The WORD and The SPIRIT 

The word of GOD shows us what we should do. 

The Spirit of GOD shows us how to do it.

It is the Holy Spirit Who interprets the words of the Bible and gives us revelation of its messages so that we can understand.

It is the Holy Spirit Who also prepares our heart to obey GOD's word.

He also enables us to walk in obedience to the word of GOD.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years.
Hebrews 3:7-9

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
Hebrews 4:1-2

 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
Luke 24:45

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Philippians 2:12-16

QUESTIONS? 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Christians.

Is GOD able to perform a miracle in my humanly impossible situation?

Is GOD able to heal me?

Is GOD able to provide for me?

Is GOD able to forgive me? 

Is GOD able to set me free from oppression?

The Scriptures say that nothing is impossible with GOD.
He is the Almighty GOD Who created the universe and sustains the galaxies.

He is All powerful, Omnipresent and All knowing. 

 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Jeremiah 32:27

'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Jeremiah 32:17

Therefore the question is not "Is GOD able?"

The questions we should ask are; 

"What is GOD's plan for me in this situation?"

"What is GOD teaching me through these difficult situations and trials?"

 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13

GOD is love. 

He is Faithful. 

He is Trustworthy.

He is preparing us for eternity and molding us, especially through trying situations.

 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at 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 4:16-18

We must face the fact that all of us will face death one day and each one of us will stand before the LORD.

 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Hebrews 9:27-28


Our focus on this earth therefore should be on the LORD JESUS, Who is the Author and the Finisher of our Faith. 

When we accept His forgiveness and receive Him in our heart, we are saved from our sin. The blood of JESUS cleanses us from all sin. Then we have no fear of punishment for our sin, as we walk with JESUS. Whenever we repent of our sin, He forgives us and frees us from all guilt. Then there is no fear even of death. Death is only a narrow doorway into the most glorious Presence of the Almighty GOD, who is our Loving Heavenly Father! We need to only hold on to our Faith which is in CHRIST JESUS our Savior. When we are totally surrendered to Him, trusting Him completely with our life, He is the Vehicle we are in, that will carry us through this life and at the end of our life on earth, through the doorway of death into the glorious eternity!

 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8

 THORNS

 The Beloved Like a lily among thorns, 

So is my love among the daughters.

Song of Songs 2:2

What is precious is kept protected. The more precious an article, the more it is covered, separated and kept safe.

That is how GOD watches over, protects and keeps in this world,  those whom He has chosen for Himself.

Roses are precious flowers and they are found among thorns so that people or animals can't easily access them without getting injured by the thorns.

Pineapples and Durians are special fruits that have thorny or prickly skin to protect them from birds and monkeys! 

Thorns on the outside, protect us from external forces that can cause us harm. Thorns on the inner surface of the boundary lines, keep us disciplined, within the boundary lines. These are like the electrical wire fencing, that keep precious sheep from straying out into danger zones!

 You have hedged me behind and before, 

And laid Your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5

The saying goes, 'Guilty conscience pricks the mind.' Even more importantly, the Holy Spirit in a believer, brings conviction which disturbs the peace in the heart to mold us and shape us, removing undesirable characteristics and smoothing rough edges.

 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, 

a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, 

lest I be exalted above measure. 

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, 

for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, 

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9

 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: 

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, 

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 

  For whom the Lord loves He chastens, 

And scourges every son whom He receives." 

  If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; 

for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 

  But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, 

then you are illegitimate and not sons. 

  Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, 

and we paid them respect. 

Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 

  For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, 

but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 

  Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; 

nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness 

to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:5-11

 FROM GABBATHA TO GOLGOTHA

From Judgement to crucifixion

The Judge of the whole world stood humbly before Pilate to be judged!

The Savior of the whole world was condemned to death and was crucified!

The Giver of Life died and was laid in a tomb!

One day, each one of us including Pilate, 

will have to stand before the judgement seat of CHRIST.

CHRIST defeated death and now lives forever 

to save those who come to Him in faith.

He gives them eternal life.

He freely offers forgiveness to those who stand condemned 

before the judicial system of this world 

and also to those who carry guilt in their hearts. 

He releases those who are in spiritual prison and bondage, 

into freedom and liberty in Him.

 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 

that each one may receive the things done in the body, 

according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, 

for He will save His people from their sins."

Matthew 1:21

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 

 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:31-32

Therefore if the Son makes you free, 

you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

and that He was buried, 

and that He rose again the third day 

according to the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:4

In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

 He was in the beginning with God. 

  All things were made through Him, 

and without Him nothing was made that was made. 

  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

  And the light shines in the darkness, 

and the darkness did not comprehend it. 

  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 

  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, 

that all through him might believe. 

  He was not that Light, 

but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 

  That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14

 

Understanding

Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people. 

A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, 

But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. 

 Proverbs 28:15-16  

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; 

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. 

The LORD builds up Jerusalem; 

He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 

He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. 

He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. 

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; 

His understanding is infinite. 

The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. 

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; 

Sing praises on the harp to our God, 

Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, 

Who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 

He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry. 

He does not delight in the strength of the horse; 

He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. 

The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him,

 In those who hope in His mercy.

 Psalm 147:1-11 

Understanding simply means standing under someone, something or some situation.

This is the first step to lift up another.

Imagine an adult, towering over a little child, lifting him up by his little arms or by his head!

On the other hand, an understanding adult would squat down by the child, put his arms gently below the child to scoop the child up from the ground. 

Although our GOD is so great, He humbles Himself to understand the broken -hearted and the down-cast. He stands under them so that He could lift them up. He casts down the wicked who is proud so that He can then lift him up.

Picture a little child having climbed on a ladder, now unable to come down!

You could either stand above him on the ladder and push him down or stand below and gently coax him down, stretching your arms to hold him lest he fall.

If we don’t understand those over whom we have authority, we would be oppressors.

If we don’t come down to understand those under us, we would be oppressing them from above, trying to exert our authority over them and controlling them. This is not the way of the LORD. It is the way of Satan. He pumps us up and then finds great pleasure in causing us to fall.

 

WAR IN THE WILD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yDqZsnEa5E

 Walking in the Spirit and not in the Flesh

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:8-11

The enemy of our soul, the devil, is prowling around, looking for prey like a lion. 

Those who easily fall prey to him are those who live in the the flesh.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6

Let us therefore develop a spiritual mindset by reading and meditating on the word of GOD and by walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit. It is important to discipline our body and our thinking and bring them to subjection to the Spirit of GOD Who lives within us. Let us be preoccupied with matters that pertain to the Kingdom of GOD, reaching others with the love of the LORD. Selfishness and self-centeredness is the result of a carnal mind which indicates living in the flesh. 

 Walking with the LORD and not lagging behind.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9

 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
Romans 12:11

I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.
Psalm 119:60

The lions always attack from behind. Therefore those animals that are weary, weak and are lagging behind the herd for some reason are vulnerable to be attacked.

In our Christian walk and our service for the LORD, we must take time regularly and frequently to be refreshed in the presence of the LORD through His word and His Spirit. 

We must also train ourselves to promptly obey the leading of the Spirit. 

Walking in Unity and not in disunity 

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Ephesians 4:1-6

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Romans 14:19

 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:14-15

When a herd of buffaloes passes by, the hunting lions are smart enough to focus and go after one of them, separate that one from the herd and then attack that animal. We must be wise and diligent to recognise the strategy of the enemy to bring division in the assembly of the Body of CHRIST -the Church. We must be a part of an assembly and work in unity and work for unity within the assembly. 

The enemy works through people and we shouldn't become the tool of the enemy to fulfil his evil purpose of dividing the Church through disunity.

Hastening or Hesitating?

 

Hastening or Hesitating?

Are you hastening or hesitating to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit?

Rebecca Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. Genesis 24:20

David Then Jesse said to his son David, "Take now for your brothers an ephah of this dried grain and these ten loaves, and run to your brothers at the camp. And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how your brothers fare, and bring back news of them." Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. 1 Samuel 17:17-20

He showed responsibility by leaving the sheep with a keeper.

So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hastened and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 1 Samuel 17:48-49

Elijah

Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:46

Philip Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" Acts 8:29-30

The Shepherds
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:15-16

Zealous Abraham

 Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said." So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes." And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.
Genesis 18:1-8

Be zealous for the LORD and hasten to serve Him and others.

Wait patiently for the LORD and be patient with others.

Lukewarm Lot

 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. And he said, "Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant's house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." And they said, "No, but we will spend the night in the open square." But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
Genesis 19:1-3

When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city." And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, "Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed." Then Lot said to them, "Please, no, my lords! Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live." And he said to him, "See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Genesis 19:15-26

Do I promptly obey the LORD because I trust Him?

I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.

Psalm 119:60