The Word of God

I the early church, many devout leaders encouraged the discipline of meditating on death. It was a practice aimed at helping believers live with sobriety, humility, and readiness to meet their Maker. Saints like St. Basil and St. Benedict taught that keeping death daily before one's eyes was a path to wisdom. While this may have been a helpful tool for their time, I believe the gospel invites us to a deeper and fuller truth: not to dwell on death, but to meditate on life —eternal life in Christ Jesus. Let us be clear: death, in its worldly sense, has no victory over the believer. Jesus has conquered it. The grave is empty. We are no longer slaves to the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15), for Jesus has delivered us from that bondage. When we continually keep "death" before our eyes, even with good intentions, we run the risk of reinforcing the language of defeat and fear, rather than the victorious truth of Christ's resurrection. Words Carry Power Proverbs 18:21 says, ...

  “And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.” — Joshua 23:14 (KJV) At the end of his life, Joshua gathers Israel’s leaders to deliver a heartfelt farewell. These are the words of a faithful servant who has seen God move through victories, miracles, and fulfilled promises. And his message is clear: God keeps His Word. Every single one. Joshua reminds the people, “Not one thing has failed of all the good things the Lord promised.” They had entered the Promised Land, defeated their enemies, and inherited the land flowing with milk and honey. God had been faithful to the last detail. But then, in verse 15, comes a sober warning: “As all good things are come upon you... so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things... until He have destroye...

  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) This verse from Ephesians is one of the most quoted when it comes to spiritual warfare. But have we ever taken the time to slow down and truly examine what each of these four categories means—and which battles we’re actually called to fight? The Apostle Paul didn’t write this casually. Each word was inspired by the Holy Spirit to equip believers with insight into the invisible realm of warfare . Yet, not all levels of spiritual opposition fall under our personal jurisdiction. Let’s break it down and see what we, as followers of Christ, are responsible for—and what we are not. 🔍 The Four Levels of Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians 6:12 1. Principalities (Greek: archē) These are high-ranking territorial spirits—demonic rulers over nations, regions, or systems. A clear exam...

  Bitterness in the mouth is a striking image, and it appears in Scripture in ways that carry deep spiritual meaning. Here are a few key passages where this idea is either directly mentioned or symbolically related: 📖 1. Revelation 10:9–10 (KJV) “And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.” “And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” 🔍 Meaning: The little book represents God's message or prophecy—possibly one of judgment and revelation. It tastes sweet at first —God’s Word is life-giving and powerful. But it becomes bitter inside —because of the weight of the truth, judgment, and the sorrow over what must come. ➡️ Spiritual Insight : Sometimes God's Word is sweet to hear, but bitter whe...

Jeremiah 29 is one of the most significant and hopeful chapters in the book. It contains a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon , including the famous verse: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord...” (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV) Let’s break down the chapter to understand its meaning and relevance. 📖 Jeremiah 29 Explained 🪶 Verses 1–3: Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles Jeremiah sends a letter from Jerusalem to the elders, priests, prophets, and all the people who had been taken as captives to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. ➡️ These were people who had already been exiled after the first Babylonian invasion, including King Jeconiah and other skilled workers. 🏠 Verses 4–7: God's Command to Settle in Babylon God speaks through Jeremiah, telling the exiles: Build houses Plant gardens Get married and have children Seek the peace of the city (Babylon) Pray for its welfare , because in its peace, they will have peace ...

Jeremiah 28 is a dramatic chapter that records a conflict between two prophets — Jeremiah , the true prophet of God, and Hananiah , a false prophet. Here's a breakdown and explanation of what happens: 📖 Context This chapter takes place in the fourth year of King Zedekiah's reign , during a time when Judah was under pressure from Babylon . The people were hoping for deliverance from Babylonian control. 🧠 Summary and Explanation of Jeremiah 28 Verses 1–4: Hananiah’s False Prophecy Hananiah, claiming to speak from the Lord, prophesies falsely that within two years , God would break the yoke of Babylon , and King Nebuchadnezzar would return all the temple articles and exiles (like King Jeconiah) back to Jerusalem. ➡️ Hananiah’s message was what the people wanted to hear : peace, restoration, and relief. It sounded hopeful and comforting—but it wasn’t from God. Verses 5–9: Jeremiah’s Response Jeremiah replies to Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the peopl...

There are moments in our walk with God where words become unnecessary —where the very presence of God is the response to a life of worship, obedience, and prayer . In Exodus 40:34-38 , after Moses completes the construction of the Tabernacle according to God’s exact instructions, something incredible happens: "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." —Exodus 40:34 (KJV) Though no spoken prayer is recorded, this moment is the culmination of months of obedience, sacrifice, and silent worship . It represents a prayer of consecration —the setting apart of a place and a people for the dwelling of God. 1. Worship Through Obedience The glory of God did not come down randomly—it came after Moses had completed everything exactly as the Lord commanded . This repeated phrase, "as the LORD commanded Moses," is found multiple times in Exodus 39 and 40 , showing the importance of obedience. "To obey is better th...

Some prayers rise beyond asking for help or provision—they come from a place of deep spiritual hunger. In Exodus 33:18 , Moses makes one of the boldest requests ever recorded in Scripture. After leading Israel through miracles, rebellion, and divine encounters, he pleads for something more: "I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." —Exodus 33:18 (KJV) This is not a prayer for power or success—it is a desperate cry to see more of God Himself . Moses had spoken with God as a friend, experienced His miracles, and heard His voice, but he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted to know God more deeply . Let’s unpack the beauty and depth of this powerful prayer. 1. A Prayer for Intimacy, Not Just Intervention Moses didn’t ask for more miracles, blessings, or reassurance—he asked to see God’s glory . This reveals that the heart of true spiritual maturity is not what God can do for us, but who He is to us . "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O G...

In moments of desperation, our instinct is to pray. But sometimes, God’s answer to our prayers is a command to move forward in faith . In Exodus 14:15 , the Israelites are trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. Fear overwhelms the people, and though Moses’ prayer is not directly recorded, God’s response reveals that Moses had cried out for help : "And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." —Exodus 14:15 (KJV) This verse highlights a powerful moment in spiritual leadership: when prayer must give way to bold obedience . Let’s reflect on what this moment teaches us about faith, prayer, and stepping forward when God says, "Move." 1. Prayer is Assumed—But Not Always Enough Alone Moses likely cried out to God in private, seeking guidance. Yet God responds with what sounds like a rebuke: "Why are you crying out to me?" This teaches us that there is a time to pray and ...

Not all prayers are spoken aloud—some are lived out through faithful obedience and quiet dependence on God. In Exodus 11:9-10 , we approach the most devastating plague in Egypt: the death of the firstborn. Though no explicit prayer is recorded, Moses is clearly operating under divine instruction and deep spiritual reliance . "And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh..." —Exodus 11:9-10 (KJV) This moment speaks volumes about the silent posture of prayer —a life that trusts God enough to follow Him without question. Let’s reflect on what we can learn from Moses’ quiet intercession during this pivotal moment. 1. Prayer is Not Always Verbal—Sometimes It’s Obedience Moses did not argue or question. He simply followed God’s instructions regarding the final plague. This kind of silent obedience is a form of prayer —a heart fully yielded t...

As God continues to pour out plagues upon Egypt, Pharaoh repeatedly asks Moses to intercede . In Exodus 10:17-19 , after the devastating plague of locusts, Pharaoh pleads for forgiveness and begs Moses to pray for relief: "And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD." —Exodus 10:18 (KJV) Moses’ role as an intercessor becomes increasingly clear. With each prayer, he is not only mediating between God and Pharaoh, but he is also growing in spiritual authority and confidence . Let’s examine the key lessons from this moment. 1. Growing in Spiritual Authority This is not the first time Moses has prayed for a plague to end, but by now, we see a change in his posture and presence . Earlier, Moses doubted himself, but now he steps into his calling with authority. Spiritual authority grows as we: Obey God consistently Spend time in His presence Stand firm in faith under pressure "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over...

In the midst of God’s judgment on Egypt, a moment of temporary humility arises— Pharaoh admits his sin and pleads for relief . In Exodus 9:27-29 , after the devastating plague of hail, Pharaoh asks Moses to intercede with God . Moses responds with confidence, declaring that he will pray and the storm will cease: "As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD’s." —Exodus 9:29 (KJV) This prayer is a remarkable example of God’s sovereign control over nature and the authority He grants to His servants in intercession . Let’s draw out the lessons from this powerful moment of prayer. 1. Intercession Can Influence the Natural World Moses boldly declares that through prayer, the thunder and hail will stop . This isn't just a symbolic gesture— it's an actual shift in the elements through divine intervention . ...