KEEP YOUR HEART

 KEEP YOUR HEART

 Keep your heart with all diligence, 

For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23

We need to put in more effort to keep our heart than to keep our garden!

It takes diligent work to kill weeds and to grow wheat! 

The heart is the most important part of our body. the spiritual heart is also the most important part of our inner man.

It is the heart that receives and pumps out the life blood to every part of the body to keep us alive.

Will we not do anything to keep our heart healthy and strong?

We will adjust our lifestyle diligently, when the Doctor gives us a warning regarding the condition of our heart. We will take counsel from the Doctor about exercise, rest and diet.

The health of our physical heart depends much on the kind of food that is put into the stomach.

The health of our spiritual heart depends on the kind of information that is put into the mind.

It is important for us to select our diet wisely. It is even more important for us to be wise and selective in the kind of information we seek after. Entertainment from books and social media concert halls and theatres can corrupt the mind and spoil the heart. Like in the days of Noah, every thought and intent of man is evil. These evil intents and imaginations bombard us through social media as never before!

Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."
Matthew 15:17-20

Fruit from the tree of Life gives life and health to the heart.

GOD's word is like the tree of Life.

 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying,
"Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 2:16-17

Words from the serpent made Eve and Adam eat Fruit from the tree of The knowledge of good and evil, bringing death to their soul, just as GOD warned them. 

 Then the serpent said to the woman,
"You will not surely die.
 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened,
and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Genesis 3:4-5

Even watching and reading opinionated news can impress the mind wrongly and affect the attitude of the heart against individuals, kings and rulers, people groups or nations. Such knowledge will be mingled with  the deceptive whispers of the serpent of old, '"You are like GOD, knowing good and evil"! This can result in pride and rifts with people who carry opinions that differ from ours.

The Scripture says that knowledge will increase in the end times. People will be greedy for knowlege that puffs up. If we have collected knowledge in the mind, it is necessary for us to take that knowledge to the LORD in prayer, to hear His version of what we have heard. He will give us wisdom as to how to use and dispense that knowledge wisely. 

 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:1-4

We should learn to receive information objectively and not allow that knowledge to affect our heart that will cause us to react adversely. For one, that information may not be accurate or complete. Besides, our wrong reaction and attitude will not be beneficial to our spiritual heart or to others.

For a Christian, the most important purpose of seeking knowledge should be to intercede for the people involved. But if our heart is prejudiced, our prayers will not be heard!

 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
Psalm 66:18

Thinking on and keeping on thinking on the thoughts in our mind is like chewing on and swallowing the food in our mouth! Just as the food enters the stomach, the thoughts enter the heart. Food digests in the stomach and bowels and nourishes or brings sickness to the body, depending on whether it is good or bad. Similarly, the thoughts and ideas that enter the heart, affect the spirit positively or negatively.

 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

We must also pray and intercede for the people involved in or affected by any situation we are informed of, as led by the Holy Spirit. The information we receive should result in setting up straight paths of righteousness for ourselves and bring blessing to others and glory to GOD!

If we do not deal with the knowledge we receive, it will sit in the mind to puff us up with pride, to show off our knowledge and earthly wisdom. It will also affect the attitude of our heart negatively. If not prayed through, it will be burdensome to the soul. 

It is more important for us to seek and pursue the knowledge of GOD, which will fill our heart with His beautiful, pure love. Such a heart is a healthy heart that is able to receive GOD's love and pump it out to others!

 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:13-17

So fill your stomach with healthy food.

Fill your mind with good knowledge and more importantly, the knowledge of GOD.

Treadmill test for the spiritual heart:

• What do you feel in your heart, when you hear certain news from the media or from people? I

f you feel anger towards wrong doers, let it not take root in your heart. Take that individual or people to the LORD in prayer and intercession, until the anger changes into compassion.

• If you are one, who has much knowledge and is highly opinionated about the president of the US(although you are not an American), the Jews, the vaccines and such, and you hear others voicing their views different to that of yours, do you feel an agitation in your heart and want to open your mouth and drown their voices?

If you were unable to speak, did you feel anger and resentment in your heart towards those who voiced opinions different to yours?

 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:19-21

• Do you feel a discomfort deep within, when you hear the name of someone you don't like? 

You must come to that place of rest regarding that matter, by taking it to the LORD in prayer. You will know that part of your heart is healed, when that symptom is no more!

• How do you react when you see or bump into an individual against whom you hold grudges?

If you feel like hiding or ignoring that person, it indicates a sickness in your heart. It shows that through a wrong attitude, you have given into bondage. That individual has the power over you to cause you to turn your face away, to turn around or to run away! 

If so, you have miserably failed the treadmill test for your spiritual heart!

You must consult your Heavenly Physician regarding this problem, so that He can speak to you and heal you.

• How does your heart feel, when you hear good things about someone you don't like?

• How does your heart respond to news of something good happening to someone you can't stick?

• How do you react or respond when what you have stood for as correct information, is clearly proved to be wrong?

Even if the result of this test makes you feel discouraged about the condition of your heart, there is hope for you in JESUS, Who is the Great Physician!

 Now hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:5

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;
I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26

You will now realise that the enemy of your soul kept you bound by unnecessary burdens of knowledge. In this way, he kept you from fulfilling GOD's wonderful plans in your life.

When you allow GOD to heal your heart, there will be a transformation in your whole being. You will sense a lightness in your heart, joy in your soul and experience health in your body!

GRACE

GRACE

G - God's

R - Riches

A - At

C - Christ's

E - Expense

The five Riches of this Grace are as follows:

G - Giving grace

R - Redeeming grace

A - Agape grace

C - Covering grace

E - Enabling grace

Giving Grace

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:32

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8

 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
1 Corinthians 12:1

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:7-8

Redeeming Grace

 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:17-21

 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1

Agape grace

 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:44

 Covering grace

 then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering.
Isaiah 4:5

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11

So the Lord said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name." And he said, "Please, show me Your glory." Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." But He said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." And the Lord said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen."
Exodus 33:17-23

 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, And princes will rule with justice. A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
Isaiah 32:1-2

 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, 'You are My people.' "
Isaiah 51:16

Enabling grace

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

When we live and walk in grace, we will be grateful for the experience of GOD's amazing grace.

Then we will also be gracious to others.

We will be free from the bondage of the law and live victoriously in Christ.

Grace sets us free from the guilt, shame and fear of sin, that are experienced by those who live under the law. 

May we be grateful, gracious and free people, as we walk in grace!

 

Grace and Law

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:13-14

Grace and Glory

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11

Grace and Kindness

 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:7

Grace and Salvation

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8

Grace and Faith

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8

Grace and Truth

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Grace and Hope

 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:13

Grace and Obedience

 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
Romans 1:5

Grace and Sin, Grace and Righteousness

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:20-21

So, my dear friends, let us get on the route of FAITH, on which the GRACE bus travels, so it can pick you and take you, free of charge on the path of RIGHTEOUSNESS, to your destination of eternal GLORY!

Neither the  'Law Bus', nor the 'Works Bus' nor the 'Religion Bus' nor any other bus can proceed to and reach the eternal destination. Only the 'Grace Bus' can!

In fact, this vehicle is our Precious LORD JESUS CHRIST and the road, the road of redemption, made red by His own precious Blood!

FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS!

 FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS

We were on holiday, spending a few days in a hotel in the city! My husband and I decided to attend a Church not too far away. We would take a ride on the bus to Church and back. 

I thought I had it all in place! I was given clear directions by our son, to get back to the hotel on the bus, after attending the Church service.

I was asked to turn right after getting off the bus and that's what I did and yet we walked in the wrong direction!

I was confused until I realised why. After getting off the bus, I simply turned right, when I should have turned myself a 180 degrees and then turned to my right! I should have been facing the road, when I turned right!

The instuctions given to me were correct and I followed the instructions. But I was facing the wrong way!

This taught me a lesson about following the instructions for our life on earth, as given in the Scriptures. It is so very important to have our motive clear and correct, while studying the word of  GOD.

If my motive is purely selfish and self centred, and if my mind is set on the things of this world, It is possible for me to misinterpret the word of GOD and proceed in the wrong direction, deceived by my carnal mind. My motive is wrong, if my desire to learn the Bible is to use this 'Sword of the Spirit' to thrust through and kill others with it, by pointing my fingers at them, bringing accusation and condemnation.

Another subtle, hidden goal of a Pastor or teacher of the word could be, to use it like sugar candy to attract crowds and keep them following them!

The word of GOD is truth and I might seem sincere about following it and teaching it to others. But if my motive is wrong, I am deceived by the devil like Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. I am then turned 180 degrees in the wrong direction!

If my first turn is wrong, each subsequent turn in my path would lead me further away from the truth and from my eternal destination!

Let us therefore prepare our hearts in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts, so that the seed of GOD's word will be sown on good ground and yield good fruit in our lives.

Let us make sure our mind is open to receive the word of correction and conviction by the Spirit so that we may repent and turn away from our sinful ways which lead us towards eternal damnation.

Let us not study the word towards justifying ourselves before GOD or others. Let us put away the habit of picking and selecting only verses that speak about worldly prosperity and happiness.

Rather, let us study the Bible prayerfully and diligently, allowing the Holy Spirit to give us revelation of His word, with a motive to know GOD's way and to walk in His path to bring glory to His name and to bring blessing to others. Then we will proced towards our eternal destination, which is  Heaven!

 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, 

lest anyone fall 

according to the same example of disobedience. 

For the word of God is living and powerful, 

and sharper than any two-edged sword, 

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, 

and of joints and marrow, 

and is a discerner of the thoughts 

and intents of the heart. 

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, 

but all things are naked and open 

to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:11-13

Enter Into His Rest

 Enter Into His Rest

REST

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 

  And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, 

and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, 

because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Genesis 2:1-3

 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, 

let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 

For he who has entered His rest

has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, 

lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:1, 9-11

Rest means ceasing from doing work and relaxing physically.

The Almighty GOD Himself rested on the seventh day, not because He was tired, but He set the example for us of the necessity to rest from our work!This practice still continues as one holiday in seven days. Based on this concept is also the sabbatical leave, which is a long period off work for many years of work!

Rest results in restoration, refreshing and revival.

Rest to the soul means being settled in the mind and soul resulting in peace of mind. Rest to the soul results in restoration, refreshing and revival to the soul!

Rest also speaks about living within our boundary lines. It is necessary to learn about  our boundary lines as defined in the Scriptures, in our relationship with GOD and with each other. I must understand when and where my work and responsibilities begin and end. I shouldn't trespass into another individual's work or responsibility that GOD has ordained for him or her. That boundary line must be my rest when I stop working! In fact, GOD is that boundary line between me and others and I must enter into His rest at that boundary line!!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, 

for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 

  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Although we should give thought to plan for tomorrow or the future, we shouldn't worry about tomorrow or the future. Only then can we rest in the LORD, by trusting Him for the future!

 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will worry about its own things. 

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34

ENTER

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, 

let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 

  For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; 

but the word which they heard did not profit them, 

not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 

  For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: 

"So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest,' " 

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 

  For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: 

"And God rested on the seventh day from all His works"; 

  and again in this place: "They shall not enter My rest." 

  Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, 

and those to whom it was first preached 

did not enter because of disobedience, 

  again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today,"

after such a long time, as it has been said: 

"Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." 

  For if Joshua had given them rest, 

then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 

  There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 

  For he who has entered His rest 

has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 

  Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, 

lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 

  For the word of God is living and powerful, 

and sharper than any two-edged sword, 

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, 

and of joints and marrow, 

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, 

but all things are naked and open 

to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:1-13

Enter means stepping into a territory or crossing a threshold. 

If you have been out for a short time our a long period,you return and the moment you step into your own home, don't you feel a sense of relief and rest? You set up your home in ways you can be comfortable. your clothes are there, your favourite food is there, your kitchen is set up in a way it is convenient for you to do your cooking! your lounge, laundry and everything is to your liking. Best of all, your familiar bed is there, where you can rest! 

Your home is your resting place, where you dwell and where you abide. wherever you go, you return to your home. That is your address and a part of your identity.

This is like being somewhat at peace, when you are living your life the way you want. The day you surrender your life to GOD in the name of the LORD JESUS, you are entering His Presence Which becomes your Home!

There is a resting place also for our soul. That is the presence of the Almighty GOD!

 Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

Before the mountains were brought forth, 

Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, 

Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2

 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High 

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; 

My God, in Him I will trust."
Psalm 91:1-2

We can only enter into the presence of GOD, through the LORD JESUS, Who is the door to eternal life. 

 I am the door. 

If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, 

and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9

The Scriptures speak about entering into His rest. That means entering His home, which is His very Presence! We enter into His joyous Presence with thanksgiving and praise! 

 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, 

And into His courts with praise. 

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psalm 100:4

You will show me the path of life; 

In Your presence is fullness of joy; 

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

Such was the rest in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve lived in the glorious Presence of GOD. This is also the situation we look forward to in Heaven. Not entering His rest means, not entering Heaven, and that means eternal separation from GOD, which is death to the soul!

 Work shall be done for six days, 

but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. 

Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, 

he shall surely be put to death.

Exodus 31:15

 In the meantime, we must experience the sabbath rest of constantly entering His Presence and working from that place of rest in Him. 'S Abba th' could mean seventh day of rest with Abba!

If you are living with someone in his home, you must conform to his ways and submit to his rules. So it is when we live in CHRIST. If we are not willing to adjust to His ways and want to have our way, we will be restless, being unable to rest in Him!

 I am the vine, you are the branches. 

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; 

for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

The LORD JESUS speaks about a two way relationship when He abides in me and I abide in Him! He enters our life when we repent of our sin and invite Him in. He is in us in the form of the Holy Spirit, Who adusts to live in us, like how water adjusts to the shape of the container it is poured into!

 Now hope does not disappoint, 

because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts 

by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

Jesus answered and said to him, 

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; 

and My Father will love him, 

and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:23

When the Holy Spirit makes His home in us, we must make sure He is comfortable and not quenched or grieved. We must be conscious of His gentle promptings and guidance. He teaches us how to abide in CHRIST, while molding us and preparing us for our eternal home!

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalm 23:6

STAND STILL, SIT STILL, SLEEP

Are you able to stand still, sit still and are you able to sleep peacefully? Are you restless and need to move a part of your body even while relaxing?

 Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth! 

  The Lord of hosts is with us; 

The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 46:10-11

And Moses said to the people, 

"Do not be afraid. Stand still, 

and see the salvation of the Lord, 

which He will accomplish for you today. 

For the Egyptians whom you see today, 

you shall see again no more forever. 

The Lord will fight for you, 

and you shall hold your peace."
Exodus 14:13-14

 Then she said, "Sit still, my daughter, 

until you know how the matter will turn out; 

for the man will not rest 

until he has concluded the matter this day."
Ruth 3:18

TRUST

When you rest on a bed, you are laying all your weight on that bed. You are trusting that bed to hold your weight.

If you can't trust the bed to hold your weight, you cannot rest on that bed! 

 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; 

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, 

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Psalm 37:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, 

And whose hope is the Lord. 

  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, 

Which spreads out its roots by the river, 

And will not fear when heat comes; 

But its leaf will be green, 

And will not be anxious in the year of drought, 

Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Have you placed your trust in the Almighty GOD that you are able to rest on His faithfulness, His promises and His power?

 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, 

and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory 

with exceeding joy, 

  To the only wise God our Saviour, 

be glory and majesty, dominion and power, 

both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25

The Holy Spirit will also rest on those, whom He can trust - those who will submit to Him and obey Him.

 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, 

And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, 

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, 

The Spirit of counsel and might, 

The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 

His delight is in the fear of the Lord, 

And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, 

Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;
Isaiah 11:1-3

Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, 

and the cloud covered it six days. 

And on the seventh day 

He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Exodus 24:16 

Then the Lord came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, 

and took of the Spirit that was upon him, 

and placed the same upon the seventy elders; 

and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, 

that they prophesied, although they never did so again.
Numbers 11:25

 And John bore witness, saying, 

"I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, 

and He remained upon Him. (JESUS)
John 1:32

 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, 

they were all with one accord in one place. 

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, 

as of a rushing mighty wind, 

and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, 

and one sat upon each of them. 

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit 

and began to speak with other tongues, 

as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4

Rest in the LORD, be Refreshed, Restored, revived

Enter into His rest

Stand still, sit still, sleep,

Trust in the LORD

https://youtu.be/RBTaDL9khxA?si=RN1VDMNVrjPrRIel

CITY

The city is the world of man: his creation (made in his image) and his pride because it reflects his culture and his civilization. It is also a place of absurdity, of chaos, and of man's power over Nature and man, a place of slavery par excellence. wikipedia

 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. 

And he built a city, and called the name of the city 

after the name of his son--Enoch.

Genesis 4:17

After Cain murdered his brother Abel, he went away from the presence of the LORD. Then he had a son and then he built a city and named it after his son Enoch. This is the first city mentioned in the Bible. Living conditions changed from the beautiful garden that GOD created, to a city built by man.

A community of people live in a city. They take ownership of the facilities of the city and take pride in the name of their city.

The city provides opportunities to work and earn money. City life constantly promotes self improvement, pride and worldliness and typifies 'The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life'. This is exactly what Eve was tempted with, when the serpent offered her the fruit forbidden by the LORD GOD.

 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, 

that it was pleasant to the eyes, 

and a tree desirable to make one wise, 

she took of its fruit and ate. 

She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:6

Babel/ Babylon - means confusion 

 C (OMMUN) ITY -    come unity,  

comm, u n i ty -   come, you and I tie

The people worked in unity to build a city and a tall tower  - a sky tower - to make a name for themselves. 

 Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. 

And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. 

Then they said to one another, 

"Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly." 

They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. 

And they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, 

and a tower whose top is in the heavens; 

let us make a name for ourselves, 

lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth." 

Genesis 11:1-4

The sky tower did not reach heaven because GOD came down to see it. GOD wasn't pleased with this project of mankind because He knew the danger it would bring to their souls. Their achievement would pump up their souls with pride. 

But the Lord came down to see the city 

and the tower which the sons of men had built. 

And the Lord said, "Indeed the people are one 

and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; 

now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 

Genesis 11:5-6

GOD intervened and interupted their unity by confusing their language! The building project was stalled! Exactly what they feared, happened to them!

Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, 

that they may not understand one another's speech." 

So the Lord scattered them abroad from there 

over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 

Therefore its name is called Babel, 

because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; 

and from there the Lord scattered them abroad 

over the face of all the earth.

Genesis 11:1-9

This is what the communities in the world are building! 

Glamorous buildings with fancy names!

Great cities with tall towers! - A name for their glory! 

                                            A buidling for their glory!

                                          A tower for their glory!

                                        A city for their glory!

                                            

        GOD opposes the proud.   

GOD interrupted the Babel project by confusing their language and scattering the people.

The opposite happened when GOD poured out His Spirit on His people who were gathered together in Jerusalem. Although they were from different nations, they understood the apostled when they spoke in their own languages the wonderful works of GOD!

This was the beginning of the building of the Church, the Body of CHRIST.

Even as GOD is causing Babylon to fall, He Himself is building another city, the new Jerusalem! 

Jerusalem - means City of Peace

 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, 

they were all with one accord in one place. 

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, 

and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, 

and one sat upon each of them. 

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, 

as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, 

from every nation under heaven. 

And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 

Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, 

"Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 

And how is it that we hear, each in our own language 

in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, 

those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, 

Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, 

Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, 

visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-

-we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."

Acts 2:1-11

Babylon - The Pride of Man

We shall read the story of King Nebu, who built Babylon and took pride in his work!

 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 

  At the end of the twelve months 

he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. 

  The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, 

that I have built for a royal dwelling 

by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" 

  While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: 

"King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: 

the kingdom has departed from you! 

  And they shall drive you from men, 

and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. 

They shall make you eat grass like oxen; 

and seven times shall pass over you, 

until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, 

and gives it to whomever He chooses." 

  That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; 

he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; 

his body was wet with the dew of heaven 

till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws. 

  And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, 

and my understanding returned to me; 

and I blessed the Most High 

and praised and honored Him who lives forever: 

For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, 

And His kingdom is from generation to generation. 

  All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; 

He does according to His will in the army of heaven 

And among the inhabitants of the earth. 

No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" 

  At the same time my reason returned to me, 

and for the glory of my kingdom, 

my honor and splendor returned to me. 

My counselors and nobles resorted to me, 

I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. 

  Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, 

praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, 

all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. 

And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.
Daniel 4:28-37

 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, 

having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 

  And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, 

"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, 

and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, 

and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!

Revelation 18:1-2

It is clear from the following passage of Scripture, that the motives, attitudes, values and trend of thought of 'Babylon', is instigated by the enemy of our souls, the fallen angel, Lucifer, who is Satan.

 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! 

How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 

For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, 

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; 

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation 

On the farthest sides of the north; 

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, 

I will be like the Most High.' 

Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit. 

"Those who see you will gaze at you, And consider you, saying: 

'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, 

Who shook kingdoms, Who made the world as a wilderness 

And destroyed its cities, 

Who did not open the house of his prisoners?'

Isaiah 14:12-17

 "Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, 

'Thus says the Lord God: "You were the seal of perfection, 

Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 

  You were in Eden, the garden of God; 

Every precious stone was your covering: 

The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, 

Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. 

The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes 

Was prepared for you on the day you were created. 

  "You were the anointed cherub who covers; 

I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; 

You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. 

  You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, 

Till iniquity was found in you. 

  "By the abundance of your trading 

You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; 

Therefore I cast you as a profane thing 

Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, 

From the midst of the fiery stones. 

  "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; 

You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; 

I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, 

That they might gaze at you. 

  "You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, 

By the iniquity of your trading; 

Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, 

And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you. 

  All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; 

You have become a horror, And shall be no more forever." ' "

Ezekiel 28:12-19                                                       

 Worldliness and Oppression 

City life is a carnal life. Carnality   C (arnal) ity

Life in a city is embedded in worldliness. It results in spiritual oppression and imprisonment of souls.

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. 

If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; 

but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:15-17

Typical city culture is fun and games, drinks and food, clothes and shopping, fancy structures and dazzling lights that capture the mind! It is mostly transient enjoyment, immorality and gambling. This leaves one's stomach and wallet empty and his soul imprisoned in bondage under deception! 

Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, 

To the oppressing city!

Zephaniah 3:1

The most important part of a city is its people. The city is for the people and not the other way round!

Buiding a city is very hard work and intense labour! The workers suffer much physical hardship, danger, exhaustion and pain. They may not be paid adequately and could be treated harshly. Therefore even in the process of the building of a city, there is oppression, like in the case of the children of Israel, who were slaves in Egypt.

 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. 

And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. 

  But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. 

And they were in dread of the children of Israel. 

  So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. 

  And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage-

-in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. 

All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor.
Exodus 1:11-14

If we look carefully, deeper into city life, we will realise that it is oppressive! Many individuals involved in city life, are fearful, anxious, depressed and lonely because there is a culture of comparison, competition, and copying of trends without compassion for the other person. Trading is mostly self-centred and selfish promotion of merchandise and fashions.

Godliness with Contentment

As long as we live on earth, we need food, clothing, shelter and other necessities. 

We must overcome worldliness and oppression with Godliness and contentment!

 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 

For we brought nothing into this world, 

and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, 

and into many foolish and harmful lusts 

which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, 

for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, 

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:6-10

If we desire to overcome the snares of the world through its lusts, the following is a meaningful prayer especially when we shop in person or online!

 

 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. 

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, 

And revive me in Your way.
Psalm 119:36-37

The Holy City, New Jerusalem,

 The Great City, The Holy Jerusalem 

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place 

which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, 

not knowing where he was going. 

  By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, 

dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, 

the heirs with him of the same promise; 

  for he waited for the city which has foundations, 

whose builder and maker is God.
But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. 

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, 

for He has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:8-16

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, 

the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,

Hebrews 12:22

For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.

Hebrews 13:14

This city is also a community of people, who are brought together and built up together in the love of CHRIST, for the glory of His name! These may be individuals who may be living in the city, in the country or in the village, but they have the LORD JESUS enthroned in their heart and they live for the glory of GOD!

 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, 

but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 

  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 

Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, 

  in whom the whole building, being joined together, 

grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 

  in whom you also are being built together 

for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22

Jerusalem - The Bride of CHRIST

 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, 

for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. 

Also there was no more sea. 

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, 

coming down out of heaven from God, 

prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 

and He will dwell with them, 

and they shall be His people. 

God Himself will be with them and be their God.

Revelation 21:1-3

While the spiritual Jerusalem symbolises the Bride of CHRIST, friendship with Babylon denotes spiritual fornication.

And another angel followed, saying, 

"Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, 

because she has made all nations drink 

of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

Revelation 14:8

Our friendship with this world hinders and spoils our intimate relationship with the LORD JESUS.

 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot 

is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh.

" But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:16-17

It is very interesting that the Bride of CHRIST is likened to a city!

A city is a community of people, living in one area of proximity, under common leadership and some rules and regulations. They have their own facilities. People in the city are usually involved in providing the facilities for the whole community, like food, clothing, housing and so on.

You are the light of the world. 

A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14

The Bride of CHRIST is a community of people who love the LORD JESUS above all else and love one another in Him. They are spiritual minded and not carnal in their thinking and in their ways. Their life in this world, through their selfless love, humility and spiritual power, is like a city on a hill that is lit up and cannot be hidden! This is the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the Holy Spirit Who is poured out from GOD above.

 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, 

"Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." 

  And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, 

and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, 

descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. 

Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
Revelation 21:9-11

 Interestingly, in the book of Genesis, GOD came down to see and disrupt the tower of Babel that was 'ascending' from earth towards heaven. It was built by man. 

In the book of Revelation, we see the New Jerusalem descending out of heaven from GOD! It is built by GOD. 

The most important part of a city is the community of its people. It is made of people, for people. While the relatonships of the people of Babylon are typically carnal, the relationships of the people of the new Jerusalem are spiritual.

While Babylon reveals the pride of man, the new Jerusalem reveals the glory of the Bride of CHRIST.

New Jerusalem, Separate from Babylon

As a Church or a Christian community, are you planning any project, the motive for which is a name for yourself? If so, the LORD Himself will interupt the unity among the people to stall the project.

Any plan or project of a Church that originates from above, from the LORD, will be blessed by Him. The Pastor or leader needs to wait on the LORD and seek the LORD before embarking on any project.

The motive for anything we do as a Christian community should be to bring glory to the name of the LORD JESUS and not to make a name for ourselves.

The attitude of our hearts should always be humble, so that we may be positioned to receive His grace.

We must look out carefully for any sign of worldliness.

We must make sure there isn't any kind of oppression of the congregation by the leaders or rebellion and scheming against the leadership by the congregation!

 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 

"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.

" Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 

Cleanse your hands, you sinners; 

and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

Lament and mourn and weep! 

Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:6-10

In the Bible, life of man, transitions from a garden created by GOD, to a city built by man, and then to a garden city made by GOD through His people!

Blessed are those who do His commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, 

and may enter through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:14