened the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
Other biblical servants of God faced mockery too, for example:
2 Chronicles 36:16 describes how the prophets were mocked by those who rejected God’s message.
Nehemiah 4:1 recounts the enemies mocking the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.
Interestingly, Scripture also depicts God mocking those who oppose Him:
Psalm 2:4 (NKJV): “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.”This divine mockery reflects God’s sovereign power and the futility of rebelling against Him.
The prophet Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal to reveal the impotence of their god.
1 Kings 18:27–28 (NKJV):“At noon Elijah mocked them and said, ‘Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.’ They cried aloud, cut themselves, until blood gushed out on them.”
Theological note:Elijah’s mockery was not sinful arrogance but a prophetic act exposing idolatry and affirming the one true God’s supremacy (see Exodus 20:3-5). It demonstrated that false gods are powerless.
God Cannot Be MockedScripture emphatically declares that God is not to be mocked because He is just and sovereign.
Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV):“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
Theological note:This passage warns that those who live according to sinful desires will face judgment, illustrating God’s righteous governance. Attempting to mock or reject God ultimately brings consequences.
Example: Syrians Mocking God’s PowerThe servants of the Syrian king mocked Israel’s God by claiming He was only powerful in the hills, not on the plains. God corrected this by delivering Israel victory even in the plains.
1 Kings 20:23-30 (NKJV) recounts how God gave Israel overwhelming victory over the Syrians, showing that His power is universal.
Theological note:This teaches that God’s sovereignty transcends geography or circumstance. God is Lord over all creation (see Psalm 103:19), and His power is not limited.
God warns believers not to harden their hearts or test Him, as the Israelites did.
Psalm 95:8–11 (NKJV):“Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness… For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known My ways.’ So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’”
Theological note:Testing God reveals a lack of trust and faith, which results in judgment. Believers are called to trust God’s promises fully (see Hebrews 3:7-11).
Never mock fellow believers or God’s servants. The Bible teaches love and respect among the body of Christ (see Romans 12:10).
Do not attempt to mock or test God. His holiness and justice make that impossible and dangerous.
Mocking Satan and his forces is appropriate when done in faith and under God’s protection. For example, the apostle Paul demonstrated spiritual authority over evil spirits. But those who mock Satan without spiritual power risk harm.
Acts 19:13-17 (NKJV) tells of the sons of Sceva, who tried to cast out demons by invoking Jesus’ name without authority, resulting in a humiliating defeat.
Being a Christian means facing mockery, just as Jesus and the apostles did:
Jesus was mocked by soldiers before His crucifixion (Luke 22:63).
The apostles were mocked by onlookers (Acts 2:13).
Believers have endured mockery and persecution throughout history (Hebrews 11:36).
Yet, the Bible encourages believers to respond with forgiveness and perseverance.
Scripture prophesies a rise in scoffers before Christ’s return:
2 Peter 3:3 (NKJV):“Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts.”
Jude 1:18 (NKJV):“…in the last time there will be mockers, following their own ungodly lusts.”
This warns Christians to stand firm and be prepared for opposition.
May God bless you.
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”
In this verse, the Apostle Paul is urging believers to live with urgency and spiritual alertness. “The night” symbolizes the present age of sin and darkness under Satan’s influence (cf. 1 John 5:19), while “the day” refers to the coming of Christ and the fullness of His kingdom. As we draw closer to that day, Christians are called to abandon all deeds of darkness and arm themselves for spiritual warfare with the weapons of righteousness the “armor of light.”
From a biblical perspective, there are only two spiritual domains:
The Kingdom of Light ruled by Jesus Christ
The Kingdom of Darkness ruled by Satan
John 1:4–5 (NKJV):
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
The “light” refers to the divine truth and holiness that Jesus brought into a dark, sinful world. The darkness is not just ignorance it represents sin, rebellion, and Satan’s dominion. These two kingdoms are in constant conflict and cannot coexist in harmony.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV):
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
Believers in Christ have been spiritually transferred from Satan’s authority into the light of Christ:
Colossians 1:12–13 (NKJV):
“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
This spiritual relocation calls for a new way of life one that reflects the character and power of the light.
The “weapons of light” are spiritual tools provided by God for both defending against evil and advancing the Kingdom of God. These weapons are also known as the Armor of God, described in detail in Ephesians 6:10–18:
These weapons reflect not physical strength, but spiritual maturity and intimacy with Christ. The believer who wears them can resist temptation, silence deception, and walk in victory over sin.
Being in the light doesn’t automatically make a person victorious. You must be armed for battle. Many Christians today live defeated lives not because they aren’t saved, but because they are unarmed or unaware of the weapons at their disposal.
It’s not enough to belong to the light you must walk in the light (1 John 1:7) and war in the light.
The enemy also has weapons tools designed to destroy faith and separate people from God:
Lies Producing false doctrines and deception (John 8:44)
Sexual Immorality Includes lust, adultery, and fornication (Galatians 5:19)
Pride The root of Satan’s fall and rebellion (Isaiah 14:12–15; Proverbs 16:18)
Hatred & Unforgiveness Leading to division and bitterness (1 John 3:15; Hebrews 12:15)
Fear & Anxiety Undermining trust in God (2 Timothy 1:7)
Witchcraft & Idolatry Opening doors to demonic oppression (Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Galatians 5:20)
These are not just sins they are weapons of spiritual destruction.
The ultimate question is this: Are you clothed with the weapons of light?
If you are outside of Christ, no matter how moral or religious you are, you remain spiritually vulnerable and under Satan’s domain. The first and most crucial step is salvation—being born again through faith in Jesus Christ.
John 8:12 (NKJV):
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'”
If you are ready to leave the darkness and enter the light if you want to be equipped for spiritual victory then come to Jesus Christ today. Confess your sins, believe in Him, and receive His righteousness. Only then will you be truly armed with the weapons of light.
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In the time of the kings of Israel, King Joash (also known as Jehoash) had it in his heart to restore the Temple of the Lord, which had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and desecration by his predecessors—especially during the reign of the wicked queen Athaliah, who promoted Baal worship and destroyed the sacred things of the house of God (2 Chronicles 24:7).
Understanding the importance of worship and reverence in the life of the nation, Joash recognized that proper worship could not continue without a holy and functional sanctuary. Therefore, he initially commanded the collection of the temple tax, which was originally established in the Law of Moses to maintain the Tabernacle (see Exodus 30:12–16).
2(Chronicles 24:10, NKJV) “Then all the leaders and all the people rejoiced, brought their contributions, and put them into the chest until all had given.”
2(Chronicles 24:10, NKJV)
“Then all the leaders and all the people rejoiced, brought their contributions, and put them into the chest until all had given.”
However, despite assigning the Levites to oversee the collection and repairs, progress was slow. Joash became concerned and questioned the delay (2 Chronicles 24:6). In response, he implemented a new, Spirit-led strategy that aligns with God’s heart for giving.
Instead of demanding offerings through compulsion, Joash placed a chest at the entrance of the Temple and sent a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem inviting all who were willing to freely give to the Lord. This was a significant theological shift: from duty to devotion, and from legal obligation to loving worship.
This voluntary approach reflects the very nature of God’s desired relationship with His people—one based on love, not legalism. God desires worship that flows from the heart (Isaiah 1:11–17; Hosea 6:6).
And the response of the people? It was overwhelming. They gave with joy and abundance, daily filling the chest. This generosity enabled the hiring of craftsmen to repair and restore the house of God. Eventually, there was even a surplus that was used to make new utensils for temple service (2 Chronicles 24:14).
This account anticipates the New Testament principle of giving taught by the Apostle Paul. Just as the people in Joash’s day gave from joyful hearts, so Paul writes:
2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV) “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV)
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Giving that honors God is not based on manipulation or pressure. It must flow from faith, love, and gratitude for what God has already done. The grace of giving is a test of our sincerity and spiritual maturity (2 Corinthians 8:7–8).
When God’s people give from the heart:
Worship is purified (Malachi 1:10–11)The work of ministry advances (Philippians 4:15–18)The giver is blessed spiritually and materially (Luke 6:38; Proverbs 11:24–25)The Kingdom expands (Acts 4:32–35)
Joash’s reform teaches us that revival and restoration begin when God’s people honor Him with what they have, giving not because they must—but because they love Him.
As the Body of Christ today, we must move beyond ritualistic or forced giving and instead cultivate a culture of joyful, willing generosity. Leaders must teach the truth about giving without resorting to guilt or manipulation. At the same time, believers should take personal responsibility to give faithfully, regularly, and cheerfully (1 Corinthians 16:2).
When the Church reaches this level of spiritual maturity, God will pour out His blessings, just as He did in the days of Joash.
Luke 6:38, NKJV) “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…”
Luke 6:38, NKJV)
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…”
Do not wait to be pushed or reminded constantly. Let your tithes and offerings come from a heart full of gratitude and love for God. When you give joyfully, you are participating in His Kingdom work—and He will not fail to reward you.
(Proverbs 3:9–10, NKJV) “Honor the Lord with your possessions,And with the firstfruits of all your increase;So your barns will be filled with plenty,And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
(Proverbs 3:9–10, NKJV)
“Honor the Lord with your possessions,And with the firstfruits of all your increase;So your barns will be filled with plenty,And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Share this message with others and encourage them to walk in the grace of giving.