53 items found for ""
- DAY - 21 JEHOVAH RAAH (or) JEHOVAH ROHI
DAY – 21 JEHOVAH RAAH OR JEHOVAH ROHI The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Ps 23:1 A shepherd, also known as a sheepherder, is someone who cares for, herds, feeds, or protects flocks of sheep. He is always gentle and protective of his flock. Typically, the shepherd will be seen with a long staff in his hand, guiding the cattle safely. And no matter how many sheep there are in his flock, every single one of them recognizes his voice. The God of Israel is mentioned in the Bible. Jehovah is commonly referred to as the "Shepherd of Israel." Like a shepherd, he looks after his flock and ensures their safety. From the time of slavery in Egypt to the time of inheriting the promised land, God, like a shepherd, safely tends his flock. He also sent watchmen to Israel to guide and correct them on the right path. In the New Testament, Lord Jesus also says, "I am the good shepherd." In this sermon, we will look at God's characteristics as a good shepherd. 1. A shepherd who sacrifices his life for the sake of his sheep. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 A good shepherd puts his life in danger for the sake of his sheep. In his father's household, King David worked as a shepherd. He was tasked with transporting the sheep to the pasture land and caring for them while they grazed. While tending to the sheep, the young David came across a lion who was attempting to harm the sheep. Despite his youth, David charged the terrifying lion and killed it by opening its jaw. When a bear came to attack David's sheep the next time, he attacked the bear ferociously and saved the sheep that had been entrusted to him. He was not afraid to put his life in danger to save the sheep. God rewarded him for this quality by appointing David as a shepherd to rule over Israel. Similarly, Jesus gave his life for his flock, which was his people. He willingly accepted the cross to save his people from the roaring lion of Satan. Shepherd's love for his people was on display at the cross. When the enemy attacks us, God, the Shepherd of our Soul, immediately descends to rescue us. We're safe because he keeps an eye on us every day. 2. Shepherd leads the flock in a green pasture. You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Eze 34:31 The Sheepherder makes it a point to take his flock to a location where there is plenty of food for them. He ensures that everyone gets enough to eat and drink. Similarly, God leads us to the pasture land to satisfy us abundantly. God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of milk and honey when he spoke to him. The location of the children of Israel's abundant prosperity and goodness. When they were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, God satisfied them with mountain waters, quail, and manna. Whenever they grumbled, God heard their cries and sent abundant food to satisfy them. In the same way, he will lead us to the goodness that we seek. He will make certain that we are pleased with his goodness. You will not be yearning or hungry for the blessings that await you. His hand will guide you and ensure that you have enough. 3. Shepherd that goes out for the lost. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. Ps 119:176 Lord Jesus came to the world in search of the lost ones. Those who turned away from his light became engulfed in darkness. In the parable, he described a shepherd with 100 sheep who was grazing on a particular day. The shepherd who was keeping an eye on them noticed that one of the sheep had gone missing. He put the remaining 99 cattle in the cattle place and went in search of the missing one, shocked to find it nowhere after searching. He traveled many roads, crossed mountains, and eventually discovered it bleeding in thorn bushes. When he saw the sheep, he immediately freed it from the thorns, carried it in his bosom, treated its bruises, and returned it safely with the others. He is not satisfied with the 99 safe sheep and will go after the lost until he finds them. There may be many righteous people on earth, but God, while pleased with the righteous, came to the aid of the lost ones. We are found because he found us. He is indeed the good shepherd and we are his cattle. He will carry you in his bosom through all of your highs and lows, and you will be safe. May the Lord Jehovah Raah guide and protect you for all eternity.
- DAY-20 THE LAMB.
DAY – 20 THE LAMB OF GOD All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. Rev 13:8 As John the baptized was preaching and baptizing repentant people who came to him on the Jordan River, the Lord Jesus arrived to be baptized by John. "Behold, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," John exclaimed when he saw Jesus. As we already know, Lord Jesus was sent to mankind as a ransom to redeem them from their sins. According to the Bible, there can be no forgiveness of sins without bloodshed, and without forgiveness, we are considered God's enemies. As a result, Jesus' blood was shed to atone for humanity's sins. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened and they discovered they were naked. As a result, they stitched garments for themselves out of massive leaves and hid from God. God came down to speak with them as he usually does, but they were nowhere to be found. So he summoned Adam and Eve. They heard God's call and responded by telling him they were naked. God became enraged when he discovered that man had disobeyed him. I admit that his heart would have ached for their folly, but the loving God, knowing that the garments of leaves were useless, provided them with leather garments. This implies that God sacrificed an animal for its leather to atone for their sins and clothed them in animal skin. We can learn from the Old Testament that Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses and Aaron, David, Solomon, and others made massive animal sacrifices for themselves and the sins of the people. God told Moses about various types of atonement sacrifices as he was giving him the laws. People sacrificed doves, pigeons, rams, lambs, and other animals at the altar of God based on their financial capabilities. The priest in the temple usually gathers the animals and sacrifices them in the presence of the Lord. Throughout the Old Testament, such practices were observed in the presence of the Lord. Though these sacrifices brought God's forgiveness to the people, the blood of the animals could not atone for the people's sins. They kept making the same mistakes and making sacrifices to the Lord as a form of practice. Many times, throughout history, God condemned them for their stubborn hearts in not doing what pleased God and angered him. As a result, Lord Jesus was given to mankind to save them from the darkness. In the New Testament, the crucifixion of Lord Jesus was foreshadowed during the time of the Israelites in Egypt. God instructed the people to prepare for the Passover feast by slaying a one-year-old lamb with no defects and without breaking its bone to eat. The blood of the lamb was to be strewn on the doorpost, preventing the death of the angel from entering. Similarly, during the Passover, the Son of Man, Lord Jesus, also known as the Lamb of God, was crucified. The sinless man was sacrificed as a ransom to save mankind from its sins. And through his bloodshed on the cross, Jesus conquered death and the power of death, as well as darkness. In contrast to animal blood, Jesus' blood has the power to save dying humanity. His blood defeated Satan, and through his blood, we can also triumph. It is possible for us, like Jesus, to emerge victorious over the enemy. His blood alone has the power to free us from the bonds of sin, not just victory. In the book of revelations, John saw the Lamb of God seated on the throne alongside the Father. He is the one who won the victory on Earth, and his name is given to all to worship. He is the conqueror, and we are more than conquerors in him. We must be washed by the blood of the lamb to be victorious on earth. May the Lamb of God help you overcome evil and triumph as you put your trust in him. amen!
- DAY 19 EL SHADDAI
DAY 19 EL SHADDAI " When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. " (Gen 17:1) There are numerous names given to the one True God in our scriptures. When we read about the names by which God has revealed Himself to us, we gain a better understanding of who God is. The meanings of God's names reveal the central character and nature of the One who bears them. The most common names are YAHWEH, ELOHIM, ADONAI, and EL. The word "EL" is the root of ELOHIM, which means "mighty, powerful, omnipotence, and so on." "SHADDAI" is the o8ne who nourishes and supplies His people's needs. So, EL - SHADDAI means He is the Almighty God who is all-sufficient to meet the needs of His children. As we all know, in Genesis 12, God called Abram (Abraham) and told him to leave his home and country and follow where God leads him. God promised Abram that he would be a great nation and a blessing to everyone. So, Abram did as he was told and went to the place where God led him. Abram was 75 years old when he and Sarai left Haran (Homeland), and Sarai was nine years younger. The next time God met Abram (according to the record), God renewed His promise to Abram that He would make a great nation out of his seed, and Abram wondered how this could be possible given that he and Sarai were still childless. We all know that Abram was referred to as "God's friend." His faith gradually shifted as the years passed. He trusted God and did everything He told him to do. Nonetheless, the promise was kept hidden from him. So, in (Gen 15:5), God took him out and said to him, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars, if you can count them." "So shall your descendants be," he said to him? When we look back on our lives when we have lost hope when we are burdened with burdens and miseries, who is the first to come to us for help? Our best friend will be the first to cheer us up. God encourages us during our difficult times in the same way that He supported Abram. When we are surrounded by sorrows, tears, and heartbreaks, the first person to appear next to us is Lord Jesus. He comes to us and gives us new strength and hope to continue in the path He has chosen for us. He encourages us not to give up or give in if our vision or dream has not yet come true. Because a delayed vision does not necessarily imply that the dream will never come true. There are 29 years between God's first appearance to Abram in Genesis 12 and his third appearance in Genesis 17. And no Isaac has yet to be born. And it is on this third appearance that we wish to concentrate "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, 'I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.'" And I will make a covenant with you, and I will multiply you exceedingly." The God who spoke to Abram the first three times was unknown. However, this time when God appeared to Abram, He revealed Himself to Abram by a new name, EL SHADDAI, which means 'Almighty God,' emphasizing God's omnipotence and that He is the All-Sufficient God. God was revealing to Abram that He has the power to fulfill every promise He has ever made to His people, referring to the promise He made to Abram some 29 years ago that a son would be born of his flesh and blood. The Almighty God rewarded their faith by bestowing Isaac on Abram and Sarai and changing their names to Abraham and Sarah. Their descendants were blessed as a result of them, and they became the mighty nation Israel, which was blessed exceedingly among other nations. He is the Almighty God, whose works are beyond comprehension. Are you one of those who is waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled? Do not be concerned; your hope will not be snuffed out. God will remember everything He has said to each of you and will establish His works. Until then, wait for Him and walk blamelessly in His presence. He is the God who does things in their proper order. When He remembers and meets the needs of the little birds of the air, recognize that You and I are even more precious to Him and that He never fails us. He is the God who is Almighty in Power, Almighty in Grace, Almighty in Love, Almighty in Goodness, and Almighty in Mercy. He will never abandon or abandon us. All of His promises are Yes and Amen in Him, and they will be fulfilled right before our eyes. All of your problems and delays will be gone because El-Shaddai, the Mighty God, lives among us. Is there anything too difficult for God? Nothing. So, keep pressing forward and be courageous and strong in your faith, as Abraham was. May God shower all of you with all of His goodness, as He promised. Amen!!
- DAY - 18 EL RACHUM
DAY – 18 EL - RACHUM, THE GOD OF COMPASSION. " Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, He will rise to show compassion. For the Lord is a God of Justice. Blessed is all who wait for Him.! (Isaiah 30:18) Dear God's Children, the word "compassion" appears frequently in the Bible. However, what exactly is Compassion? 'Compati' means "to suffer with" in Latin. Other people's sufferings and sorrows become our own. Our God is merciful. He is full of mercy and abounds in "steadfast love," and He shows His compassion to all creatures. There is no greater manifestation of compassion than our Lord Jesus Christ, who came down for us and died on the cross. When the Lord saw that mankind was perishing, He couldn't bear it and desired that we be set free. As a result, He gave His son, Lord Jesus Christ, who at Calvary paid our debts and set us free. After the Israelites arrived in the Promised Land of Canaan, they continued to defy God and His commandments through Moses. Even though God made a covenant with them and chose them to be a Holy Nation, they consistently rejected God's grace. They relied on their strength and intermarried with strangers, worshipping foreign gods and erecting altars to them. God counseled and warned them to return to Him through His Prophets, but the Israelites slaughtered all of the Prophets God sent to them. As a result of God's wrath, they were taken as captives by other nations. They struggled in strange lands. The Lord did not abandon them or turn His back on His people's plight. He arose with greater compassion for His Children and redeemed them. Examine the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ. As previously stated, Christ was the embodiment of the Lord's compassion and mercy. For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus, as a ransom for us. Wherever Jesus went, He spread the gospel and was filled with God's love for others. He eagerly embraced everyone who came to Him. Nain, a small farming village on the east side of the Jezreel Valley, was nestled up against Mount Moreh. The town itself was a little out of the way. The village was only accessible via a single road. This town has encircled as few as 34 homes and 189 people at times in its history. After healing the centurion's servant in Capernaum, Lord Jesus Christ entered the city with a large group of disciples. Capernaum is located 600 feet (183 meters) below sea level on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Nain is located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Capernaum and is 700 feet (213 meters) above sea level, necessitating an uphill climb. It would have taken at least one or two days to walk from Capernaum to Nain. It takes ten hours to travel today. This means that Jesus had to get up very early or even walk through the night to intercept the burial procession "the day after." As the Lord Jesus Christ approached the city, a young man in his twenties was being carried out in a burial slab. He was the family's only son, and his mother was a widow. In this unfortunate family tragedy, she was accompanied by a large group of people. The widow's heart would have shattered if she hadn't gone crying inconsolably behind her son's corpse, hopeless and devastated. When the Lord Jesus Christ encountered the possession, He had "great compassion on her." (Matthew 7:13) Jesus somehow sensed the widow's utter frustration. She might have prayed to the Heavenly Father to restore his son's life, or she might have questioned his miserable and lonely existence. We don't know. But we do know that the Savior chose to leave Capernaum right away, which may have necessitated Him walking through the night to intercept the burial procession just before they buried the body. Yes, Jesus felt great compassion for this woman when He saw her tear-stained face as she walked behind the procession, but it appears that His compassion stemmed from feelings He had long before He "happened" to intercept that burial entourage. He had planned to be there for her in her hour of need. The widow was then told by Jesus not to "weep." When he touched the bier, the possession came to a halt. "Young man, I say unto thee, arise," he said. And he who was dead rose to his feet and began to speak. And [Jesus] handed him over to his mother. ” What a powerful God we serve! That's Lord Jesus speaking for You and Me. He is a God who is patiently waiting to be gracious. He is a God of Righteousness. Are you as broken as the window today? Do not be concerned or silent. Look up to the Lord Jesus right away; He will come to you and deliver you from all bonds. He will heal your every ailment and bring you joy. He will not break a bruised reed, nor will he extinguish a flickering candle. He is a compassionate God. Let us not be satisfied with simply being filled with God's love. Rather, put on compassionate hearts, kindness and humility, meekness, and patience as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved. (2 Corinthians 3:12) Let the world know about this God of grace and mercy who lives in each of us. May God shower us with His love and grace. Amen!!
- DAY - 17 PRINCE OF PEACE
DAY – 17 PRINCE OF PEACE For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, And he will be called Prince of Peace. Is 9:6 `Long before the birth of Jesus, Prophet Isaiah predicted that "the son of God," Jesus Christ, would come into the world to redeem the world. Yes, Jesus came as the personification of peace. The word "Peace" in Hebrew is called "Shalom," and it refers to the appearance of calm and tranquility in individuals, groups, and nations. So, Christ's ultimate mission and purpose were to bring peace to the world. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus," says the Bible. (Gal 4:7) "Peace I give unto you, not of this world, but the peace that comes from me," Jesus said. So, the kind of peace we receive from God is ["which transcends all comprehension"] (i. e. the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit that transcends early circumstances). 1) When a Man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with Him. (Prov 16:7) `This is without a doubt one of my favorite Bible verses. We cannot understand or experience the meaning of the word "peace" because we live in a completely chaotic environment. We are constantly at odds with the darkness, as well as those who are in the darkness among us. The community in which we live is frequently referred to as the cluttered community. During this upheaval, God promises to make us live in harmony with both those who love us and those who despise us. People may dislike us for a variety of reasons, and they may even wish the worst for us; however, when our actions please the Lord, He makes us at peace with those who persecute, crush, and hate us. David truly was a man after God's own heart. God loved David so much that He helped him escape from all of his enemies. Even though David had been fleeing for his life for nearly several years, God protected him and hid him under His mighty wings. God said to David, "But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will protect him from all of his enemies on all sides. His name will be Solomon, and during his reign, I will grant Israel peace." (1 Chronicle 22:9) King Solomon led a peaceful life. Unlike his father, King David, who fought numerous battles, God gave King Solomon rest on all sides, with no disaster or adversary. 1 Kings 5:4 His territory was expanded, and many kings conducted large-scale transactions with Solomon. His reign was prosperous, and the people were grateful for God's favor and peace. King Solomon followed the advice of his father, David, who urged Solomon to "fulfill your duty to the Lord your God." Obey his commands, laws, commands, rules, and written instructions as outlined in Moses' Teachings. Then you'll be successful in everything you do, no matter where you go." 1 Kings 2:3 Regardless of how many times King Solomon failed God in his later life, God never broke the covenant He made with King David. King Solomon's life was still a picture of God's divine kindness and comfort. So, the question now is, how can I please God? Fear God "The LORD delights in those who fear Him, and in those who hope in His mercy" (Psalm 147:11). We will avoid sin if we have a proper fear and respect for God. (Example 20:20) It constantly reminds us that God's eyes are on us and that we cannot escape God's wrath and judgment. "For if we sin willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation that will devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 6:31) The fear of the Lord compels us to walk in the paths of righteousness, to be holy, and to be an acceptable offering before Him. So, a healthy fear of God is apprehension about the consequences of disobedience. obey God "Does the LORD take as much pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as he does in obeying the voice of the LORD?" "Behold, obedience is preferable to sacrifice" (1 Sam 15:22). God commands us to obey not only because it is good for Him, but also because it is good for us (Deu10:13). His laws and commands are good, and by obeying Him, we grow in Godly, righteous character, becoming more like Him! This is how to make God happy. Carry out God's will "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does the will of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21) God has a plan for each of our lives. This is revealed to us at any point in time. Some of our life's purposes are revealed to us before we are born, while others are revealed to us in our youth. God speaks to us about His plans for us through the word of God (Bible), sermons we hear, and the prayers of God's people. We, as God's children, are obligated to be subject to the goal that God has in store for us. The purpose of Christ's earthly life was to save mankind and reconcile them with God, and Jesus accomplished His mission. On the Damascus Road, Paul encountered the Lord and His divine purpose for his life. Immediately (realizing God's plan for his life), Paul preached the Christ in synagogues, proclaiming that He is the Son of God. (See Acts 9:20.) When we please God and obey Him in all situations, He brings peace into our lives. 2) "You will keep him in perfect peace whose thoughts are fixed on You because he trusts in You." (Exodus 26:3) Through Jesus Christ, God assures His children of the heavenly gift known as "Peace." Jesus came to bring God's peace, a peace that endures in all circumstances. God's people will never be deprived of this peace. There are three major enemies that we, the spiritual Israelites, face today that disrupt God's peace in us. They are as follows: 1. doubt, 2. fear, and 3. worry. We continue to doubt God's promises when it takes a certain amount of time or when the circumstances do not align. We frequently have heartaches as a result of our lack of faith in Him. When Jesus was on earth, He frequently revealed to His disciples the purpose of His ministry. At times, He foretold His death and resurrection to them. (Matthew 16:21) "Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law and that He must be killed and raised to life on the third day." He purposefully explained it to them to encourage the disciples to boldly proclaim the gospel of God's kingdom to the ends of the earth. Jesus bore our inequities and died, just as He had predicted. However, Jesus' mission and the Father's divine plan did not end with the tomb. The Glorious Power of God's Spirit brought Jesus back to life. He was/is resurrected and will live forever. Yes, Jesus Christ lives, and we bear witness to that. Returning to the plotline, the tomb where Jesus' body was kept came to life. Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, who were filled with doubts, anxieties, confusions, and worries. On the evening of the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered, with the doors locked out of fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus appeared among them and said, "Peace be with you!" (Matthew 20:19) When Jesus showed them His hands and side, the disciples were overjoyed. "Peace be with you," Jesus said to the disciples once more. Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the twelve disciples, was not present when Jesus appeared. As a result, the other disciples informed him, "we have seen the risen Lord." But he told them, "I will not believe unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side." (Matthew 20:25) We can all identify a Thomas in ourselves at times. We may have heard thousands of sermons and received numerous promises from God, but we continue to focus on the storms and winds in our lives rather than fixing our gaze on God. We frequently doubt God's promises, are afraid of the situation and are concerned about the future. Consider Thomas's life. His other (say, ten disciples) friends saw Jesus Christ alive and shared the good news with him, but he couldn't believe them. Thomas was with Jesus and witnessed the miracles, His love, and His manifested power among the people firsthand. He walked everywhere with Jesus, ate with Him, slept next to Him, and had a wonderful relationship with Him. Thomas' heart, however, was filled with doubts. We may hear many testimonies in our daily lives, and we may have been a testimony during the previous battle, but we still fail in our faith at times. Do not be concerned, my friends; God is always with us, encouraging us to "fear not." The risen Jesus, whom everyone else saw, returned for Thomas. Jesus did not despise Thomas for his lack of faith. But he proved to him once more that "He is alive." Thomas had the opportunity to touch and feel Him. Remove your doubts, fears, and worries because God's power is limitless and capable of doing anything for us. Remember and remind yourself of Jesus Christ's resurrected power, and walk in His ways faithfully. According to the above verse, God gives perfect peace to those who trust in Him and whose hearts never sway at the subjects. One of the reasons for David's unwavering faith was that he chose to keep God in front of him at all times, and as a result, his faith was unshakeable. Paul chose another prophet named Silas to assist him in carrying out God's Ministry. The Spirit led Paul and Silas into Macedonia after a journey through Asia Minor (Acts 16:6–10). People were saved and a church was established during the missionaries' time in Philippi, but Satan opposed their work. For their preaching, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned. (16-24) Satan intended to end Paul and Silas' ministry by locking them inside the prison wall, inside the darkness, inside the hopelessness, and the confusion. But do you remember what happened in the cell? While imprisoned, Paul and Silas sat with their feet in stocks, singing hymns. Aren't you astounded to learn that they sang and praised God while their feet were chained and their lives were imprisoned? Take note of their greatest strength and zeal for Jesus Christ. They trusted the Almighty God and overcame their fears and doubts by keeping Jesus ahead of them. Are you someone who aspires to have the utmost faith and zeal for God? Here's the deal: "I keep my gaze fixed on the LORD. I will not be shaken with him at my right hand." (Psalm 16:8) Paul and Silas were filled with God's Peace, which transcended fleshly and earthly concerns. They were filled with the peace of eternal God, not the peace of this world, which is dependent. They were not only chained but also severely whipped for spreading the Gospel. Amid their anguish for Christ, they were filled with Christ's comfort, joy, and peace. So, what happened next? Did God intervene to save them? Did He come to their aid? Of course, He is the God who never abandons or abandons His children. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, which shook the foundations of the prison, and all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were unfastened. When the guard awoke, he noticed the open doors. He assumed the inmates had escaped. Paul assured the guard that he had nothing to worry about. All of the inmates were still present. The guard knelt beside Paul and Silas and inquired as to how he could be saved. The gospel was taught to the guard and his family by Paul and Silas. The guard and his family were baptized that night. Do not forget that God touches the lives of those who live among us through our misfortunes. He saves us and allows us to testify to His power. He touches many other people's lives for Him through the peace of God in us, just as Paul and Silas did. By trusting Him, you can stay strong and enjoy God's supernatural peace. 3)" Great peace to those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble." (Ps 119: 165) As we recognize Jesus Christ and the Heavenly peace, He brings into the lives of those who accept Him, let us also consider what each of us must do to obtain/enjoy this peace in our lives. To begin with, when we walk in God's way of truth, God gives us peace by making our enemies harmonious. Second, God gives Peace to all who put their trust in Him. Third, God bestows abundant peace on all who obey His Law. God's law was revealed to His people, the Israelites, through His Prophet Moses. Obedience to this law was God's people's most important obligation as they sought His favor and blessing. After all, Israel, His chosen people, had made a solemn covenant with Him. So, the laws were not just rules established by the tribal chief but were the laws of the covenant community established by the Almighty God Himself. As an eternal oath, the commandments were given to the Israelites to be followed by generations after generations. When the law was transgressed, the covenant was broken, and so was the relationship with God! That is why the law has such a significant role in Israeli life. So, what exactly is the Law? The scriptures contain a massive division of laws. 1. The Moses Law 2. Jesus Christ's Gospel. 1. As previously stated, God gave the commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai. God summoned Moses and Aaron at various points in the wilderness to give instructions to the children of Israel. The Mosaic Law included Gospel of Preparation @ Burned offer @ Belief in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism are all required. @ Ten Commandments @ The Covenant Law Carnal Law @ Ordinances - Offerings @Performances - including dietary and purification laws To precisely define the Law of Moses, we can say that it contained the fundamental portion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was never meant to be something apart from, separate from, or even inferior to the gospel of Christ. It was simply to aid the people's concentration and comprehension. Unfortunately, the Israeli people found it offensive, and they became rebellious, arrogant, vengeful, and cruel as a result. according to the Psalmist, those who willfully obey and walk in God's Law will be surrounded by endless peace. The Law of Moses was not intended to save men, but rather to demonstrate their need for salvation and thus lead them to Christ. (Galatians 3:24) So, why is there a law? It was added because of transgressions until the offspring to whom the promise had been made arrived, and it was put in place by an intermediary through angels. Galatians 3:19 Because of the increased violations (curses were placed on the children and generations who disobeyed the Law), God sent His only son Jesus to save the people from sin and curse. Because of the disruption, there was no peace in the world. Jesus Christ's Gospel As a result, Jesus was sent as the redeemer to save the fallen Mankind. The long-awaited Messiah, prophesied by the prophets, arrived as Immanuel. The Israelites expected the Messiah to come in the form of a King, persecute and redeem their enemies. However, Jesus came as a humble servant of God to fulfill the Law. As a result, the people were once again perplexed about accepting Jesus as their Messiah. As a result, Jesus stated, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come to fulfill them, not to abolish them" ( Matt 5:17) "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls," Jesus assured the people who were already frustrated by the burden of fulfilling the Laws. 11:29 (Matthew) What can we take away from Jesus? As a result, the Laws were constrained to two major and indispensable accomplishments. 1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and most important commandment. 2. And the second is similar: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' All of the Law and Prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37–40) The law of Christ supersedes but does not replace, the law of Moses. But have you ever considered the people who loved and lived in ways that pleased God before the Law of Moses? What happened before Moses' Law? Adam's two sons, Cain and Abel, were born after he fell into sin. Cain worked as a farmer. He grew vegetables as well as grains. Abel was a shepherd in charge of the family's herds. Cain and Abel, like most brothers and sisters, didn't always get along. Despite their disagreements, they were brothers who adored each other. Cain and Abel were taught by their parents to sacrifice to God to express their remorse and seek God's forgiveness. Abel was very concerned that his sacrifice is unique in the eyes of God. He chose his best lamb and presented it to the Lord. It was difficult for Abel to give up his most prized possession, but it was important to him to do what God had asked. Cain thought his younger brother was a fool for giving up his best lamb. "Good grief," he thought. "We require that lamb, but God does not. I'm sure He'd be just as happy if we sacrificed the runt of the litter. In fact, why does it have to be a lamb at all? I'm a farmer, and my wheat crop has done so well this year that I won't be able to use it all. Why don't I just burn some of the extra straw I have? That way, I won't be wasting any." Cain watched as the lamb burnt up completely on the altar, while his leftover straw just smoldered a bit and never really caught fire at all. That can only mean one thing! Abel was preferred by God. Cain was envious! He didn't take the time or the responsibility to recognize that the difference in God's response to their sacrifices was due to his decision to sacrifice straw. Instead, he became enraged at his brother. Cain invited Abel to accompany him on a walk, and while he was still angry, Cain struck Abel to the ground and killed him. Abel was killed as a result of hatred. He was the origin of the first bloodshed on the planet. We can now see why Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving everyone. Because love is patient and kind. Love does not enviously, boastfully, or proudly. Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it does not keep a record of wrongs. Love does not take pleasure in evil, but rather rejoices in the truth. Love always guards, always believes, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love is unbreakable. Cain would not have died if he had only had this love for his brother. Fill your hearts with God's love as a people for God, who belong to Jesus. "Do everything in love," Jesus Christ's commandments say. (1 Corinthians 16:14) Walk-in Love, let the peace of God rule in your hearts. (Col 3:14) 4) " I will both lie down in peace and sleep; You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. "(Ps 4:8) The peace that God gives is a limitless abundance pace. It has nothing to do with relaxation techniques. This peace allows even the most troubled person to lie down and sleep soundly. Consider this: can we sleep peacefully when we are upset? For many of us, going to bed is the only place where we can cry and be bothered. Many psychologists believe that this is where depression begins. We go to bed, reflect on the events of the day, and plan our activities for the next day. We do this with a lot of upheaval and turbulence at times. But why does David say, "I will lie down in peace and sleep"? Because the Lord of Hosts makes it possible for him to live in safety. Nobody could take his life or harm him without God's approval, David was certain. Even when his enemies were attempting to take his life and he was fleeing for his life, David was at peace because his trust was in Him. David had complete faith in God, and God not only protected him but also gave him great joy and peace. The peace that God gives is not of this world, nor does it depend on earthly terms. Sleep is a pretty humbling thing when we remind ourselves that our lives are in the mighty hands of God rather than worrying. When Jesus was on the boat sailing to the other end, a great windstorm arose (Mark 4:35), and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. Everyone in the boat was terrified for their lives. Jesus was on board the boat with them. What was Jesus doing during the storm, in the boat? Jesus was dozing off. He was sound asleep. Neither their screams nor the torrential rainstorm could disturb His sleep or His peace. God's exuberant peace in Jesus Christ vividly depicts the kind of peace He offers to each of us. Despite the overwhelming chaos in our lives, God calms our hearts and gives us joy beyond comprehension. They awoke Jesus while he was sleeping and said to Him, "Teacher, we are perishing; do you not care?" At times, we may ask Jesus the same question: "God, why don't you solve this problem?" Do you still want to come with me? Don't you care that I'm swamped with problems? All of these questions arise as a result of a lack of faith in God. Jesus awoke and rebuked the wind, saying to the sea, "Peace!" Be silent! And then the wind died away, and there was complete silence. The only thing that concerns me is whether or not we have Jesus on board. If so, do not be concerned; He is the Master of the Sea, and He is the only one with the authority to calm everything that rages. If not, invite Jesus, the lifeguard, into your boat. "I lay down and slept, but I awoke safely because the Lord is watching over me" (Ps 3:5) 5) "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. " Peacemakers are those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We are the chosen peacemakers, filled with God's Peace as we work to reconcile people with God and with one another. As such, peacemaking entails taking the initiative to intervene in conflicts to bridge gaps between opposing parties. God's choice to reconcile the human race to Himself by sending down His only Son to serve as the final sacrifice for our sins is the ultimate example of taking action to cultivate future harmony. (Colossians 1:20; John 3:16) Jesus Christ resolved the ultimate conflict between God and mankind. The Bible instructs believers to "make every effort to live in peace" ( Heb 12:14) Many people solved the people's dispute in the Bible. Jonathan attempted to mediate a truce between his friend David and his enraged father Saul. God's peacemakers must live in peace by honoring others above themselves, sharing with those in need, rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, and consistently turning away from evil and doing good. (Romans 12,13, and 1 Peter 3) Allow the God of Peace to rule over our hearts and lives, uniting us to Jesus every day.
- DAY - 16 JEHOVAH ORI
DAY - 16 JEHOVAH ORI THE LORD IS MY LIGHT The presence of light can be felt in the presence of darkness. A single lamp can dispel a large amount of darkness. When God decided to make the earth and the universe, he first made light out of the darkness. He placed two large lights called the sun and the moon to rule the day and the night, respectively. "God is light, and there is no darkness in him," the Bible says. He is the source of light, from which the sun and moonshine. The power of darkness trembles in his presence. To comprehend the majesty of God's presence, we must first grasp the dominion of darkness. Where did the darkness come from? Before the earth was created, there were Angels in God's kingdom. They were split into three battalions. One group of Angels was created under the Archangel Gabriel and was known as messenger angels, another group was created under the Archangel Michael and was known for battling, and the third group was created under the Archangel Lucifer and was known for praising and worshipping God at all hours of the day and night. They were devoted to God while working in their respective fields. Until one day, when Lucifer rebelled against God and gathered the support of other angels in his cause. Out of pride and jealousy, Lucifer considered capturing God's throne and rising above him. As a result, God punished Lucifer and his angels, expelled them from heaven, and cast them into the depths of darkness. (Is 14:12-15) Following that, Lucifer and his angels were unable to withstand God's presence and began to live and rule in the darkness. In John 8:12, "Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world." Whoever follows me will not walk in the dark, but the light of life." When man sinned against God, the world was given to the authority of Satan and his angels. Since then, Satan and his dominion have been prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 So, to overcome the schemes of the enemy, we wrestle against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12 Lord Jesus Christ was sent to us to deliver us from the dominion of darkness and destruction. A great light has shone on the people who live in darkness, and a light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death." Matthew 4:16 This verse expresses the reason for Christ's birth. He came as a savior to save us from the evil one. Let’s discuss how the light of Christ operates in our lives? 1. A light that dispels fear. The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall, I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 27:1 Many people are terrified of the dark. They believe that bad things happen at night, such as predators and vicious animals coming out to play. However, many people are afraid of the darkness that occurs during the night, making it difficult for them to fall asleep comfortably. The Light of God vanishes the fear of darkness and death. Ps 91 says, “You will not fear the terror of night,” As Pharaoh continued to deny sending the Israelites out of Egypt, God finally directed Moses to tell the people of Israel to hold the Passover feast that night. To protect the members of the household during the Passover feast, the people were required to sacrifice a lamb and sprinkle its blood on the door's threshold. That night, God sent the Angel of Death to kill all the firstborn in Egypt, both human and cattle, to demonstrate his power to the stubborn Pharaoh. And as the angel of death passes through Israel, God commands him not to enter the house' with the blood on the door. The Egyptian firstborn died that night, just as the Lord had predicted, and the Israelites heard a great cry of mourning. The Israelites, on the other hand, were delivered by God. None of them were killed. God shielded them and their families. Even in the dark, they had no fear of death because God's light protected them. 2. Light that shows a path. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Ps 119:105 The light of God illuminates our path. The light alludes to God's word. When we walk following God's word, we can walk safely and find our way even in the dark. After losing his firstborn, Pharoah finally granted the Israelites freedom. They marched triumphantly out of Egypt on the night of the last plague. They traveled until they arrived at the Red Sea, where they pitched their tents and waited for God's guidance to continue their journey. They were resting when they heard a cacophony of chariots and horses behind them. They saw Pharoah and his army chasing them down to kill them where they were found. The Israelites were terrified and trembled in the face of the massive army. In front of them was a huge sea, and in the back was Pharaoh, leaving them with no way to flee. They cried and yelled to Moses to deliver them from Pharaoh's clutches. God heard his people's cries and instructed Moses to display his staff in front of the sea. When the staff was pointed towards the sea, the Great Sea split in two, allowing the Israelites to pass through. The sea remained motionless throughout the night, and the Pillar of Fire guided them as they walked in the dark. The pharaoh's army that pursued them was drowned by the sea as it came down to itself. When there appears to be no way, God's light illuminates the path. This divine light leads us to the eternal kingdom. When we cling to his word and walk following his statutes, he will protect us and show us the path we should take. He directs the path of the righteous, and God watches over their steps. PRAYER JEHOVAH ORI, the Lord, help and guide me to walk in your light. Please assist me in obeying all of your commands. Show me where I need to go. May the darkness fade away and your face shines down on me. amen!
- DAY - 15 THE SECOND MAN OF HEAVEN
DAY – 15 THE SECOND MAN OF HEAVEN The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. 1Cor 15: 47 Spirituality can be defined as a greater understanding and connection to something unknown but visible. A mortal and an immortal share this mutual feeling. Unlike trusting and validating facts, knowledge, and experience come from within. In a world where everything is judged and accepted based on what can be seen visually, true spirituality stems from trusting things that are unseen to the world but can be seen by one's soul. Even if people try for centuries to discover the origins of everything seen, not every question receives an ideal or logical answer. It’s because a human capacity cannot validate or comprehend everything. And it was at this point that God intervened to assist man in comprehending things that were previously undecipherable to him. He gave humans the ability to comprehend his magnificent and incomprehensible works. Men gradually began to discover and fathom all visible things, time, matter, and existence. There could be many theories about how, where, and by whom a man is created. And some of it was effective in persuading others. However, the Bible clearly and unequivocally declares God's fantastic role in the creation of everything that is discovered so far. It is written that God formed man from the dust of the earth in his hands. He sculpted Man using his image as a reference. He designed the internal and external organs, as well as their functions. The cells, billions of neurons, the fine lines of fingerprints, the pumping and gushing of blood throughout the body, and the senses in him were all formed by God's indescribable wisdom. This God-created masterpiece succumbed to the temptation of mastering its master and failed miserably. And it was then that God's eternal kindness was revealed in redeeming mankind by sending His only Son to the world as an atonement. We'll take a quick look at the distinction between the Son of God and the Man. 1. Origin of earth vs origin of heaven As previously stated, God created Adam and breathed his air into Adam's nostrils, bringing Adam to life. Adam's name means "son of the red earth." God patiently constructed Adam's bodily systems. He taught Adam a variety of things that could be extremely beneficial to him. Adam became a successful landscaper and horticulturist as a result of the knowledge he received from God. Adam was given the knowledge of how to live on earth and use the earth's resources. He had no understanding of where God lived or anything about heaven. His entire attention was focused on the animals and plants that shared his garden with him. Adam is referred to in the Bible as "the first Adam." Even though he was created perfectly by God, he was susceptible to sin against God. He failed to choose God's side and disobeyed him. As a result, God decided to send his Son, Jesus, to the earth to help mankind overcome the temptation of sin through the power of his blood, which was shed as a ransom for all. According to John (3:13). No one has ever gone to heaven except the Son of Man, who came from heaven. The birth of the Lord Jesus is a miraculous occurrence. Jesus chose to come in flesh and blood to defeat the power of sin and its authority over the flesh and blood man. However, because the man was conceived from evil (Ps 51) and his origin is sin, God chose to bring his son into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended on a virgin named Mary, who was conceived with the son of God without the intervention of man, just as the prophets had prophesied. Thus, through God's power, Lord Jesus was born into the world sinless. There was no blame in Him, and no blame was found even when tested. 2. Obedience vs disobedience Lord Jesus was born and lived a typical human life on Earth. He stayed with his mother and siblings until he was 30 years old, supporting the family's financial needs as the firstborn. He respected and loved his parents and obeyed them. He continued with his father's carpentry work to feed the family. After the death of his father, he became responsible in every way. His mother was comforted by his son's love and care for the family. At the age of 30, when the appointed time had come to serve God and fulfill the purpose of his life, the spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. Satan intended to deceive him and make fun of God and his plan of redemption. But when Satan came to tempt Jesus, he was defeated three times. Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross to obey God, his father, fully aware of the purpose of giving his life for humanity. He was humble and remained humble until his death. Being the son of God, for whom the entire world was created and given to rule, Jesus did not consider the throne and its power and equality with God but instead surrendered to the plan of God. Alternatively. Even if Adam was blameless when he was created, he disobeyed God by listening to Satan's evil schemes. He lacked the strength to resist the devil's plot and thus failed. Death entered the world as a result of Adam's disobedience to God. And because of Christ's obedience, salvation and eternal life were freely given to mankind. 3. Head of Old creation vs Head of New creation Adam was the Father of the Old Creation. When a man sins, he, like Adam, loses his relationship with God. When Adam sinned, God expelled him from his presence and the Garden of Eden. His sinful nature made it difficult for him to accept his guilt. When we accept Jesus' salvation, the old sinful man in us dies and we are born again. The old has passed, and the new has arrived. We are no longer enslaved by guilt. When we tell God about our flaws without hiding them, he readily forgives and accepts us. Examine the lives of Ananias and Sapphira, the couple who lived in Jerusalem. They were instructed to sell a property and divide the proceeds among all the believers who lived there, as everything was shared among them and nothing was kept for themselves. Ananias, on the other hand, clearly kept a portion of the money for himself. The apostle Peter, who discovered Ananias' cunning, inquired about it through the Holy Spirit, but Ananias lied to him. Peter, enraged because Ananias lied in the presence of God's spirit, cursed him and he died. When his wife came in search of her husband because he hadn't been seen in a long time, she lied the same way she lied when Peter enquired about him. And, like her husband, she lied. Proverbs (28:13) says, whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. The parable of the lost son was taught by Jesus to the disciples. A man had two sons who lived with him. One day, the younger son demanded that his father give him his property. He forced his father to give him his share and fled to another country. He lavishly spent all of his money and lost it to people who deceived him. He had nothing and begged a man for a job. The man hired him to look after his pigs. He couldn't even get the food that the pigs ate because they ate well and were healthy. As a result, he recognized his father's affection and remembered how his father's servant ate and was satisfied in his father's house. Desperately, he considered returning to his father, admitting his mistakes, and pleading with him to allow him to live there as one of his servants. As he got closer to his father's house, his father, who was already waiting for him, stood on the terrace and watched him. As soon as he saw his son, he ran towards him, hugged him, kissed him, and asked the servants to give him new clothes and slippers, as well as to prepare a feast to celebrate his return. We are new in Jesus, and the old self dies the moment we accept Him into our hearts. According to the Bible, "the wages of sin is death." And it is because of Jesus that we have been forgiven and accepted by our Father. The only person capable of taking us to heaven for eternal life is the second man of heaven. That is why he ascended from heaven. The world may not recognize him or refuse his salvation, but God provides an eternity of peace and safety with him to those who seek his grace. PRAYER: Thank you for coming into the world to save us from the power of darkness, Lord Jesus. Thank you for bearing the cross for us. Thank you for your never-ending love for us. I long to be a part of your kingdom and eternal life. Please give the other members of my family the grace to accept your salvation. In the name of Jesus, amen!
- DAY - 14 THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA
DAY – 14 THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA " I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. " (Rev 22:13) The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are represented by the words Alpha and Omega. JESUS CHRIST, our God, is the Alpha and Omega. JESUS CHRIST is the Alpha because He existed before the foundations were laid. He'll be the Omega because He'll be there at the end. In the simplest terms, He has always existed and will always exist. He is the source of all creation. Christ, as the second Person of the Trinity, is the one who brought about creation. "All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:3), and "His Second Coming will herald the beginning of the end of creation." 2 Peter 3:10 As God incarnate, He has no beginning and no end in terms of time, being from everlasting to everlasting. THE BEGINNING It has been prophesied that Jesus will be the focal point of history. "Before Abraham was, I am," Jesus once told the Jews, implying that I existed before Abraham. (Matthew 8:58) Even before Adam was created, Jesus, as the Logos, the "Word," was taking part in the works of creation alongside his Heavenly Father. He was "the beginning of God's creation." (Revelation 3:14) He was God's only direct creation, and as John testifies, "without Him, nothing was made that was made." 1 John 1:3 Now, this Jesus is also the Alpha in our lives. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, lived nearby. Because of all the miracles Jesus performed, he admits that God must have sent him. So, Jesus told Nick an important firm truth: no one can see God's kingdom unless they are born again. (John3:3) Nicodemus, perplexed by the impossibility of physical rebirth, asked Jesus, "How can someone be born again in the mother's womb?" Nicodemus was sincere in his search for God and wanted to comprehend the heavenly concept. Jesus, who recognized Nicodemus' thirst, dispelled his doubt by saying, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, Spirit gives birth to Spirit." (See John 3:6) We were born in flesh through our mother's womb, indicating physical birth. There is a concept known as spiritual rebirth. And we can only enter the kingdom of Heaven if we are born again in Spirit, through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit assists us in our spiritual birth. When we are born in spirit, our old self dies and we become a new being in Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Our previous rotten sinful life has been taken away from us. In this new life, Jesus takes on the role of the Alpha. He takes our hands in his and begins to walk with us every day, just as a Father would. He makes important decisions, plans, and shapes our lives. He guides, guards, assists, and teaches us to be like Him until we reach eternity. He, like Jesus, assists us in overcoming the world. AND THE END In Revelations, John, the revealer, saw the creation of a New Heaven and New Earth in which there is no more death or mourning; all evildoers have been destroyed in the lake of fire. (Rev 21) Jesus ascended into Heaven in front of the disciples on Mount Olives after His resurrection. (Acts 1:9-12) After He (Jesus) went to His Father, two Angels appeared and told the disciples, who were gazing at the ascending Jesus, that the same Jesus who went up into Heaven would return, indicating the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus' return is not to finally renew creation, but to deliver and recompense those who faithfully testified to him in the face of Roman persecution: "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done." (Revelation 22:12) He will reign forever and ever, defeating Satan and his army of fallen angels. He will gather all those who trusted Him. They will spend eternity with Jesus, who will reign over them in the New Heaven and Earth. Dear God's Children, this world and the life we live will pass away one day. However, our faith in Him will lead us to Jesus, the giver of eternal life. "Behold, I am coming very soon," Jesus has promised. (Revelation 22:20) Yes, He is on His way to take us with Him. Prepare others and yourself to meet Him. Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love you. We eagerly await your arrival. Prepare ourselves and our families to take part in Your second coming. We entrust our Soul, Spirit, and Body to thee. Assist us in becoming victorious like You. Help us to gain a better understanding of Jesus Christ. Let us gather as many souls for your kingdom as we can. Protect and guide us. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
- DAY - 13 EL HANNEMAN
DAY -13 EL HANNEMAN THE FAITHFUL GOD. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deu 7:9 Faithfulness is the key to spirituality, relationships, and life. People expect loyalty in a personal relationship or a corporate relationship. The loyalty in us speaks of who we are and the values that we are built upon wherever we go and wherever we are placed. On the other hand, we would have heard that God is a faithful God an infinite number of times in church. He is unwaveringly loyal to all of his creations. His faithfulness is so great that nations have and will always acknowledge it. El Hanneman discusses God's primary attributes. It alludes to the "God of Faithfulness." The Bible highlights time and again that God is not like a man. His characteristics are opposed to those of mortals. "God is not human, that he should lie; God is not a human being, that he should change his mind," says Numbers (23:19). This means that a mortal is always regarded as faithless, whereas God is a faithful God. We frequently fail to keep our words, to keep our promises, and betray people's trust and belief for a variety of reasons. Even if we are unfaithful, God remains faithful to us. (2Tim 2:13) We may now ask ourselves, "Why is God faithful?" In what ways does his faithfulness manifest itself? To respond to the first question, God's greatest love for mankind is manifested in his faithfulness. He created the entire earth and its creatures so that there would be life on Earth. He did not create it to later destroy it. In his perception, his creations were flawless. So, when man sinned against him, man's perfection was lost, but God desired to redeem mankind through his perfect Son, Jesus Christ. When he had control over his creation, he chose to keep the man alive rather than to destroy him for his sins. For example, what do we do or how do we react if someone we trust fails us? We primarily stop to greet or converse with them. For a long time, we feel resentment toward the people. But how did God react to man's first sin? Of course, he expelled the couple from Eden, but he devised ways for the man to live on. Initially, He made their clothing out of animal skin. Furthermore, He made it possible for a man to survive by farming and raising cattle. Aren't these manifestations of God's love and faithfulness? God's faithfulness is demonstrated in a variety of ways; we'll go over each one below. FAITHFUL GOD, WHO KEEPS HIS COVENANT TO 1000 GENERATIONS. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deu 7:9 In Malachi (3:6), God says, "For I am the LORD, and I do not change; therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." After inheriting the land of Canaan, the Israelites gradually reverted to obeying God's commandments. They adopted the Canaanite idols as their gods and began worshipping them. Despite being Abraham's descendants, they did not believe in God as Abraham did. This aroused God's wrath against the children of Israel. He sent neighboring nations against them, sent plagues that destroyed people, and placed them in the hands of evil men. During the chaos, they prayed to God for a reprieve from the disasters, but their hearts were far from God. God hardened the heart of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon against Israel as a result of their sustained disobedience and stubbornness. He invaded the country, destroying its fortified cities and demolishing the walls of Jerusalem and the Temple of God. He also kidnapped the inhabitants of the cities as slaves. They were working as pioneers in newly reclaimed agricultural areas. Their role was to supply food for the population in the urban nucleus of Babylon. Even though the Babylonians did not treat the Jews harshly, they were still refugees in a foreign land. They begged God to take them back to their homeland of Israel. They also remembered God's love for them, as well as his blessings and prosperity, which they had received in Israel by the Babylonian rivers. But God, who keeps his promises, remembered the Israelites' anguish. He delivered them from Babylon after 70 years of Israel, as he spoke through the Prophets. God kept the covenant he made with Abraham about his descendants living in Canaan. Although they were placed in the hands of foreign rulers, God ensured their deliverance and returned them to Canaan. FAITHFUL GOD, WHO KEEPS HIS PROMISE Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45 Everything God said to the Israelites turned out to be true in their lives. Whatever God said happened miraculously to them, from the deliverance of Egypt to the inheritance of Canaan. They saw God fight for them against their enemies from both large and small nations. Every battle they fought resulted in a victory. They multiplied and grew in strength in the face of many other nations. Every nation trembled at the prospect of fighting them. Many people came forward to reach a peace agreement. They conquered fortified cities, pasture lands, hills and slopes, houses, vineyards, olive tree farmlands, cattle, and the earth's riches, just as God promised. None of God's promises to them went unfulfilled. He carried them on his shoulders like a father would a son. Every one of their wants and needs were met. They lived happily, peacefully, and safely in the promised land of God. FAITHFUL GOD, WHO FORGIVE OUR SINS. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9 Only God can forgive us and cleanse us of our imperfections. We can't have his presence or his blessings unless we accept his forgiveness. Our sins torment our inner being, stealing our peace and eventually destroying us. As a result, it is essential that we accept God's forgiveness. The tragic life of Judas is an example of how rejecting God's forgiveness can ruin a person's life. Judas betrayed Jesus in exchange for a large sum of money from the elders who wanted to arrest Jesus. Judas joined them and agreed to use a kiss to identify Jesus. As a result, Jesus was arrested, tortured to death, and crucified. Judas was troubled by the fact that Jesus died. So, he hung himself and died as a result of his inability to bear the guilt. After being denied Lord Jesus three times, Peter started to realize his mistake and wept bitterly, pleading with God for forgiveness. Jesus Christ not only forgave Peter, but also gave him a new life of ministering to lost souls. He began to be known as "Keba" after being named by Jesus. He built many churches and ministered the gospel of God to the nations. He was able to raise the dead through the power of the risen God, and even his shadow healed people. FAITHFUL GOD, WHO PROVIDES A WAY TO ESCAPE FROM TEMPTATIONS. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1Cor 10:13 Temptations and trials are a part of everyone's life. In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan. We arrive at God's kingdom after many trials and tribulations. Every life of God's servants in the world was troubled and tormented. It is permissible for God's power and glory to be revealed in a person's life. Its purpose is to strengthen the soul's faith in God. Daniel was thrown into the lion's den because he served God. Daniel is said to have made no mistakes or been found guilty of anything. Nonetheless, the man was imprisoned because his enemies were envious of his successful career. However, in the lion's den, God sent his angel to bind the lions' mouths in order to save Daniel. When the King went to check on Daniel, to everyone's surprise, he returned unharmed and testified God. Because of Daniel, God's name was honored. Remember that our God is a God of truthfulness. He will go to any length to keep his promises. If he has said anything about your life, it will be completely fulfilled. He will not forget his promises or your prayers for them to be fulfilled. He is the God of Daniel, and he is capable of saving you regardless of the circumstances. He will not give up you or abandon you. Everything he said to you will come true in the coming days. Rejoice. Prayer : El Hanneman, Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness to me. Thank you for your unfailing love, which you demonstrated to me on the cross. Lord, please forgive me for the times I have been unfaithful to you. Cleanse my heart and soul, and assist me in remaining steadfast in your words. Please remember the words and the covenant you made with me as I read that you are a faithful god from generation to generation. Kindly, by your grace, fulfil each of them in my life. May my life, like Daniel's, bring glory to your name. In the name of Jesus, amen!
- DAY - 12 ELOHAY TEHILATI
DAY – 12 ELOHAY – TEHILATI " My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent" (Ps 109:1) Praise is an integral part of the Christian life. The word "praise" appears 300 times in the Old Testament alone, the majority of which are in Psalms. What exactly is "Praise"? Praise is a way of expressing one's respect and gratitude to God, especially in song. It is also a way of admiring how big and great God is. Why do we need to give thanks to God? First and foremost, we thank God because it is our essential mandate and not an option. Praise the Lord, all who have breath! (Ps 105:6). Furthermore, His presence is particularly strong in the atmosphere of Praise. "God is enthroned upon the praises of Israel," says the Bible (Ps 22:3). Consequently, praise is a powerful weapon against the devil. Satan Lucifer was a Praise Leader who was cast out of Heaven and doomed to eternal darkness because he desired to be God (Is 14). Since then, he has despised praise because it reminds him of what he has lost and cannot be reclaimed. Let us take a look at the life of "The King Who Won the War by Praising God." Jehoshaphat was the King of Judah mentioned in King David's genealogy. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed in the footsteps of his father David. (2 Chronicles 17:3) As Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and dedicated his heart to the Lord's ways, the Lord established the Kingdom under his (Jehoshaphat's) control. During his reign, a vast army of Moabites, Ammonites, and Me unites came to fight against Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat, alarmed, cried out to God, saying, "We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us." We don't know what to do, but our gaze is fixed on You" (2chr 20:12). As the prayer was being said, the Holy Spirit descended on Jahaziel and a few others in the congregation, and they encouraged the people with God's words, saying, "For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2chr 20:15). After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to Sing to the Lord and Praise Him for the Glory of His Holiness early in the morning. "Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever," the men sang. "As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the invading men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, and they were all defeated by killing themselves." When the men of Judah arrived at the vantage point overlooking the desert and looked back at the vast army, they saw only dead bodies on the ground; no one escaped. So, when Jehoshaphat and his men went to take their plunder, they discovered a large amount of equipment and clothing, as well as valuable articles - far more than they could carry away. There was so much to loot that it took them three days to collect it all. The men of Judah and their King rejoiced as they returned to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them a reason to rejoice over their enemies. They arrived in Jerusalem and proceeded to the Lord's Temple, carrying harps, lyres, and trumpets. When the surrounding Kingdoms heard how the Lord had fought against Israel's enemies, they were filled with dread. He brought peace to the kingdom of Jehoshaphat, and his God granted him rest on all sides. Dear God's Children, "The God I Praise, please do not remain silent," David prays. Praise is one way we can get God to move in our lives. Unlike in churches, where we praise God, worshipping Him should include private times between you and God. We have so much to thank God for, and there is greater power in honoring Him. The Bible is replete with examples of praise in which we see His power manifested - life-changing miracles, dramatic stories of the enemy being stopped or defeated, and hearts being changed and drawn closer to Him. Every day of our lives, we have a choice. Either to be consumed by stress and worries or to gaze upon the Creator who holds us in His hands. God wants our whole hearts. He desires for us to experience the Power of His Presence in our lives. He wishes to bless us in ways we cannot imagine. With our praises, let us draw closer to Him. Amen!! Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for being who You are. We thank You for selecting us to be Your people. We thank You for all of the wonderful blessings You have bestowed upon us. We thank You for providing for all of our needs following Your richest Glory. We thank You for guiding and protecting us. We thank You for Your unwavering love for us. Father, please help us to praise You more and to draw closer to You. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!!
- DAY - 11 JEHOVAH RAPHA
DAY – 11 JEHOVAH RAPHA I am the LORD, who heals you. Exodus 15:26 Diseases exist everywhere. All creations, including animals and humans, are infected with various types of infections. Infectious, deficiency, hereditary, and physiological diseases are the four types of ailments. A large number of diseases are discovered and added to the list at all times. Medicines are only discovered for a few diseases. Humans are subjected to difficult medical conditions regularly. According to the Bible, God created a planet with a diverse range of flora and fauna. And as God's masterpiece, the Man was created to rule over them. It was a healthy planet when God created them. God regarded them favorably and adored them. Everything he made was flawless. There was nothing but joy all around, and the animals were perfectly obedient to their master Man. Furthermore, the soil, water, air, and plants all provided medicinal value to the first man. Life on the planet was perfect and happy. As Man's life was becoming stable and peaceful, Satan entered and deceived them into disobeying God. His plan of sabotaging perfection was successfully carried out by the first couple. And as a result of their rebellion, God cursed them and expelled them from his presence. Because of man's disobedience, the earth was cursed, and everything on it suffered. For the living beings, life became dreadful. Nature's harmony was shattered. Harmful viruses and bacteria began to wreak havoc on the creature. Even though the Lord cursed the earth and man, he was willing to save mankind from the earth's pestilence because of his unquenchable love for his creations. He declared that he will heal anyone who obeys and respects his name. Many biblical characters suffered from terrible diseases and were miraculously healed by God's power. Healing in the Old Testament. God healed many in the Old Testament to prove his love and his unfathomable power. God's way has always been to support his men and their message with signs and wonders that men could believe in. There are two major periods in the Old Testament when such activities were prevalent. The first occurred during Moses' time, and the second occurred during the consecutive ministries of Elijah and Elisha. There were far more supernatural events recorded in each of these two eras than in the rest of the Old Testament combined. The Israelites had to pass through several cities and nations on their way to inherit Canaan. Before crossing the border, they had to obtain permission from the ruler. Because of the threat of war, many of the nation's kings refused to allow them to pass through their country. As a result, the Israelites had to fight each of them to continue their journey. As a result, they were exhausted and tired. The desert heat tested their faith and sapped their strength. So, they fought with Moses and their God. Despite witnessing God's incredible work, they continued to question him about food and water, which enraged God. As a result, he sent venomous snakes in them. They bit people, and many were killed as a result. As he watched the people perish, Moses pleaded with God to stop him. He begged God for mercy and assistance in saving their lives. God granted his request and directed Moses to create a bronze serpent pole that will bring life to anyone who sees it. Thus, God healed everyone who had been bitten. God demonstrated his tremendous power through 2 sequential people, Elijah and Elisha. They could raise the dead, bring a barren woman to deliver a child, heal leprosy, and so on. Whoever went to the prophet of God with a chronic condition was healed by God's power. Healed by Word. The authority over everything under the sky and in heaven was given to Lord Jesus. He was given to mankind to destroy Satan, the power of death. His words were so authoritative that the devil responded by obeying. A devil-possessed man lived in Gerasene's territory. He was imprisoned in tombs and bound with heavy chains. However, he frequently ripped the chains apart and broke the iron rods from his feet. No one had the strength to subdue him. He used to scream and cut himself with stones all day and night in the tombs and on the hills. One day, while Jesus was visiting the area to preach the gospel, the same devil-possessed man identified Jesus and begged him not to torture them. However, Jesus, the compassionate God, desired to deliver the man from the evil and inquired of the devil as to its name. The devil replied, "Legion," which means "many." In many unexplainable ways, the man was tortured by the power of darkness. As a result, Jesus commanded the devil to leave the man. Through his words, he directly challenged Satan's power. And as soon as Jesus spoke those words, the devil flew out of the man's mouth. Another incident was recorded in Mark 5. Jairus, as ruler of the synagogue, would look after the building and select who would attend the services. He would have been a well-known and respected figure. Jairus was a prominent Jewish leader, but he was now helpless. His 12-year-old daughter was on the verge of death. So he dashed to Jesus and begged him to come to his house and heal his dying daughter. Jesus agreed to accompany him. Jesus had to perform another healing while they were on their way. As a result, there was a delay in their journey. However, as he approached Jairus' house, a few of Jairus' men approached them to inform them that the daughter had died. Despite hearing this report, Jesus proceeded to the room where her mortal was kept. When he saw men and women gathered to mourn, he ordered the crowd to leave the house. He then approached the young girl and said, Talitha cumi. The dead girl immediately responded by rising. The word of Jesus Christ brought several healings in his ministry. Healed by TOUCH Lord Jesus once paid a visit to Peter's home. He noticed Peter's mother-in-law had a high fever while he was at Peter's house. She was unable to work because she was in bed. Even though she was being treated by several doctors, her temperature was extremely high. The old lady had a fever and was in critical condition on her deathbed. He took the woman's hand in his and helped her up. The fever vanished instantly, and there was no sign of the weakness that might be expected in a person who had been running a fever. The fever left the woman after Jesus rebuked it, and she began to serve the guests. Nain was a small farming village during Jesus' time, nestled up against Mount Moreh, which defined the east side of the Jezreel Valley. The town itself was off the beaten path. It was only accessible by a single road. As Christ approached the city after a long journey, a young man, probably in his twenties, was being carried out on a burial slab. In this tragic family tragedy, she was accompanied by a large group of villagers. When Jesus saw her tear-stained face as she walked behind the procession, He felt great compassion for her. The widow was then told by Jesus to "weep not". He "touched the bier," and the procession "stood still," unafraid of ritual uncleanness. "Young man, arise," he said. "And he who was dead arose and began to speak." And [Jesus] handed him over to his mother." The crowd of villagers and Jesus' followers were naturally taken aback as their shared grief turned to pure joy. "They all glorified God, saying, A great prophet has risen among us." HEALED BY ACTION While Jesus was traveling to cities, he came across a man who was born blind. In Jewish traditions, diseases and ailments were regarded as a source of sin. When the disciples saw the man, they asked Jesus if he was born defective because of his sin or because of his parents' sins. Jesus responded by saying that he was blind to demonstrate God's power in him. He then approached the man, spit his saliva from his mouth, made clay, and rubbed it in the blind man's eyes. He instructed the man to go to the pool of Siloam and clean his eyes to be granted sight. The Pool of Siloam (a spring-fed pool of freshwater used for purification) represents the man's progress toward greater physical and spiritual purity because he washed off the mud that Jesus had applied to his eyes, and his faith was rewarded with a miracle as a result. HEALED BY CLOAK Whenever Jesus healed people, he was interested to know their faith in his power. He touched many and healed them. But there’s a remarkable story of a woman who touched the end of his garment and was healed. "A large crowd surrounded and followed him. And there was a woman there who had been bleeding for twelve years. She had been through a lot under the care of many doctors and had spent everything she had, but instead of getting better, she got worse. When she learned about Jesus, she approached him in the crowd and touched his cloak, thinking, "If I just touch his clothes, I'll be healed." Her bleeding stopped immediately, and she felt in her body that she was no longer in pain. Jesus immediately realized that his power had vanished. "Who touched my clothes?" he asked as he turned around in the crowd. The disciples, unaware of what has happened, respond incredulously, "everyone!" But Jesus recognizes that something significant has occurred, something unexpected and unplanned, and that power has left him. He's aware that someone's touch was one of faith, and he'd like to find out who it was. The woman came in front of the crowd and witnessed the glory of God in her body. When we pray to God, the stripes of Jesus heal us. God's power is alive and active, proving that he is still alive today. If you want to be healed today, say this prayer from the bottom of your heart. Jehovah Lord Rapha, Thank you for the healing power that manifests in people's lives to demonstrate your greatest power. Thank you for bearing the cross to save me. Please assist me or a sick relative in receiving your healing today. I have faith in your abilities and have surrendered myself to you. May your glory fill my life so that I can be a witness in your name. In Jesus' name. amen!
- DAY - 10 THE BRIDEGROOM
DAY – 10 THE BRIDEGROOM Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?” The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. Matt 9:15 Marriage is regarded as a two-person commitment of love, trust, and loyalty. It is founded on the principles of hope and responsibility. It is the most beautiful and pure union of hearts and souls. It physically, emotionally, and spiritually joins two different people into one. To be successful in the relationship, it is necessary to have a high level of mutual understanding and patience. A bridegroom is a man who is about to marry or who has recently married. He is ecstatic about his wedding day and can't wait to marry his chosen bride. God frequently calls Israel to be his wedded wife in the Bible. God's relationship with the Children of Israel foreshadows a husband's relationship with his wife. God loved his people and was devoted to them. He was always with them in their ways and had never abandoned them. His people, the Israelites, on the other hand, were unfaithful to him. They rejected God, worshipped pagan gods, and defiled themselves. God repeatedly warned them to return to him through various prophets, but the Israelites were unwilling to worship God and rebelled against him in a multitude of ways. God came down in the form of a man named Jesus Christ to redeem His people, of Jerusalem. He forgives Israel's sins and accepts her as his wife. He is the bridegroom chosen for the day of the wedding of the Lamb, as described in the revelation. And the Church or the bride must be ready at any time for the wedding. Certain characteristics outline the bridegroom in the Bible, 1. LOVE NEVER FAILS. God's love is unfailing. He has an everlasting love for us. His affection knows no bounds. It is a love that expects nothing but love in return. It is God's deepest love that has been offered for the redemption of mankind. To flee Esau, Jacob was sent to the house of his uncle, Laban. He fell in love with Rachel, Laban's youngest daughter, while there. He worked for Laban for the first seven years after Laban made a contract allowing him to marry his daughter only if he worked for seven years. So, after seven years, Jacob insisted on marrying Rachel to him. Laban, on the other hand, deceived him by sending his first daughter, Leah, to him. Jacob argued about the contract after being offended by Laban's behavior. Laban, on the other hand, duped Jacob into working for another seven years to marry Rachel. Jacob, devastated but determined, worked tirelessly to marry Rachel. According to the Bible, Jacob didn't get tired of working for Rachel for 14 years because he had an unending love for her. God's unending love was willing to persevere in redeeming the Israelites from their sins. He did not abandon his mission of restoring their hearts to his righteous ways. God was patiently waiting for them to return to him, even if it took several years. This is the perfect love of God’s unceasing or unwavering love for his people. The Lord Jesus Christ adored three siblings, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. He pays them frequent visits and dines with them. They, too, loved God so much and always welcomed him into their home with great enthusiasm. Lazarus became ill and died while Jesus was away from town. The sisters requested that Lord Jesus come to them right away, but Jesus delayed for three days. When he returned on the fourth day, he saw them Jesus wept. When the crowd that had gathered to console them saw Jesus crying, they whispered to one another, "How he loved them." The tears in Jesus' eyes expressed his deep affection for the family. He can't just sit there crying, but he also performed a miracle by resurrecting the dead Lazarus. Christ's unending love will comfort you and open the door to miracles. The bible says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." God's love for us is given to us to enjoy and delight in. You are expected to honor God by lavishly loving your partner. They may be flawed in some ways, but greater love will cause you to love them despite their flaws. And if your partner isn't showing you affection, pray to God to change his heart toward you. 2. LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS. Jealousy comes from one’s ego. It damages and destroys the hearts of others. It taints relationships and wreaks havoc on our hearts. It can cause us to mistreat others or overlook the blessings in our own lives. The more we are enslaved by a desire for the possessions of others, the less we can be grateful for our own lives. Such jealousy prevents us from loving others and even God. Examine the Lord Jesus Christ's nature. Once, his disciples discovered a man in a particular town who performed miracles like Jesus. They witnessed people being healed in God's name. As a result, they rushed to Jesus and complained to him. They also requested that Jesus stop him. But, to their surprise, Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for he, too, is a man who builds God's kingdom." He went on to say that if anyone believes in me, he will accomplish more than I did. Lord Jesus always encouraged his disciples to strive to become better people worthy of being God's citizens. When they arrived, he delighted them by reporting that they, too, could perform miracles like Jesus. Jesus never condemned them or said, "No, you cannot duplicate me," but rather, "You will do many great things in my name." Because love comes from God, it does not envy. And if a heart is filled with jealousy, it is the work of Satan, because Satan envied God and fell from his throne. 3. LOVE ALWAYS TRUSTS. Love always has faith in one another. It always pulls the other person in and cheers them up when they are down. It does not condemn the other but is willing to make sacrifices for the sake of another's dream. Abraham and Sarah were the Old Testament couple known for their faith. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland and travel to another country, he immediately went and told Sarah to prepare for the journey. The land was both Abraham's and Sarah's ancestral home. But when Abraham mentioned God's command, Sarah, despite knowing nothing about the new god, believed Abraham. She accompanied Abraham to locations she was unaware of. She only had faith in God and her husband. She also believed in the promise that God made to Abraham and waited patiently for it to be fulfilled. As a result, she became known as the mother of the nation of Israel. God never destroyed or abandoned Israel because of its flaws. In hope, he waited for them to return. So he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem them through the blood covenant. He is the groom who is waiting for the church, and we are the church for him. All he asks is that we are loyal to him and love him. Let us, as the bride, prepare ourselves in holiness to meet God. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the eternal love you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for being patient with us when we messed up. Thank you for rescuing me from the darkness and bringing me into your wonderful light. I present myself to you holy to be the bride in the church. Bless me and my family with the ability to walk uprightly. In Jesus' name, amen!