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Showing posts from January, 2025

Obadiah, The Secret Servant of God (Part Three)

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  The sun beat down relentlessly on the dry, cracked earth, painting the landscape in shades of gold and brown. Obadiah, head lowered against the heat, walked along the narrow path, his sandals kicking up dust with each step. The land was parched, much like the people—hungry, thirsty, and weary. His mission, sent by King Ahab, was simple on the surface: find food and water for the royal horses and mules. Yet, as Obadiah’s eyes scanned the desolate landscape, he knew the deeper pain of the people—suffering not only from famine but from the spiritual drought that plagued Israel. Ahab, in his arrogance and power, cared only for his beasts, not the people who toiled under the scorching sun. The king had turned away from the God of Israel, placing his trust in idols—false gods that had no power to save or provide. Obadiah had witnessed this betrayal daily in the royal court, where the queen, Jezebel, had done everything in her power to wipe out the prophets of the Lord. But Obadiah ha...

Three Hundred Men, One God: Gideon’s Victory

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In the days of the Judges, the people of Israel faced great oppression. For seven years, they were ruled by the Midianites * , whose raiding bands devastated the land, stealing crops, livestock, and destroying everything in their path. The Israelites were driven to such fear and desperation that they sought refuge in caves and strongholds in the mountains, hiding from their oppressors. It was in this time of hardship, when it seemed like all hope was lost, that God decided to raise up a leader—one who would restore Israel’s courage and faith. That leader would be Gideon . Gideon was anything but an obvious choice. When we first encounter him, he’s hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat, not out in the open where it would be easier to complete the task. The winepress was not the ideal place for such work—threshing wheat was meant to be done in a more open area, where the wind could separate the grain from the chaff. But because of the fear of the Midianites, Gideon had taken his work ...

Nehemia's One Focus

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In a time of great sorrow for the Israelites, Jerusalem, their holy city, lay in ruins. For years, it had been vulnerable to its enemies, its walls broken and its gates burned. Jerusalem was meant to be a city of glory, a place of security and honor, but it had fallen into desolation. The people who had returned from exile lived in shame, constantly reminded of the destruction around them. This was the reality Nehemiah, a man serving as the cupbearer to the Persian king, would come to face. Nehemiah had grown up hearing stories of Jerusalem’s splendor. He had heard of its walls that once protected God’s people from their enemies. As a cupbearer, his role was to serve the king, but his heart was always with his people. One day, as he sat with his brother Hanani, Nehemiah heard news from the homeland that would change everything. Hanani described the heartbreaking condition of Jerusalem: the city was still in ruins, and the people were living in disgrace. The walls were broken, leaving ...

Jack of All Trades - Master Of One

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In today’s world, there’s a certain admiration for people who seem capable of doing everything. Whether it’s mastering a variety of trades, picking up a new hobby, or managing different jobs, the ability to juggle multiple things often seems like a great strength. The phrase " Jack of all trades, master of none " is commonly used to describe someone who is versatile but not necessarily an expert in any one area. In some contexts, it’s meant as a compliment—a recognition of someone’s wide-ranging skills. However, there's another, deeper interpretation of this phrase: " A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one ." This saying suggests that being a generalist can sometimes be more beneficial than being a specialist. But is that always the case? While versatility is valuable, there’s also a profound truth found in both Scripture and real-life examples that points to the importance of mastering a particular skill or field. ...

The Fall of Zeboiim (a story)

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Zeboiim, a city gleaming with opulence, was renowned for its wealth and beauty. Its grand palaces and temples to false gods made it a beacon of indulgence in a world ruled by greed. The streets were lined with merchants hawking expensive wares, the air thick with the laughter of banquets, and the air so saturated with luxury that it drowned out any thought of the divine. The people of Zeboiim were untouchable, or so they believed. Their hearts were as cold as the gold they wore, their souls rotting beneath the veneer of power. At the center of this city stood the Erez family. Eliab, the patriarch, was a man of sharp wit and sharper deals. His wealth knew no bounds, his influence extended to the highest circles of power in Zeboiim. His wife, Jelah, was the picture of beauty and grace, beloved by all but untouched by any true compassion. Their two sons, Yonah and Zikri, were raised in the lap of luxury, taught only the importance of status and wealth-and how to achieve it. The Erez famil...

The Search for Adonai (a story)

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The desert was brutal. The sun, a relentless burn that seemed to tear through Jonah's skin. He didn't care. His feet scraped against the dry earth, his eyes glued to the crumpled, ancient map. It had a single promise written across it: The Proof of Adonai. Jonah wasn’t a believer—not like the others. He didn’t care for rituals or the echo of ancient prayers. He wanted the truth. The undeniable proof that the Divine wasn’t some distant myth, some statue he was ordered to worship, but a reality he could grasp. Somewhere, hidden in the desert, that proof awaited. Days bled into weeks, but the only thing Jonah found was an unyielding land, mocking his doubts. His body ached. His mind teetered on the edge of questioning everything. But the map led him on. He couldn’t stop. Something drove him stronger than he could fathom. The valley rose up before him, jagged rocks cradling the desolation like a grave. Ruins scattered across the earth like the last remnants of a forgotten world....

The Seven Spirits of Adonai of Revelation 4:5

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  1. The Spirit of the Lord The concept of the Seven Spirits of Adonai , derived from various passages in Scripture, reveals profound insights into the nature and workings of God. These seven manifestations of God’s Spirit are described in the book of Isaiah and the Revelation of John, offering a multi-faceted view of the divine presence that touches the lives of believers in different ways. The first of these spirits is the "Spirit of the Lord." In this chapter, we will explore the significance of the Spirit of the Lord, its role in the life of a (true) believer, and its central importance in the Kingdom of God. The "Spirit of the Lord" is often understood as the direct presence and power of God in the world. It is the unifying force that both reveals and establishes the sovereignty of God over all creation. This Spirit is not simply an impersonal force or energy; it is the very essence of God that interacts with humanity, guiding, empowering, and bringing orde...