Category: Ministry

The Gospel of John 20:7 tells us that the napkin , which was placed over the face of Jesus , was just not thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed separate from the grave clothes. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have put Him!”

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first.  He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrapping lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying to the side.

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. 
 
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating and the servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the “wadded napkin meant, “I’m done! “

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because… The folded napkin means, ‘I’m coming back!

Continuing in His service…Rev

Return To Sender

Romans 8:1″There is therefore now no condemnation to those to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

On an occasion, mail will be delivered to an address bearing the name of the person that was previously living at that address. Because this person has moved and has a new address, the person that is currently living at the address will sometimes write on the envelope or package; “return to sender”.  Then that envelope or package will be returned to the person or company that sent the mail.

Romans 8:33 “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.”

A person does not always have to receive or accept what has been sent, given to them, what has been said about them, or what they have been accused of.

Who can successfully make an accusation against someone who God has declared righteous?

Revelations 12:10 “for the accuser of the brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”

Believers have to recognize both the power and the authority that they have, and use that God given power and authority to be victorious when they are being accused, or attacked by the enemy.

2nd Corinthians 2:11 “lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Believers have to remain vigilant of what is going on around them.

Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgement you shall condemn.”

The next time the enemy forms a weapon, or makes a false accusation against you, just say the words “return to sender” and shout to the Lord with a voice of triumph claiming the victory…Hallelujah!

Lord Jesus, thank You for the power and authority You have given your believers to live victorious lives free from false judgements and accusations…in Your precious name. Amen!

Continuing in His service…Rev

The Steps of a Good Man

Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Vs 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” 

There are two choices in life:

• Having God to order our steps in His will.
• On the other hand, we take it upon ourselves to order our own steps by our own will.

God numbers our steps

Job 14:16 “For now You number my steps, But do not watch over my sin.“

God counts all our steps

Job 31:4 “Does he not see my ways, And count all my steps?”

God sees our entire goings.

Job 34:21“For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.”

God ponders all our goings and

Proverbs 5:21 “For the ways of a man are before the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”

God directs our steps.

Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

God will order our steps according to His will, all we have to is allow ourselves to be led by His Spirit. One might ask the question “why does God order our steps?” God wants us to be safe, headed in the right direction, and away from unnecessary problems or circumstances. His desire is to keep us on the path of blessings and success.

Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.”  

God delights to see His people, walking in His ordered paths. When we yield to God’s will in ordering our steps, we will not fall into one of the devil’s traps or snares.

Psalm 17:4 “Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.”

Psalm 119:133, “Order my steps in the Word: and let not iniquity have dominion over me.”

Lord Jesus, thank you for ordering each of our steps. May your people walk by faith in you and not by what is seen in the world, in Your precious name…Amen

I continue to be in His service…Rev

Overflow

Psalm 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.“

Starting with Adam and Eve in the garden, God has made provision for his people.

Genesis 3:21 “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.”

God is not “stingy” with His blessings, and delights in seeing His people prosper. Scripture tells us that it is His good pleasure to bless His people.

Luke 12:32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Not only is it God’s good pleasure to provide for His people, He provides in abundance. The psalmist stated in the 23 Psalm that their “cup runs over.”

2nd Corinthians 9:8 “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.”

God gives increase to His people in proportion to His infinite resources, not just a minimum amount out of His riches. The blessings of God do not have an expiration date; He is truly a gracious God.

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

Father in heaven, thank you for your abundance, in Jesus name…Amen!

Continuing in His service…Rev