"Look, a people rises like a lioness, And lifts itself up like a lion; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain." Numbers 23:24

Numbers 23:24—a verse that declares a timeless truth: God calls Israel and His people everywhere to rise with strength, purpose, and courage, regardless of the challenges they face. The image of the lioness rising and the lion standing tall is a heavenly call to action: to stay alert, be courageous, and lead with boldness. God’s people are not meant to shrink back in fear, but to stand in faith. And here’s the greater truth: the Lion of Judah lives inside you. His Spirit empowers you not to cower or stay silent, but to roar—proclaiming salvation through Jesus, the coming Kingdom, and the soon return of the King. Just as Israel rose in Operation Rising Lion, so must we—not in our strength, but in His. Now is the time to wake up, shake off spiritual slumber, and stand firm for truth in a world drowning in confusion. Brothers & Sisters, this is not just a word for a nation—it’s God’s call to you. In every trial and moment of uncertainty, rise with the courage and the strength of the lion—alert, bold, and ready in God’s power, knowing the Lion of Judah goes before you as your Defender, Deliverer, and King. Now is the time to rise and roar! RISE LIKE A LION!

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5; "Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:29 Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. Mat 11:30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

When we read the Beatitudes, we catch a glimpse of Jesus’s heart and the values that define His Kingdom. His words unveil the kind of life that God calls blessed—marked by humility, mercy, purity of heart, a hunger for righteousness, peacemaking, and faithful endurance in the face of suffering. But to fully grasp the contrast between heaven and earth, we must also look at the flip side. Only by considering the opposites of the Beatitudes can we truly see how far humanity has fallen from God’s design. Pride replaces the poor in spirit. Arrogance takes the place of meekness. The world chases pleasure rather than weeping over sin. Instead of hungering for righteousness, the self-satisfied boast they need nothing. And rather than rejoicing when persecuted for truth's sake, the world strikes back -- demanding justice for behaviors once rightly called sin. The very air we breathe is thick with self-interest, and our culture doesn't merely tolerate it -- it celebrates it and even sanctifies it as virtue. Yet into this broken and upside-down world, Jesus speaks a better word—so pure, so radically different, it sounds like it comes from another realm altogether. And that’s because it does. His words are not shaped by opinion or cultural wisdom; they flow from divine authority. When He declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth," He isn’t offering a poetic ideal—He is proclaiming eternal truth. In a world that prizes power, pride, and self-promotion, Jesus exalts meekness as the path to blessing and lasting inheritance. Among His most powerful invitations are these words: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." The One who blesses the meek does not stand far off—He embodies meekness Himself. And in calling us to walk in it, He offers us what the world can never give: true rest. Jesus offers more than a break from activity — He provides rest for the soul. He doesn't invite us to strive harder, climb higher, or perform better. He invites us to take His yoke--gentle, humble, and anchored in meekness. Meekness is not weakness — it is power restrained and strength brought under the authority of God. The truly meek may walk with confidence and courage, yet they have surrendered the relentless need to defend themselves or seek recognition. They are no longer striving for the world’s applause, but have found peace in God’s presence alone: in themselves, they are nothing; in Him, they have everything. Jesus offers freedom from the relentless weight of ego—the constant pressure to be seen, admired, and validated. But when we take on His meekness, we step into a new kind of freedom: the freedom to stop comparing, competing, or pretending. The meek, like little children, live with simplicity and sincerity, unbothered by status or recognition, and fully content to walk in truth. This is the path to soul rest. Peace will never be found in climbing higher, shining brighter, or striving harder. True rest isn't found in exalting yourself--it's found in surrendering before the Lord. When you lay down your pride, release your need to be seen, and lose yourself in the greatness of Jesus, you'll discover the rest your soul has craved all along. Brothers & Sisters, so come. Let go of the pressure to perform, the fear of being overlooked, the weight of comparison, and image. Embrace His yoke--the yoke of meekness, quiet strength, and full surrender. Walk with Jesus, the One who is meek and lowly in heart, and find the rest that no success, status, or applause can offer. Not just momentary relief, but deep, soul-satisfying rest--rooted in His presence, anchored in His peace, and carried by His strength. This is His promise. This is His invitation. Choose it--and embrace it. MEEKNESS: A KINGDOM PRINCIPLE THAT BRINGS TRUE PEACE!

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out into a place which he was afterward going to receive for an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he went." Hebrews 11:8

We often celebrate beginnings—new chapters, breakthroughs, divine appointments. But in God’s economy, every true beginning requires a holy crossing. Before the Hebrews could enter the Promised Land, they had to leave Egypt. Before they entered the Promised Land, they had to cross over the Red Sea. And before Abraham could receive God’s promises, he had to obey a single command: “Leave.” Abraham stood at that threshold. When he obeyed God’s call to walk away from his homeland, his security, and all that was familiar, he became the first Hebrew—the first Ivri, literally one who crosses over. He stepped across the invisible boundary between the known and the unknown, the natural and the supernatural, the seen and that which was promised. The identity of God’s people is rooted in crossing: from unbelief to faith, from bondage to freedom, from death to life. God didn’t just call Abraham to a destination—He called him to a transformation. And transformation begins when we say goodbye to what’s behind. Leaving is not just an act of trust—it is a declaration of faith in the unseen. It’s Abraham turning his back on everything familiar—his land, his family, his future plans—to follow a voice, a promise, a God he could not see. It’s the Hebrews standing at the edge of the Red Sea, with Pharaoh’s army closing in behind them and nothing but water before them—yet stepping forward, believing that the God who delivered them once would make a way again. Leaving is the willingness to let go before you see what’s coming next. It’s choosing to release your grip on the known in exchange for the eternal. It’s not a loss—it’s a surrender that leads to something greater. Think about the disciples. Their journey with Jesus didn’t begin with great sermons or miracles. It began when they dropped their nets. They left their boats, their routines, their comfort zones—and followed Him. Without leaving, there would have been no following. Without the exit, no entrance. It’s not just a principle of geography. It’s a paradox of the Kingdom. How often do we pray for a breakthrough while clinging to what God is asking us to release? We want resurrection, but resist the cross. We want the Promised Land, but won’t leave our Egypt. Yet, the exodus is not punishment—it’s preparation. God doesn’t just take things away—He delivers us from what no longer fits our future, so He can place in our hands what was always meant to be ours. He strips away what cannot stay, to make room for what cannot be shaken. What He asks you to release is never greater than what He’s preparing to give. Brothers & Sisters, perhaps for you, it’s a mindset that needs to be left behind, a fear that has kept you stuck, or a comfort zone that has become a cage. "Crossing over" means trusting that what God is leading you toward is greater than what He’s asking you to leave behind. What lies ahead with Him always outweighs what’s left behind. It’s believing the Promised Land ahead is worth every Egypt that's left behind. It’s choosing, like Abraham, to become one who crosses over. YOU'RE CROSSING OVER!

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also." John 14:2-3; "For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 2 Corinthians 5:1

When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years, they traversed a rugged, unpredictable landscape — mile after mile of mountains, valleys, rocks, and desert sands — as they journeyed from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. They didn't build homes or cities along the way. They lived in tents, always ready to move when God gave the word. Their lives were shaped by transition — constant change, daily dependence, and unwavering trust in the Lord's leading. And that, friends, holds a powerful truth for us today: this life is a journey, not a final stop. We are not home yet. We are travelers, passing through on our way to the place Jesus Himself has gone ahead to prepare. Paul echoes this hope in 2 Corinthians 5:1: "For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Everything in this life--each season, trial, joy, or sorrow--is temporary. It's part of the wilderness we pass through as we move toward something better, something eternal. Like the Israelites, we move from one phase of life to another. Childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age--each is like a tent we live in for a time. Our moments of success and seasons of struggle, the highs and lows--they all come and go. Even our bodies, Scripture reminds us, are like tents--fragile, temporary, not meant to last forever. So what does this mean for us? It means we should not get too comfortable with this world. This isn't where we settle. We are pilgrims, called to walk by faith, not by what we see, but by what we know is coming--"the things which are not seen... for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Whatever season you're in right now--whether joyful or painful--remember, it's not forever. One day, every tent will be taken down. And for those who belong to Him, there is a permanent home waiting -- a mansion built by God, not with human hands, but eternal in the heavens. So I urge you today: live like a traveler, not a settler. Don't anchor your heart to what won't last -- whether possessions, status, or fleeting seasons of life. Hold loosely to this world and tightly to your calling. Fix your eyes on the eternal. Travel light. Walk with purpose. Stay ready. Brothers & Sisters, because this world is not your home--you're only passing through. And soon--sooner than we think--the One who went ahead to prepare a place for you will return again to bring you home. YOU'RE JUST PASSING THROUGH!

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" Psalms 34:8

For many, God remains a theory—an idea borrowed from tradition, deduced from the cosmos, or tucked quietly into the corners of a creed. He is believed in from afar, but is rarely encountered. Even among believers, it’s not uncommon to live with a distant reverence for God while lacking a vibrant, personal communion with Him. But Scripture offers something radically more intimate. God is not an abstract concept or a distant force. He is a Person—a loving Father who walks with His children, speaks to them, and invites them into His presence. The invitation is not to believe in a shadow or serve a principle, but to know Him. To experience Him. To taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). This is not a poetic metaphor—it is the reality of the spiritual life. Just as we use our physical senses to engage the world around us, so we are equipped with spiritual faculties—quickened by the Holy Spirit—to perceive, respond to, and delight in God. His presence is not imaginary or symbolic. It is real—closer than the ground beneath our feet. Have you settled for knowing about God without truly knowing Him? Is your faith limited to forms and facts instead of fellowship? The door to His presence stands open—not just in the life to come, but right here, right now. Today, don’t settle for simply thinking about God. Taste and see that He is good. Reckon upon His reality—draw near in quiet trust and let your spiritual senses awaken. You were made for this: to encounter, enjoy, and walk with the living God. Brothers & Sisters, this is the kind of vibrant faith that births revival—not manufactured in crowds, but ignited in hearts that have truly tasted His goodness and seen His glory. When even one soul is set ablaze by the presence of the Living God, the spark can become a wildfire. May that flame rise in you today. May revival be fresh and new within you, rooted in a firsthand taste of the One who is altogether good. O TASTE AND SEE!

"Therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He has consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies having been washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19-22

God has always longed for intimacy with us. He formed us for Himself--to walk with Him, to know Him, to delight in His Presence. This is the very heartbeat of creation: relationship, not religion. Yet sin drove a wedge between us. A veil was drawn, shutting out the light of His face and placing distance where there was once communion. But now, the veil has been torn. When Jesus died, the veil in the Temple that once separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was ripped from top to bottom--heaven's own declaration that the way into God's intimate Presence had been opened. The blood of Jesus didn't merely forgive us; it opened a door. Not just to salvation, but to intimacy. We are not invited to stand in the outer courts, content with distance and ritual. We are summoned into the very heart of the throne room. Into the Holiest. Into the place where God dwells in glory. Into a communion deeper than words, where His love fills every crevice of our being and His whisper becomes our life. This is not a metaphor. It is a reality. The torn veil is not just a symbol--it is a passage. A blood-stained trail that leads into the very arms of the Father. And it calls for boldness. Not arrogance, but a confidence grounded in Jesus' finished work. His blood has made the way. There is nothing left to earn. Nothing left to prove. Only one thing is required: come. Yet many remain outside--not because God holds us back, but because we have not yet surrendered our inner veils. Pride, fear, shame, self--these are type of veils that must be torn. But the Spirit is ready to do the tearing. He waits for our surrender. For the heart that says, "Whatever it takes, I want to know Him." And when that veil is removed, the soul enters a realm not of theory but of encounter. Brothers & Sisters, intimacy with God is not a privilege for the spiritual elite—it is the birthright of every soul redeemed by the blood of Jesus. To draw near is not striving for favor, but surrendering to love. The veil is no more. The way is open. And the Father waits -- not with judgment, but with joy -- to welcome you into the fullness of His embrace. ENTER IN, THE VEIL IS TORN!

"A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah" Psalms 3:1-8

David wrote Psalm 3 while running for his life -- betrayed, heartbroken, and hunted by his own son, Absalom. The weight of rebellion wasn’t just political; it was personal. His household had turned against him. Friends became foes. Loyal hearts grew cold. The throne he once held was now surrounded by enemies, and the whispers grew louder: “There is no salvation for him in God.” (Psalm 3:2) But David didn’t answer his enemies -- he answered with worship. “But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3) In the midst of collapse, David turned his eyes upward. When everything else was falling apart, he clung to the truth that God had not. The Lord was his shield -- not just ahead of him, but around him, covering the blind spots, the unseen threats. When others stripped away his dignity, God became his glory. When grief bowed his head low, God lifted it again. David didn’t just endure—he rested. “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.” (Psalm 3:5) That single verse speaks volumes. David didn’t sleep because the danger was gone—he slept because his trust was anchored in the God who never sleeps. Surrounded by betrayal and hunted in the dark, he laid his head down in faith, not fear. And when morning came, breath still in his lungs, it was proof: God was still writing his story. And because of that, he faced the day unshaken. “I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” (Psalms 3:6) The odds didn’t matter anymore. God was with him. The same voice that silenced storms now steadied his heart. “Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God!” (Psalm 3:7) David called out -- not in panic, but in confidence. He had seen what God could do. He knew the One who breaks the power of the wicked and silences every mocking mouth. And then he makes a bold declaration that echoes across generations: “Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be on Your people.” (Psalm 3:8) This isn’t just David’s testimony -- it’s the battle cry of every believer who’s ever stood in the fire and refused to bow. When betrayal breaks your heart, when fear grips your chest, when the enemy hisses, "You’re finished" -- lift your eyes. The same God who shielded David surrounds you now. He is your defender. He is your honor when shame tries to stain you. He is the hand that lifts your head when the weight of life pulls it down. Brothers & Sisters, your rescue doesn’t come from strategy or strength, from plans or performance. Salvation is God’s alone -- and He’s never lost a battle. His blessing isn’t fragile. It doesn’t vanish in the storm. It rests still -- on those who trust Him. Let that truth thunder through your soul while the battle rages on! LIFT YOUR HEAD -- THE BATTLE ISN'T OVER!

"Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed [Meshiach], saying, 7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Psalms 2:1-2,7-8,11-12

Psalm 2 is a divine announcement -- a heavenly decree that demands the world’s attention. It begins with a question: “Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?” (Ps. 2:1). The nations rise up, not against injustice or tyranny, but against the rule of God’s Messiah. That Anointed is Jesus -- the Son whom the Father has set on His holy hill in Zion (Ps. 2:6). The psalm strips away all pretense and exposes the heart of human rebellion: it is a refusal to be ruled by His Messiah. In this psalm, the Father proclaims that Jesus has been given the nations as His inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession (Ps. 2:8). This is not poetic symbolism -- it is a declaration of destiny. Jesus is not merely Savior -- He is King. He will not rule by diplomacy but with a rod of iron (Ps. 2:9). His authority is final, His dominion unstoppable. Though the kings of the earth conspire, their defiance is met with divine derision—God laughs from heaven (Ps. 2:4), because no scheme can overturn His decree. And when grace is ignored, wrath is awakened. Yet even in the face of judgment, Psalm 2 is laced with mercy. The Father offers a clear warning: “Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O judges of the earth” (Ps. 2:10). This is not the cold judgment of a distant God -- it is the loving rebuke of a holy God who desires repentance. The call is urgent: "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling" (Ps. 2:11). There is joy in submission, but only when it is coupled with reverence. Then comes the command that pierces every heart: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way” (Ps. 2:12). To kiss the Son is to surrender, to lay down arms, to recognize that Jesus is Lord. The picture is one of homage and honor. This is not the kiss of affection but of allegiance. It is the line in the sand. We either bend the knee to Jesus willingly, or we face His righteous anger. This psalm reminds us that God’s love and wrath are not opposites -- they are expressions of the same holy nature. He is patient, but He is not passive. He warns not because He enjoys judgment, but because He longs to show mercy. But mercy must be received. The alternative is to "perish in the way," because the way of rebellion always leads to ruin. Brothers & Sisters, blessed are all who take refuge in Him (Ps. 2:12). That is the final word of Psalm 2, and it is the heartbeat of the gospel. Refuge is available -- not in defiance, but in surrender. Jesus is the Son whom the Father has exalted. He is the rightful King. The question is not whether He will reign -- the question is will we bow, or be broken? Kiss the Son while there's still time. Surrender in faith, and find life, joy, and mercy in Him -- for the Kingdom of God is at hand. THE KING IS COMING: WILL YOU BOW OR BE BROKEN?

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." Psalms 1:1-6

Psalm 1 opens with a sobering warning about the quiet, deadly slide into sin. The man without God doesn’t become a scorner overnight -- he drifts there gradually. First, he walks in ungodly counsel, entertaining worldly thoughts. Then, he stands in the path of sinners, embracing their way of life. Finally, he sits in the seat of the scornful, hardened in heart and mocking what is sacred. This progression -- from a man without God to scorner -- reveals how small compromises grow into full rebellion, dulling the conscience and deadening the soul. In contrast, the righteous man doesn’t merely avoid sin, rather he delights in His Word. God's Word isn’t a burden to him, but a feast for his soul. It renews his mind, directs his steps, and transforms his desires. He doesn’t follow God out of duty, but out of joy. His obedience is not performance-based -- it’s affection. He is like a tree, planted by rivers of water -- strong, steady, and nourished by the Spirit. His roots go deep, and his fruit appears in season, feeding others and glorifying God. He is not shaken by droughts or storms, because his source is divine. His secret is not willpower, but the indwelling presence of the Lord. Like an artesian spring, the Holy Spirit flows from within -- wisdom, love, joy, power. He doesn’t merely try to live like Jesus -- it's deeper ... he lives through Yeshua. The life of a believer is not just imitation, it’s impartation. It is Christ in us -- the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27) This man is truly blessed. Not because life is easy, but because God is with him. His prosperity is measured not in wealth, but in fruitfulness and eternal purpose. The Lord knows his way -- approves of it, delights in it, and watches over it. While the wicked seem to flourish for a time, they are like chaff -- weightless, rootless, and blown away. But the righteous man, grounded in truth and filled with grace, will stand forever. Brothers & Sisters, in the end, Psalm 1 is not just poetry -- it’s a choice of lifestyles. We are either descending in sin or being deeply rooted in Him. One life ends in emptiness, the other in everlasting joy. And the secret is not striving harder, but receiving deeper. Jesus alone can make you a fruitful tree by rivers of water -- thriving now and flourishing forever. Blessed is the man whose roots run deep in Him. BLESSED IS THE MAN PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF WATER!

"At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:26-29

In a world trembling with uncertainty--political unrest, economic turmoil, natural disasters--God is speaking again. Not in whispers, but with the shaking that reorders lives, redefines kingdoms, and removes everything that cannot stand in the presence of His glory. He is preparing us for a kingdom that cannot be moved. But in the midst of the shaking, there is rest -- a deep, unshakable rest reserved for the people of God. Not rest as the world gives -- temporary relief or distraction -- but the kind that anchors the soul in the storm, the kind that is rooted in Jesus, our rest. Just as Israel left the wilderness and entered Canaan, so we are invited to leave the wilderness of striving and fear and step into our inheritance. Canaan was not heaven -- it had battles, failures, and victories. But it was still the land of promise and rest. For us, that rest begins even now as we walk by faith and obedience. Hebrews tells us, "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:6-9). That rest is both present and future -- entered by faith today and fulfilled in glory at His return. It is the rest of knowing that He is enough. That the battle is His. That the inheritance is secure. And that nothing eternal can be shaken. Rest is not passive -- it is the result of surrender. We rest by trusting in the finished work of Jeswus. We rest by obeying His voice even when the ground beneath us quakes. Faith and obedience are not burdens--they are the wings that carry us into divine peace. Every shaking strips away the false securities of this world and drives us deeper into the one foundation that cannot be moved. The enemy cannot shake what God has sealed. Not our calling, not our future, not our peace. When everything else is removed, what remains is the eternal. Brothers & Sisters, the greatest rest is still to come. When Jesus, our greater Joshua, returns, He will calm every storm, crush every enemy, and establish His reign of perfect peace. What Canaan only foreshadowed, His Kingdom will fulfill -- freedom from toil and tears, fullness of joy, and unbroken fellowship with our King. No more struggle -- only triumph. No more shadows -- only light. And best of all, we will dwell forever in His presence, having entered His perfect Rest. So begin today -- to step into that rest. Lay down your striving, lift up your eyes, and let His peace rule in your heart as a foretaste of the glory to come. ENTER INTO HIS REST THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." Ephesians 6:10-13

The Book of Joshua gives us more than a military history -- it unveils the spiritual dynamics behind every victory and defeat in the life of a believer. Israel's stunning defeat at Ai reminds us how one hidden sin can cause spiritual collapse. God refused to bless their next battle because Achan’s disobedience defiled the camp. Ephesians 6 calls us to stand, clothed in the full armor of God, but no armor will hold if we walk in impurity. Victory requires integrity. Faith cannot thrive in the shadows of secret sin. The moment we tolerate what God has forbidden, we forfeit divine protection and invite defeat—even when our strategies seem sound. But God's mercy always opens the door to restoration. Once Israel repented and removed the accursed thing, God told Joshua to rise and go forward. That same grace is ours today. When we confess and forsake sin, the blood of Jesus cleanses us, and the Spirit reequips us. God doesn’t just forgive -- He renews. Our past failures don’t disqualify us; they can deepen our dependence and sharpen our obedience. The voice that once said “Do not go up” now says, “See, I have given it into your hand.” Yet not all battles come with swords drawn. The enemy often comes in disguise. The Gibeonites fooled Israel with moldy bread and clever words—because Joshua and the elders “asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.” Likewise, many compromises in our lives begin with something that seems harmless. The devil is a master of suggestion, of false reasoning that blurs conviction with compassion. That’s why spiritual discernment is armor as much as the sword. Our best defense against deception is to stay in step with the Spirit and seek God’s voice before making any decision. Later, when Joshua brought out the five kings from the cave and commanded his men to place their feet on their necks, it became a prophetic picture of our victory in Him. Paul tells us to stand -- not strive, because the Lord has already conquered. The enemy we face is a defeated one, and we overcome not by might, but by positioning ourselves in the triumph of Jesus. If we are in Him, we are more than conquerors. We don’t need to beg for victory -- we need to believe, stand, and walk in it. Even the unrelenting waves of resistance that Israel faced were orchestrated by God. Joshua 11:20 reveals that it was the Lord who hardened their enemies’ hearts -- so they would rise up and be defeated. In this, we see God's mysterious plans: every battle we face is tailor-made to train us. What feels like opposition is often a divine opportunity. The giants that stand before us today are the platforms of tomorrow’s testimony. God wastes no enemy and permits no trial without a purpose. Brothers & Sisters, so stand, not in your own strength, but in the strength of the One who goes before you. The battles you face are not signs of abandonment -- they are invitations to deeper trust, fuller surrender, and greater victory. Let every defeat drive you to Him. Let every compromise be burned away by truth. Let the light of God's counsel expose every disguised enemy. And when the enemy rises again -- as he will -- remember: the ground beneath your feet is not one of fear or striving, but of conquest already won. The Captain of the Lord’s Host still stands with sword drawn, not to assist your agenda, but to lead you into His. Put on the full armor of God. Take your place. And having done all to stand. STAND IN VICTORY!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Just as a bird needs both wings to fly, a victorious life requires both faith and obedience. In Joshua, God calls Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, not just with bold confidence but with complete dependence on His Word. Faith believes what God says; obedience acts upon it. One without the other stalls the journey. This moment wasn’t just about crossing into the promise land -- it was about stepping into covenant reality, where trust in God’s promise was matched by surrender to God’s command. Faith doesn’t wait at the edge—it steps in, trusting God is already there. It doesn’t demand proof; it takes God at His Word and moves forward. That’s when the miraculous happens—the waters part, the walls fall—not before we move, but as we move. “Be strong and courageous,” God says. Real faith acts even when things are unclear, not because the path is easy, but because the promise is sure. Victory begins the moment we stop waiting and start walking. Israel’s journey proved that faith must move. The priests stepped into the Jordan before it parted. They marched around Jericho before a single crack appeared. Persistent faith led to a breakthrough. On the seventh day, with weariness surely mounting, they marched around seven times more -- then came the shout, the crash, and the conquest. True faith obeys repeatedly, even when mocked or misunderstood, trusting that God’s promises are just around the next lap. Even Rahab reminds us that no one is too far for faith to reach. Her scarlet cord was a lifeline of faith in God's Word, resulting in her salvation and legacy. The same faith that topples walls welcomes the outsider. One act of trust -- no matter how unlikely the vessel -- can change everything. God is not looking for pedigree, but for hearts willing to believe and obey. Yet obedience must be exact. Achan’s hidden sin halted Israel’s advance. Saul’s partial obedience cost him a kingdom. The little compromises — what we excuse or ignore — can have significant consequences. Obedience requires attention, not assumption. Even Joshua failed to seek the Lord's counsel and made a costly treaty with the Gibeonites. The lesson? Even good intentions without divine direction can lead to bondage. Ultimately, faith and obedience are inseparable—like two wings of the same bird, they must work together to carry us forward. Joshua fulfilled his calling not just by believing God’s Word, but by acting on it with unwavering obedience. The promise was already given. The victory was already secured. But the possession of it required both trust and action. Brother & Sisters, so it is with us. We must believe enough to move—and obey enough to persevere. When faith takes the first step and obedience stays the course, nothing can stop us from walking in the fullness of God’s promises. Rise up. The land is before you. Take it. VICTORY BEGINS WITH A STEP OF FAITH!

“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses." Joshua 1:2-3

After Moses’ death, God commissioned Joshua to lead Israel into Canaan—a real place that carried profound spiritual meaning. Canaan was not a picture of heaven, for it was filled with enemies, obstacles, and the ongoing need for faith and obedience. Instead, it symbolized the believer’s journey: a life marked by conflict and conquest, failure and faithfulness, struggle and surrender. Just as Joshua was told to rise and cross the Jordan, every follower of Christ is called to move beyond mere spiritual survival into a victorious, Spirit-empowered walk—a life that embraces the fullness of God’s promises with courage, rest, and purpose. Joshua is the book of fulfillment—the moment the children of Israel realized that God’s promises were no longer just declared, but now had to be possessed. It reflects every believer's journey: while some remain stuck in the wilderness of spiritual frustration and defeat, others move forward into the "Promised Land" of a Spirit-filled, surrendered life. The difference isn’t about salvation, but about how fully we yield to God’s call to go deeper. Taking the land of Canaan first and foremost represents victory—not the absence of battle, but triumph in the midst of it. Jesus offers more than just forgiveness; He promises authority over sin. "Sin shall not have dominion over you." (Romans 6:10-14) By the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live as overcomers. (1 John 5:4-5) Taking the land also represents realization—when God’s promises move from abstract truth to lived experience. The Holy Spirit brings spiritual realities to life within the believer, making them deeply personal and powerfully real. Love, joy, strength, and intimate fellowship with God are not just concepts—they become felt, known, and tangible. Entering and possessing the land symbolizes a life of power. Just as Jericho’s walls fell—not by human strength, but by God’s command—so the believer is given spiritual authority to walk in boldness, victory, and fruitfulness, it is not by might or by effort, but by the power of the Spirit (Zechariah 4:6; Luke 10:19; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5) that strongholds fall and the life of promise unfolds. Brothers & Sisters, the call to enter the land is God’s invitation to every believer to move from wandering to walking, from surviving to thriving, from promise to possession. This is not a distant idea but a present reality for those willing to trust, surrender, and obey. The inheritance is before you—rich with victory, rest, power, and divine presence. But it must be seized by faith. Just as God told Joshua, He tells us: “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you.” Step forward. Cross your Jordan. Claim your inheritance. The fullness of God’s promises awaits the fully surrendered heart. STEP INTO YOUR INHERITANCE!

"Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9a Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’" Isaiah 58:8-9a

When we hear the word Hineini—"Here I am," many of us immediately think of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 6, standing before the throne of God, overwhelmed by His holiness. After being cleansed by the burning coal, Isaiah hears the Lord ask, "Whom shall I send?" and responds with the now-famous phrase: "Hineini—Here am I. Send me." It's a powerful moment of surrender and commissioning. But what's easy to miss is that God Himself also uses this same word in Isaiah 58:9: "Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: 'Hineini.'" Think about that. We usually think of Hineini as our response to God: “Here I am, send me.” It speaks of readiness, obedience, and surrender—and it is. But in this passage, we see something even more stunning—God says it first. The God of the universe answers the cries of His people not just with action, but with His presence. He says, “Hineini”—“Here I am.” When God called Abraham to lay his beloved son on the altar, Abraham didn't hesitate—he answered, “Hineini.” (Genesis 22:1) When God called Moses from the burning bush to confront Pharaoh and deliver a nation, Moses stood barefoot on holy ground and said, “Hineini.” (Exodus 3:4) When God’s voice thundered through the heavens in Isaiah’s vision, the prophet stepped forward and declared, “Hineini, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) But in Isaiah 58, the pattern is reversed. God says to a repentant, humbled nation: “Hineini.” He’s not just summoning us to come near—He is declaring that He already has. He’s not far off. He’s not waiting for us to earn our way through ritual or religious perfection. He’s watching. He’s waiting. He longs for people who will humble themselves, not just with words but with their whole heart. To a repentant people, God doesn't just answer prayers—He shows up. Not through an intermediary. Not from a distance. He steps in and says, "Hineini." I’m here. I’m near. I’m with you. Ultimately, we see Hineini in Jesus, who knocks at the door of every heart. In the Hebrew New Testament, Revelation 3:20 begins with this very word—Hineni—"Here am I, I stand at the door and knock..." This is a clear echo of God’s continual desire to be present, personal, and available to all who will open to Him. Brothers & Sisters, so yes, let's be like Isaiah and say, "Hineini--Here am I, Lord, send me." But let's never forget--we can say it because God said it first. WHEN GOD SAYS HINENI!

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" Psalms 42:1-2; "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall cling, and swear by His name." Deuteronomy 10:20

Following Jesus isn’t just about believing the right things or checking boxes. It’s about wanting to truly know God — to experience Him personally. And here’s the amazing part: even that desire starts with Him. God is the one who stirs our hearts and awakens our longing. If you find yourself hungry for more of Him, it’s because He’s already working in you. Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father draws him” (John 6:44). Even as we run after God, we’re being held by His hand (Psalm 63:8). It’s a mystery — but a beautiful one. He moves first, and we respond. But we must respond. Faith isn’t passive. Like Moses, who dared to pray, "Show me Your glory" (Exodus 33:18), or Paul, who cried out, "That I may know Him" (Philippians 3:10), we are called to pursue God with a burning desire. Salvation isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point of a lifelong pursuit. In Hebraic thought, this pursuit is deeply connected to the Hebrew concept of דְּבֵקוּת (Devekut), which means clinging or cleaving to God. Devekut isn’t just about obeying God; it’s about being near Him, staying close to His presence. It’s the soul’s longing to walk in daily communion with the living God. As it says in Deuteronomy 10:20, "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him." Our pursuit of God is made possible through Jesus the Messiah, who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He is the living path into the Father’s presence, and through Him, the longing for devekut — deep, abiding closeness with God — is not fulfilled in a single moment, but in a lifelong, growing relationship. Let’s never be satisfied with where we are. The saints of old weren’t content with surface-level faith — David cried out for God, and Paul gave up everything to know Him more. Why should our experience be any different? It’s time to strip away the clutter, silence the distractions, and abandon the “God and…” mentality. Let’s return to the simplicity of seeking Him alone. Even a single, honest word — “God” or “Love” — whispered from a longing heart can open the door to His presence. Brothers & Sisters, this is a kingdom’s paradox of love: to have found God and still long for more of Him. Let that holy hunger define your faith. Let it drive you deeper, pull you closer, and draw you into the joy of knowing not just about Him, but knowing Him. In the end, you won’t just find peace — you’ll cling to the One your soul was made to love. CLINGING TO GOD!

"even from Jesus Christ the faithful Witness, the First-born from the dead and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and made us kings and priests to God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Revelation 1:5-6 ; "Behold, I give to you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the authority of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you." Luke 10:19

There is a sacred truth buried deep in Scripture that many believers never fully embrace: you have been given authority through the Messiah, not someday, but now. It is not reserved for the spiritually elite. It is not earned through effort. It is your inheritance as a child of God. And this authority was purchased at the Cross and activated the moment you were born again. This divine authority is not about raw strength but about your position. Think of a traffic officer: he may not have the power to stop a car by himself, but he carries the authority of the government behind him. Likewise, as a believer, you stand not in your own power but under the royal authority of heaven—backed by the throne of the Almighty. But there’s more: you are not only a believer—you are a king and a priest of the Most High (Revelation 1:6). That’s not poetic metaphor. That’s spiritual reality. You’ve been crowned with purpose and clothed with heavenly responsibility. A king rules with authority. A priest ministers with access. You carry both. When you recognize this identity, it changes how you walk, how you pray, how you confront darkness, and how you serve others. You begin to walk as you’re called to walk—royally, humbly, and powerfully. Satan wants you to remain weak, defeated, and unaware of who you really are. He knows that a believer who understands their identity is dangerous to the kingdom of darkness. That’s why he works tirelessly to keep this truth hidden. Just as he blinds unbelievers to the gospel, he blinds believers to their kingdom identity—hoping they'll never rise up and walk in the authority they've been given. But Scripture doesn’t stutter. Ephesians declares that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). That’s not a position of defeat, but a position of victory and divine authority. It’s a throne room seat, not a place of pity. And from that place, you are called to reign—not with pride, but in alignment with the heart and will of your King. It’s important to understand that this authority is not the same as spiritual gifts or emotional highs. It doesn’t depend on how we feel, but on who we are. Authority is your legal right as a citizen of the kingdom and a member of the royal family. It is exercised by faith, empowered by the Spirit, and backed by His Word. Brothers & Sisters, so rise up today—not timidly, but boldly. Speak the Word of God with the authority of one who’s been entrusted with the King's seal. Resist the enemy, knowing heaven stands behind you. Intercede for others as one who wears both a crown and a priestly robe. You are more than forgiven—you are enthroned with Christ. And when you recognize that, you’ll begin to walk as you were always meant to walk—with royal confidence, priestly compassion, and unshakable authority. WALKING IN ROYAL AUTHORITY!

"Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second like to it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

Many of us can recite Jesus' words about the two greatest commandments—loving God and loving our neighbor—but we often miss how deeply intertwined they are. We treat them like separate tasks: one for God, one for people. But in Greek, Jesus uses the phrase homoia aute, which means “like to it.” The second commandment isn’t just next in line—it shares the same nature. This small detail radically changes how we understand the passage: loving others is essential to loving God. To love God with all your heart, soul, and strength is also to love your neighbor. The two are inseparable. If we claim to adore God but harbor bitterness or indifference toward those around us, we aren’t fulfilling the first commandment at all. As John said, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar” (1 John 4:20). Every act of kindness, patience, or selfless love toward others reflects our love for God. Each interaction becomes a sacred chance to live out His heart. When we serve instead of demand, forgive instead of retaliate, and bless instead of curse, we’re not just doing good—we’re mirroring the character of our God. Jesus didn’t give us abstract ideals; He gave us a way to live. His commandments are not just rules, but daily invitations to shift our hearts from selfishness to love. As we consistently walk in His ways, loving others becomes second nature because our love for God becomes alive and genuine. These two commands were never meant to stand apart—they are joined by design, each strengthening the other and drawing us deeper into relationship with Him. Brothers & Sisters, this is the heartbeat of the Kingdom: love that flows upward in worship to God and outward in love, mercy, and grace toward people. It’s not a love that stays in the pews or within the pages of Scripture—it moves, it serves, and it sacrifices. And as we walk this path daily, that love begins to shape us. Slowly, we reflect the heart of the One who loved us first, whose life was the perfect picture of love in action. In following Jesus, love becomes more than an idea—it becomes our way of life. JOINED AT THE HEART -- LOVING GOD BY LOVING OTHERS!

"Therefore if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free [eleutheros] indeed. Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held with the yoke of bondage." John 8:36

In today’s culture, freedom is often defined as doing whatever you want—living without restrictions, chasing your happiness, and controlling your destiny. But when you dig into the Greek word eleutheros, meaning "free," you discover that real freedom isn’t about cutting all ties—it’s about being connected to the right things. True freedom isn’t found in isolation, but in surrender to God. Biblical freedom doesn’t come from the absence of rules but through the mastery of them. It’s like a skilled musician who can play freely because they understand the structure of music. In the same way, living within God’s design brings real freedom. It’s not chaos or rebellion—it’s life in step with the Spirit, guided by the wisdom and boundaries God gives. Freedom, in this sense, is not about being unrestrained, but about being rightly aligned. Think of it like riding a bike. It's frustrating and even painful when you don’t know how to ride. But once you’ve learned, the bike becomes a source of joy and freedom. God’s law works the same way. It never changes, and whether it brings blessing or struggle depends on how well we’ve learned to ride in rhythm with it. Jesus didn’t toss the bike aside—He showed us how to ride it with grace and purpose. He fulfilled the law by living it perfectly and calling us to follow Him. But without boundaries, what we call “freedom” can quickly turn into slavery. Someone might think they’re free by doing whatever they want, but if that leads to addiction, brokenness, or emptiness -- it becomes a trap. Real freedom involves the wisdom to make choices that keep us free, not just for a moment, but for the long haul. That’s why discipline matters. Walking with Jesus doesn’t take away our freedom—He restores it. His way protects it, His strength upholds it, and His presence helps it last. The world tells us that freedom is about being in control of ourselves, answering to no one. But that kind of freedom is actually another form of bondage. The harder we try to be our own masters, the more burdened we become with the pressure to succeed, prove ourselves, and keep everything together. True freedom comes when we stop striving and surrender to Someone greater—Jesus, who carries the weight we were never meant to bear. Brothers & Sisters, that’s why Paul says in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast.” He doesn’t mean to stand on your own strength or independence. He means stay grounded in the freedom Christ gives—the kind of freedom that comes through surrender, not control. In Him, we’re not just freed from something—we’re freed for something. We’re released from the tyranny of self so we can live a life of love, service, and purpose. The law wasn’t given to earn favor, but to show our need for grace. And now, as beloved sons and daughters, we follow not out of duty, but out of love -- because we are free! THE FREEDOM THAT SETS US FREE!

"Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed on Him, If you continue in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

We often think of freedom as the ability to do what we want, when we want, without interference. So when Jesus says things like “Don’t worry about tomorrow,” “Forgive seventy times seven,” or “Turn the other cheek,” they strike us as anything but freeing. They sound like burdens, not blessings -- commands that restrict rather than release. But that reaction reveals a deeper misunderstanding. The problem isn’t with Jesus' words -- it’s with how we define freedom. In today’s world, people often think being free means being in charge. The world teaches that freedom means doing whatever we want, making our own choices, and not letting anyone or anything stop us. It’s about trying to get rid of anything that might stand in our way so we can take full control of our lives. The more control we think we have, the more we think we're truly free. But this definition is deceptive. The more we strive to control, the more we fear losing it. We become enslaved to anxiety, anger, and endless striving. True freedom can’t be built on fear. It doesn’t come from ruling over life—it comes from being released from the need to. Scripture offers a radically different definition. According to the Bible, true freedom isn’t found in self-determination—it’s found in surrender—not surrender to chaos or despair but to a good, sovereign, loving God who alone holds the universe together. Jesus didn’t come to make us completely independent -- He came to give us a relationship with Himself. When He says, “Follow me,” He’s not trying to trap us or take away our lives -- He’s actually showing us the way to real freedom. It might not make sense initially because it means letting go of the idea that we’re in control. But when we do, we’re set free from fear, from constantly trying to prove ourselves, and from the heavy pressure of trying to fix everything on our own. This is what makes Jesus’s teachings so powerful and different. Forgiveness, trust, generosity, and humility aren’t rules that hold us back—they’re actually the keys that set us free. They open the door to a new way of life because we simply trust the One who’s watching over us. When we live by the world’s definition of freedom, we carry a burden we were never meant to bear. But when we embrace the biblical view, we find that true freedom is not the power to control life, but the peace to trust the One who already does. Brothers & Sisters, one of the most amazing truths in God’s Kingdom is this: true freedom comes when we surrender. When you give your life to Him, you’re no longer trapped by the pressure to perform, please everyone, or chase after your own way. Instead, you're set free—free to love without fear, to give generously, to forgive completely, and to live with peace and purpose. Why? Because your life is anchored in Someone far greater than yourself. That’s real freedom—and when the Son sets you free, you are free indeed! UNDERSTAND TRUE FREEDOM!

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30; "Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ 17 I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’ Jeremiah 6:16-17

Life wears us down. We live in a world of relentless motion, pressure, and performance. Jesus doesn’t deny this. Instead, He speaks directly to those who are “weary and heavy-laden.” The Greek for “weary” (kopiao) means utterly worn out—soul-tired, not just physically fatigued. The burdens He mentions aren’t only external tasks but inward baggage: guilt, shame, expectations, and hidden wounds. Jesus’s call isn’t merely an invitation to stop—it’s a call to come. He offers what no one else can: rest that restores. But here’s the surprise—He offers rest through a yoke. That seems backwards. A yoke is for work. Yet this is the wisdom of the kingdom. Jesus doesn't promise escape; He offers partnership. His yoke—zugos in Greek—isn't just a symbol of restraint or control. It represents His way of life, His teachings, and how He walked in obedience to the Father. And when we are yoked to Him, we’re no longer pulling alone. The burden doesn’t disappear—but it is redefined, shared, and lightened. His commands are not oppressive; they align us with God’s design, bringing peace through purpose. “Learn from Me,” Jesus says. Not learn just about Me. Not just admire Me. The Greek verb manthano implies observation that leads to transformation—watching the Master in action and imitating His ways. And what are those ways? Love, compassion, gentleness, and humility aren’t signs of weakness or passivity—they’re powerful, intentional choices. They reflect inner strength and a deep trust in God’s plan. Jesus, though He is the King over all, chose to lower Himself and serve. He didn’t demand honor—He gave it. In doing so, He revealed the true path to peace and rest: not through striving, but through surrender and selfless love. To take His yoke is to say YES to being shaped. It’s to accept a life of obedience that flows from love. In the Hebraic context, this yoke isn’t legalistic. It’s a joyful return to God’s ancient paths, the ways Jeremiah urged Israel to rediscover. (Jeremiah 6:16-17) Jesus claims the authority to define that path. He is not just the teacher; He is Wisdom itself (Colossians 2:2-3). In Him, the old paths become living roads that lead to freedom. Here’s the wonder: when we walk in His ways—when we align with His teaching and pace—rest finds us. Not because we chased it down but because we surrendered to the One who gave it. This rest (anapausis) is not the absence of effort but the presence of inner calm while we labor. It’s working in harmony with our purpose. It’s the second wind of grace. Brothers & Sisters, maybe you’ve tried everything else. Maybe you’ve carried the weight alone for too long. He’s still saying, “Come to Me.” Not just once, but daily. Take His yoke. Learn His ways. And you will find what your soul has longed for—not just relief, but real rest -- a true SHABBAT! REST FOR THE WEARY!

"Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful." Psalm 116:5; "And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." Exodus 33:19; "For a mere moment I have forsaken you, But with great mercies I will gather you. 8 With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you," Says the LORD, your Redeemer." Isaiah 54:7-8

The mercy of God is not a distant concept—it’s His very nature. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself as righteous, just, and profoundly compassionate. His mercy is not a reaction; it’s a reflection of His divine character. When Moses asked to see God's glory, what was revealed? Goodness, grace, and mercy—not thunderbolts or judgment, but compassion flowing from the very heart of the Almighty. The Hebrew word for compassion, rakhamim (רַחֲמִים), comes from the root rechem (רֶחֶם), meaning womb. This is no coincidence. Just as the womb protects, nurtures, and gives life, so God’s compassion embraces us in our weakness, shelters us in our wandering, and breathes hope into our despair. Even in seasons of correction, God’s heart never grows cold. His discipline may be real, but it is always measured and momentary. What feels like abandonment is often just a pause in His visible presence—not in His love. As Isaiah reminds us: “For a mere moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In a little wrath I hid My face, but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you.” (Isaiah 54:7–8) His mercy endures far beyond His anger, and His kindness knows no end. Though He may allow distance for a season, His compassion never stops pursuing us—it always makes a way back to His embrace. Where sin has scattered, His mercy gathers. Where wrath is momentary, His love is everlasting. Even when we forget Him, He remembers us—faithfully, tenderly, completely. The greatest revelation of God's compassion came through Jesus, the Messiah. He was compassion in flesh, reaching, touching, healing, restoring. He touched the leper, sat with the sinner, wept with the grieving, and restored the broken. He even healed on Shabbat, declaring by His actions that human need outweighed religious customs. Jesus never asked, “Are you worthy?” Instead, He asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32) This is divine compassion: it was not merit-based, but need-driven. Jesus didn't just feel sympathy—He acted, often with a touch, always with love. If we are made in the image of God, then compassion must flow from us, too. We are not called to passive emotion but to active mercy; we are called to do the same to dispense true justice and practice lovingkindness and compassion. (Zechariah 7:9) True compassion steps in, speaks up, and stretches out its hands. It's not afraid to get messy. It's not reserved for the "deserving." It reflects God's heart to a world that's forgotten what love looks like. Brothers & Sisters, so let the womb of God’s heart—His deep, life-giving compassion—be formed in you. Just as a mother carries and nurtures life within her, allow God's Spirit to cultivate in you a heart that is ready to hold the hurting, heal the broken, and help the weary. Compassion isn’t complete until it moves beyond emotion and becomes action. Don’t settle for merely feeling sorry—become a vessel of mercy. Step in. Speak up. Reach out. Let your life be a living expression of God’s compassion to a world desperate for His touch. COMPASSION - THE WOMB OF GOD'S HEART

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19; "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." James 4:3

When we read the promises of God, we must read them the way we ourselves want to be heard—in full context. Just as we expect others to understand our words in light of what we’ve said before, God expects us to interpret His promises in light of all He has revealed in His Word. It’s tempting to isolate a promise like “ask anything in My name” and stretch it to cover every personal desire. But “anything” doesn’t mean “everything.” And “whosoever” doesn’t mean “whoever ignores God’s will.” God’s promises are not blank checks for the self-centered or the disobedient. He hasn’t promised to fulfill our every whim—He has promised to equip us for His will. Imagine being asked to build a fence, and the one who sent you says, “If you need anything, call me.” That “anything” clearly applies to fence-building, not requesting a sports car! Likewise, when God says, “Ask anything,” He means anything related to what He has asked you to do. He has not promised to indulge our whims but to equip us for His work. This is why many prayers seem to go unanswered—not because God is unfaithful, but because we’ve misunderstood how they relate to His assignment for our lives. False assumptions produce false expectations, and false expectations delay the heart’s joy (“Hope deferred makes the heart sick” -- Proverbs 13:12). But when our desires align with His purpose, prayers are answered, lives are transformed, and Christ is being formed within us. (Galatians 4:19) Brothers & Sisters, God never promised to fulfill all our wants, but He has assured us that He will meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19). His provision is always connected to His purpose. He is faithful in equipping you for His calling, not to make life more comfortable but to make you more useful for His Kingdom. "ANYTHING" - BUT NOT EVERYTHING!

“Thus says the Lord GOD: This also I will let the house of Israel ask me to do for them: to increase their people like a flock." Ezekiel 36:37 ; "in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. 3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes." Daniel 9:2-3

B.J. Willhite wrote, "The law of prayer is the highest law of the universe—it can overcome the other laws by sanctioning God’s intervention. When implemented properly, the law of prayer permits God to exercise His sovereignty in a world under the dominion of a rebel with free will, in a universe governed by natural law." Prayer is the key that unlocks the storehouse of God’s promises. Ezekiel 36 reveals a profound truth: God had declared that Israel would be restored as a nation, yet He said, “I will also let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for them” (v. 37). Even after declaring His sovereign will, God still expected prayer to bring it to pass. This principle is vividly illustrated in Daniel 9. Daniel recognized through Jeremiah’s prophecy that the appointed time for Israel’s deliverance had arrived. Instead of merely declaring the promise, he humbled himself with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, pouring out a prayer of repentance. Daniel stepped into God’s prophetic plan through prayer! Why does God require prayer? Because in a world where human free will reigns and natural law governs, prayer gives God the legal right to intervene. It is the divine principle that allows heaven’s will to be executed on earth. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Prayer's purpose is to align earth with heaven and open the door for God’s intervention. Brothers & Sisters, God has positioned us for this moment — “for such a time as this” — to usher in His Kingdom. If we truly grasp our roles as Kings and Priests of the Most High, we will walk in His prophetic plan, expecting Him to move supernaturally. Invite Him to move into your life, family, and every situation you face. By doing so, you are granting God the authority to intervene powerfully in every area of your life. PRAY INTO HIS PROPHETIC PLANS!

"Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. 6 Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done." Judges 14:5-6; "And she (Delilah)said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him." Judges 16:20

Samson’s life is a powerful illustration of what can be accomplished through the anointing of God and the devastating consequences of losing it. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, Samson was unstoppable, tearing apart a lion with his bare hands. But when he surrendered to the seductions of Delilah, he lost the very power that made him invincible. The tragedy? He didn’t even realize the Lord had left him. This is a sobering reminder that the enemy is cunning and relentless in his attempts to quench the Holy Spirit in our lives. Temptations, distractions, and worldly enticements can subtly drain our spiritual strength until we wake up one day, as Samson did, powerless and unaware. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is our source of life, victory, and power. When His presence rests upon us, burdens are lifted, and the enemy is defeated. But maintaining that anointing requires vigilance. Bad habits, sinful desires, and spiritual complacency can rob us of that holy communion with God. Samson’s victories demonstrate the overwhelming power of the anointing. Yet his downfall warns us of the cost of neglecting it. Let us guard the “oil” of Jesus’s anointing, keeping our lamps burning with His Spirit. His light will drive out darkness, His joy will dispel despair, and His truth will expose every lie. Brothers & Sisters, Stay filled with the Spirit. Seek His presence daily. And don’t find yourself, like Samson, in the arms of temptation, unaware that the anointing has departed. Protect the presence of God in your life—it is your only true source of power and victory. Amen. SEEKING VICTORY BY THE POWER OF HIS SPIRIT!

"Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go forth [lech lecha] from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you.’" Genesis 12:1

When God spoke to Abram, the command was clear yet profoundly personal. The Hebrew phrase lech lecha carries a dual meaning: "go forth" and "go for yourself." This journey wasn’t just a physical relocation; it was a spiritual pilgrimage—a call to walk out God’s will and to walk into his divine inheritance. Abram’s journey was not merely about distance but about destiny. God called Abram to journey through the land destined to be his and his descendants' everlasting inheritance. Centuries later, Jesus, the second Adam, stepped down from His heavenly throne to walk the same ground. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us in the land of promise, coming to restore the relationship broken by Adam’s sin and to reclaim what was lost. But before Abram could receive the fullness of God’s promise, he had to surrender what he considered his most precious blessings—his homeland, his father's house, and his comfort zone. God was not only calling Abram to go forth but also to let go. Brothers & Sisters, God doesn’t work in comfort zones. Jesus’s call still resounds: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) True faith requires surrender. GO FORTH: GOD DOESN'T MOVE IN COMFORT ZONES!

"Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven." 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

On the sixth day, as the universe stood complete, God paused. One final creation remained—a masterpiece unlike any other. This being would bear His own image, a living reflection of the Divine (Genesis 1:26-27). The Hebrew word for “image,” tzelem, is profoundly connected to tzel, meaning “shadow.” God fashioned Adam to be His shadow on earth—a living, breathing reflection of His glory and nature. From the first Adam to you and me, we are not just flesh and blood; we are living reflections of the Almighty, cast upon this earth to reveal the unseen God. God reached down, gathered adama (earth), and molded it into a vessel. Then, He breathed His Spirit into that lifeless clay, and Adam became a living soul—a blend of dust and blood, adama and dam. And in this divine act, a profound truth was revealed: when the blood (dam) ceases to flow, life departs, and we return to the dust (adama) from which we were formed. Centuries later, the Second Adam, Jesus, entered the world—the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15-17). Just as the first Adam was formed from earth and infused with divine breath, Jesus was born of human blood yet carried the very breath of God Himself. And just as Adam was called to reflect the Creator, we are called to reflect the Messiah—to walk as His shadow, bearing the imprint of His life, love, and light. Brothers & Sisters, never forget: You are His divine shadow—a living, breathing reflection of the Almighty. Let His light blaze through you, that those around you may behold the One who shaped you from dust and ignited your soul with His very breath. BE A DIVINE REFLECTION!

"And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:17-18 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day, the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, " Genesis 15:6

In the stillness of a desert night, surrounded by cut offerings and the lingering scent of sacrifice, Abram beheld something utterly sacred -- God Himself, in the form of a smoking oven and a burning torch, passing between the pieces of a covenant. It was not Abram who walked through the blood-soaked path. It was God alone. And that changes everything. This act is one of Scripture's clearest pictures of divine grace. Covenants in the ancient world required both parties to walk through the cut pieces, symbolizing mutual responsibility. But here, only God passes through, taking full responsibility for fulfilling His promise. He binds Himself unilaterally to Abram and his descendants—Israel. The land promise, the coming redemption, and the future inheritance were not based on man’s faithfulness but on God’s unbreakable word. Yet the scene also shows a battle in the waiting. Before the presence of God appears, vultures descend—unclean birds seeking to steal the sacrifice (Genesis 15:11). Abram drives them away, foreshadowing every believer’s struggle. We offer God our worship, our lives, our praise—but the enemy comes, trying to rob us of our faith and steal our promises. Like Abram, we must rise up, stand guard, and fight to protect what God has spoken. Let us not passively watch while doubt, distraction, or discouragement pick apart our altars. The symbols that appeared—smoke and fire—are rich with meaning. The smoking oven speaks of judgment, refining, and awe; the burning torch speaks of mercy, light, and hope. Together, they reveal the character of the God of Israel: just and holy, yet merciful and near. In Messiah (Jesus), we see both realities embodied. He is Zion’s salvation that burns like a torch (Isaiah 62:1), and He is also the one cut off for the sins of His people (Isaiah 53:8). He walked between the pieces, taking on the burden of blood so that we could walk in the freedom of grace. Yet, this covenant speaks beyond the personal—it is national. God's promises to Abram include a literal land for his descendants, and Scripture affirms that this land promise is everlasting (Psalm 105:8-11). The modern restoration of Israel in 1948 was not the result of mere human determination—it was the unfolding of God’s unbreakable covenant. Even after dispersion and judgment, He has remained faithful. Ezekiel 36 gives voice to His divine intention: “... It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name ... And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen... and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD... when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you... A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you...” (Ezekiel 36:22–26) From the beginning, God’s plan has echoed with both physical return and spiritual awakening, calling His people back to their land and stirring their hearts to return to Him. His promise was never just to bring them home, but to cleanse them from defilement, ignite them with new life, and fill them with His Spirit through their Messiah. The exile is ending. The restoration has begun. This is the same God who calls to us today. He still walks between the pieces. He still sanctifies His name through mercy and judgment. And He still offers to remove hearts of stone and replace them with hearts of flesh. In Jesus, we become part of this redemptive story—grafted in, renewed, and rooted in eternal promise. (Romans 11:11-32) Brothers & Sisters, so rise up, and stand your ground. Bring your offering of praise with boldness. Guard the altar of your heart—drive away every vulture that dares to steal what God has spoken. Trust the One who walked the blood-stained path alone. His fire has not gone out. His torch still blazes in the darkness. And His covenant promises remain unshakable, eternal, and true. A CONVENT OF FIRE, MERCY & PROMISE!

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet." Revelation 1:10; "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38

Throughout Scripture, the number eight carries profound prophetic significance. It speaks of new beginnings, fresh starts, and divine separation from what was, to embrace what is to come. Think of Noah, stepping out of the ark with seven others—eight souls total—to restart humanity after the flood. Or Isaac, the first recorded in the Bible to be circumcised on the eighth day, a covenantal sign that marked a new identity and set-apart life before God. And then, Jesus, our Messiah, who was also circumcised on the eighth day, entered into His earthly mission as a Jewish boy set apart from birth. But the most powerful "eighth day" of all was the day of resurrection. After Sabbath -- following havdalah (Hebrew for separation - a weekly ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and the ushering of a new week) -- Jesus rose from the grave. In that moment, which coincided with the Feast of Bikoreem (First Fruits), He conquered death and ushered in a new covenant and a new way of life for all who follow Him. Just as havdalah marks the transition from Sabbath to a new week, Messiah’s resurrection marked the separation from the old and the beginning of a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-24). The Apostle Paul often wrote of this separation—the old covenant giving way to the new, the law of death replaced by the law of life in Messiah. (2 Corinthians 3:5-18) This is why the early Church began celebrating the "Lord's Day" on the first day of the week -- not simply as a memorial of Jesus’s resurrection, but as a weekly reminder of the eighth day. It was a day that pointed beyond time itself, toward eternity -- a "time outside of time" -- when all things would be made new and God would dwell forever with His people. (Revelation 21:1-6) Every Lord’s Day became a prophetic rehearsal for the age to come, when death would be no more and the fullness of redemption would be complete. Remarkably, 2,000 years ago, on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles -- on Simchat Torah, Jesus stood in the Temple and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37-38). On that sacred day, traditionally linked with rejoicing in the Torah, He pointed to Himself as the source of living water. It was a prophetic marker of a new beginning -- in connection with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Brothers & Sisters, today, if you feel stuck in the past, remember this: the eighth day is coming. In God’s Kingdom, every ending is the doorway to a new beginning. In Jesus, the end is never the end—it’s a call to rise. His resurrection was not merely a moment in history, but an open invitation to live a resurrected life and walk in the unshakable hope of eternity. Jesus didn’t rise just to display power -- He rose to give it, lifting us from what was and leading us into all that is yet to come. THE EIGHTH DAY - A NEW BEGINNING IN MESSIAH!

"In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23-24

As we ask in His name, and we see our prayers being answered, we realize how real and faithful our God is. But I want to focus on the life that is overflowing with JOY! Have you ever met someone who just seemed radiant with joy? Joyful people always seem to be overflowing with life. No matter the obstacles the enemy throws their way, they always seem to live in victory. You’ll also find that they are spending time in the prayer closet...because the outflow of prayer is JOY! When we commune with God at that intimate level, dwelling in His presence, as the Psalmist says, “In your presence is fullness of joy!" [Psalm 16:11] Brothers & Sisters, prayer is intimately connected to the joy in your life. If you’re struggling with anxiety about the future, or the present, or a deep concern that is robbing your joy … it's time to enter your prayer closet, set the time apart, and determine to enter His presence. The Lord's joy will strengthen you from that place. Try it and see. OBTAIN THE FULLNESS OF JOY!

"Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9a Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’" Isaiah 58:8-9a

When we hear the word Hineini—"Here I am," many of us immediately think of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 6, standing before the throne of God, overwhelmed by His holiness. After being cleansed by the burning coal, Isaiah hears the Lord ask, "Whom shall I send?" and responds with the now-famous phrase: "Hineini—Here am I. Send me." It's a powerful moment of surrender and commissioning. But what's easy to miss is that God Himself also uses this same word in Isaiah 58:9: "Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: 'Hineini.'" Selah -- Think about that. We usually think of Hineini as our response to God: “Here I am, send me.” It speaks of readiness, obedience, and surrender—and it is. But in this passage, we see something even more stunning—God says it first. The God of the universe answers the cries of His people not just with action, but with His presence. He says, “Hineini”—“Here I am.” When God called Abraham to lay his beloved son on the altar, Abraham didn't hesitate—he answered, “Hineini.” (Genesis 22:1) When God called Moses from the burning bush to confront Pharaoh and deliver a nation, Moses stood barefoot on holy ground and said, “Hineini.” (Exodus 3:4) When God’s voice thundered through the heavens in Isaiah’s vision, the prophet stepped forward and declared, “Hineini, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) But in Isaiah 58, the pattern is reversed. God says to a repentant, humbled nation: “Hineini.” He’s not just summoning us to come near—He is declaring that He already has. He’s not far off. He’s not waiting for us to earn our way through ritual or religious perfection. He’s watching. He’s waiting. He longs for people who will humble themselves, not just with words but with their whole heart. To a repentant people, God doesn't just answer prayers—He shows up. Not through an intermediary. Not from a distance. He steps in and says, "Hineini." I’m here. I’m near. I’m with you. Ultimately, we see Hineini in Jesus, who knocks at the door of every heart. In the Hebrew New Testament, Revelation 3:20 begins with this very word—Hineni—"Here am I, I stand at the door and knock..." This is a clear echo of God’s continual desire to be present, personal, and available to all who will open to Him. Brothers & Sisters, so yes, let's be like Isaiah and say, "Hineini--Here am I, Lord, send me." But let's never forget--we can say it because God said it first. WHEN GOD SYAS HINEINI!

"A soft answer turns away wrath: but harsh words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. How often, in all the issues we have to deal with talking with people, we know or we feel we are right; our idea, our position, our interpretation is it, and we're ready to fight for it. Forget the fact that we may not be, or that there might be something we're completely ignorant of. The truth is that sometimes we know better, and sometimes we don't. But the scripture teaches us, and I've learned from experience (most of the time), that arguing, forcefulness, and violence in my own voice are almost guaranteed to start a futile and ugly war of words. People are naturally defensive, and often, naturally offensive. But I can be the one to break the pattern...with a gentle answer. Brothers & Sisters, if my heart attitude is “Come, let us reason together, hear each other out, respect each other, speak softly, and trust the Lord for the outcome", and my tone of voice carries that spirit, I can actually help the other person to calm down and prevent a war. The fruit of the spirit is..... self-control. What a blessing! Do you want to start a fight.....or finish one? Give a gentle answer today and see what the Lord does! SOFTTER IS BETTER!

"Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." John 8:3-5, 10-11

Jesus knew the heart of every man and woman. As a totally pure and righteous human being, His experience of every other sin-filled person is really impossible for us to imagine. He knew that every repulsive thought, attitude, and action of every person in the world would soon fall on Him and that He would carry them...away. And so Jesus did not come with a spirit of condemnation -- but with a spirit of grace and truth. Caught in the very act of adultery, and brought into His presence, the woman's sin was immediately exposed and her conviction was absolute. The sin was condemned.... but not the sinner. Her accusers wanted to stone her, sacrifice her life, and use the law of Moses to condemn Jesus, out of their jealous hatred of Him. But the Lord, in His beautiful, understated way, quietly wrote in the sand and then turned their hatred into deep conviction. The whole world is convicted in Jesus's presence. But only the ones who really appreciate His grace are filled with amazement and gratitude. Can you imagine how this woman must have felt? Her mind had been filled with voices of accusation, rejection, and condemnation. Jesus didn't feed the frenzy, but calmly observed, "He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone." When no one did, the Lord freed the convicted sinner and restored her life, saying, "Go and sin no more." Brothers & Sisters, voices of accusation, rejection, and condemnation will rise against you in the presence of your sins -- but Jesus will write in the sand and expose the hearts of your accusers. Confess your sin, and stand amazed and grateful, for His grace. WHERE ARE YOUR ACCUSERS?

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." 1 John 5:4

I have been receiving an unbelievable amount of email from my friends expressing concern about the future. But I want to tell you a little something -- the future is VICTORY! It's not defeat or loss. If you think about it, all the great leaders of the Bible shone in the hardest of times. When the giant Goliath stood against the army of Israel, David didn't sit around with his brothers complaining about how big Goliath was. Though David was a dwarf next to this evil giant, he was still convinced he was going to be victorious because God was on his side! When the apostles saw Jesus die, they must have felt utterly defeated -- then, suddenly, there he was, out from the grave, gloriously alive before them -- and from then on they walked in His victory! They didn't sit around complaining about Roman persecution, the Sanhedrin, or the Pharisees. They didn't get wrapped up in how evil the world was becoming; instead, they pressed forward in the worst of times and in those dark days they shone like the stars in the midnight sky. Brothers & Sisters, in the face of everything that's happening around us, let's be sure we're not developing a defeatist attitude. We are called children of the King, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Despite how bad things may be getting -- don't forget we're on the winning team! We can stand against this evil and overcome it... with good! REMEBER YOU'RE ON THE WINNING SIDE!

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2 Timothy 2:24-26

When the apostle Paul wrote this letter to his young student Timothy, he taught him some profound truths that I often apply in my life. I suppose when Timothy received these instructions, he was about my age – a young man still developing his skills at evangelism, teaching and instructing. Early in my Christian walk, I grabbed hold of a passage – let no man despise thy youth, but rather be an example in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, and in faith. This was my mantra in the first years of my walk. Now I'm focusing on being a servant able to teach. Paul's instruction is not to "strive" -- I hear him saying "be careful to teach with a proper spirit" and to avoid "trying to prove that you're right". I want to be sure that I'm not trying to force my perspective on someone, but rather instruct with meekness, gentleness, and patience. One phrase in the verse says something about the effect of teaching in the right spirit-– "they recover themselves"! It's not our job to convince someone of the truth. We "contend earnestly for the faith" allowing the Holy Spirit to do the convincing, so that someone who is in error is free to repent based on God's conviction, and not my persuasiveness. So let's be sure we're leaving room for Him, teaching in a manner that Paul would be proud of. Brothers & Sisters, we're all called as servants; so let's strive to be servants that would make our Master proud! LEARN HOW TO TEACH!

“You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering. You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the LORD. You shall bring from your dwelling places two loaves of bread to be waved, made of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour, and they shall be baked with leaven, as firstfruits to the LORD." Leviticus 23:15-17

In the Tenach (Old Testament), the Lord commanded Israel to count the Omer (the Barley Harvest) beginning the day after the sabbath during Passover, 50 days to the Biblical Festival of Pentecost. What’s truly remarkable is that for nearly 2,000 years, the Jewish people lived in exile without a homeland—and without a harvest to count. Still, generation after generation, they continued to count the Omer. Why? Because they held on to the promise. They faithfully marked time, counting a harvest that didn’t yet exist in the natural, believing that one day, God would fulfill His word and restore them to the land of their forefathers. And then, against all odds, He did. Roughly 130 years ago, a miracle began to unfold. The Lord started regathering His people back to the land of Israel. What was once a barren desert began to bloom. The barley harvest—and with it, the counting of the Omer—was restored. Today, just as in ancient times, Israel counts the Omer with an actual harvest in hand. What was once done in faith and hope is now done in fulfillment and joy. This powerful example speaks volumes to us as believers in the Messiah. If the Jewish people could faithfully count a harvest that didn't yet exist, how much more should we, who have the Spirit of God within us, learn to wait with expectation? The Omer reminds us that faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Are you praying for something that hasn’t yet come to pass? A healing? A restored relationship? Salvation for a loved one? Financial breakthrough? Don’t grow weary. Begin to thank God now for what you have not yet seen. Rejoice in advance. Praise Him in faith. Like those who counted the Omer in exile, we can count the days in expectation of a divine harvest that is already on its way. Brothers & Sisters, be a time when you set your heart to trust in God’s promises. Expect a harvest of righteousness, breakthrough, and blessing. Begin today to give thanks for the miracles yet to come. They're closer than you think. Truly the harvest is on the way. COUNTING THE OMER -- AND YOUR BLESSINGS!

"Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

Our hearts are drawn to the glorious mystery at the center of our faith—that death was not the end. On that first Resurrection morning, everything changed. In the days of Jesus, the cross was an instrument of death, and crucifixion, a horrible method of torture. Over the next 2000 years, in light of the Lord's resurrection, the cross became identified with Christian faith and was transformed into a symbol of life and hope. Jesus was able to turn it upside down, transforming an instrument of death into a symbol of life. The tomb, a house of death where His body lay for three days, became the exact location where death was destroyed forever, replaced by resurrection life, an entirely new kind of life with no decay, sickness, or imperfection. In His death and resurrection, Jesus inverted the very nature of biological reality and turned the tomb from a house of bones into an empty place of testimony to resurrection life. He turned it upside down! This "inversion" of reality is a pattern of God's activity. It is a "way" in which He works, a convention of Divine intervention into human affairs. And we ourselves are permanently invited to participate in this activity in innumerable ways. Brothers & Sisters, Jesus is, by His indwelling Spirit, through faith, giving us the authority, opportunity, and power to turn things upside down and inside out. Not indiscriminately, without His explicit guidance and direction, but through discernment, wisdom, and often real endurance, we experience and participate in turning tragedy into triumph, misery into joy, failure into success, mourning into dancing, and death into life. We turn curses into blessings, loss into gain, despair into hope, and even hatred into agape love! Praise God! For by His power and will, we too, can turn it upside down! TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN!

"and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” John 1:36

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Israel finally crossed into the Promised Land—on the 10th day of Nissan, the very day they had been commanded to choose their Passover lamb [Exodus 12:3 , Joshua 4:19]. They couldn’t enter into their inheritance until a lamb was chosen—a powerful foreshadowing of the more excellent Lamb to come, in preparation for the Passover [Joshua 5:10], they were about to observe at Gilgal. Two thousand years later, on the 10th day of Nissan, Jesus—the Lamb of God [John 1:36]—entered Jerusalem to the shouts of “Hosanna!” on what we now call Palm Sunday. Just as Israel had to choose their lamb before stepping into the Promised Land, we too must choose our Lamb before stepping into the life God has prepared for us. But before they could possess the land, God called them to a moment of consecration. At Gilgal, every male born during the wilderness journey was circumcised—a second time [Joshua 5:2]. This act was far more than physical; it was deeply symbolic. It marked a spiritual rebirth, a setting apart for God, and it pointed forward to a more profound truth: the need for spiritual circumcision, a transformation not of the flesh but of the heart. It foreshadowed the message Jesus later declared—that unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God [John 3:3]. Gilgal—meaning “the rolling away place” and a wordplay on the Hebrew Galal—became a powerful symbol of renewal and identity. It was there that God rolled away Egypt's reproach [Joshua 5:9], wiping away the shame of slavery and the remnants of their past. In that moment of obedience, Israel didn’t just enter a new land; they stepped into a fresh beginning, marked by a renewed covenant and a restored relationship with their God. But galal doesn’t just mean to remove or roll—it carries echoes of deeper things. It's used when stones are rolled from wells and tombs, when burdens are lifted, when shame is taken away. The word even shares its root with gulgoleth, the Hebrew word for skull—a word that echoes into the New Testament as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Isn’t it just like God to embed gospel truths even in the language of His people? From Gilgal to Golgotha, He was crafting a redemptive pattern—a rolling away of reproach through blood and sacrifice. At Golgotha, Jesus did far more than roll away the shame of a nation—He took upon Himself the sin, guilt, and condemnation of all who would believe. On that sacred hill, the stone of separation was rolled away. Through His sacrifice on the cross and the power of His resurrection, every curse was broken, every sin forgiven, and every trace of reproach completely removed. While one man's failure condemned all, but with one righteous act He opened the door to forgiveness and new life for everyone [Romans 5:18]. The place once marked by death—Golgotha—became the ground of redemption, where Jesus triumphed, overturning death and ushering in the beginning of everlasting life. And isn’t it striking? Just as Joshua sealed the fate of five kings by rolling a stone [Joshua 10:16-18] and placed guards to watch them, so was Jesus sealed in a tomb with Roman guards stationed outside. But when the stone was rolled away, it wasn't to let Jesus out, but rather to let the world see He emerged as the risen King, not in defeat, but in victory. The curse He bore on the tree was our curse. The life He now lives is our promise. Brothers & Sisters, so let us come to our Gilgal moment—our Golgotha moment—this year and remember: every shame can be rolled away, every reproach removed. Because of Jesus, your past no longer defines you. The weight you once carried has been lifted. You are free to walk in the power of resurrection life. The stone has been rolled away. The tomb stands empty. The King is alive—and He did it all for you. Isn't that worth celebrating? ROLL IT AWAY!

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:19-23

The New Testament records that when Jesus died; there was a great earthquake and the veil of the Temple was torn in two. The size of this gigantic veil is not recorded in the NT...but we read from other sources that it was roughly 60 feet long and 30 feet wide with multiple woven layers the thickness of a man's hand! It was hung on a crossbeam stone – a lintel – which was over 30 feet long and weighed more than 30 tons! It was not an easy cloth to tear... Jerome, a fourth-century Church Father, writes concerning the tearing of the veil, that not only was the veil torn, but the great earthquake had also caused the lintel of the Temple to be broken in two. In fact, it seems that the breaking of the lintel was what caused the veil to be torn in half from top to bottom, since the veil hung down from the lintel. In the culture of the Jewish people, a father will commonly mourn the loss of his son by rending or tearing his garment... Can we suggest that the rending of the Temple's veil likewise, dramatically expressed our Heavenly Father's agony over the death of Jesus, His only begotten Son? The way was prepared through the death of the Son of God for us to have access to the Holy of Holies, that place on earth which was prepared for the abiding Presence of God's Spirit, and, in earlier Temple times, actually contained His Glory. In the death of the Messiah Jesus, every barrier and obstacle, even a 30 ton stone that needed to be broken – was removed, to make a way for us to have an intimate relationship with the Father! Brothers & Sisters, the sound of ripping cloth, the rending of a massive veil, echoes throughout history to this very day. The agony of that sound of mourning opened for us "a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" [Hebrews 10:20]...so that now, at any time, we can approach our Heavenly Father with boldness and confidence in His love and acceptance. As we embrace the sacrifice of Jesus, come with a clean heart in His righteousness, we may fully expect His constant intervention and blessing in our everyday lives--- because the way has been permanently opened to us! THE VEIL WAS TORN!

"Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” Matthew 18:32-35

In the parable of the unmerciful servant, the servant mistakenly thought that he could demand justice from another servant all the while asking mercy for himself from the king. When the king found out about this servant's awful behavior, he became enraged and said to him "You wicked servant, I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to; couldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" He then went on to hand the servant over to the tormentors. Jesus closes this parable by saying that this is how our Heavenly King will treat each of us unless we forgive our brother from our heart." Ugggh. Harsh words. But God will not put up with us desiring mercy for ourselves, while we lack forgiveness for others and desire judgment upon them. It's natural for us to desire judgment upon those who continually wrong us. But we, as believers, have to remember that judgment against others is God's privilege alone. We are not to judge or wish judgment upon others. We are to pray for God's mercy upon them in salvation. Brothers & Sisters, has someone offended or hurt you today? During this Passover season, let's choose to forgive and pass over those offenses -- for truly blessed is the man who overlooks an offense! [Proverbs 19:11] MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT!

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 ; "And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man." 1 Corinthians 15:49; "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14 ; "And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts." Revelation 21:6

The first man was called "Ah-dom"; we know him as "Adam." The word used for "man", as in "mankind", in Genesis 1, is also the same word – "Ah-dom." "Ah-dom" is rooted in the three Hebrew letters, aleph-dalet-mem, and one of the Hebrew words for earth is "Adamah," which contains the same three letters. However, it ends with the Hebrew letter "hay." "Adamah" means "red earth" or "red clay," and this word points to the natural earth elements, the "earth dust" that composed Adam’s body, and the body of every human being since. "Man" is "ah-dom," in a very real sense, "clay." If a piece of clay is to become anything, it has to be molded – and to be moldable, it must become wet. Clay has a tendency to dry out quickly and become hardened, and once that happens, there's not much you can do with it. Since we are "ah-dom" made of clay, we are in constant need of water. This is true both physically and also spiritually. Our bodies need a constant resupply of water to stay alive and function well. Our spirits also need "water," the "water" of the Word [Ephesians 5:26]. If we are constantly drinking this water of the word, our faith, which comes by hearing [Romans 10:17], will result in a magnificent promise from Jesus: "He that believes in me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water!" This water of His Word welling up through His Spirit will prevent us from becoming dry and hardened and will enable us to "water" others, even to be ourselves, a spring of living water. Brothers & Sisters, drink from the water of life. You don't want to become a hardened vessel, easily cracked or broken. Soak yourself in Him and in His word, so that God will keep you moldable, useful, and "drinkable" by others. Water is necessary, but it is also deeply refreshing, and Jesus's living water springs up, even to eternal life! DON'T DRY OUT!

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

There are two kinds of birds that roam the desert: vultures and hummingbirds. The vulture thrives on a diet of rotting meat. He flies overhead searching for traces of leftover carcasses from slow-footed critters eaten by wild animals who've already had their fill. Hummingbirds, on the other hand, will sweep through the desert, passing over all those repulsive, dead animals and seek colorful patches of beautiful wild desert flowers. They will suckle the delicious juices of those sweet desert blossoms and be satisfied. How similar we are, at times, to these two birds. There are those among us who, perhaps unknowingly, cling to the past—our regrets, our failures, our sins. We feed on memories that drain our joy and diminish our hope. Like the vulture, we sustain ourselves on what should remain buried and left behind. Yet, we have another choice. Let us take wisdom from the hummingbird and move swiftly past the lifeless things of yesterday. Let us intentionally seek the sweet promises of new life in the Lord, focusing our hearts and minds on the abundant, vibrant future God has prepared for us. In choosing life, we find true satisfaction and renewed strength. Brothers & Sisters, let's sweep past that which is dead and focus on the sweet new life -- the exciting future that God holds for us as we continue seeking Him and moving forward in our relationship with Him! LIFE AWAITS US!

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith." 1 John 5:4

In 2nd Samuel chapter 9, we read the story of King David and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of the first king of Israel, King Saul. After Jonathan's death, David went forth to show kindness to Saul's house. Mephibosheth had become lame at the young age of five -- he had lived his entire life as a cripple. When David calls him forth, Mephibosheth replies "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" His identity was completely based on his disability when in fact, he was the grandson of a king! He had forgotten his royal lineage and was wallowing in self-pity. Yet David looked beyond his disability and recognizing who he was, offered him a place at the King's table. How much time do we spend wallowing in our own self-pity, groaning about things with which we struggle daily...so much so that it becomes who we are! The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us focused on our disabilities so that we are distracted from the calling of God on our lives. He wants us to have a "victim mentality". But beloved, let us be reminded today: in Jesus, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, sons and daughters of the Most High. The King of Glory has not only redeemed us—He has invited us to dine at His table. We are not castaways; we are co-heirs with Christ! Brothers & Sisters, so let us rise with a victor’s mindset. Let us walk in the fullness of our calling, shake off the labels of the past, and take our rightful seat at the King’s table—confident in who we are in Him. HAVE A VICTOR MENTALITY!

"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis." Colossians 4:12-13

Epraphras is not a name you hear much of. He was a member of the church in Colosse, and obviously a dear saint in the Lord. We know that he suffered imprisonment with Paul at one time. But the thing that really impresses me about this saint is what Paul wrote about him– he always wrestled in prayer! The intercessory work of the saint through prayer is the work behind the scenes, the silent ministry that the world knows little of, yet more powerful than any weapon on earth unleashing power from above that makes demons tremble! This was a man with whom Paul must have been accustomed to praying, and clearly the apostle knew of his zeal from personal experience. But notice what Epaphras prayed for – that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God! That's my prayer for each one of our readers! Brothers & Sisters, in this day and age, when you can feel the winds of spiritual warfare swirling all around – when faith will be tested to the extreme – my prayer is that you will stand perfect and complete in the will of God! With so much work to be done, and so many of us under severe attack, never neglect the power of prayer – for this silent ministry counts so much more than you may realize, not only here on earth-- but also, where it really counts...in heaven! SILENT, YET POWERFUL!