The immediate context of this verse was the unbelief of the Jews. They knew from their Scriptures that the Messiah (Christ) was coming but they doubted if it was Jesus (John 7:40-42). So, Jesus said that once they “lift him up” (crucify Him) then they would know that He is the Messiah, because the crucifixion…
Author: purejoyland
Warning of the Locusts
There was a swarm of locusts that engulfed the land, leaving almost nothing for the people to eat or even for an offering to God. The locust swarm totally devastated the land, and so efficiently, that the Old Testament prophet Joel pictured it as how the armies of God, on the day of Judgment, would…
The Holy Spirit and My Life
Once saved, always saved? Here King David asks God not to take the Holy Spirit from him because he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. This is part of his repentance prayer. He is asking God for forgiveness. Once God takes away the Holy Spirit from the believer he does not have…
An Invitation
An invitation for those residing in NYC and the tri-state area of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Pennsylvanians welcome, too! Come join us for an evening of worship, teaching from the Bible, and prayer. If you need prayers for physical and emotional healing, guidance and direction, or special favor from God, this is the…
Sheep Among Wolves
Yeah, when you’re a believer you’re supposed to keep yourself innocent (flee from evil!) as a dove but also shrewd like a serpent! Whoa. Until now I am still learning how this works. It’s not always wise to engage. Sometimes, it’s wiser to just walk away. This is the “do not throw your pearls to…
In Abundance or in Want
The context of the verse is on financial lack. The apostle Paul was saying he’s content whether in need or in abundance. He is able to carry on his work as an apostle in whatever circumstance, in want or in abundance. The secret is being content in Christ. LORD, give me more faith! Hallelujah! ______________________________…
Thirsting for God
When in deep need and trouble I feel this, too. Just like the psalmist who wrote this, I feel the next verse as well. (v.2) My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? In those days they really did “appear” before God or present themselves before…
Walk by the Spirit
The next two verses explain that it is because the flesh always goes against the (Holy) Spirit, they are always in opposition to each other. But further down the same chapter it says that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit,…
Antidote to Burn Out
All we need is Bread and Water so we do not become weary and burned out but stay refreshed and replenished. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.“ He also said, “It is the Spirit who gives…
Confession
I love reading my Bible, I love singing songs to God, I love praying, but asking God to search my heart? No! That means owning up to my sins, owning up to my unfaithfulness to Him, shortcomings, bad thoughts, wrong emotions and motives, etc. But really, whenever this one unpleasant time with God I would…