Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

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Category: Christian Page 12 of 169

Emmanuel on the Cross :: Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise

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On March 22, 2016

In Christian, Good Friday, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ second saying from the Cross was “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” While this is a testament to the assurance of being in the presence of Christ, when we believe, as did the penitent malefactor, who recognized Jesus, not just as a man on the Cross, but as the Lord and King who shall return to reign, it is important to not overlook two key words in this saying. The words are “with me”. The penitent thief was given one of the greatest blessings that man can ever experience, which was to be with Christ Jesus.

Points to ponder:
Jesus’ name was prophesied to be called Emmanuel, meaning God with us (Matthew 1:23) and here we see that not only was God (Jesus) with man, but now because of Jesus’ redemptive act of Salvation being fulfilled on the Cross, man could be with God. In other words, Emmanuel was on the Cross and man was given the assurance of being with him – with God. If you believe in Jesus and you accept him as Lord and King, you can hear Jesus saying “Verily I say unto thee, Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Do you hear his voice?

Luke 23:39-43 (KJV)
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss [INNOCENCE].
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord [DIVINITY],  remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom [KINGSHIP].
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Sovereignty of God :: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do

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On March 21, 2016

In Christian, Good Friday, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ first words from the Cross was “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” While many focus on the forgiveness part of this saying, it is important to recognize that the second part is equally important because it establishes the sovereignty of God. Unbeknownst to those who played a part in the crucifixion of Jesus, for whom Jesus sought forgiveness, was the fact, that it was God’s master plan for the redemption of mankind that the Son of God must shed his blood for the remission of mankind’s sin. God sovereignty comes out on top in the affairs of man, even in the crucifixion of Jesus for the Scripture was to be fulfilled as mentioned in the prophecy of Daniel, that they shall put the Anointed One to death (Daniel 9:26). While men played a mere part in God’s redemptive work, it was God who was not only the conductor but he was also in control of all that transpired that led to the crucifixion of Jesus. It was indeed God’s plan that Jesus should be made an offering for sin (Isaiah 53:10). While man intended to hurt Jesus and do him evil, God intended it all for good – the good of all mankind – to save all mankind (Genesis 50:20).

Points to ponder:
God is Sovereign and his word will always come true and while men may mean evil against you, God means it all for good (to save much people – made alive in Jesus Christ). In other words, the words of Jesus today ring – Father, forgive them, for you are Sovereign and all that you have planned shall come to pass, which the people do/may not know.

Luke 23:34 (KJV)
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Isaiah 53:10 (NLT)
10 But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands.

Strong Willed for God’s Work and War

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On March 20, 2016

In Christian, Ittai

IttaiToday (March 20, 2016) our second born son, Ittai Aidan Paul, turned four years old and we penned a poem for him that we’d like to share. Our prayer is that you read this and be blessed and edified.

Ittai, our beloved second born, today you turned four;
a testament of God’s goodness and the blessings He does pour
as we traverse through life’s journey on this side of the shore
seeing in you, God’s inexplicable love, which leads us to Him adore.

A strong willed child, like the patriarch Jacob, you are
refusing to let go until you are blessed, staying in the fight to spar
Our prayer is that you will channelize that obstinacy to be God’s star
submitting your self to His will, and for God go far.

A loving brother and a wonderful son in you, we see
not readily accepting things but questioning all things curiously;
such quest for rationale, we pray you will use to search the Scripture (Bible) daily
and see God’s Son, Jesus, revealed in his word, is our earnest plea.

Your prayers are simple, yet profound in its content
asking God to care for the orphan and those in lament;
seeking His face, we hear your plea fervent
and ask God to make you his worker, his warrior, his servant.

Ittai, our beloved second born, today you turned four
and we pray that like Jesus grew, you also do, more
growing in wisdom, in stature, and in God and man’s favor
You are much loved for the blessing you are – we just can’t ask for more!

Psalm 127:3 (KJV)
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

 

 

 

The Lord makes room (for fruitfulness)

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On March 11, 2016

In Christian

Genesis 26:18-23 gives the account of Isaac, the son of Abraham, re-digging the wells of his father, that the Philistines (of Gerar) had stopped. When Isaac’s servant dug in the valley of Gerar, there was a well of springing water, which the herdsmen of Gerar came and strove for, claiming that the water was there. Isaac called that well Esek, meaning “strife.” Then Isaac’s servant dug another well, for which was even more strife, combined with hostility by the herdsmen of Gerar. So Isaac called that well Sitnah, meaning hatred or hostility. Isaac moved from this hostile territory and dug another well, but the third time, the Philistines did not strive for the water, and Isaac, called it Rehoboth meaning that the Lord had made room for them and that they will be fruitful in the land.

Points to ponder:
When we are faced with strife and hostility, we must not give up for the Lord can make room for us (if it is in his permissive will) and so that we can be fruitful. The Holy Spirit is the spring of living waters in us and when he abides in us and we in him, we shall be fruitful (John 15:1-7) and the Lord will make room for us (to be fruitful). The Lord makes room for you to be fruitful with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – the question that remains is – Do you make room for the Lord?

Genesis 26:18-23 (KJV)
18 And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.
19 And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
21 And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
23 And he went up from thence to Beersheba.

Re-digging Wells

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On March 10, 2016

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 26:15-18 gives the account of Isaac, the son of Abraham, re-digging the wells that his father’s servants had dug. These well had been stopped (filled) by the Philistines. Abraham had dug the wells as a symbol of an oath between him and the then king Abimelech to establish that he had dug the well. Abraham called it Beersheba, the well of the oath. Here he called on (worshipped) the name the Lord after that treaty was made (Genesis 21:22-34). The action of the Philistines stopping the well was in a sense symbolic of the removal of the place of worship, and Isaac’s act of re-digging the well was indicative of restoring the place of worship.

Points to ponder:
While God can be worshipped anywhere, and a place is not what defines true worship, Isaac’s act is however important, to reassert that worship when opposed or stopped must be re-established and continued. Has your worship of the Lord God stopped? If so, take action today. In other words, re-dig the wells …

Genesis 26:15-18 (KJV)
15 For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
18 And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

To the envy of our enemies

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On March 9, 2016

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 26:14 records that the Philistines envied Isaac. The Philistines were historically the enemies of the Israelites and they envied Isaac, because Isaac had become not just a great man, but a very great man with possessions of flocks, herds and servants. He had reaped a hundredfold from what he had sowed in the land of Gerar, in that same year. Why, not because of his own doing or efforts, but because the Lord blessed him.

Points to ponder:
When the hand of the Lord is upon you, then what you sow with your hand can reap a hundredfold in a period and not just become great but very great, much to the envy of your enemies. If your enemies envy you, they do so mostly because they are looking at your possessions and it is easy to lose focus for us as well to foolishly look not at our possessions, but instead we need to look at the Lord God, the possessor of all things and praise him alone, for that is an evidence of God’s hand upon you and his blessings are a hundredfold in your life. Do your enemies envy you?

Genesis 26:12-14 (KJV)
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

One sin can hurt all

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On March 8, 2016

In Christian

After the discovery of the deception of Isaac by Abimelech, the then king of Gerar, that Rebekah was not Isaac’s sister but his wife, Abimelech confronts him and questions as to why Isaac would lie like he did. Abimelech expresses that one of his men could have sinned by having slept with Rebekah, not realizing that she was his wife, and brought guilt upon them all. Abimelech then gave orders to all the people that should anyone harm Isaac or his wife, they will certainly be put to death.

From this account there are several things that we can learn the concept of one man’s sin (even out of ignorance) cold have brought guilt on all of them. The consequences (wages) of such a sin was fatal – punishable by death.

Points to ponder:
We must recognize that our sin may not only end up hurting us, but it can hurt others as well. Isaac’s lie could have brought about guilt on all of Abimelech’s people. One man’s sin i.e., Adam’s sin brought about guilt on all of mankind. The wages of sin is death but God’s gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord, (Romans 6:23) who paid the penalty for our sin. If we believe in him, we shall be saved from death. Just as one sin can hurt all, just this One Savior, Jesus Christ can save all. Do you believe?

Genesis 26:10-11 (KJV)
10 Then Abimelek said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the men might well have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”
11 So Abimelek gave orders to all the people: “Anyone who harms this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

Not learning from the Father

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On March 3, 2016

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 26:7-9 records the account of Isaac’s sin – sin of lying and deception, just as his father Abraham had done so to Pharaoh (Genesis 12) and Abimelech (the title given to), the king of Gerar (Genesis 20) where he dwelt. Isaac did not learn from his father’s mistake. His father Abraham has made the mistake and lied about Sarah being his sister for fear of his life and that was an example of something that Isaac should have not followed. Instead, to the men of Gerar, Isaac made the same mistake and lied that his wife Rebekah was his sister, for he feared that they would kill him and take her away. The fact that Isaac was a relative of Rebekah, does not still discount the fact that he lied about his marital relationship with Rebekah. But when Isaac is discovered and caught red-handed by the king himself, he confesses that he was afraid for his life.

Points to ponder:
Though this account in no way provides any substance to the doctrine of generational curse, we must recognize that children tend to follow the example of their parents, even when their action is clearly wrong. It is therefore imperative that we live our lives as god-fearing men and women and that our children learn the ways of the Lord God from us. We can learn from God our Father how we ought to live and be, and from us, our children can benefit to be godly as well. This way, no one can tell of us or our children that we are not learning from the Father.

Genesis 26:7-9 (KJV)
7 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.
8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife; and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.

 

Because of (my) obedience

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On March 2, 2016

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 26:2-6 gives the account of God appearing to Isaac to reassure him that he would bless Isaac and commanded him to not go to Egypt, but to stay in Gerar, where Isaac had gone to seek comfort from the famine in the land, from the king of Gerar – Abimelech. Here we find God tell Isaac to sojourn in the land of Gerar and that he will bless Isaac and his seed and give unto Isaac’s seed all the countries. God reaffirms what he had promised to Abraham, that through his seed (and now Isaac’s seed) would all nations of the earth be blessed. Although God has no need to give an explanation as to why Isaac and his seed would be blessed and be a blessing, God gives a reason. It is because Abraham obeyed his voice and kept his charge (requirements), commandments, statutes and laws.

Points to ponder:
Jesus is the hope of all nations (Matthew 12:21), a blessing to all of the world, that came through the seed of Abraham and Isaac (Galatians 3:16). When we obey God’s voice fully and keep his charge, commandments, statutes and law, not only will be blessed because of his faithfulness, but we will also be a blessing to many. Now complete the sentence, Because of my obedience to God’s voice, …

Genesis 26:2-6 (KJV)
2 And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
6 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:

God appears to assure

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On March 1, 2016

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 26:2-3 records that when Isaac foolishly sought the help of Abimelech, the king of Gerar, instead of seeking the guidance of the Lord, when there was a famine in the land, the Lord appeared to Isaac. The Lord told Isaac, not to continue South into Egypt, but instead to dwell in the land that God was going to tell him about and then God assures Issac that he would bless Isaac and to his seed, would he give all these countries, as he will keep the promise made to his father Abraham.

Points to ponder:
Even when we take matters in our own hands and not trust in the Lord God wholeheartedly, unlike any man, God is loving and gracious and he appears to re-assure, that he is and will always be with us, no matter what. God appeared to us in the person of Jesus Christ, who promised us that the will never ever leave us.

Genesis 26:2-3 (KJV)
2 And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

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