Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. (Psalm 138:7) 

Whether it’s dealing with sickness, financial problems, broken relationships, or any other kind of setback, it’s easy to lose faith and feel like there’s no way out. However, as Christians, we have a unique perspective on struggles that allows us to find hope even in the darkest of times. 

The Bible is full of stories of people who faced incredible struggles and yet found hope and redemption through their faith in God. Take the story of Joseph, for example. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and spent years in prison. But through it all, he remained faithful to God and eventually became second in command of all of Egypt, saving his family from famine and becoming a hero to his people. 

Similarly, the apostle Paul faced numerous struggles in his life, including imprisonment, persecution, and physical ailments. But he never lost faith and continued to preach the gospel even in the face of adversity. In fact, it was during his imprisonment that he wrote some of his most inspiring letters to the early Christian churches, encouraging them to persevere in the faith. 

As a believer you have the same resources that they had, and can find hope and perseverance in the midst of struggles. 

Here are four principles: 

1. Trust in God’s Plan. One of the most powerful ways we can find hope in the midst of struggles is by trusting in God’s plan for our lives. The Bible teaches us that God is in control of everything, and that includes the challenges we face. In Romans 8:28, we read: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 

This verse reminds us that God can use even the most difficult situations for our ultimate good, and we can take comfort in the fact that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments. As Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” When we turn to God in our struggles, we can find hope in the knowledge that He is working everything out for our good. 

As a Christian, trusting in God’s plan means having faith that God is in control of our life and that He has a purpose for everything that happens. It means surrendering our own desires and plans to God and trusting that His plan for us is good, even if it may be different from what we had envisioned for ourselves. 

Trusting in God’s plan requires a deep belief in God’s character and His promises. We need to trust that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving, and that He desires what is best for us. We also need to trust that God’s plan for our life is ultimately for our good and for His glory, even if it may involve hardship or suffering along the way. 

Trusting in God’s plan can be challenging, especially when we face difficult circumstances or when God’s plan seems to conflict with our own desires. However, as Christians, we are called to have faith and to trust in God’s sovereignty. Another beautiful verse in the Bible is found in Proverbs 3:5-6 were we are encouraged to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” 

Trusting in God’s plan means having faith in His character and promises by surrendering our own plans to Him. We need to seek His guidance and direction and ultimately trust that His plan for our life is perfectly orchestrated and for His glory. 

2. Finding Fellowship. As a Christian, we need to find fellowship through being a part of a group of people who share our faith and who can support us in our spiritual journey. It means being surrounded by people who encourage us, challenge us, and help us grow in our relationship with God. 

In the Bible, we see many examples of people who lived out their faith in community. The early church, for example, was characterized by a deep sense of fellowship and mutual support. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…All the believers were together and had everything in common…they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God.” 

Finding fellowship might involve attending a church or small group, participating in a Bible study or prayer group, or getting involved in a ministry or service project. The important thing is to be intentional about seeking out relationships with other believers who can support us in our faith. 

We can find encouragement and accountability as we share our struggles and triumphs with others. We can learn from the wisdom and experience of those who have walked the path of faith before us. We can also be a source of encouragement and support for others who are going through their own struggles and challenges. 

Ultimately, finding fellowship as a Christian is about living out the call to love and serve one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” By participating in Christian companionship, we can live out this command and grow in our relationship with God and with others. 

3. Cultivating Gratitude. As Christians, we’re called to give thanks in all circumstances. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we’re told to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

This doesn’t mean we should ignore our pain or pretend that everything is okay when it’s not. Rather, it means that we can find hope by looking for the good in every situation no matter how small they may seem. 

We can be grateful for the people who are supporting us, or for the small moments of joy we experience in the midst of our struggles. By intentionally cultivating gratitude, we can shift our focus from our difficulties to the blessings in our lives.

It means acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from God, and choosing to view our life through a lens of gratitude rather than one of entitlement or complaint. We can make a daily habit of thanking God for the blessings in our lives, both big and small. We can also reflect on how God has worked in our life in the past, and give thanks for His faithfulness and provision. 

Cultivating gratitude can help us to shift our focus from our problems to the blessings in our lives, leading to greater joy and contentment. It can also help us to stay connected to God and to remember His faithfulness, even when we are facing difficult circumstances, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. By practicing gratitude, we can experience greater joy and contentment in our life, and deepen our relationship with God. 

4. Holding onto God’s Promises. This means that we are to trust in and rely on the truths and assurances found in the Bible that are attributed to God. These promises remind us of God’s love, faithfulness, and power, and can provide hope and encouragement in the midst of difficult circumstances. 

Holding onto God’s promises involves several steps:

• First, we need to identify the promises that speak to our specific situation. For example, if we’re facing financial difficulties, we might look to the promise in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” 

If we’re struggling with fear or anxiety, we might turn to Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

• Second, once we’ve identified the promises that apply to our situation, we need to meditate on them and internalize them. This means taking the time to read and study the relevant verses, and reflecting on what they mean for us personally. We can pray and ask God to help us believe and trust in His promises, even when our circumstances seem overwhelming. 

• Finally, holding onto God’s promises requires faith and patience. We may not see immediate results or experience an instant resolution to our struggles, but we can trust that God is working behind the scenes and that His promises will come to pass. As Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” 

Holding onto God’s promises involves a combination of faith, study, prayer, and patience. By relying on the truths and assurances found in the Bible, we can find hope and encouragement even in the midst of our struggles. 

So, always remember to “commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act” (Psalm 37:5). 

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Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:4-5) 

Every day believers must cling to the Lord for help, for He is our source of sustaining power. Psalm 37:5 tells us what King David wrote, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” 

In John 14:13-14, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you . . . I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.” 

When Jesus said He would give “whatever you ask in My name,” He was not conveying a supernatural formula for getting whatever we want. He was giving us a guiding principle to align one’s desires with God’s. When we pray “in Jesus’ name,” we pray according to the will of God; we pray for what will honor and glorify Jesus. God will provide the means necessary to accomplish His objectives, and ultimately, God receives all the glory and praise for what is done. 

Many centuries ago, a desperate father brought his son to the Lord Jesus with an appeal for healing. The boy was demon-possessed from childhood and tormented physically and spiritually. The agony was awful. His father had brought him to Jesus’ disciples, and they were unable to do anything. The father then said to Jesus, “But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:22-23). 

The urgent cry of that anxious father was, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). No doubt we often need to plea for such help. The mindset of the believer is important, and it involves commitment to allowing God to do His work in us. 

Remember that our delight should be in the Lord. We should take pleasure in Him, and when we do that, when our desire is for Him, He provides that our desires are met (Psalm 37:4). The closer we get to Him, the more our desires begin to change from our own selfish requests to wanting what He wants for us. 

Therefore, every day in prayer, commit yourself to the Lord. 

• Ask Him and seek His directions for your life, that you may walk in the purposes He has for your life (Matthew 7:7)
• Ask Him to give you wisdom for your plans and decisions (James 1:5).
• Trust Him to provide for your needs in accordance with His will (Philippians 4:19; 1 John 5:14).
• Cast your worries upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).
• Confidently know that Jesus will work on your behalf (Psalm 37:5).
• That He will bring to pass what is good for you according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) and
• Thank the Lord and praise Him for His answers to your prayers (Philippians 4:6). 

Tell other with gratitude and humility, what God has done for you (Psalm 66:16) and pray that your witness will encourage other people to commit their way to the Lord. 

 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). 

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My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:5 

For many of us being silence is not something that we care for. Why? Because, we are constantly on the go and technology robs us of our peace and quiet time, it shortens our time and relationship with God because we are preoccupied with other things instead of focusing our minds on Him. 

So we must ask ourselves:

• God is speaking, but am I listening?
• Are the activities that consume my time and energy those God wants for me? Do I need more periods of stillness and rest?
• Have I shortchanged my relationship with the Lord because I’m preoccupied with other things? 

Many times we are so involved with the activities of this earthly life that we neglect what’s more essential, which are adequate quiet time with God in His Word and in prayer. 

It’s not about having a ritual of quickly reading a chapter in the Bible and offering a short prayer in the car on the way to work, but a dedicated time of uninterrupted silent meditation. 

Psalm 119:15-16 tells us, “I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” When we do this, the truths we learn in the Scriptures are implanted in our minds, hearts, and become part of our life. 

We need to understand that God is constantly working in our hearts and circumstances to achieve His will for our lives. If we ever feel hopeless and forgotten by the Lord, we must remember that even though we can’t see what He’s doing, He is not idle. These quiet times of inactivity may well be the preparation we need for what He has in store for our day and for our future. 

David was a shepherd who learned to know and trust the Lord in silence and isolation. Much of his early life was spent alone with the sheep, and even though he was an anointed king, he was forced to hide in the wilderness for many years (Psalm 78:70-72). During this time David wrote many psalms which give us a glimpse into the depth of his relationship with the Lord. 

The only way we truly get to know someone is in a private setting, and this is true of our relationship with God as well. Church gatherings and Bible studies may broaden our understanding of the Lord, but they can never take the place of intimate one-on-one fellowship with Him. We need peace and quiet to process what He says in His Word, to respond in worship, and to bring all our concerns to Him in prayer. And when we do this, like David, we will discover that these quiet moments with the Lord become our greatest joy. 

Another example of spending time with God is the apostle Paul. He was a devout Pharisee whose life was ordered not only by the Law of Moses but also by a huge number of man-made traditions. Paul was an expert in the Scriptures but failed to recognize his Messiah until he met Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-6). After his conversion, Paul spent three years alone (Galatians 1:11-18). During this time of isolation, he was trained to become the greatest advocate and missionary for Christianity. He learned to see his Messiah throughout the Old Testament, and every situation and experience in his life was filtered through the truths of Scripture. That’s why he could rejoice in weaknesses and be content despite pain, deprivation, and persecution (Philippians 4:10-13). 

Praying and reading His Word are some of the many blessings that come our way when we reserve time to be alone with the Lord. When we do this, the Holy Spirit teaches us wisdom, which is the ability to view life through biblical lenses. Wisdom is not learned in front of a television, through social media, or at a sporting event. It’s acquired quietly in our private time with the Lord as He puts His Word into our mind and works it out in our relationships and responses to various situations. 

As difficult as it may be to carve out a period of quiet stillness in our life, the benefits will be worth the sacrifice. Depending on your situation perhaps waking up a half hour earlier would work for you, or if you tend to stay up late, that would be the best time for you. Whatever the circumstance it would be worth developing a habit of spending a dedicated time of your day with God which in time you will realize will be a huge benefit in your life. 

Silence for the sake of silence is not the goal. After all, we aren’t simply seeking an absence of noise, disturbances, and activity; our purpose is to remove every distraction so we can focus our attention on God (Psalm 62:5-7). Instead of only inviting the Lord to join us in the midst of our daily activities, let’s pause for a while and discover the joy and blessings of quiet solitude with our heavenly Father. 

Remember what Isaiah wrote: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). 

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Since the fall of man, the basis of salvation has always been the death of Christ. No one, either prior to the cross or since the cross, would ever be saved without that one pivotal event in the history of the world. Christ’s death paid the penalty for past sins of Old Testament saints and future sins of New Testament saints. 

People in the Old Testament times were saved by responding positively to God’s revelation. In other words, people were and are held accountable for what they know even those who have never heard of Jesus. 

If someone lived in the Amazon jungle prior to Christ’s death and resurrection, how could they have been expected to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of their sins? Obviously, they could not believe in something they had never heard. In fact, that’s what the Bible tells us: “How shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). 

We believe that God doesn’t expect people to respond to something they’ve never heard, and that He does hold us accountable for what we have heard. This idea is expressed by the following passage: “Sin is not taken into account when there is no law” (Romans 5:13). We know that at the root of it all we are made sinners because of Adam and not because we break the law ourselves. We know this because sin and death were in the world before the Law was ever given. The law was too late to prevent sin and death and it is too weak to save from sin and death. 

 If a person cannot respond to the good news of Jesus dying on their behalf (because they haven’t heard that good news), what are they accountable to respond to? 

The Holy Scriptures tell us that there are fundamentals for every human being. 

First, all people are accountable to know that God exists. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). The complexity of the world around us tells us that there is a God, even though people can suppress that knowledge in their heart. Even those who haven’t heard of Jesus Christ are accountable for knowing that God exists. 

Second, we are all accountable for knowing that we are sinners. The Old Testament law proves that we are sinful. Who has perfectly loved God or their neighbor? No one, therefore, “through the law we become conscious of sin” (Romans 3:20). 

What about people who did not know the Old Testament law? The Bible tells us that even people who don’t have that law nonetheless have their own “law” meaning their own moral standard within their hearts. “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them” (Romans 2:14–15). 

For example, if a person believes in their conscience that it is wrong to hurt or kill someone, then that is a law within their heart. Therefore, when they intentionally do these things, they have disobeyed the moral standard within their heart, thus proving they are a sinner. 

So the two basics of revelation from God are:

1. That God exists and
2. That we humans are sinners. 

How does one respond positively to these things? Well, since there is a God and we are sinners, then we need to humble ourselves before Him. Even the person who never hears about Jesus Christ is accountable for humbling himself before God. In fact, the Bible speaks of a future time when God will proclaim the “eternal gospel” to every nation, tribe, language, and people on Earth: “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water” (Revelation 14:7). 

In times past, prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection, people were saved by humbling themselves before God since God can have compassion and mercy on whomever He chooses “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Romans 9:15), and God alone knows people’s hearts. 

For those who don’t know or have not heard about Jesus, they still need to humble themselves before God. That means that they cannot trust in themselves for their salvation. Meaning, a person cannot think they can earn God’s favor by following religious rituals. That is an error because it’s like telling God, “I’m not a sinner, just look at all the good things I’ve done!” Therefore, it is a rejection of the basics of God’s revelation to us – that we are sinners who need forgiveness from God. 

In short, we do not know who is saved and who is not since “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Certainly we cannot speak for any individual. However, as we have already seen, the Bible does not leave us totally in the dark and various approaches towards an answer can be made. 

Throughout Scripture we know that God is a morally perfect and just. He also knows everything and His very nature is love. The idea that on the Day of Judgment there will be a massive failure of justice, either because God didn’t know or didn’t care is inconceivable. Such a God would be an evil tyrant, not the merciful Lord revealed by Jesus. 

So whatever does happen would leave any honest observer entirely satisfied that the God of Creation has done right as seen in Genesis 18:25, “Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 

Again, no one is totally ignorant about the true and living God. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). This includes the moral character of God as evidenced by our consciences. “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of mankind through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 2:14-16). 

The Old Testament heroes of faith had little knowledge of Jesus yet found God’s mercy. Jesus described Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as feasting in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 8:11) while paradise itself is described as being at Abraham’s side (Luke 16:23). Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross hundreds of years later seems to have acted retrospectively for them (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 9:15). Is it not possible then for others who have not heard of Jesus to respond to the knowledge of God they do have in the way those heroes did? 

Jesus promises that those who do seek after God will find Him (Matthew 7:7). 

The requirement for salvation has always been faith. The object of one’s faith for salvation has always been God. The psalmist wrote, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 2:12). Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed God and that was enough for God to credit it to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3-8). The Old Testament sacrificial system did not take away sin, as Hebrews 10:1-10 clearly teaches. It did, however, point to the day when the Son of God would shed His blood for the sinful human race. 

Everyone has enough knowledge of God in order to seek after Him but the general state is that men do not, even though their consciences condemn them. Hence we are called to proclaim the Gospel and urge that men and women be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

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The way in which Jesus fulfilled the Jewish feasts is a fascinating study. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the Jewish prophet Amos records that God declared He would do nothing without first revealing it to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). From the Old Testament to the New Testament, Genesis to Revelation, God provides picture after picture of His entire plan for mankind and one of the most startling prophetic pictures is outlined for us in the Jewish feasts of Leviticus 23.

The Hebrew word for “feasts” (moadim) literally means “appointed times.” God has carefully planned and orchestrated the timing and sequence of each of these seven feasts to reveal to us a special story. The seven annual feasts of Israel were spread over seven months of the Jewish calendar, at set times appointed by God. They are still celebrated by observant Jews today. These special days demonstrate the work of redemption through God’s Son for both Jews and non-Jews who have placed their faith in Yeshua.

At this time we will focus on the first four of the seven feasts occur during the springtime (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Weeks). These have already been fulfilled by Christ in the New Testament. The final three feasts (Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles) occur during the fall, all starting within a short fifteen-day period and we will be addressing these at their appropriate time of the year.

Before we pursue how the spring feasts were fulfilled in Jesus, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the Jewish feasts since the feasts were a part of the Mosaic Law that were given to the Children of Israel by God through Moses in (Exodus 12; 23:14-17; Leviticus 23; Numbers 28 & 29; and Deuteronomy 16). The Jewish nation was commanded by God to celebrate seven feasts over a seven month period of time, beginning in the spring of the year and continuing through the fall. The timing and sequence of the spring feasts are illustrated below.

THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE JEWISH SPRING FEAST AS THEY RELATE TO JESUS

Feast of Passover  –  Christ’s death  – Jesus the Lamb of God

Feast of Unleavened Bread – Jesus’ sinlessness and

Feast of First Fruits  – Christ’s resurrection

Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) – The coming of the Holy Spirit

The first three feasts Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits occur in rapid succession in the spring of the year over a period of eight days. They came to be referred to collectively as “Passover.”

The fourth feast of Weeks occurs fifty days later at the beginning of the summer. By New Testament times this feast had come to be known by its Greek name, Pentecost, a word meaning fifty.

The last three feasts Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles extend over a period of twenty-one days and occur in the fall. They will be explained at that time of the year. 

All the feasts were prophetic in nature, each one pointing in a unique way to some aspect of the life and work of the promised Messiah.

• Passover – (Leviticus 23:5) – Pointed to the Messiah as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) whose blood would be shed for our sins. Jesus was crucified during the time that the Passover was observed (Luke 22:7). He was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, at the same time that the lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover meal that evening.

Christ is a “lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19) because His life was completely free from sin (Hebrews 4:15). As the first Passover marked the Hebrews’ release from Egyptian slavery, so the death of Christ marks our release from the slavery of sin (Romans 8:2).

During the first Passover which occurred during the exodus of Israel from Egypt, along with the instruction to apply the Passover lamb’s blood to their doorposts and lintels, God instituted a commemorative meal; fire-roasted lamb, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8). The Lord told the Israelites to “observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever” (Exodus 12:24), even when in a foreign land.

To this day, Jews all over the world celebrate the Passover in obedience to this command. Passover and the story of the exodus have great significance for Christians also, as Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, including the symbolism of the Passover (Matthew 5:17). Jesus is our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 5:12). The Last Supper was a Passover meal that Jesus celebrated with His disciples before He was crucified (Luke 22:7-8).

The Israelites who, in faith, applied the blood of the Paschal lamb to their homes became a model for us since, by spiritually applying His blood to our lives by faith, we trust Christ to save us from death.  It was not the Israelites’ ancestry or good standing or amiable nature that saved them; it was only the blood of the Lamb that made them exempt from death (see John 1:29 and Revelation 5:9-10).

• Unleavened Bread – (Leviticus 23:6) – Pointed to the Messiah’s sinless life, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Leaven is often seen as a symbol of corruption or evil influence in the Bible. There is a good reason for this interpretation, “leaven” is a remnant of dough that was allowed to rot or ferment. As it is spoiled or fermented, yeast (a fungus) from the air lands on and breeds in the dough. This remnant of “corrupted” dough was then added to the next day’s batch of dough, creating bread that would rise and grow. Leaven signifies anything that rots and corrupts physically, spiritually, and morally.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread points to Jesus as the bread from heaven without leaven (sin). He is our Bread of life (John 6:48).

• First Fruits – (Leviticus 23:10) – Pointed to the Messiah’s resurrection as the first fruits of the righteous. Jesus was resurrected on this very day, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to Him in 1 Corinthians 15:20 as “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

• Weeks or Pentecost – (Leviticus 23:16) – Occurred fifty days after the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and pointed to the great harvest of souls and the gift of the Holy Spirit for both Jew and Gentile, who would be brought into the kingdom of God during the Church Age (see Acts 2). The Church was actually established on this day when God poured out His Holy Spirit and 3,000 Jews responded to Peter’s great sermon and his first proclamation of the gospel.

The long interval of three months between Pentecost and the feast of Trumpets points to the current Church Age, a period of time that was kept as a mystery to the Hebrew prophets in Old Testament times.

The Jewish rituals were only temporary visual aids. God used them as object lessons to teach the Jewish people about their coming Messiah. We no longer need these rituals to show us the way to God, but that doesn’t mean that these Hebrew visuals aren’t still valuable to us as Christians. They still are very useful in helping us to better understand how to know God and walk with Him through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Blessings to all as we celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

* * * * * * *

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:22-25) 

In verse 22 James says, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” This verse teaches us the importance of intentionality in our journey of faith. 

Not only is there a difference in how the deceived person and true believer listen to God’s Word, but the major difference is in what they do with it. In James’ illustration, the one with only a profession of faith looks into the mirror of God’s Word, sees the reflection, and walks away (v. 23-24). He is a forgetful hearer. However, the true believer, the active doer, studies God’s Word and obeys it (v. 22, 25). 

James is not the only one to give obedience as a test of salvation. Christ and John did as well. In Matthew 7:21, Christ said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven—only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” 

Likewise, John wrote: The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever follows His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:4-6). 

Obedience to Scripture is the ultimate proof of salvation. Being a forgetful hearer is a characteristic of the deceived. When James calls the person a forgetful hearer, he probably is not focusing on this person’s mental disposition. It’s probably more a problem with the person’s priorities. It’s not that this person forgot that God forbids the practice of sexual immorality, lying, stealing, cheating, seeking vengeance, drunkenness, or using ungodly language. This person knows the truth but has other priorities, ‘things that are more important to them.’ 

Being accepted by friends, having fun, being successful even if that means cheating at times, is more important to them which make a person neglect what God’s Word teaches. There are many idols in this person’s life that keeps them from obedience; therefore, if this person doesn’t live a life characterized by obedience to Scripture, they are really deceived. 

Another point to focus on is that a person probably forgets God’s Word because of lack of study. The secret to learning, which is necessary for obeying, is studying. Since this person doesn’t prioritize God’s Word, they do not study it deeply. If people only hear a message once in a while and don’t revisit its truth, they will forget it and ultimately not obey it. Likewise, if people simply read Scripture and don’t meditate on it, most of what was learned will be forgotten. Unfortunately, many in the church simply listen on Sunday and possibly read occasionally throughout the week without any intention to learn. Therefore, the message is lost and not obeyed. 

There is a distinction in the diligence of the true believer and the one who is deceived. This is a reminder to be serious about God’s Word and to study it. Repetition is crucial for learning; otherwise, we will simply forget what God taught us. 

While the one forgets, the true believer obeys God’s Word, which James calls the “perfect law of liberty” (v. 25). We also read this in Psalm 19:7-9, were David said God’s Word was perfect, reliable, fair, pure, right, just and is absolutely perfect and trustworthy. In being God’s “law,” Scripture teaches God’s moral requirements and clearly tells us what we should and should not do. 

The law of “liberty,” in turn, gives us freedom. Christ said he who sins is a slave of sin (John 8:34) and also that the truth shall set us free (John 8:32). Though sin feels like freedom, it is really bondage. It keeps us away from right relationships with God, others, and us. It keeps us away from fulfilling God’s call on our life. On the other hand, God’s Word, as we obey it, sets us free from sin and helps us have right relationships with God and others. It sets us free to be all God has called us to be and to do all God has called us to do. 

It is very important to remember that our ability to complete our God-given callings is connected to God’s Word. His Word truly gives us freedom as James concludes by saying that a person who looks into the perfect law of liberty and obeys it will be “blessed in what he does” (1:25). 

Keep in mind that just as we plant and nurture a seed to bear fruit, our faith requires purposeful action. Hearing the Word is the beginning, but living it out is the practice of our Christian walk. When we consciously apply God’s truths to our lives, we become a recipient of His love and grace to those around us. This involves asking ourselves how we can embody God’s Word through our actions. After all, it’s through demonstrations of thoughtfulness, forgiveness, and love that we bear witness to our faith. 

So, as you go about your day, consider ways to purposefully live out your faith. Small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and moments of prayer can have a profound impact. And the more such things become your goal, the more you’ll experience intimacy in your relationship with God. 

Remember that God blesses the obedient by giving them more understanding of God’s Word. In Mark 4:24-25, Christ said: “Take care about what you hear. The measure you use will be the measure you receive, and more will be added to you. For whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” 

The “more” that will be added isn’t power, influence, or material possessions; it is spiritual wisdom. However if they show little interest, that little which they have, will be taken away from them. Meaning that those who respond to truth receive more; those who don’t lose what they had. 

When we have a relationship with Jesus, our lives take on a completely new quality and nature. We are indwelled by God’s Holy Spirit , our lives automatically move away from sin and towards purity and begin to reflect the character of the Holy Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Therefore, “we pray always for you that . . . the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). 

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“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-17). 

We need to ask probing questions as Jesus did – ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ There were a range of answers that were spinning in the minds of the common Jewish folk at that time. Some said that He was John the Baptist, others Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets. 

If that same question were asked of society today we also would get a whole range of answers. Some see Him as a great teacher or leader but nothing more. Others see Him as a Prophet but not as the son of God. And atheists may say that He didn’t even exist! There would be a range of answers to that question. 

The key question is not what others say about Jesus, but what do you say about who He is? All of mankind will have to stand before the Lord one day and the question will not be what did others say about Jesus, but what did you believe? Peter’s answer was spot on… ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!’ Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah but he also knew that He was God’s very own Son. This truth, Jesus said, is only revealed by His Father in Heaven. 

Can you, like Peter answer this question with absolute certainty? If not, read the Bible, pray and ask God to open your eyes and reveal this truth to your soul! 

The Lord Jesus Christ was the greatest evangelist the world has ever known. Therefore, if we are going to be effective witnesses for Christ and His Gospel, it would be wise for us to follow His example of asking questions. 

In the four Gospels, our Lord asked hundreds of questions to challenge people in their spiritual knowledge and understanding. His questions were effective in initiating conversations, building relationships, challenging people to think, and leading them to arrive at the right answer. When Jesus was He asked a question, He often responded with another question rather than give an answer. His questions caused people to reflect on what is really important in this life and what will happen after death if they do not place their trust in Him. 

• Jesus asked people questions to uncover their motives and to expose their unbelief. He asked: “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Mark 8:36), or 

• “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:37). 

• To the stiff-necked Jews He asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). 

• For the purpose of establishing a trustworthy source for truth He asked, “Did you never read in the Scriptures?” (Matthew 21:42). 

• Concerning the promise of His return to establish righteousness Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). 

Jesus’ many questions caused people to ponder on His authority, especially when He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13). 

On another occasion He asked, “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word” (John 8:43). “If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46). 

Jesus also confronted unbelievers in their spiritual blindness by asking questions. “Having eyes, do you not see and having ears do you not hear?” (Mark 8:18). “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12). “How will you escape the sentence of hell?” (Matthew 23:33). 

Here are some question from God’s Word that we need to ask people so we can show them how much we care, because people really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care for them. This is a powerful lesson for us today. Rather than preaching to people about their errant religious beliefs, it is better to ask, “What is your supreme authority for knowing truth.” Can there be any more trustworthy source for truth than God’s inspired, inerrant, infallible Word? 

Here are additional questions that you might ask that will give you an opportunity to listen and share the truth of God’s Word: 

• What is the greatest gift you’ve ever received?
• What is the most important decision you face in this life?
• Do you know where will you spend eternity?
• Do you trust what Christ has paid the price to save you?
• If you could ask God one question, what would it be and why?
• Why did Jesus have to die?
• What does it mean when Jesus declared “it is finished” on the cross?
• Are you ready to meet your Creator? 

There are many questions that you can ask as you let the Holy Spirit lead you. 

There may be occasions when people may not be interested in talking about the truth of God’s Word. Whenever this happens, you could humbly say, “We can be wrong about a lot of things in this life and still survive, but if we are wrong about what we are trusting for eternal life we will pay for that mistake forever and ever.” Please read what Jesus said in (Matthew 13:41-42; Matthew 25:41).

After sharing the Gospel verbally, it is always important to leave the Gospel in written form so the person can review the Biblical truths that you have shared. Remember the Word of God is the imperishable seed that brings forth life to those who are dead in sin (1 Peter 1:23). 

Therefore, we need to obey Jesus’ commandment to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

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I was in prison and you came to visit me … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me. (Matthew 25:36, 40) 

If Jesus were on earth today, would we find Him in the prisons, talking and dining with criminals and outcasts? Of course we would. He would be there “to seek and to save the lost” and to restore them, just as He did with Zacchaeus a hated tax collectors who was a corrupt man who had grown rich by cheating others. 

We read about Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) were he climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see what this Jesus was all about. It was then that the Lord invited Himself to dinner with Zacchaeus, to the irritation of the more “righteous” people in the crowd. But that loving invitation brought this corrupt tax collector to repentance and transformation, ready to make amends for his crimes. 

On another occasion Jesus was rebuked for eating with publicans and sinners, and He replied that “it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). 

As believers we are His representatives on earth, and to help people in prison is what we should do as well.  By bringing awareness to them of the healing touch of our Lord and Savior we recogniz in them the dignity of God’s creation, no matter how far they have fallen; trusting that no one is beyond Christ’s love and power to redeem. 

God does not despise the broken; so neither should we. Rather, we are to imitate the One who came to seek and to save the lost, as we once were, no matter what type of bonds enslave and cripple them. 

Jesus identifies strongly with the weak, the helpless, and the excluded, He considers the way we treat them with the way we treat Him (Matthew 25:35-36). He wants us to identify with them, putting ourselves in their situation and reflecting Jesus’ love by showing them God’s way. 

God does not always seek to free the prisoners from their physical prison, but certainly from their imprisonment from sin, ignorance, rebellion, and foolish choices; and Jesus identified Himself as the source of this freedom. Since this is an important part of God’s work, it is an important part of the believer’s work as well. 

Society may intend prison to be a place of punishment, but God can use it as a place of refinement and transformation. He does not give up on those in prison, but pursues them in love. 

Scripture tell us that: 

• “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, and the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” (Psalm 146:7-9) 

• “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” (Isaiah 42:6-7) 

• “The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him [Jesus]. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.'” (Luke 4:17-19; Isaiah 61:1:3)

Most men and women in prison are there for a reason, they did the crime and are doing the time. Hitting rock bottom is what prods many offenders to take an honest look at their lives and cry out to God for mercy. And God is ready to give it. 

• “Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. So He subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.” (Psalm 107:10-16) 

Transformed lives point everyone’s attention to God! This is the greatest motivation to get involved in prison ministry. No one else but God can take credit for the miraculous turnaround in criminals’ lives. 

Remember that a person’s past does not have to dictate their future. Even a former criminal, if he has learned from his mistakes and renounced his sins, can become a great leader in God’s hands. Consider Moses, who was a murderer and a fugitive from justice when God called him to lead His people out of slavery. In the heat of passion, he had killed an Egyptian, hidden him in the desert sand, and then fled the country because pharaoh was after him to execute him (Exodus 2:11-15). Yet this is the man God called to lead His people to the Promised Land, to receive the Ten Commandments, to be a pivotal figure in salvation history. 

Or consider the apostle Paul, a religious zealot who in his hatred for Christians conspired in putting them to death for their faith. Yet Jesus called Paul to Himself, directed him to write most of the New Testament, and turned him into the early Church’s greatest missionary to the Gentiles (Acts 9:26-28). 

Despite their past, offenders who come to Jesus have a new identity and a new relationship with Christ; therefore, as believers, we are to assist prisoners to come to know the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Creator and Savior Jesus Christ. 

So, what is our motive for getting involved in prison ministry? Our motive is the great love of our Savior, who came to this sinful world, who saw the great needs of lost people, who felt compassion for them, and who served them with the good news of salvation. If you have experienced salvation you should be one of Jesus’ workers in His harvest since He wants you to see as He saw, to feel as He felt, and to do as He did. 

Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:35-38) 

As ambassadors for Christ we should reach out and love lost people as Jesus did. 

We at Mission Venture Ministries are involved in writing and giving hope to the prisoners that are signed up with Crossroads Prison Ministry. If you would like to partner with this amazing ministry and help a prisoner find salvation in Christ, please get in touch with them thru the following link https://cpministries.org, since they are having a great need of mentors to help these prisoners. This is done completely anonymously, by writing letters to them through the coordination of the Crossroads headquarters. 

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“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19) 

The main reason we can trust biblical prophecy is that it is “God-breathed,” by the Creator of the universe. His Scripture is inerrant, perfect, and true. It was written through the penmanship of men by means of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophesy shows that Scripture is inspired by God Himself because it predicts the future with unerring accuracy before it happens. 

Over three hundred Old Testament passages pertain to the first coming of the Messiah. They cover His lineage, birth, life death and resurrection. The statistical odds i.e. scientifically observable and testable probability of these events happening by chance are a scientific impossibility. 

Let’s take a look at several types of prophecy: 

There are literal prophecies, which are the most common form. It needs no explanation and occurs exactly as predicted.

• Isaiah 7:14 tells us: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
• Matthew 1:23 tells us that this prophecy was fulfilled exactly as it was stated: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 

Then there are timeline prophecies, which occur when so many days months or years are given from one event until another specific event occurs.

• Daniel 9:24-26 records the number of days from the command to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince comes.
• Then, all four Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19) show the fulfillment of this prophecy. Jesus’ purpose in riding into Jerusalem was to make public His claim to be their Messiah and King of Israel in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew says that the King coming on the foal of a donkey was an exact fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 

Another type is the double fulfillment prophecy, which is fulfilled at one time in history and will be fulfilled again in the same way at a later date:

• Daniel 11 describes an antichrist type would place and abomination in the Temple, which Antiochus Epiphanes fulfilled in 167 BC.
• Mathew 24:14-15 states Jesus’ warning that the Daniel’s prophecy would be fulfilled again in the Antichrist in the End Times. 

And yet another type is the dual purpose prophecy which is given and fulfilled at one time in history and also serves as a type of prophecy for the future, yet is a totally different prophecy.

• Genesis 6:3-7, God warned the world of a worldwide flood to judge sin.
• 2 Peter 3:3-7, He also used this prophecy as a warning that He will judge sin again. This time, however, will be the final judgment and will happen with fire instead. 

As we see, the Bible can be trusted as coming from God through numerous accurate fulfillments, and it can be trusted as accurate regarding future predications as well. The major prophecies yet to be fulfilled include the rapture of the church that is imminent (1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 5:13-18), the judgments of the seven-year tribulation (Revelation 6 – 12), the second coming of Christ at Armageddon (Revelation 19), the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:1-6), the defeat of Satan and final judgment (Revelation 20:7-15), and the new heavens and earth (Revelation 21 – 22) during which all of God’s people will dwell with Him for eternity. 

Therefore dear friend, “when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). 

Today could be “the day”, and we should fully expect it to be possible. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus . . . Amen. 

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The primary way we gain godly wisdom is by learning from God’s Word (Psalm 119:169). “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). 

No one is born wise; we must acquire wisdom from God if we are to be truly wise: “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey Your precepts” (Psalm 119:98–100). 

Like a lighthouse whose beam pierces the night, God’s presence offers reassurance in our life. When we earnestly seek Him, pouring out our fears and worries, He answers with a love that transcends our understanding. In the warmth of His compassion, we find strength to face our fears head-on, knowing we are not alone on a dark sea. God, instead, offers a transformative inner peace that steadies our mind and heart. It empowers us to walk through life’s challenges with the realization that our faith in Him is stronger than the grip of fear. 

The person, who is seeking to walk in the light and the wisdom of God, is going to reflect often about his own relationship with the Lord and how God desires to work in his life. He is going to want to please the Lord, to grow in his relationship with Him and to gain godly wisdom. 

As we walk in wisdom, we see God’s hand at every turn and know He is with us. We become more and more familiar with His voice – “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27); His prompting, (John 14:26); His leading (2 Corinthians 2:14) and His knocking at our heart, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). We will not merely know more about God; rather, we truly come to know God in a deeper way. 

Godly wisdom is, of course, from God and honors God. Godly wisdom starts with the fear of God and results in a holy life. Worldly wisdom, on the other hand, is not concerned with honoring God but with pleasing oneself. With worldly wisdom, we may become educated, street-smart, and have “common sense” that enables us to play the world’s game successfully. Godly wisdom enables us to prepare ourselves for eternity. With godly wisdom, we trade earthly values for biblical values (1 John 2:15–16). We recognize we are citizens of another kingdom, and we make choices that reflect that allegiance (Philippians 1:27; 3:20). Having godly wisdom means we strive to see life from God’s perspective and act accordingly. 

Let us take solace in knowing that at any time; God is ever-present, guiding us with His divine light. In the darkest moments, His love shines through, illuminating the path ahead. As we seek Him, He becomes our rock, our refuge, and our source of courage. 

To walk wisely, we must consciously and intentionally ask the Lord daily to reveal His wisdom in every area of challenge, difficulty, or opportunity we face. 

Scripture tells us to ask for godly wisdom: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). God wants us to have His wisdom. He is delighted to give it to us when our hearts are set to receive it. However, James goes on to say, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (verses 6–8). God knows our heart. When we are committed to trusting Him and obeying His Word, He pours out His wisdom on us (Jeremiah 29:13). But if we want to retain the right to disobey, we are double-minded and may not receive the wisdom we ask for. 

Godly wisdom often requires us to do that which is opposite to our natural inclinations. Godly wisdom goes against the “conventional wisdom” of the day; it is not focused on self-preservation but on furthering the kingdom of God. We can only live in godly wisdom when we are committed to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit (Galatians 2:20) and receiving His light. 

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