Jan 19

Huldah, the Wife of Shallum

Biblical Women Comments Off

II Kings 22:12-20

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us. So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

Here we see King Josiah when he realized the great wrath of the Lord that should befall Judah because of how they heard not the words of the Law of Moses repents and receives the Lord’s blessings. This book was only read on special occasions or so it appears. King Josiah however had it read for him and was eager to enquire of the Lord for him, for the people and for all Judah concerning the words of the book. For us today our standard is the Word of God and we should enquire of the Lord at every step of our life. Our prayers will definitely be heard, we will be forgiven and our lands will be healed. The Lord is available to us who seek His face. II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

King Josiah sent his favored men: Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah to enquire of the Lord and they went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum. Shallum was the keeper of the wardrobe and did not hold a noble position in the kingdom. Huldah lived in Jerusalem and she was married to Shallum. An ordinary woman she was and yet was gifted with the powerful gift of prophecy. Lord bestowed it on her and her gift was recognized in that land and King’s men came to enquire of her. Her words were the words of the Lord God and how gifted was that land and how wonderful it is to see that the people of the land took advantage of this gifted woman. A King who held the highest position in the kingdom sought the Lord and sent messengers to bring back the message of the Lord. How much more should we commune with the Lord, seek His face continually, be in His mighty presence and consult Him in our life’s journey? Also, Huldah put her gift to use and for the benefit of her land; are we using the spiritual gifts that God has given us? We should not consider a spiritual gift bestowed on us as frivolous. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Huldah spoke the words of the Lord in truth and in love. She said to the King’s men “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.” Huldah said that the Lord shall bring evil upon Judah and upon the inhabitants of Judah for a reason. The people have forsaken the Lord, worshipped other Gods simply going against the Lord’s very first commandment. Do we have any idols in our heart that we have placed before God? Time to introspect and see if we have any placed anything or anybody before God in our lives. If so, let us give the God of glory the first place in our hearts that He alone deserves. Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” While there is still time let us repent, turn from our wicked ways and surrender our lives unto our Creator!

Huldah also said to the King’s messengers to take back a wonderful message unto King Josiah. Her message to King Josiah was: “Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place.” The Lord God is full of tender mercies and loving kindness. He sees the heart of the man, the cry of such a heart is heard and His forgiveness is always available unto us. The Lord saw the tender and humble heart of King Josiah. He saw his broken spirit and contrite heart. So, all that the Lord spoke will befall Judah and its inhabitants will not happen in King Josiah’s time. He pardoned the King, the people and the land from such a desolation and curse because of King’s repentance.

Yes, He readily forgives us and accepts us just as we are if we repent of our sins! Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation (II Corinthians 7:10). Though our sins are red as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). What this means is that He will wipe out all our sins with the precious blood of Jesus that was shed for our sakes 2010 years ago. His grace is all encompassing. So, if you are wondering if ever your sin as dark as it may seem to you will ever be forgiven, take heart! Yes, it will be forgiven. Remember where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (Romans 5:20). See how wonderfully God heard Josiah’s sincere cry and blessed him saying that he shall not see any evil and shall go to grave in peace. This is the same kind of blessing He gives to any who repents with a true heart! Let us seek His forgiveness and repent with all our hearts and turn away from any darkness in our lives. Grab His wonderful blessings and enjoy the eternal life!

Next: From Sarai to Sarah

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Jan 06

Endure and See the End of the Lord

Living in Christ Comments Off

James 5:11

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

See, how they that endure are counted. Happy are those that endure! Endure means to not yield and remain with the same unwavering faith during a struggle or a trial. It is easy to cave in to the pressure of the world and to the friends of the world when battling a storm so severe that hope seems so far away. Unless we walk in the true love, we are prone to wander and lose our focus. If you are enduring a struggle, bear in mind that you are counted happy! Patience is a wonderful trait that is hard to be built in human beings whose very nature is impatient. I was that impatient lady and I know God is forming a wonderful character in me and teaching me how to be patient and hope only in Him. In the midst of a storm I have learned to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7). His peace comes in at the most needed hour and He allows us to rest when everything around us seem bleak and hopeless. Peace like a river flows into the heart when the enemy attacks like a flood. Look at what Job endured. His patience is a wonderful example for us to follow. He endured his hardship and was patient till the end. Job 2:9 says, “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” Job’s wife was filled with anger unto God and she provokes Job to curse God and die. Job’s integrity is an uncompromising one and his response to his wife clearly states that. Job 2:10 says, “Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” God can merely use us His vessels as it pleases Him and get all the glory. Why should we resist His wonderful work that makes us and shapes us to glorify the Lord of glory? If He allowed something evil in your life, He sure knows how to walk you through that and if it is in His will, in His own time, He can remove it for good like He did for Job. But if He desires to leave the thorn in your flesh like He did for Paul, He will provide us His grace that is all sufficient and His strength will be made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:7-10).

Job’s patience and endurance helped him see the end of the Lord. Let us realize that the Lord is very pitiful and full of mercy. The other day when I was at Dr. Brian Apatoff’s office, I was immensely surprised at his patience and compassion to all the patients including me. When I came home I was filled with an awesome revelation of how MUCH more compassionate the Lord God should be unto us, His awesome creation! Tears flooded through my eyes with this realization that was so deep to me. Our father does not slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4) and He keeps us constantly protected under His mighty wings.

I would like to close this post with John 14:27 with the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Next: Renewing of the Inward Man

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Jan 04

Those who Cause Divisions and Offences

Living in Christ Comments Off

Romans 16:17-20

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

As much as Paul commends the members in Christ and greets them with a love that is sincere in Christ, he also warns the brethren of those that cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine that they have learned. He specifically asks the brethren to “mark them that cause divisions and offences”. As Paul says these are the ones that do not serve Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly. Philippians 3:18-19 Paul says “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” The ones that cause divisions are the ones who are enemies to the cross of Christ. Their God is their belly and what this means is they work for their own selfish needs and satisfy their own desires not minding the things that matter to Christ. I Corinthians 1:18 says clearly on the cross of Christ. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” To the enemies of the cross of Christ what is due is destruction; their glory is in their shame and they mind the earthly things. They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). Do you mind the things of the flesh or the things of the Spirit? I think it is time we introspect ourselves. These men that cause divisions by their good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. I John 4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” These are the end days and many false prophets are out in the world. They use good words and fair speeches and deceive the simple at heart. But God has given us wisdom through His Word and let us use this wisdom to try the spirits whether they are of God.

The obedience of the brethren at Rome is come abroad unto all men. How magnificent and noteworthy was their obedience unto God, that it is known to all men. To obey is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22). Paul who labored in Christ with Romans was greatly taking pleasure on their behalf. But, he says that they ought to be wise regarding that which is good and simple concerning evil. Remember we are among the wolves and hence we are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). This should be our approach to keep up our faith and walk in the Lord, yet acting with wisdom of God and operating with simplicity!

I take great privilege in this promise that the God of peace shall bruise Satan under our feet shortly. Remember the verse from Revelation 1:7 that says, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” He is coming and He shall bruise the Satan under our feet pretty soon! Paul ends the warning with the grace of Lord Jesus Christ for without His grace we are prone to wander and fall for the deceptions of the enemy which appear to be alright on the surface but full of malice and ungodly within. Let us be mindful of the people that cause divisions and offences and go with God’s wisdom to make informed decisions based on the Word of God.

Next: Temple of the Holy Ghost

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Dec 18

Samson and Delilah – Part II

Biblical Women Comments Off

Judges 16:10-12

And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.

Delilah realized that Samson did not tell the truth and was now nagging him to tell her the source of his strength. She was tempting him a second time. Samson did not run away from her; he held onto her even when he was attacked by Philistines because of her. His lust for Delilah was greater than His love for the Lord. He could not mortify his flesh. Let us ask God to help us mortify our flesh. He knew how she exposed him to the Philistine lords after binding him with seven withs. Yet Samson stayed on. Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Samson positioned himself in the way of a temptress and yielded to the desires of his flesh. Satan also does not tempt you once but he will try many times. Beware!

Christ was tempted in the wilderness after He fasted for forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:1-11). Christ was not tempted once but thrice; He resisted the devil and he ran away from Jesus. Samson did not resist the devil but yielded miserably to its tricks. Christ was a completely sinless man who was and is God of all flesh. He enjoyed the heavenly abode with His Father but obeyed the will of His Father to save us (humans) from perishing. He came down to earth in the most humble form possible and went all the way to the Cross and then to grave and got resurrected per His Father’s plan. By His death on the Cross, He paid the price in full once for all for the entire mankind and we now have the key to heaven through Him.

When Delilah asked Samson again to reveal the source of his strength, he said “If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man”. We see a woman so persistent and so eager to find Samson’s strength for the money that was promised to her. So, Delilah  took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread. Delilah promptly bound Samson with new ropes and in anticipation of a fulfilled task said, “The Philistines be upon thee, Samson”. This is how satan binds us with his ropes and waits to see if we can get free from his bindings. Before the satan binds us, we should run away from him and claim victory in the name of Jesus. If some one feels trapped by the enemy, I declare victory for you in the SOVEREIGN name of JESUS CHRIST! You are released from the enemy. Amen! Rise up, praise Him, sing a new song of victory, do not linger in the ashes or loiter where the satan put you. Step out of the darkness into the light where the Light of the World (Jesus) exists. The enemy’s bindings can easily be broken by the miraculous power of the Lord. He rejoices in liberating the captives and in releasing them that are in prison. God’s plan and purpose for our life is not evil; it is the wonderful promise from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Yes, He desires to give us rest, peace and hope. Do you believe on Him, who can raise you up from the ashes to give you a life that is full of hope and faith? If not, NOW is the time to believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only son!

Next: Samson and Delilah – Part III

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Dec 14

The Suffering of Christ

Living in Christ Comments Off

 I was not in a position to type the actual message on Dec 14th but today (Dec 18th) God empowered me to put in a message for this day. I pray and hope this message will mightily bless you because the satan tried every trick to not put this message. With God’s power and in His love I bring this message your way. Jesus Loves You!

 Isaiah 53:3-5

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

The suffering of Christ on the Cross two thousand years ago is a beautiful picture of God’s love to us. How much did God love us? He loved so much that He wanted His precious son to die on the Cross for our sakes! John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. We are His friends and we are co-heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). I cannot imagine the privilege we have been granted. We are so unworthy yet God loved us so much and He has made us heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ. That is the love of God and the immutable love of Jesus for us. There is no greater gift that we can desire than the gift of eternal life!

Christ was despised and rejected of men. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. We hid our faces from Him and we did not esteem Him. Let us not think in our hearts “Not me”. It is we and our sins that made Him take all the rejection. He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. He carried our guilt and shame on that Holy Cross that we should live a life free of guilt and shame. If you are toiling because you carry the guilt of a secret sin, I would like to say, put your guilt on Him and walk out of that sin and grab the freedom from Lord Jesus Christ. If you are suffering because of some problem, I want to say, Jesus is much bigger than your problem; so do not focus on your problem but look to Him and His Cross. None of us will ever suffer like Jesus did; none of us have undergone the pain He underwent. Our problems and sufferings are not worthy of our consideration for the redeemer knows how to walk us through these if we darely walk with Him. Do not fear because of your circumstance because any tumultuous circumstance can be changed by the Creator. Let us take a moment to consider Christ’s death on the Cross of Calvary; it was to redeem US. God’s plan in allowing this for Jesus was merely to provide salvation to us. Through one man Adam, sin entered and through one man Jesus, we are saved from eternal damnation.

He was wounded for our transgressions. He blotted out our transgressions through His shed blood. We are a failure if we try implementing the Law of God all by ourselves. Law of God exposes the weakness of man and his sinful nature. But the law of Christ which is by grace exposes us to the love of God and gives us hope and fills us with joy. He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him. He took our punishment upon Him that we may attain peace. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” His peace is not the peace of the world which is temporary. His peace is eternal and we need not be troubled nor afraid. The peace of Jesus passes all understanding. This peace is incomprehensible by our limited understanding. It is the peace of the Spirit of God!

With His stripes we are healed. I am immensely encouraged every time I read this verse which is a promise to us. By His stripes we are made whole. Our physical bodies are so fragile and we are living in a world filled with strange diseases. No matter what disease the satan gives you, the Lord God has the potential to heal you. He took all our stripes to heal us. In the second part of Romans 8:17 we see that: “If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” If you are suffering due to health problems like I am now, know that it is not a journey that lasts forever. Put your disease and your suffering on Christ who in every way suffered that we might be free. If we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified together with Him. In this journey, you are not alone; Christ is with you. He will walk you through and according to His will, He will heal and restore you. Boldly claim the promise “With His stripes I am healed”! Do not ponder even a second if He forsook you; His promise to never leave us nor forsake us is so real and very true that you can simply bank on it!

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Nov 04

God’s Favor

Women in the Lineage of Christ Comments Off

Genesis 29:30-32

And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

After Isaac blessed Jacob, Jacob departed to Padanaram to get himself a wife from the daughters of Laban, his mother’s brother. After he reached Padanaram, he met Rachel by the well. Jacob worked for Laban for seven solid years in order to get Rachel as his wife. Genesis 29:20 says “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her”. Jacob loved Rachel so greatly that the seven years seemed like a few days in hope of receiving her as his bride. Instead he received Leah, Laban’s older daughter as a bride. Genesis 29:17 says “Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.” Jacob served for another seven years to get Rachel as his bride. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah.

When the Lord God saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb but Rachel was barren. Rachel was well favored by everyone while Leah was not. But she found God’s favor which is ultimate. Leah yearned for her husband’s love. She must have battled with feelings of being rejected and hated but God was watching all of this. Our God is a righteous God and hates injustice. He favored Leah who was ill-favored by people around her especially her own husband. He blessed her with children by opening her womb. Her first son is Reuben and she was hoping to be loved by her husband after his birth.

Leah was blessed with six sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun and a daughter Dinah. We will look into Dinah’s life tomorrow. Leah bare six sons and these were to form the six important tribes of Israel. One noteworthy fact is that Leah gave birth to Judah from whom Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World was born. God heard the cry of Leah’s heart and blessed her abundantly. Jesus was called the Lion of Judah as it says in Revelation 5:5 “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” This Lion of Judah will wage a war on our behalf against the ruler of the world, Satan. The end result of this war is as we all very well know, VICTORY!

If today you feel rejected, torn, separated or oppressed, do not lose heart; the Lord your God is on your side and He will not let this injustice continue. You will find God’s favor! You will be mightily blessed like Leah was. Do not worry and lose hope. As it is said in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” May the Heavenly Father surround you and lift you up like He lifted up Leah!

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