Proverbs 18:24, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
In our lifetime we will meet many friends and acquaintances, however there is one who will remain with us forever and ever. Proverbs 18:24, speaks of worldly friendships that are mainly dependent on what each party can do for the other. Friendships that when tried by fire are reduced into ashes in some cases.
The scriptures states that Jesus is our one true friend, the one who loved in us from the beginning regardless of what we could do for him. His love and friendship transcended death, in order to reach and every man and woman in order to reconcile them back to YAH. Do not become disheveled when friendships come to an end on bad or even good terms. Just know that the Father has given us Christ, and through Him he will never forsake us, Shalom.
John 15:13-14, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
John 1:5, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
As we move forward in this world, always brlieve that no darkness will ever overtake the the light inside you. In John 1:5, the translation for comprehend means that it cant or ever will dim the The Gospel message inside us believers. Even when wars mount in our life, hardships or brokenness it’ll only last for a season and NOT defeat us, Shalom…
1 John 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith.”
Romans 16:17-18, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
The world that we live in, is filled with those who are seeking more monetary gain, than spiritual growth in Jesus Christ. From politicians, to celebrities to the media everyone has an agenda to gain wealth at the expense of others. They promote wars, false politics, misinformation and discourse. The scriptures says to stay far away from them, and to seek the true nature of Jesus Christ. Jesus urged all believers to leave this world behind and to follow him, Mark 8:34.
Lies from unbelievers neither glorify the Gospel nor save those trapped in sin. The Bible urges all of us to be kind, gentle and to show empathy toward those who seek to destroy us or spread a false narrative about our Lord. I pray that everyone puts down their political party, social status, and bias beliefs and put on the full armor of YAH for the glory of Jesus Christ, Shalom…
Revelation 20:3, “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.“
Satan’s “little season” is a time after the millennial reign of Jesus, where the fallen angel will be loosed upon the world. The book of Revelations does not tell us just how long this season will last but that the evil one will continue to bring lies and death to humanity. This little season is something that we experience now in our own lives. A season of turmoil where it seems that the devil is successfully ruining everything in our lives, from marriages to work or the deaths of loved ones.
While we all experience harsh times from time to time in our walk with Christ, it’s important to stay faithful to our faith in Him. Jesus stated in John 16:33, “ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
No matter the season or for however long, we as disciples need only to believe in the finished work of Jesus. Matthew 21:22, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive,” Shalom
Joel 2:25-26, “ “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.
You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame.
The world will look at following Jesus as a loss to the joys of this life. While the scripture always will promote holiness, in Him we will gain way more than this world can ever give us. While the world will offer you sex, YAH gives you a wife or husband. Where the world can provide you with good health for a time, in Christ we are given eternal life.
The world’s economy is uncertain but the Lord’s is certain, Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
YAH will always replace what we have lost with something that is of His will, from His heart and purpose for you, Shalom….
Philippians 4:8- “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
In today’s social climate there are many distractions looming over us, to divert our attention away from Jesus. From political groups, race and hate mongering among the body of Christ. In times of uncertainty the scriptures say to focus on truth, nobility being just and pure. All the characteristics in the aforementioned verse in Philippians 4:8, are the qualities of YAH. All truth, virtue and most importantly he’s praiseworthy. One thing no man in the flesh can lay claim to regardless of what they say or do.
Trust in the Most High, and use discernment throughout your day. Shifting through this world to find Christ, Shalom
Scripture Study-Mark 10: verses 46 through 52, “Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Mark chapter 10, verses 46 through 52 is a testimony of faith and fervent persistent prayer, despite what others will say. The man Bartimaeus, although he was blind, was the only one who could truly see who Jesus Christ is. This same issue falls on the body of Christ, as in having the Holy Spirit we can recognize the divine nature of Christ, the power to forgive sin and be made whole.
Persistence in prayer is another key. In a world where we look to men or politics to be the answer to our needs, we as believers know that Jesus and only Jesus is the way to escape hardship, heartache and the pain in this world. As in Matthew chapter 11 verses 28, all who are labor and heavy laden he will give them all rest, if we have the faith to believe. And lastly, to set aside the naysayers.
Romans 16 verse 17, states “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” Never allow others to discourage your desire to seek and find YAH for needs or questions that you have. We are His children, and as with all children we need the guidance of our guardians in times of need, Shalom…
Luke 17 verse 5 and 6 is a testimony that the little faith that we come to the Lord with is enough to work wonders. The Apostles asked Jesus for more when the faith they had already received was enough to uproot trees and move mountains (Mark 11:23). We believe that it’s our Faith, it’s really where that faith is placed, and that is in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:10 reads, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Our faith isn’t measured by how big or small but rather on do we have faith? In that, we are granted access to all principality and power. Which covers all hardships (Psalm 34:19) health concerns (Matthew 4:23) finances (Philippians 4:19), Shalom…
Matthew 7:21 through 23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
In the world that we live in today it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t believe in YAH. Many say they know the Lord however, their lifestyle and actions say otherwise. One of the most important traits that we as Christians need to have on display is our obedience to the Holy scriptures. As Jesus proclaims in the above verses, many say that they know me but their actions prove otherwise.
The great commission in Matthew 28:19 and 20 is,”Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Our obedience proves that we are purified and no longer partakers in sin made only possible by the Holy Spirit, but in bringing his kingdom to the Earth. The good nature that we live by is the true light that we share, to be a light unto the world, Shalo
Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen.
Divine Gospel Ministry 