Tag Archives: God

Jeremiah 23- Righteous Branch

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:5-6

Behold , The Days are Coming! For hundreds of years Israel waited for their coming Messiah, and that day came when Jesus Christ was born in a manger. Think about that, the event of the Nativity was the fulfillment of many prophecies throughout time. 

A righteous Branch and a King shall reign and prosper. When we think about a Branch, it grows or come forth from the trunk of the tree. This is in reference to the incarnation of Christ. Jesus Christ became a man through the nation of Israel, born of a Virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Being fully God and fully man, Christ has come to save the world from their sins, and establish his throne as King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords

The King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgment and justice on the Earth. The Messiah didn’t just come to save Israel, the prophecy foretells for the entire Earth. Jesus is the Light of the Gentiles (Luke 2:32)

In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. Isaiah 4:2

The prophet Isaiah as called the Messiah , the Branch of The Lord (Yahweh), again another reference to the Incarnation of Christ (Isaiah 7:14) and notice it says the “fruit of the Earth”, Christ is not just the fruit of Israel, Christ is bringing the fruit to the world. What is the fruit? The gospel to the entire world, Christ died, Christ is Risen, and Christ will come again

Quoting Jeremiah again, The King Shall Reign (Jeremiah 23:5) Jesus Christ, the righteous branch, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords is reigning on his throne seated at the right hand of God the Father. Glory to the newborn King! Amen!

Psalm 2- Kiss The Son

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. Psalm 2:1-6

Why is the birth of Jesus Christ such an important and glorious moment for all creation? Well aside from the fact that Christ atoned for our sin and justified us before God, Jesus Christ has also established his throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This was the promise of the Messiah, that God would become our King and reign. As the scripture says “I have set my King upon My holy hill of Zion”

This is why the wise men asked “Where is the King of the Jews , that we may worship him” (Matthew 2:2) This is why all the angels of Heaven worshiped and celebrated the birth of Christ saying “Glory to God in the highest , peace on earth and good will to men” (Luke 2:14) They understood that God was not just saving the world, but God was establishing his throne through Christ

When we look at the state of the world, its no different than it was in Psalm 2. The kings of the earth (governments) set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against The Lord and his anointed. The world today is still at war against God, they continually reject his Law, and they reject The only begotten Son , Jesus Christ. Is God worried? No, God is laughing from his throne, because all these wicked and evil forces are blinded puppets of Satan. They are all already defeated and they will all have their appointed time in the Lake of Fire

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psalm 2:7-12

The prophecy of God becoming a man to save and rule the world with a rod of iron. Thou are my Son, this day have I begotten thee, the promise of the Son of God coming to Earth has finally been fulfilled in the lowly manger in Bethlehem. The King above all Kings , born of a virgin, born under The Law, to save us from our sins and establish Gods eternal Kingdom

Kiss the Son, some other translations also say “Give Sincere Homage” meaning submit and obey The Lord Jesus Christ, because Christ is worthy of all praise and honor. Blessed are they who put their trust in Him (Christ) Those who reject Christ are already defeated along with Satan and his evil empire, Amen!

Genesis 49- Lion of Judah

Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Genesis 49:9-10

While Jacob was blessing his sons, he also foretold a Messianic prophecy, that the “Sceptre shall not depart from Judah” The word Sceptre means rod/staff/tribe of royalty and kingship. This means the Messiah (The Christ) will come from the tribe of Judah. It’s amazing to think, Jacob is foretelling about Jesus Christ thousands of years before the Incarnation of Christ occurred

As we look at the genealogies of Christ in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, we see Jesus is from the line of Judah on both sides of his family. All the 300 prophecies foretelling of the coming of the Messiah were fulfilled at the manger. The birth of Jesus Christ, was a moment that Abraham , Isaac, and Jacob longed to see, the Christ has come to save us from our sins, and rule with a rod of iron

Jesus is the Lion of Judah, this is how he got this title from the Messianic prophecy foretold by Jacob. Notice the Lion of Judah is not prowling looking to devour people like Satan (1 Peter 5:8) The Lion of Judah is the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, He couched , as a Lion lays down with authority and power. Christ is seated on the throne (scepter) all power and authority on Heaven and Earth have been given to him (Matthew 28:18)

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5

Jesus Christ is confirmed as the Lion of Judah , also as the “root of David” meaning Christ has fulfilled the Kingship, Jesus is the Messiah, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. While the world today lives in chaos and anxiety, as the elder says “Do Not Weep”! Christ is born, Christ is Risen, and Christ will come again!

He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father; Revelation 2:27

Glory to our newborn King, Jesus Christ who rules with a rod of iron, as The Lion of Judah, the nations shall rest upon his shoulders, Amen!

Genesis 3- The Seed

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15

As we enter into the Christmas season, its important to understand why the Incarnation of Christ is crucial to our salvation. God becoming human to die for the sins of the world, to rise again defeating sin, death, and Satan forever. Without the Incarnation of Christ, the atonement for our sins would not be possible. But Jesus Christ took it upon himself, to die for the sins of the world, to reconcile us back to our Heavenly Father

Now as sin entered into the world by Adam and Eve, God already had a redemption plan. Satan was already defeated before he even got started. We see this in the book of Genesis, the prophecy already of the Incarnation of Christ. The word enmity also means hostility. A war was declared between God and Satan, a war for everyone’s soul, as Satan looks to deceive and destroy every human that walks this Earth, while God through Christ is looking to restore and save every soul

Who is “Her Seed”? This is a reference to the Incarnation of Christ. The Apostle Paul says this “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16) The prophecy references One Seed, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only one who can defeat Satan and save your from your sins

Christ will bruise or crush your head and Satan will bruise or strike Christ heel. The head of Satan is his temporary Kingdom, as Paul says “The god (Satan) of this world”(2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan has a temporary Kingdom on this world, which he deceives and destroys many souls. However Christ will crush and destroy this Kingdom, which he has already accomplished on the cross

Satan will bruise the heel, Satan will persecute and sometimes even kill Born Again believers of Christ, however Satan will never be able to take their souls, as Jesus said “You will not be hurt by the second death” (Revelation 2:11) Jesus also said “Don’t fear the One who can kill the body, fear The One who can destroy both the body and soul in Hell” (Matthew 10:28)

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 (NKJV)

Paul is obviously referencing the prophecy of Genesis 3:15, Satan’s Kingdom and time is coming to an end, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Let’s rejoice as the angels did when Jesus Christ came to Earth, because Christ is our victory! Amen!

Philippians 4- God Will Provide

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:14-19

When Paul traveled around Asia Minor, he didn’t worry about how much money was in his bank account, or how his stocks were doing. No Paul trusted in The Lord with all his heart and was obedient to his calling. As Paul says here “But God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ”

The Lord Jesus said this “don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, nor about your body, what you will put on, is life not more than food? Is the body more than clothing”? (Matthew 6:25) Christ told us to “not sweat the small stuff”, like our daily food and clothing, because there is more to life than this! Just as God provides for even the birds, surely God will provide for you also! (Matthew 6:26)

Now I understand, this is easier said than done, right? There’s alot of people in this world who are struggling daily to put food on the table, struggling to pay their bills, struggling to keep a roof over their heads, but where is Christ in all of this? We don’t have to struggle alone, God is with us always! You might say, well how can God help me? God uses the Church, the hands and feet of Christ, to feed the hungry, to give clothing to the needy, to shelter the homeless.  This is what Christ has called us to do, to be the Salt and Light (Matthew 5)

Look at Pauls journey, while he was busy serving The Lord, the Church was providing for him. The Church of Philippi provided for Paul even when he was in other cities. Did Paul require them to do this? No, they did it because they were obedient servants of Christ. God provided for Paul, through his people. Isn’t it a beautiful thing how this all works. 

Maybe you’re afraid to step out and serve The Lord, God will provide! Maybe you’re afraid to leave your high paying job to answer Christs calling, God will provide! This is not about prosperity, this about God will never leave or forsake you, where you go, Amen!

Philippians 4- Peace of God

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. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:6-9

Since the beginning the world has been in search for peace. No matter how much money you have, or what your social status is, if you don’t have peace, you don’t have anything. There’s a saying “Know Jesus and Know Peace, No Jesus and No Peace” This is absolutely true, without Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior , you will never find or have peace

The world spends trillions of dollars trying to obtain world peace through military and political power, but not only completely fails but the world gets worse on a daily basis. Why? Because humans can’t solve the big issue, only God can through Jesus Christ. So why can’t we find peace? Because our sinful state, not only wears down our soul but separates us from God. We can never find peace without reconciliation with our Creator and Heavenly Father

Paul says “Be careful for nothing or don’t be anxious , but in every situation pray to God” instead of trying to solve all your problems, give it up to God. There’s another famous saying “Let Go and Let God”. However most of us don’t want to give up control to God, so instead of reaching out to the only one who can save us, we continue to struggle and sink in our own conflicts.

The Peace of God surpasses all understanding! The world can never understand the Peace of God because the world doesn’t know God. The world rejects Christ therefore lives in conflict. However there is peace in the valley for those who put their faith and trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peace like a river will flow over you by the Holy Spirit, because God is in complete control

What are you dwelling on in your mind? Do you dwell on negativity and failures? The Apostle Paul says “whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, and virtue, dwell on these things. Let Christ Jesus guard your heart and mind, this is the peace of God.

When Jesus Christ is truly your Lord, when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the Peace of God will reign in your hearts, Amen!

Philippians 4- Rejoice In The Lord

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:1-4

It’s easy to be discouraged on a daily basis, all you have to do is look around at our fallen world and see the evil that goes on a daily basis. We all have our own personal problems and struggles, we all have family and friends who are battling as well, so how do we keep the right mindset? As the Apostle Paul says here “Rejoice in The Lord always, and again I say Rejoice”

We need to remind ourselves that we are children of God, that we are already victorious and promised eternal life, because Jesus has already overcome the world. So instead of focusing on our temporary problems, rejoice in The Lord. Instead of dwelling on everything that is wrong, rejoice in The Lord. Instead of worrying about our current circumstances, rejoice in The Lord

Why? Because Jesus Christ is Risen, the tomb is still empty, God is still on the throne. All power and authority has been handed over to Jesus Christ, and the Great Shepherd hears his sheep and never loses any of them. We you focus on these truths and promises, all our temporary problems start to fade away

As Paul said here to his Church “Stand fast or firm in The Lord” Nobody ever said this was going to be an easy life,  God never promised you health, wealth, and happiness, but Christ is our promise, Christ is our victory, Christ is our living hope that will strengthen your soul. Regardless of what happens to us, It is already finished, we are alive with Christ and dead to our sins

Notice Paul called his fellow Christians, labourers. Everyone was serving The Lord, nobody was sitting idle waiting for the Rapture. The body of Christ was busy fulfilling the Great Commision. Its hard to feel sorry for yourself, when your busy serving The Lord. Rejoice in The Lord, rejoice always in Jesus name Amen!

Philippians 3- Citizen of Heaven

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (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.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:17:21

As humans , its our natural desire to want to belong to something. To belong to a group, or belong to an organization, somewhere you can identify with. We all want to be recognized as somebody, having a specific group of beliefs and characters. However the failure many people make is they try to find their identity in this world. They try to find their identity through money or fame. The problem is , the source is already corrupted there for you will be corrupted.

We see nowadays, people like to identify with a political party. They find an outspoken leader who identifies with some of their same core values. They find a group of people who agree with many of their ideas. The problem is , they are trying to identify with mortal , sinful humans. Therefore they inherit the baggage that comes with this group.

Are we starting to see a trend here? People were designed to identify and follow a group because we are all designed to worship God. People are searching to fill that void in them that only Jesus Christ can fulfill. This is why we see a culture that is so desperately trying to establish a new identity and purpose. Because without God as center of your life, you have no ultimate purpose

As Paul says “They are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, who glory is in their shame, whose mind is earthly things” Doesn’t this sound like our world today. The world hates the real Jesus Christ, because he brings truth and light into the darkness. The final destination for everyone who rejects Christ, is eternal damnation. The world lives and feeds off its physical desires. Nobody cares anymore about morality, it’s all about how we feel. The world finds glory in their sin, they are not ashamed of their sin and they celebrate it. Their minds are fully consumed with the lust of their flesh

Our true identity is in Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, and our God. Through Christ we are citizens or our conversation is in Heaven. We belong to our Heavenly Father as children of God. We are all brothers and sisters through Christ. We are the body of Christ, the Church, by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You have a true eternal purpose and identity through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

Philippians 3- Higher Calling

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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 3:12-14

What is the meaning of life? For the unsaved person, the meaning of life is to strive for money, power, possessions, and pleasure. But eventually they come to the point of finding out its all meaningless. None of these can satisfy the soul or give you eternal purpose. In fact a true Atheist will tell you, “there is no meaning or purpose for life”. This is why we find the world in such depression and disarray today, a Godless society trying to find purpose for their soul

The true purpose and meaning of life is very simple, its all about Jesus Christ. If you can’t understand this, then you have never been in the pit before. You have never walked through the valley of death without the Great Shepherd. Unfortunately many people need to find out the hard way, when you hit rock bottom, then you start looking up. 

The Apostle Paul said “I press toward the mark of the prize of the higher calling of God in Christ Jesus” Non-believers would look at Paul’s life and say he’s a fool. He gave up everything he had to serve The Lord and spread the gospel of Christ. However Paul understood, this was his “higher calling” this was his eternal purpose. Think about this, everything you do for the Kingdom of God has eternal value, everything you do for this world is fading away.

Jesus said “Lay or build up yourselves treasure in Heaven, where neither moth or rust will destroy” (Matthew 6:20) Christ wasn’t talking about building up your bank account or getting a big promotion, Jesus was talking about doing The Lords work for Gods Kingdom, fulfilling the Great Commision. Every soul you reach with the gospel, helps build Gods Kingdom

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Philippians 3:15-16

This is a process of sanctification, as we grow in our walk with Christ, we understand what God wants for our lives. We understand the only way to find true peace and happiness, is to abide in Christ, and be in the will of God. Anything outside of this, will create turmoil in the soul and you will never find peace or rest then

As Paul said “God shall reveal even this unto you” we as Born Again believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, so be led by the Holy Spirit. Don’t neglect the guidance of Gods spirit, answer the higher calling from Christ, to serve and love The Lord God with all your heart, soul, and strength, Amen

Philippians 3- Christ Must Increase

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:7-9

As John the Baptist said “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30) Our lives are all about serving Jesus Christ and exalting him. Whatever things or positions we gain, nothing can ever replace or fill the knowledge and relationship we have with our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It’s about keeping things in an eternal perspective instead of a temporal worldly perspective. The people of this world strive for more money, more possessions, more vacations, however the children of God should strive to do the will of God. To sow seeds for the Kingdom. To use the gifts and talents given to us by God, to use them for the glory of God and to build his eternal Kingdom

As the Apostle Paul said “Not having mine our righteousness, which is of the law, but which is faith of Christ” The Law of God doesn’t make us righteous, in fact it does the opposite, it shows how wretched we are, and how much we need a Savior. Our salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our own works

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10-11

What should be our life goals? To conform to the image of Christ, that we may know him personally, and Christ knows us. As Jesus said “My sheep know my voice, and the follow me” (John 10:27) Everything we do should be for the glory of God, Jesus Christ must increase and we must decrease! Amen!