vinecast

Love Blueprint

Many Christians think of personal requests and individual concerns when asked about prayer and devotion. While personal communion with God is essential, focusing solely on oneself limits the fullness of God’s plan. True spiritual growth happens when we walk together in unity.

I would like to challenge you to pray for the unity of the body of Christ. This will be a powerful experience but also a time of intense spiritual warfare. The enemy fears a united church. As Jesus warned:

“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” (Luke 11:17)

Hell is a realm of division, strife, and disorder. The devil’s schemes thrive on distrust, gossip, pride, self-righteousness, and isolation. But we, the Church, are called to overcome. Reject selfishness. The mindset of Christ is humility, service, and love.

“If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?”

(Luke 11:18)

God designed His people to live in fellowship. Alone, we are vulnerable; together, we are victorious. The Church is not just a gathering—it is a family, an army, and a harvest field. Our spiritual growth depends on commitment to one another.

The believers in Acts experienced the power of the Holy Spirit because they stood as one:

“They were all with one accord.”

(Acts 2:1)

Their unity empowered them to transform their communities. Let us return to the heart of the apostles—to serve, to carry each other’s burdens, to repent together, and to crucify self-interest for the sake of God’s perfect will.

The gates of hell will not prevail against a church that stands in unity. Let us walk in love, fight for our brethren, and experience the power of being one in Christ.

Diversity in Unity: The Strength of the Body

When we look at a body, we see the beauty of diversity in oneness. Each member is unique, yet all work together to sustain life. Unity should never be mistaken for uniformity. In Christ, we are called to be one while maintaining our differences.

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” (1 Corinthians 12:14)

No part of the body is unimportant, and none can survive disconnected from the whole. Ranking members in importance is foolish when the true priority is the health and life of the entire body. God made us different by design, reflecting His infinite creativity. Our differences are not meant for division but as assets for the Kingdom.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

We must learn to disagree without being disrespectful. Respect allows people to be who they indeed are. This is why Jesus chose twelve disciples with distinct personalities—He did not seek uniformity but unity.

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Our role is not to change one another’s designs but to refine and strengthen each other. Although pocket knives and kitchen knives serve different purposes, both are useful.

Think of someone in your LifeGroup who is very different from you. If you don’t know all the members by name, try to connect with them (perhaps by using name tags in the next meeting). Identify someone with a different background or personality.

Ephesians 4:13-16 “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

The Power of Fellowship

The New Testament emphasizes fellowship even more than evangelism. Why? Because most people come to know Jesus through relationships rather than any other method. Christianity is built on relationships from beginning to end.

Research from Haggai International confirms this: while TV, movies, radio, literature, and evangelistic crusades contribute to about 20% of conversions, 80% of people accept Jesus through friends and relatives.

When we intentionally strengthen our fellowship, we draw more people into the Kingdom of God. This is why we must never let our LifeGroups become routine religious obligations. The church is not a country club where people make spiritual “payments” while keeping their personal lives detached. We are not a warehouse of saved people seeking self-interest. We exist for God, which is only fulfilled when we are together.

Many attend church expecting a weekly entertainment show, believing that the music, the sermon, and the atmosphere must cater to their emotions.

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)

The church is not a service provider for spiritual consumers but a family living in unity for God’s glory.

As a family, you don’t choose your siblings. You learn to love them, and we do so with respect because if we don’t do it, our father will lovely discipline us.

Hebrews 12:7-10 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

We may share his holiness, his dignity, his distinctiveness. 

God commands blessing

True church life, with genuine fellowship and sincere love, is powerful because God commands blessing, life, and power wherever unity exists:

Psalms 133 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

The true church life, characterized by genuine fellowship and sincere love for one another, is incredibly powerful because the Lord consistently commands blessings, life, and power in that environment . The Bible uses anointing oil as a symbol of fellowship. This element, prevalent in the Old Testament, had various uses, including in food, soap making, fueling lamps, creating medicine, and performing religious dedications. All these uses illustrate the power of fellowship. In a loving community of brethren, you can find nourishment for your soul. In a fellowship marked by openness, we can confess our sins and experience freedom.

Additionally, it is through fellowship that we cleanse the worldly dirt from our feet. In the company of others, our passion for Jesus is reignited. We can heal emotionally and physically through genuine love for one another. When the church gathers together, our consecration becomes deeper. The anointing starts from the Head, Christ, and extends to His Body, the Church. The anointing is not for individualistic purposes but is bestowed upon the collective Body of Christ. When Christ was anointed, the whole Body was anointed with Him.

When did that happen?

Matthew 3:16-17 6 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This should be our experience every week in our lifegroups. The Holy Spirit comes. The Father speaks of His love. The body of Christ is soaked in anointing. 

Each year on the Day of Atonement, Aaron would enter the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle to present sacrifices for the people’s sins, thus restoring their fellowship with God. In the fellowship of the brothers, we will come with boldness before the throne of grace to be restored from the condemning voices of sin and failure.

A dew speaks of the manna.

Exodus 16:13-14 “…the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

The dew of Hermon represents God’s abundant provision, refreshment, and life-giving presence. The comparison to Mount Zion (much drier) points to God’s blessings that can reach even the driest places through our unity, and that confirms His presence.

Also, the Hermon Mount is widely accepted now as the place where the transfiguration happened.

Matthew 17:4-8 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

You must understand that it is under the dew of Hermon, within the life of the church, where you can truly see Jesus as He is. If you just have a glimpse of his majesty every week, there will be no more fear. 

Consider sharing a meal and fellowship with someone in your group each day. This type of meeting offers an excellent opportunity for brothers to get to know each other better, share their concerns and dreams, and strengthen their connections.

James 5:15-16 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

If it is real it will have some fight.

In counseling, I often hear people say they feel like they’ve failed in their relationships due to struggles in communication, leadership, and partnership.

Struggles do not mean failure; they mean the relationship is real and alive. Instead of seeing differences as obstacles, we must see them as opportunities for growth.

Conflict is not always bad—it is a tool for growth.

Those who avoid confrontation because of their “thin skin” or emotional sensitivity fail to mature.

If a relationship has no challenges, it may indicate that You don’t care enough to engage in real conversations. You are unwilling to grow.

Ephesians 4:15 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

If I compare a marriage, a lifegroup, church with an ice hockey game, it means that everybody expects some "fight" to happen. A game lacks excitement without the courage to win. However, in the church, we are united as one team, all striving for the "crown of righteousness." So once the "penalty" is settled, the game needs to go on. Don't give up on the game because of some bumps.

Let's just chill out a bit and handle our conflicts without getting all emotional about them, especially regarding our differences. No more hurt feelings just because a brother or sister disagrees with you. Let's stop misunderstanding our leader's calls, which are like an "invasion of privacy." Stop to think your disciplers have a "hidden agenda" while coaching and mentoring you. There is no need to interpret the challenges the pastor is preaching as manipulation or orders.

Make an effort to call the members of your group by their names, not only “brother," bro," or "sis." Shake hands and distribute free hugs after every meeting. A Scientific American Magazine article titled "A hug a day keeps the doctor away" showed that "feeling connected to others, especially through physical touch, protects us from stress-induced sickness." In other words, you live better and healthier if you hug more. You have to try!

Raise Up Your White Flags

My wife and I can enjoy a wonderful evening together, but sometimes she says or does something that makes me defensive. I feel as if my emotions surge like soldiers preparing for battle, barking orders to protect vulnerable areas of my life. I might respond with verbal attacks to halt further discussion or retreat to another room, hoping she won’t follow. Just like that, we shift from allies to enemies without intending to. What should we do now? Give up? No, we will use this moment to grow together. We both should raise the white flag and share our weaknesses for mutual support help.

Emotional triggers are often related to our self-worth. God may reveal these wounds so you can pray and be mindful of defensive emotions hindering vulnerability. If you feel offended by your leader or pastor's guidance, release your excuses and allow the Holy Spirit's light to shine through them. 

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Our God is a community of love

1 John 4:16 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

The concept of love inherently requires a relationship—it is not something that can exist in isolation. True love is expressed toward another.

Love existed eternally within the Trinity before creation, proving that love is relational by nature.

One of the most complex concepts for new Christians to grasp is the doctrine that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one God. How is it possible that the three persons can be dwelling in one God figure? What does "the trinity" really mean? It means God is love.

1 John 4:11-12 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

I dare not claim to have the final answer to a complex subject. However, part of the difficulty in comprehending the perfection of the Divine community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is that we do not understand what unity really means.

In the perfect loving divine community, there is no dispute, competition, grudges, or pride. God is so perfect and loving that He decided to expand such an experience with us. In the past eternity, the Holy Spirit whispered into the Father's ears, "How about we expand and share all this love and harmony with a new creation?". The Father replied, "That's exactly what I was thinking." Here, the Son shows up and says, "I will do it!” The Father allows the Holy Spirit to hover over creation, and the Word brings it into existence. Everything is out of love, perfect harmony and intense passion.

He designed us to embrace the strength of unity. 

Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

We can only fully appreciate our unique traits and identities by achieving true spiritual unity. Though these ideas may seem opposing, they are not. When we focus on the bigger picture, our distinct qualities become vital to advancing the Kingdom of God.

Called in "one faith.” Faith makes us trust in God to change circumstances. Faith allows us to experience the power of God to change people, restore our relationships and bring back those who are hurt. The problem is not our brother's flaws or our sister's mistakes. The problem is our unbelief in the fact that God is mighty and able to transform them. Let faith arise in your groups.

Problems should not define your church. Conflicts and temptations do not say who we really are. If there is someone who struggles with anger, this does not make him a rude person. The fact that you are struggling with bad habits does not define you as a lost and addicted person. Temptations, struggles, and even past mistakes are not the problems themselves. The problem is unbelief. The doubt is whether God is powerful enough to take your group, your family and our church from this place of defeat to a position of victory.

We are called in one Spirit. It’s the spirit of God that promotes the beauty of diversity. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers that sister with talents that you will never have. It's the Holy Spirit that made that brother so different from you. Each one of us has received a gift; let's use it. Our challenge is to be servants of God’s varied grace.

We worship one God. We have one father. We were redeemed by one Christ and savior, Jesus. God is over all and through all and in all. There are no pastor, leader, and member’s "duties" when we remember that we have one Father and Lord. We are one, and the desire to please God is above all. We were all saved by the same love. There is no one who is "more saved" than the other. So instead of fighting to "be right," it is much better to have the problem solved. Through Christ, we all share in the same salvation, and with Him, we can triumph over conflicts. 

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

If your husband or wife, your church or your family does not respond, continue loving them, regarding them as saved, loved and chosen. Have a believing heart that change will come. Do not give up on them. God is moving in ways we cannot always see.

This week, try to initiate a relationship by helping in practical ways, like babysitting for a single mom so that she can have a night out. Go to the grocery store for a mother with toddlers. Share your skills changing the oil in the car for a brother. You can even spend time with a single person who seems lonely. Invite a younger person to watch a ball game or go to a movie.

Staying Useful

Last week, we discussed three men mentioned in the third letter of the Apostle John. The recipient of the letter, Gaius, was known for his hospitality. His name means “joyful,” and John encourages him to remain steadfast in his identity as one who is beloved.

Gaius is commended for his faithfulness, hospitality, and commitment to the truth of the gospel. He is described as “beloved,” reflecting his deep connection to the Christian community. His generosity and support for traveling missionaries demonstrate his dedication to Christian love and service.

Demetrius, on the other hand, is presented as a role model for Gaius to follow. He possesses a quality essential for protecting the church and resisting deception: integrity. We explored the significance of integrity in the Christian life. Demetrius is portrayed as a man of integrity and truth. 

Integrity is a firm commitment to truth, moral uprightness, and consistency between beliefs and actions.

Integrity is not merely about reputation but about being whole and undivided in one’s faith.

A person of integrity remains loyal to what is right, even when faced with opposition or challenges. 

 Proverbs 20:7: “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him” (ESV).

The Christian community and the apostle John affirm Demetrius' character. He serves as an example of a trustworthy and faithful believer whose life aligns with the gospel’s teachings.

Finally, we examined Diotrephes's character, whose actions contrasted with those of Gaius and Demetrius.

Diotrephes is condemned for his self-centeredness, rejection of apostolic authority, and divisive actions. He refuses to welcome Christian missionaries, spreads slander, and exerts control over others in the church.

What made the apostle of love write the following words about this man?

3 John 1:9-10 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

Not like that in the beginning.

Diotrephes was not always as described in 3 John. At some point, he was appointed a leader in the church and likely supported the apostles, possibly even opening his home to host a small group of believers. While the details of his early journey remain unknown, it is evident that he once held a position of influence within the church.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

Similarly, in marriage, every couple begins with love, respect, care, and consideration for one another. However, something can enter that relationship—whether in a marriage, a leadership role, a family, or an individual—that causes a person to become divisive.

I want you to remain useful in God’s service. The key is to guard our hearts.

Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (ESV)

The question is, what are the stumbling blocks? What are the self-exaltation, selfishness, bitterness, and resentment pebbles that can cause you to fall into purposelessness?

Saul, from king to knave

A knave person is deceitful, untrustworthy, dishonest or dishonorable.

King Saul began his reign as a man of honor. The Bible clearly states that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, transforming him into a different man (1 Samuel 10:6). Initially, he displayed humility, as the Lord found him hidden among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22), seemingly reluctant to take on the role of king. His early leadership was marked by divine empowerment and a sense of duty. However, as time passed, his heart changed, leading to disobedience, jealousy, and, ultimately, his downfall.

1 Samuel 10:6 “Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” (ESV)

1 Samuel 10:21-22 “He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot, and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. So they inquired again of the Lord, ‘Is there a man still to come?’ and the Lord said, ‘Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’”

King Saul’s transformation from a humble leader to a jealous and disobedient ruler happened slowly.

Israel was under constant threat from the Philistines, a powerful and well-equipped enemy. The Philistines had superior military technology, including iron weapons. Saul, facing military pressure as the Philistines gathered a massive army, became impatient when the prophet Samuel did not arrive at the appointed time. Instead of waiting, Saul took it upon himself to offer a burnt sacrifice, a duty reserved for the priest (1 Samuel 13:8-10).

Samuel arrived immediately after the sacrifice and rebuked Saul for his disobedience. This marked the beginning of Saul’s downfall.

1 Samuel 13:11 11 Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.”

God, through Samuel, commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, including their king, livestock, and possessions, as judgment for their past hostility toward Israel (1 Samuel 15:1-3; cf. Exodus 17:8-16). This was a form of divine justice for their attacks on Israel during the exodus. Instead, Saul spared King Agag and kept the best livestock, justifying his actions by claiming he intended to offer sacrifices to God.

1 Samuel 15:15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.”

Samuel confronted Saul, declaring that obedience was more important than sacrifice.

(1 Samuel 15:22-23) And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.”

Although Saul repented superficially, the kingdom was already being taken from him and given to another—David.

As the people celebrated Israel’s victories, the women sang, praising both Saul and David. However, their song gave greater honor to David, saying, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” From that moment on, Saul viewed David with suspicion and hostility, seeing him as a threat rather than a servant of God. Saul’s jealousy of David led to paranoia and hatred, marking a drastic change in his character.

1 Samuel 18:8-9 8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.

1 Samuel 18:9 (AMP) Saul looked at David with suspicion [and jealously] from that day forward.

Saul’s jealousy turned into violent aggression, showing how far he had fallen from his original humility.

How could a humble, Spirit-filled king like Saul change so drastically? 1 Samuel outlines his downfall:

1. Rebellion (1 Samuel 13:8-14; 15:9-23).

Saul rejected Samuel’s authority. In the case of Diotrephes, he rejected the apostolic authority.

3 John 1:10: “So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us.” (ESV)

It usually begins with a sense of merit, entitlement, or the belief that one deserves more. This mindset can lead a leader to justify rebellion. 

Questioning authority is not inherently wrong; however, it is essential to recognize that God Himself establishes those in positions of authority to bless and protect. 

When this understanding is lacking, authority may be mistaken for oppression. This misunderstanding can distort the perception of leadership, causing direction and challenges to be misinterpreted as control or unfair demands, ultimately leading to rebellion.

Titus 3:10-11: “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (ESV)

Those who reject authority often exempt themselves from the protection and guidance of their leaders. This may help explain what Paul meant when he spoke of delivering someone to Satan.

1 Timothy 1:19-20 (ESV) “Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

Paul instructs the church to remove an unrepentant sinner from their fellowship, allowing him to experience the consequences of his actions in hopes that he will ultimately repent and be restored.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 (ESV) “When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”

Rebellion and presumption are closely connected, as both involve acting independently of God’s authority and wisdom.

2. Presumption (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (ESV)

That was the problem of the Diotrephes. 

3 John 1:9: “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.” (ESV)

He one day put his calling, the ministry, the people, the church, his family, and others ahead of him. But now, something let him put himself first. 

A person who feels entitled—believing they deserve certain rights, recognition, or merit—often fails to perceive the blessing of being under the protection, prayer, and intercession of a leader. 

When challenges arise, or opportunities for growth present themselves, such individuals may take them as personal offenses rather than divine invitations to mature. This misunderstanding can lead to bitterness, which, if left unchecked, grows into resentment that closes you for the favor of God.

Hebrews 12:14-15 directly connects bitterness and resentment to one’s ability to receive God’s favor: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” (ESV)

This passage warns that bitterness not only harms the individual but also spreads, defiling many. A hardened heart can blind a person to God’s grace, leading them further away from His will. 

Recognizing authority as God’s provision rather than oppression is essential to remaining under His blessing and walking in His favor.

3. Rejection of God’s Word. (1 Samuel 15:23, 26)

3 John 1:9: “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.”

Saul and Diotrephes are prideful and self-centered.

People tend to prioritize themselves, especially during major transitions in life. This often happens at pivotal moments, such as when a student graduates from high school and enters college, facing new challenges and responsibilities. It can also occur when a dating couple decides to get married, becoming preoccupied with the pressures of wedding planning and the realities of adult life. Similarly, a married couple preparing to have children may find themselves overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenthood. Likewise, an employee transitioning into business ownership may become consumed by the demands of entrepreneurship.

Matthew 13:22 (ESV) “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

Often, these significant life changes were initially inspired by the Lord Himself. He gave you a word, stirring your heart to take a step of faith. However, the many distractions of this world and the constant, nagging voices of doubt can begin to steal that word from your heart and suffocate His promises. 

1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

Do not allow God’s word to fade from your mind and heart. Instead, confess it daily, establish spiritual disciplines, and keep it ever before you. Write it on your mirror, place it on your refrigerator, set reminders on your phone—immerse yourself in His promises. Surrounding yourself with God’s truth will help you remain steadfast in what He has spoken over your life.

4. Anger and Jealousy (1 Samuel 18:7-9; 19:1, 9-10).

Unresolved anger and rebellion against God can lead to spiritual consequences.

Ephesians 4:25-27 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

This explains why Saul is oppressed by an evil spirit. 

1 Samuel 16:14 states, “Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.”

We are in the new covenant. The Spirit of God does not depart from us. But it definitely can be grieved.

Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

The key is to guard our hearts against entitlement and resentment. We must recognize the grace of God as defined by Scripture—His undeserved and unmerited favor—given to those who acknowledge His love with humility, knowing they have not earned it.

On the other side of relationships lie struggles and the temptations of resentment and entitlement. There are those who live with lightness and empathy—individuals who are joyful, easygoing, and admired by their peers.

Such people are lovable not because they demand recognition but because they walk in grace and humility. God is calling you to live this kind of life.

The Bible emphasizes that those who are forgiving, empathetic, and pure in heart will receive blessings from God. Here are key verses that highlight the rewards of such a heart posture:

You Will Receive Mercy

Matthew 5:7 (ESV) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Those who show compassion and forgiveness will experience God’s mercy in their own lives.

You Will See God

Matthew 5:8 (ESV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

A pure heart enables a person to experience a deeper relationship with God.

You Will Be Forgiven

Luke 6:37 (ESV) “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Those who readily forgive others will receive God’s forgiveness. This message is not limited to God’s forgiveness; we all need forgiveness from others at times. 

You Will Be Strengthened and Renewed

Psalm 51:10 (ESV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Colossians 3:12-15 (ESV) “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

You Will Be Exalted by God

James 4:10 (ESV) “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

 A humble and pure heart leads to God’s favor and exaltation in due time.

The forgiving, empathetic, and pure heart will receive mercy, peace, renewal, and a closer relationship with God. Keeping the heart free from bitterness and filled with love leads to spiritual blessings and eternal rewards.

Love and discernment

The letters of John provide insight into the tension and conflict present within the early Christian churches. In this context, the Third John can be understood as a form of literary damage control, addressing theological and relational challenges among believers.

It complements the teachings on Christian hospitality in 2 John, focusing on both the virtues and challenges of the early church. 

The letter applauds Gaius, a faithful believer, for living out the apostolic teachings by welcoming traveling Christian missionaries into his home. His actions exemplify love, hospitality, and a commitment to the gospel's truth.

In contrast, the letter condemns Diotrephes, a self-centered and divisive church leader. Diotrephes refused to assist the godly teachers, slandered others, and used his position to oppose those who disagreed with him. 

The letter, likely written by the apostle John in the late first century A.D., is both an encouragement and a warning. 

From doctrine to relationship

There is progress in the focus of the writings of John: from the divinity of Jesus in the Gospel of John to the explanation of Jesus' humanity in 1 John to the community conflicts addressed in 2 and 3 John. Let's unpack these layers:

1. Jesus as Divine

The Gospel of John presents the divinity of Jesus Christ, that He is full God:

John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 

Jesus is the preexistent Word.

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

The Gospel of John emphasizes the heavenly origin of Jesus as a "descending and ascending Redeemer" and the One who has power over life and death.

This is true Christology, whereby Jesus is not proclaimed to be just a human teacher or a prophet but as God incarnate, fully divine in the world.

2. Making Sense of Jesus' Humanity

In 1 John, the emphasis shifts to Jesus' humanity as a response to some bringing Jesus' divinity to extremes. 

Possibly due to Docetism, there were people in that community arguing that Jesus only "appeared" as a man and was not born of blood and flesh.

The first letter insists on the full humanity of Jesus and states,

1 John 4:2-3 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

This shows that as much as the Gospel mainly points to the divinity of Jesus, 1 John has come to clarify the misconceptions about his incarnation, and he declares Jesus both human and divine.

3. Prevent those who reject the true gospel. 

Once we reach 2 and 3 John, we will move on to practical matters of community concern, especially leadership and hospitality.

Second John warns a church, termed "the elect lady," against false teachers denying Christ's humanity Jesus.

Guarding your family and church with truth

There is no neutral theology. How you deal with the gospel will be expressed in how you relate with people. 

John speaks of three men in this short letter.

One is the defender, the protector of the church. The second is an example to follow. A third is something a person must avoid and even resist.

Gaius (One Beloved in Truth)

Gaius was a faithful and spiritually mature Christian who demonstrated remarkable hospitality, a commitment to truth, and love for fellow believers. 

Gaius is a Latin (Roman) name that could connote “one who rejoices” or “joyful.”

- Beloved

Gaius is addressed as “beloved” multiple times, showing that he was highly regarded and loved by John and others in the Christian community.

3 John 1:1-2 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

3 John 1:5: “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are.”

3 John 1:11: “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

Every person will behave according to their sense of themselves.

Beloved conveys that we are linked by the love God has shown us in Christ. 

1 John 4:9-11 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

There is no other way to prosper in life unless you are sure that you are beloved. Insecurity about God’s love will make you fear. Consequently you don’t dare to try. The fear of committing mistakes and facing the effects of that is all because of the lack of confidence in God’s unchanging love.

- Walking in the Truth

Gaius was deeply committed to living out the truth of the gospel. 

3 John 1:3–4: “For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Psalm 86:11 “Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” (ESV)

John 8:31–32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (ESV)

- Faithful in Hospitality and Generosity

Gaius displayed faithfulness by showing hospitality to traveling Christian missionaries, even those he did not know personally. He supported them materially and spiritually, exemplifying Christlike love and service.

3 John 1:5–6: “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.”

3 John 1:8: “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”

John contrasts Gaius’ good works with the actions of those who oppose the gospel, encouraging others to imitate Gaius’s example of godliness.

Demetrius (One found in Truth and Integrity)

3 John 1:12: “Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.”

Demetrius is briefly mentioned as someone with a strong reputation for living in alignment with the truth and is commended by the apostle John.

Demetrius is derived from the Greek goddess Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility in Greek mythology.

Demetrius is affirmed as a faithful and trustworthy individual whose life and character are widely recognized as consistent with Christian truth. That speaks of integrity.

Demetrius’s life and actions appear to be in harmony with the gospel's teachings (“the truth itself”). This indicates that his character and conduct reflected Christian virtue, making him an example worth following.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of integrity is as follows: Firm adherence to moral values. Incorruptibility. The one that can’t be corrupted.

Soundness refers to the quality of being whole, complete, or undamaged, and it can apply to physical objects or abstract concepts.

The quality or state of being complete or undivided: completeness, consistency between values and actions.

Proverbs 28:18 “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” 

The one who “Puts his money where the mouth is.”

Proverbs 20:7: “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”

The only way to be loyal to someone is by being a person of integrity. That means you will have to take sides. It is impossible to honor your church, your family, or your country. 

Loyalty means sticking with someone or something you believe is walking in the truth even when things get complicated. It means staying by their side and keeping promises. If you’re playing on a team, loyalty means cheering for your teammates and working together, even if you’re losing.

When John was looking for a role model to give to Gaius, he mentioned Demetrius.

3 John 1:11: “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

Ultimately, integrity does good. And whoever does good is from God.

-Seek those examples

It may seem complicated to find people with integrity nowadays. 

Moses had to “look for” this type of man before edifying a nation. 

Exodus 18:21 1 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Seeking and looking for means it is not casually found. It is not the standard and ordinary man. Still, they exist and are being raised by God to be leaders. 

In a church auditorium with many chairs, saying, “Let's all look for a chair here does not make sense.” Because it is everywhere, but if I tell you a special chair has a $20 bill underneath it. Now, that specific chair requires a search.

Leaders, if you are not a person of integrity, loyalty, or seeking to please God above all, please do not take this title just because you think the church may need your help or because you like the status quo. Lead because you were found by God, and there is no way to run from that calling in your life.

But, in the same verse, John says, whoever does evil has not seen God.”

 Who is that person?

Diotrephes (The Slenderer)

3 John 1:9-10 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

Diotrephes is a negative example of church leadership. He is self-centered, divisive, and opposed to apostolic authority.

Paul’s writings were the Greek and he uses the word διάβολος (diabolos), often translated as “devil,” which literally means “slanderer” or “accuser.” Paul uses diabolos in several places to describe people who engage in slander or malicious gossip. People can act in ways that resemble the devil’s work by spreading lies or causing harm through their words.

2 Timothy 3:1–3 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good.” (ESV)

And I know for some of you, it may be very strange, but John mentioned the name of that divisive brother in the church. That also amazes me, but that seems to be how the apostles resolve the problems against the division of the church.

2 Timothy 2:16–18 “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.” (ESV)

Yes, they really call them out.

2 Timothy 4:10 “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”

Why is that concern? 

Titus 3:10–11 “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

I understand Paul named people such as Hymenaeus, Alexander, Philetus, and Demas in his personal and pastoral letters, not on the public church epistles. 

Diotrephes not only failed to welcome traveling missionaries but also discouraged others in the church from doing so. This lack of hospitality demonstrates a failure to love and support the work of the gospel.

3 John 1:10 … he refuses to welcome the brothers.”

Diotrephes goes beyond rejecting the missionaries and actively seeks to prevent others in the church from supporting them. 

3 John 1:10 …And also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.”

Additionally, he exerts control and fear by threatening those who disobey his commands. Have you ever had a friend who intimidated you into leaving the friendship because you wanted to do the right thing? It may be time to let it go.

Why do those people not give place for humility and teachability? Why did Diotrephes’ heart become like that?

- Bitterness

Proverbs 10:18: “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.” (ESV)

Hebrews 12:14-15 4 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled

• Loves to Put Himself First

3 John 1:9: “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.”

Diotrephes is prideful and self-centered. His desire for personal prominence and control is evident.

Proverbs 16:28: “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” (ESV)

He prioritizes his authority over serving others and submitting to apostolic leadership.

- Rejects the gospel

3 John 1:9: “Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.”

Diotrephes refused to acknowledge or submit to God's word. His rejection of John’s Christology (Jesus, the one, fully God and fully man, who can redeem and save the lost) reflects his rejection of the apostolic teachings, the gospel. 

He spreads malicious and false accusations against John and his companions.

This slander likely undermined John's credibility.

3 John 1:10: “So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us.”

Diotrephes exemplifies a poor model of leadership. True, he was part of the church as well. However, his pride, rejection of the gospel, slanderous attitude, refusal to show hospitality, and divisive actions highlight the risks of selfishness and unchecked power within the church. His behavior stands in stark contrast to the faithfulness and humility of Gaius and Demetrius.

John warns us against individuals like Diotrephes, whose self-serving behavior disrupts unity and opposes the mission of the gospel.

I want to encourage you, though. In the church, we may have Diotrphes. But Gaius, Demetrius and John are also here to serve and to love you.

3 John 1:13-15 13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

Purposeful Year

Two prophetic words are given for the upcoming year

A New Thing

Isaiah 43:19 proclaims God's promise of doing something new. Whether it is marriage, children, a breakthrough in finances, a new ministry, or meaningful relationships, God is preparing something fresh and unprecedented for His people.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

Restitution

While one aspect of God’s promise is a “new thing,” the other side is restoration of what was lost.

Unlike human restoration, which seeks to return things to their previous state, God’s restitution brings a better outcome. It restores what was lost, surpassing its original state.

“As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. For I have bent Judah as my bow; I have made Ephraim its arrow. I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and wield you like a warrior’s sword.” (Zechariah 9:11-13)

From a broken repaired chair to a royal throne.

Faith vs. Doubt

Zechariah’s Response

In Luke 1:11-20, Zechariah is visited by the angel Gabriel, who says that his prayer for a child has been heard, and his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son (John the Baptist). Despite being an answer to his long-held prayer, Zechariah doubts the angel’s message, questioning how it could be possible due to his and his wife’s old age. 

Luke 1:18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

Luke 1:20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.

Mary’s Response

In contrast, the same angel, Gabriel, visited Mary and announced that she would conceive and bear a son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Although this message is even more extraordinary and humanly impossible, Mary responds with faith. 

Luke 1:37-38 […] For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her

It is time to respond to God’s promises with Mary's faith and humility rather than Zechariah's doubts. 

Like Mary, we should declare, 

“Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)

The Lord is glorified in the fulfilment of His promise when we take it hold of it by faith.

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Only princes and nobles give willingly.

Why Does the Lord Want You to Give?

The Lord’s will is not to choose a select few to prosper extraordinarily while excluding others. Instead, He desires everyone to participate in community worship.

Exodus 35:4-5 Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. 5 Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze;

It Must Come from a Willing Heart

God only accepts offerings from those who give willingly and joyfully.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The seed of generosity only germinates when sown with joy and sincerity. Forced giving or offerings made out of obligation or manipulation are unacceptable to God. And it will not work for your multiplication. Don’t come afterward blaming the pastor for it not multiplying because you did not sow appropriately.

In Exodus, the word for “willingly” Is "נָדִיב" [nāḏîḇ] “naw-deeb’" in Hebrew.

It signifies “generous,” “noble," and “prince.” God expects nobility from His people.

As a symbol of nobility, princes give voluntarily—not out of necessity or coercion but from a desire to bless and contribute. We are called kings and priests. Our offerings should be made in a princely and noble manner, with the dignity of our divine vocation.

Revelation 1:5-6 […] To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The Materials for the Tabernacle

Exodus 35:22-24 So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the LORD. 23 And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or goatskins brought them.

The Tabernacle's specific materials included precious metals like gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple fabrics, fine linen, goat hair, and unique animal skins.

The type of material requested reflects God’s abundance, richness, and grace.

As princes in the house of God, giving is not just a duty but a privilege that honors Him.

Slaves into princes

The transformation experienced by the people of Israel reflects the same transformation of their patriarch, Jacob.

Jacob, caught in despair and a limited mindset, believed that acquisition could only come through stealing, deception, and cheating—where gaining meant taking from others. However, after becoming Israel and encountering the Lord, who blessed him, his first response was to send an offering to his brother Esau.

Genesis 32:28: Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Genesis 33:10-11: Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me. Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it.

It's important to note that the people of Israel, while in Egypt, likely adopted behaviors common in many poor communities, such as exploiting others, cunning, and resorting to deceit.

Yet now, God was transforming their culture, calling them Israelites, princes of God.

Although the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, they were able to bring offerings of gold, silver, bronze, and other precious materials because of divine Restitution before their departure. 

Exodus 11:2-3 2 Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” 3 And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.

That transformed a nation of slaves into a nation of materially wealthy people, from taking from others to giving to God.

Does it serve a purpose?

The wealth served a greater purpose than personal enjoyment or comfort. Although the Israelites might have initially thought the newfound prosperity was for their benefit, God revealed the true reason three months later at Mount Sinai.

They may have thought, “God is making restitution. Now we can finally get what is ours, right?” It is the year of Restitution, and I believe the Lord will restore what was taken from you.

The thief will not restore you. It is the Lord.

However, that was meant to build the Tabernacle—a sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell. 

The purpose of prosperity, as seen here, is to enable God’s people to participate in His work and bring His presence among them.

It shows the principle of wealth transfer.

Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” 

Just as God orchestrated the transfer of wealth from the Egyptians to the Israelites, in the last days, there will be another divine restitution of resources for the benefit of God’s kingdom.

When the Israelites gave in the desert, it allowed the cloud of God’s glory to descend. That place the poor found justice, the sick found healing, the destitute found peace. Your wealth is to bless the dwelling place of God, which brings blessings to all communities.

Offerings bring blessings back to the giver by inviting God’s presence, healing, and provision.

A brother shared how he loved the church and its community from a young age. He has already built three Vine church buildings. Every church he builds includes modern amenities such as cushioned chairs, porcelain tile floors, LED lighting, and projectors. Beautifully designed, reflecting the dignity of a house dedicated to God. His generosity brought about unexpected blessings. Initially, his company had a turnover of $14 million USD. After he began building these churches, a multinational company acquired his business, leaving him as a partner. This dramatically increased the company’s turnover, soaring to $60 million USD overnight.

This building is not God’s house, but it is where God’s house, the people, gathers. Each believer is a living stone; when these stones come together, a cloud of glory and a heavenly perfume fills the room. 

It is not you who blesses; instead, you are blessed. It is not the believer who gives; they receive abundantly. The living word and the powerful anointing reach each person where they are, warming their hearts, uplifting their souls, and filling them with the joy and peace of God’s Spirit.

The Israelites offered offerings in the desert to build the Tabernacle, allowing God’s cloud of presence to descend over the whole nation.

Make the house of the Lord your purpose this year.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

David connects the house of the Lord and goodness and mercy following Him.

God, in His omniscience, knows the exact location of every resource, including where hidden gold veins lie beneath the earth. He could have easily led Moses to the precise spots by saying, “Climb this mountain, turn left, dig here, and you will find a treasure of gold.” With a single command, God could have opened access to limitless wealth for His people.

However, God worked through what the people already had. God wanted the people in the process. He teaches the value of trust and generosity. Through their willingness to offer what they already had, they became active participants in the work of God

Many years ago, a prophet visited a church and declared, “God is going to make everyone here rich!” Because God has shown me where there’s gold! All you have to do is dig.”

One man, thrilled by the prophet's promise of a detailed “divine map,” packed his tools and set off. Following the instructions, he climbed mountains, turned left, walked 10 more paces, and started digging. Day after day, he dug deeper, sweating and straining, imagining piles of gold waiting just a few feet further down. His excitement turned to exhaustion, but he kept at it.

At one point, he’d dug so deep he joked he could feel the heat from the Earth’s core—and still, no gold. He returned to the prophet and said, “You told me there was gold!” The prophet, unfazed, replied, “Brother, you lack faith. You need to act like you already have the gold. What would you do if you had it?”

Half-delirious from digging, the man answered, “I’d buy a TV station.” With a twinkle in his eye, the prophet encouraged him, “Then go act in faith! The man, fueled by more ambition than sense, marched his way to the TV station and declared, “I’m here to buy your station!” The owner raised an eyebrow as if he were trying to solve a riddle and replied, “It’s not for sale, but I’ll take a donut if you’re offering.” The man, still puffed with self-declared “faith,” pestered, “Name your price!” With a smirk, the owner said, “Sure, I can name a price—but first, do you have the gold?” 

Sometimes, the real treasure is just realizing that your dreams might be just as ridiculous as they sound!

What God asks, He wants to bless.

In Exodus, God instructed the Israelites to bring fine skins. These skins were known for their toughness and durability and were commonly used to make shoes.

Exodus 35:23 And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or goatskins brought them.

The term for “goatskins” has a meaning that remains uncertain ( תַּחַשׁ ṯaḥaš; an animal with fur, probably a species of antelope, maybe a badger or even a sea cow or dolphin. Some scholars suggest it refers to badger).

Despite this ambiguity, it is clear that the material was highly durable and often used for making shoes. It was an exquisite and rare type of skin.

The Tabernacle required four coverings, with the outermost layer made of these resilient skins designed to withstand the harsh elements of the desert, including sand, wind, and rain. When God asked for these fine skins, He was, in essence, asking for something precious—what they would have otherwise used to make shoes. The Israelites were offering something practical and valuable to the Lord by giving these skins.

(

Nehemiah 9:21) “Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell.”

Despite the harsh conditions of the desert, their clothing remained intact, and their feet did not suffer. God not only preserved their well-being but specifically blessed the very area of their sacrifice—their feet.

(Deuteronomy 29:5) “I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet.”

When the Israelites offered their shoe leather, God ensured their feet would remain protected and healthy for 40 years. 

Shoes lasting 40 years. Imagine never needing to shop for shoes again.

40 years of not needing another clothing.

God can bless us not just externally but also internally. He cares for our needs and even our preferences.

Give your beauty and youth.

Moses also instructed the people to contribute their mirrors to create the bronze basin for the Tabernacle. These polished bronze mirrors continue to serve the same purpose today, reflecting our vanity and desire for beauty.

“(Exodus 38:8) He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.”

What is the function of mirrors in our lives? Are they just for vanity? Or for sanity? Can they serve a higher purpose?

By offering their mirrors, the women surrendered their beauty and self-care. God values offerings from the heart. The people gave what was valuable to them—fine skins, shoes, and mirrors—trusting that God would use their sacrifices for His purposes. 

The offerings were only for the women who ministered in the Tabernacle. That is a privilege for just a few. These are for the ones that love the presence of God. Women who pray for intercession but also for delight in the presence of God.

The mirrors point to the cost of maintaining your beauty. Repurpose it for the edification of the house of God.

In the same way that there was a reward for the clothes, the shoes, and the treasures, there is also the promise of your health and youthfulness.

Rabbinic Tradition tells us a miracle took place because the women had no mirrors. The sacrificial offering of mirrors created a shift in perspective. Without mirrors, women could no longer rely on their own reflections to affirm their beauty. Instead, they had to trust their husbands’ affirmations.

This transformed the marriages as husbands began to see their wives with fresh eyes, renewing their admiration and love. The result was an explosive population increase. God’s purposes can lead to unexpected blessings in other areas of life. Your marriage will be better, your intimacy will be better, and your family will be better.

Your boat will be filled

Sacrificial offerings rewards you back. 

Luke 5:4-6 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 

What was Jesus preaching on that day?

Matthew 13:1-3 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow.

We should expect an extraordinary return if we purposefully offer our boats to the Lord. Peter’s willingness to offer his boat to Jesus led to an abundance that exceeded all expectations.

God blesses the area where we offer Him time, energy, or resources. His return is always greater than what is given.

Whenever God challenges our giving He is creating a pretext to prosper you in greater measure.

A purposeful life filled with great anticipation

You may think it is wrong to give without expecting a return, but Jesus affirms the principle of giving with joy and expectation.

(Luke 6:38) “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Generosity brings rewards, opposing the notion that giving should expect nothing in return. Just as a farmer sows seeds anticipating a harvest, God assures that offerings given with a joyful heart will yield abundant blessings.

This year, as we dedicate our first fruits to the Lord, we have an opportunity to experience His provision and abundant blessings in ways we may not yet comprehend.

Generosity with Wisdom and Joy

When we gather as a family, it’s a unique opportunity to have conversations that only happen in that safe space—conversations not about lack or need, but about God’s provision, His promises, and the resources He’s entrusted to us.

 Approximately 15% of Jesus’ recorded teachings focus on money and possessions. Of the 38 parables He told, 16 directly address topics like wealth and stewardship (e.g., the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Rich Fool). Money and possessions are referenced over 2,300 times in the Bible—more than prayer, faith, or love.

Many believers today struggle with anxiety, especially concerning finances. However, anxiety is not from God, as He desires us to live free from fear. Reflecting on personal experiences, it’s clear that God often allows challenges to teach us to rely on Him rather than our circumstances or material wealth.

Anxiety is Not From God:

(Matthew 6:25) “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (24) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

The problem is who your heart serves. God, the provider, gives you peace or Mammon, the enslaving greed idol of money.

In biblical texts, Mammon is not explicitly described as a deity or entity but is personified as a master. The pursuit of wealth can become an idol or object of worship. It demands allegiance and devotion. In the Greco-Roman world and ancient Near East, wealth and material possessions were often associated with power. 

(Matthew 6:32) “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”

Mammon is a spiritual force that corrupts and enslaves.

That is why one must be free from the love of Money.

(1 Timothy 6:10) “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

(Proverbs 10:22) “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”

 How can you be free from that prison?

(Matthew 6:33) “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

God’s Care is Personal and Complete:

God desires His children to live free from the burdens of anxiety and fear. As believers, we have the privilege of being cared for by our Heavenly Father, who provides for all our needs. Our identity as God’s children means we are not like the world.

(1 John 4:18) “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

(Romans 8:15) “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”

Anxiety is not from God, and it is not for His children:

(Matthew 6:25) “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”

Besides, anxiety does not solve problems. So why waste your emotional energy on it?

Anxiety began with separation from God in the fall, symbolized by the “sweat of the brow” (Genesis 3:19). There is peace, provision, and rest in God's presence.

(Matthew 6:27) “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

Whether we face debt, uncertainty, or wealth, which has its own challenges, our security lies in our relationship with Him. The only treasure we can truly hold onto is our trust in the Father, who provides peace and sustains us through all seasons of life.

(Philippians 4:19) “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Being a child of God means living in trust. As children, we can give, serve, and trust God’s provision, knowing our debts are fully paid through Christ. As His children, we are called to live free from anxiety, trusting in His care and faithfulness. Whether in seasons of lack or abundance, we can rely on our Father, who supplies all our needs and ensures that we lack nothing of value.

The solution to anxiety is sowing.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Giving should stem from faith and relationship rather than obligation. God calls His children to give and sow not out of obligation or debt repayment but as an act of love, trust, and faith. The earth is our Father’s, and as His children, we have the freedom and opportunity to participate in His blessings through sowing and reaping. True prosperity is not just material but reflects a life of trust in God’s provision.

God provides everything—seed, soil, sun, and rain. Our role is to sow as an act of faith, trusting in His provision. Why? Because the earth belongs to God’s children:

(Psalm 24:1) “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”

You may ask, but why should I sow and plant if God will provide anyway? 

(Matthew 6:26) “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

God provides for His children in extraordinary ways, often through small and unexpected moments of provision.

(Psalm 37:25) “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”

But you are not meant to live like birds. While God provides for birds, you have been given the ability to sow and reap. Do not just passively receive God’s provision like the birds, but actively sow and participate in His blessings. The birds are cared for without laboring, and sowers are encouraged to trust God for the increase after they plant. 

The Mana was a daily invitation of dependence. 

(Exodus 16:19-20) “And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank.”

God designed manna to teach daily dependence on Him. Giving and sowing remind us to rely on His provision daily rather than hoarding out of fear or distrust.

(Joshua 5:12) “And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”

(Deuteronomy 11:10-11) “For the land that you are entering to take possession of is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and irrigated it, like a garden of vegetables. But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven.”

There is a “right way” to sow, which includes sowing generously, with faith, and from a cheerful heart. This aligns with God’s principles and leads to a fruitful spiritual and material harvest.

As His children, we are stewards of what belongs to God. This truth frees us to give and sow generously, knowing that everything ultimately belongs to our Father.

(2 Corinthians 9:10) “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

God is the source of all provision. The act of sowing acknowledges His provision and reflects trust in His ability to multiply and bring a greater harvest.

 You must discern what is the seed and what is the bread, ensuring that they do not consume what is meant to be planted.

1 Chronicles 29:5-7 […] Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?”

6 Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work. 7 They gave for the service of the house of God […]

The heart behind giving is the understanding of the New Covenant. There is a distinction between giving as a joyful, faith-filled act of love and giving out of obligation, guilt, or necessity. Giving with a Resolved Heart:

(2 Corinthians 9:7) “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Giving should come from joy and resolution, not doubt or external pressure. Not out of sadness or necessity, as you are paying a debt, such as fixing a damaged car. It’s done with no joy, only resentment.

God does not accept offerings with sadness or compulsion because such giving is transactional rather than a relational expression of love built on grace and mutual delight, just as no one desires love or affection out of obligation.

A husband joyfully buys gifts for his wife and children out of love, which is a delight, not a burden. God, who gives generously and joyfully to His children, is expecting the same from us.

Purchasing a meaningful gift, even at a personal cost, reflects the joy and love behind that gift. Sacrificial giving demonstrates how much the giver values the recipient.

(Mark 12:43-44) “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

God values the heart and sacrifice behind the gift more than its monetary value. S An offering to God should come from the same place of love and reverence.

(Proverbs 3:9) “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”

It’s not about the amount but the value it holds for the giver. If a gift costs the giver nothing, it has little weight before God. Faithful giving often involves sacrifice.

(John 12:3) “Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

Giving represents your life poured. It represents the time and effort of one’s life. It is meant to be a spiritual investment.

Spirit-Filled Generosity

Those who are genuinely filled by the Spirit develop a joy in blessing others. Their generosity becomes a reflection of God’s nature within them.

(1 Chronicles 29:9) “Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”

Giving should reflect a deep understanding of God’s love and a desire to honor Him.

It is the Spirit that instills a desire to bless others.

God does not need our offerings and does not want them given grudgingly.

Giving to support the church's work is not charity but an act of honor. It demonstrates love for the house of God, where blessings, spiritual growth, and transformation happen.

The promise of enrichment is not limited to material wealth. God’s blessings extend to health, marriage, family, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth.

(Philippians 4:19) “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Aligning Desires with God’s Will:

(Psalm 37:4) “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Expect Abundant Restitution

(2 Corinthians 9:8) “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

When you give with the right spirit, God not only meets your needs but blesses you abundantly so they can continue participating in His work.

The Greek word for “sufficiency” refers to an ideal life without any external help. A condition of life in which no aid is needed.

God’s goal is to bless His people abundantly so they can move from being in need to becoming givers who bless others.

(2 Corinthians 9:11) “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

True restitution will prosper you. That is not about the accumulation of wealth but the blessings of peace, joy, and freedom from trusting in God.

Stop rejecting, resisting, and disbelieving your prosperity. You will not have what you do not honor. Yes, prosperity reflects God’s goodness over your life life.

(Proverbs 10:22) “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”

Prosperity is not inherently evil, but it becomes a problem when wealth replaces God in our lives. True blessings enrich without causing harm or anxiety.

(Galatians 6:7) “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”

Giving is not a transaction or obligation but a relational act of trust rooted in the understanding that all we have belongs to our Father. True prosperity flows from aligning with God’s principles and trusting in His provision, allowing us to live in peace, contentment, and confidence in His care.

When God entrusts us with such great work, only three things are needed.

Wisdom, people and resources.

The stories of 1 and 2 Chronicles show how these three elements are aligned to build God’s house.

Jesus has already provided all that is needed for the building of God’s house.

1 Chronicles 29:2 “So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones, and marble.”

1 Chronicles 29:16 O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.

1 Chronicles 29:19 Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.”

Today, the house of God is you and I. But the principles are still there. 

Wisdom:

2 Chronicles 1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

People:

2 Chronicles 2:6-7 But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? 7 So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.

Generous hearts:

1 Chronicles 29:14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”

(1 Chronicles 29:9) “Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”

How does restitution happen

Zechariah 9:11-12 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. 12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

Have you ever felt the pain of realizing that your time, energy, or resources have been wasted? It’s frustrating, Especially when you’ve invested so much of yourself—whether in a business venture, a relationship, or a personal goal—only to see it unravel or fall short of expectations.

It’s like pouring countless hours, resources, and effort into something only to face disappointment. The sting is even sharper in relationships, where trust, care, and emotions are poured out, only to be met with betrayal or unmet hopes.Adding to this weight is the bitterness of deceit—when manipulation or false promises rob you of not just material things but also your trust, confidence, and sense of judgment.

Sometimes, it’s not even outright deceit but a lapse in attention that leaves you feeling taken advantage of.

Today is a day of hope: financial losses can be met with divine restoration, ministry setbacks can lead to multiplication, and stolen time can be redeemed by the Lord, who promises to restore the years consumed by the enemy.

From the waterless pit to rivers in the desert.

What do you see in your future, O prisoner of hope? Have positive expectations in your heart. The Lord is doing something new among us—something new is coming to light!

Zac 9:11 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

The Lord "will set you free from the waterless pit.” and He will"make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

What do you see in your future? I see double restoration, victory, success, and prosperity.

The context of Zachariah 9 calls for the messianic kingdom.

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 

This passage is quoted by the apostles Matthew 21:4-5 and John 12:14-15, making Zachariah 9 very applicable to us in the New Covenant dispensation.

So, you must understand that some Old Testament passages carry unique applications for us. On the time when they were utter, they were a prophecy for our time.

For example, the passage from the Book of Joel that Peter references in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:16–21).

(Joel 2:28–29) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”

Therefore, since the time of the apostles, this prophecy most be a reality for God’s people. You must have the outpouring of the Spirit of God in your life. You should have the prophetic anticipation for God’s move. You should dream and have a vision.

Remember, dreams speak of God’s inspiring limitless possibilities. Vision is how that dream will come to pass. And is all given by God.

The promise of Double Restoration.

Zechariah 9:11-12 11 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

13 For I have bent Judah as my bow; I have made Ephraim its arrow…

The people of Israel endured captivity for over 70 years. Now, they were returning to Jerusalem, to Zion. Many felt that a significant part of their lives had been wasted. Judah and the Israelites felt as were being pulled back. This may resonate with you.

Many have felt pulled back. But the Lord will catapult you to new heights because of His covenant, His blood because of Jesus.

How does restoration happen

A restoring prayer.

Job’s story illustrates God’s restorative power. First, let’s recall his story.

Job is a faithful man who suffers immense loss and trials yet remains steadfast in his devotion to God. Despite losing his wealth, children, and health due to Satan’s challenge to his integrity, Job refuses to curse God. He wrestles with profound questions about suffering and justice.

God speaks to Job and answers Job with questions. In the en His sovereignty and wisdom,.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:4)

After listening from God, Job answers:

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” (Job 42:5)

 Job faced unhelpful counsel from friends and judgment from the ones that should help and comfort him.

 And God restores Job’s fortunes, granting him greater blessings than before. And here is a spiritual key for restitution.

Job 42:10 And the LORD restored Job's fortunes when he prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. 

He received double blessings after knowing God’s goodness above His preconceptions. He knew the Lord only by hearsay; in other words, his knowledge of God was second-hand. 

Job thought God was his problem, but the truth is that the Lord is our answer.

Job also forgave those who accused him unjustly. As he prayed for his friends, he yielded to restoration. 

When we forgive, we let go of resentment and trust God’s grace, not our sense of justice. We say, “Lord, I trust You to handle this. I know You are my restorer.”

That is the only way we can live the principles of the new life in Christ—selfless, altruistic, self-sacrificing.

Romans 12:14-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We can overcome evil with good when we decide to keep serving, loving, honoring, and respecting. The other part will eventually yield or will distance.

Sinner Was Restored

Peter sinned against the Lord! He denied knowing Jesus, even cursing in front of a servant girl.

(Matthew 26:74). “Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, ‘I do not know the man.’ And immediately the rooster crowed.”

Peter was motivated by fear and self-preservation in the heat of the moment, but still, he denied Jesus. Judas was motivated by greed, possibly combined with a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission or personal disillusionment, which led him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, and he also denied Jesus.

Yet Peter was forgiven and restored!

Judas: Resolved the matter to himself.

Matthew 27:3-5 3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

Peter:

Luke 22:61-62 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Peter cried, powerless and vulnerable.

(James 4:6) “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”

(Romans 5:20) “[…] but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”

In fact, among all the disciples, when Jesus rose from the dead, He left a very particular message through the angels.

“But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (Mark 16:7). 

“And Peter”—his name was explicitly mentioned.

The restoration of Peter is all God’s grace, forgiveness, and ability to restitute even the deepest failures.

The other disciples would have loved to hear their names mentioned, but the one who sinned the most was the one specifically called out.

Two weeks after Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples were by the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus prepared breakfast for them. Among all the disciples present (now eleven) was Peter.

Peter’s restoration is made evident.

John 21:15-17 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Jesus has a deeply personal conversation with him. “Do you love me?”—a three-times question corresponding to Peter’s three denials.

That not only reinstates Peter as a leader among the disciples but also publicly reaffirms his calling to shepherd and care for God’s people.

The one who had disappointed Him the most was given leadership, entrusted with the role of a shepherd, and assigned the greatest responsibility—more than those who had not failed as Peter had.

The restoration demonstrates that Jesus does not abandon us even when we fail. Instead, He offers grace, renews our purpose, and restores our relationship with Him.

Right there, in the very area where sin was present, grace overflowed

On the day of Pentecost, Peter was who stood up to preach and three thousand got saved. 

(Acts 2:41). “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

For each yes of repentance, he received one thousand yes of repented souls. I called this restitution.

Battle for your restoration

Family life is more like a battlefield than an amusement park. Evil orchestrates attacks on the family, launching deadly torpedoes. The hardest battles we fight take place within the family. We need to adopt a spiritual warfare mindset to preserve our relationships. Often, we look for formulas or something that will magically transform our marriage.

1 Samuel 30:1-6 1 Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. 3 And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. 5 David’s two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

1 Samuel 30:7-8 7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”

1 Samuel 30:18-20 8 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. 20 David also captured all the flocks and herds, and the people drove the livestock before him, and said, “This is David’s spoil.”

Position yourself so the enemy cannot steal God’s dream for you—the dream of a happy marriage. The Bible shows that the devil is a thief and a robber, and he rose up to steal from David’s family and the families of the men who were with him. The same is true today, as the enemy continues to rise up to steal from our families.

Some men withdraw, like snails, hiding themeselves. In these days, that captivity will be broken in the name of the Lord Jesus, and you will experience the freedom God works in your heart.

Your life and marriage can be different, and the story can have a happy ending! Often, women expect romantic gestures from their husbands but don’t always act that way themselves.

a. Money.

The greatest crises often start because of money, and our biggest battles are tied to it. We often buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t even know, and as a result, the enemy finds a way to creep in and create conflicts in the marriage.

b. Kids

The enemy seeks to take our children captive under spiritual chains and to do this; he sends certain friends or schoolmates to introduce environments, activities, websites, or other traps that can lead our children into bondage.

c. Health

Illnesses can destabilize relationships, and the devil also targets our bodies with his attacks. The enemy’s goal is to cause distance and crisis, but we achieve victory when we take a stand against this in the name of Jesus.

The men wanted to stone David, showing that relationships had been affected. The devil always seeks to destroy our relationships.

Everything that is precious needs to be protected, and there is nothing more precious than your marriage. Our children are entrusted to us only for a season; one day, they will leave. If we don’t invest in our marriage, nurturing something meant to last a lifetime, what will happen when our children are gone?

Some people say they don’t understand why they are being attacked, claiming there are no open doors. As if the devil only attacks those with weaknesses! The devil attacked Jesus Himself, and He had no open doors whatsoever.

Prayer restores

In a moment of conflict, go to your room and spend 20 minutes resisting the devil, commanding him to leave your home in Jesus' name. Then, step out and see what has happened. 

James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

The atmosphere in your home will change because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers.

Those men murmured, blaming their leader instead of taking action. Similarly, in the church, some blame leadership or God’s work for attacks on their families. But the work of God isn’t to blame—the devil is. Don’t fight people; direct your battle against the enemy.

Have a holy discontent, a righteous indignation. Refuse to tolerate anything in your life that is not God’s will. If you are willing, your story can be completely different. Allow the Lord to enter your marriage in a way He never has before.

Some cry out of anger, others because they feel hurt and see themselves as the greatest sufferers in the world, but this kind of crying does not move heaven. Cry before God with a heart seeking change, and He will transform your story. David and his men wept until they had no strength left.

Renew your strength in God. If you want to restore your home, follow David’s example—though the situation was dire, he found strength in the Lord.

Share your story with God. You can ask Him to change your spouse or transform you. Be renewed in God, and let faith in something greater spring up in your heart.

Don’t leave anything with the devil. When the people of Israel were about to leave Egypt, Pharaoh tried to negotiate with Moses. But Moses was firm:.

(Exodus 10:26) “Not a hoof shall be left behind.”

What God has given, the devil will not take. How long since you took a stand like this?

One grace in the Ten Commandments

The Word of God unequivocally states that the power of sin is the law.

1 Corinthians 15:56 (ESV) 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

The law represents God’s demands and requirements. However, you have been released from those demands.

God, in Christ, fulfills His own requirements within and on behalf of the Christian. Christians no longer need to adhere to the law to be accepted by God or transformed.

Legalism can seem appealing on the surface. It offers a sense of clarity and structure, which can be reassuring for people trying to live ethically and maintain morality for themselves and others. But here’s the problem: Legalism obscures the heart of the gospel—God’s saving grace.

Paul highlights that the law itself is good and holy. Its purpose is to reveal sin for what it truly is—utterly destructive—so that we might recognize our need for God’s grace.

Galatians 3:24 (ESV): So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

The goal of the law is to bring us to the place of grace, that is, humility.

James 4:6 (ESV): “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’

Holding the right to be resentful.

A terrible temptation is to hold onto the way of law, the outward religious way, just to hold onto resentment.

As crazy as it sounds, that motivates many to think they can follow the law. They want the right to be right. It is a false sense of justice and self-reliance. “I want justice.” 

1 Peter 2:19-23 (ESV): For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

May the Lord guard our hearts from this spirit of deceit. No one will drink poison and will succeed in hurting their perpetrator.

But is not the law a guardian against temptation and evil impulses?

What to do with temptation?

First, temptation only happens to those who are born again. Those who have the nature of God that is compatible with sin.

Think about those under the power of sin; it is not a matter of temptation; for them, it is a matter of following their sinful nature. We, on the contrary, have a new heart that rejects sin. Believers in Christ have received a new nature that inherently rejects such acts. I love the example of allergy. 

I may be able to eat seashell food; however, as tasteful as it may be to my taste buds, it will ultimately produce an allergy reaction that will not give me comfort and peace.

Someone asked the pastor, “If there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, then could a Christian do whatever he wishes?” The pastor replied, “If all that he wishes means ungodly things, maybe that individual should not be called a Christian at all.”

In the Old Covenant, the law was inscribed on tablets of stone; in the New Covenant, God’s will is now inscribed upon the hearts of believers through the Spirit given to them.

Galatians 5.1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

In the New Testament, the apostles do not establish new formats of commandments such as, “You shall not … “ But the New Testament way to admonish the believer is by affirming “Do this” “Act like that”

Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

It is not the law that dictates a believer’s conduct. The law existed for thousands of years, yet it failed to prevent sin among humanity. The pivotal element in the Christian journey is the decision to walk by the Spirit.

Got it! Here’s the revised version with each verse in its own paragraph and italicized for clarity:

"Being" before "doing it"

It is being “in Christ”. He is who shapes everything we do. 

It’s about being first and then doing. When we forget who we are in Him, it’s easy to swing to extremes—either getting caught up in strict rule-following (legalism) or falling into spiritual laziness (lethargy).

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).

This means our actions (practice) should naturally flow out of our identity (position) in Christ.

Theologians often use two words to explain this: the “indicative” and the “imperative.” 

The indicative is what’s already true—our position in Christ—and the imperative is what we’re called to do because of that truth. 

Because we’re saved (indicative), we’re called to live out that salvation (imperative) with fear and trembling.

Here are some examples from Scripture that show how these two ideas—position and practice—work together:

“For sin shall not be master over you” (Romans 6:14, indicative).

“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body” (Romans 6:12, imperative).

“You became slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18, indicative).

“Present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification” (Romans 6:19, imperative).

“You have been raised with Christ . . . you died” (Colossians 3:1-3, indicative).

“Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead” (Colossians 3:5, imperative).

It’s all about balance. For instance, the Corinthians leaned too heavily on the “already.” They thought they’d arrived spiritually and ignored the “not yet” aspects of their faith. Paul called them out, even sarcastically saying:

“You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you” (1 Corinthians 4:8).

On the flip side, the Galatians were stuck on the “not yet.” They were trying to earn God’s favor through works, forgetting Christ’s sufficiency.

“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3).

Both legalism and lawlessness miss the mark. Legalism can come from relying on self-effort rather than the Spirit or seeing rules as the end-all instead of a guide to Christlike character.

The danger is that legalism denies Christ’s sufficiency. It’s like carrying guilt that Jesus already bore on the Cross.

 Legalism also emphasizes rule-following over the heart change that comes from cultivating virtue—becoming more like Christ through daily habits of love and service.

Instead, obedience should come from gratitude for God’s grace. Samuel told Saul:

“To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Jesus echoed this when He said:

“I desire compassion, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13).

Freedom in Christ isn’t about doing whatever we want. It’s the power to do what we ought:

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

C.S. Lewis said, in the end, there are two kinds of people: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “Thy will be done.”

Obedience and love go hand in hand. Jesus said:

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Obeying God’s commands isn’t about earning salvation but trusting Him and responding to His grace.

Even the Ten Commandments, while given in the Old Testament, are echoed in the New Testament as a guide for living in Christ. They show us how to trust God and live in a way that reflects our faith.

In the end, God’s law isn’t just a list of rules; it’s a gift. It’s like headlights on a car, lighting the way for us to become more like Jesus.

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).

For Christians, the law points us toward Jesus and helps us grow in love, obedience, and character.

“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I command you this day for your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

What does the New Testament state regarding the law?

Key Points on the Law with Supporting Verses

1. The law is designed for the unrighteous, not for the righteous.

1 Timothy 1:9-10 (ESV): Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.

2. The law constitutes an unbearable yoke.

Acts 15:10 (ESV):Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

3. The law reveals sin but is incapable of correcting it.

Romans 3:20 (ESV): For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

4. If the law were effective, faith would be rendered unnecessary.

Romans 4:14 (ESV): For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.

5. The law brings wrath upon those who follow it.

Romans 4:15 (ESV): For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

6. The law’s purpose was to increase transgression.

Romans 5:20 (ESV):Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.

7. Christians are not under the law.

Romans 6:14 (ESV):For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

8. Christians have been released from the law.

Romans 7:1 (ESV):Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? […]

Romans 7:6 (ESV) But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

9. The law cannot render an individual good or holy.

Mark 10:18 (ESV) 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Mark 10:20 (ESV) 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”

Mark 10:21-22 (ESV) 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

10. The law, which promises life, results in death due to sin.

Romans 7:10 (ESV):The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me.

These passages collectively highlight the dual nature of the law: its goodness in revealing God’s standards and its limitations in providing salvation. We need grace through Jesus Christ.

The commandment is holy, just, and good

It must be acknowledged that the law is indeed holy, and the commandments are holy, just, and good.

Romans 7:12 (ESV) 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Both God gave the law and grace. The critical distinction is that the law has passed for Christians, whereas the rest of the world still lives under its condemnation.

The law embodies God's character. Now, think about that. If the law is the portrait of the image of God, who could ever fulfill perfectly that image in a human experience?

(Hebrews 1:3, ESV) “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

However, only Christ represents God the Father, so believers must look to Christ, not the law.

We do not preach against the law. On the contrary, we will examine the inherent beauty of the law and, by it, be directed for grace.

But keep in mind this: if humanity were capable of fully keeping the law, the world would be an idyllic place, rendering Christ’s coming unnecessary. 

Christ came, and the purpose of the law was to reveal humanity’s profound sinfulness and complete inability to satisfy God’s righteous requirements, emphasizing the need for Christ.

1. One God

The law of Moses marked a significant advancement in civilization, and a closer examination of it is warranted.

1. You shall have no other gods before Me

Exodus 20:2-3 (ESV): I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a graven image

Exodus 20:4-6 (ESV): You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain

Exodus 20:7 (ESV): You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

These verses form the first three commandments of the Decalogue, focuson reverence and exclusive worship of One God.

The Lord has decreed that anyone who violates this commandment shall not be held guiltless. This implies that it is one of the most severe transgressions.

Levels of aggression to God’s image determine degrees of sinfulness.

Some assert that sins are equally severe; however, this interpretation is flawed.

The Lord informed Pilate that those who handed Him over were guilty of greater sin and stated that Capernaum’s sins were more severe than those of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Jn 19:11; Mt 11:23-24).

John 19:11 (ESV): Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

Matthew 11:23-24 (ESV): And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.

There are varying degrees of sin and accountability before God based on the knowledge and opportunity given to individuals or communities.

The gravity of taking the Lord’s name in vain arises from a misinterpretation of its meaning. Most interpret this commandment as prohibiting the casual invocation of God’s name, as in, “My God, how busy my day has been today!” Such an interpretation diminishes the seriousness of God’s judgment.

In the original Hebrew, the text does not state, “Do not take,” but rather, “Do not carry.” The literal translation reads, “Do not bear the name of the Lord your God in vain.” The New International Version translates it as “misuse,” which more accurately captures the original intent.

Exodus 20:7 (NIV): You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

What does “bear” or “misuse” God’s name mean? It implies committing evil deeds under the pretense of representing God. If an individual who is not religious commits evil, it does not tarnish God’s reputation.

When one, in the name of God, dares to say, “God told me.” “I am abandoning the church because God said to me…” “I am not following this direction because The Holy Spirit told me…” It is very serious.

We may all fall into that trap when we have no biblical argument or reasonable motivation and may even commit evil acts in God’s name, they not only commit the act itself but also bring shame to God’s name.

Think of the violence committed by extremists who torture, bomb, behead, and perpetrate genocide, all in the name of God. Such individuals will not be held blameless.

The most common objection to believing in God is the evil perpetrated in His name. Religiously motivated evil, which destroys victims and damages God’s image, is considered the most egregious sin.

Matthew 5:37 (ESV): Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Colossians 3:13-17 (ESV) bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In Christ, we always have the yes.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.