CHANGED

We all know Israel is special to God from the scripture. This name has three context in the Bible. It is the name for Jacob after wrestling with an angel, it is also the name of the nation Israel. Later, Israel is also the North Kingdom after the nation split from the twelve tribes into ten in the North and two in the south.

Jacob means deceiver. His name was changed to Israel, wrestle or struggle with God. This change is significant to Jacob and also relavant for us.

Jacob (the deceiver) was on the run for his life because he deceived his father to bless him instead of his older brother Esau.

Jacob wanted to be blessed so bad that he deceived his father for it. It was when he encountered the angel of the Lord he knew he must get a blessing from the Lord. Scripture says he wrestled with the angel till day break and refused to let the angel go till he was blessed. Instead, Jacob got his name changed. The deceiver now struggle with God.

Every sinner must undergo a struggle with God to be blessed. Because sinner and God can never have a peaceful relationship. The sinner must be transformed to one who constantly struggle with God because he no longer runs away but cling on to God and never to let go.

Today, we have a saviour who need not struggle with God. Jesus Christ the Messiah obeyed everything that God required for man to be redeemed. So that by trusting Christ we gain access to God and granted a change name. Sinners to Saints, blind to see, lost to found, enemy of God to friends of God and many more.

May this significant change of name be your new identity because you are changed. May you in sin always struggle with God for transformation and experience the grace of God in Christ Jesus out Lord. To be be all glory and praise. Amen.

The Power Of Never

Often when we study scripture, we need to apply certain rules of interpretation. For example, the verse “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6) is often used to provide comfort and encouragement to people in difficult times. However, this verse was originally given to the Israelites as they prepared to conquer the promised land. Therefore, when we apply this verse to our current context, it may not seem entirely appropriate.

However, the presence of God is the greatest need of every living person, isn’t it? Interestingly, this promise is used in the book of Hebrews in a different context. In Hebrews 13:5, it says “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In other words, the verse is tied to the issue of money and contentment. Because God is with us, the love for money becomes a foolish pursuit. The Creator of the universe can supply all our needs.

I share this because I believe countless people are struggling with money in the increasingly expensive place we are living in. Yet, to have the presence of God must be our priority even if we are not progressing in our earnings. I am still learning about a particular phase in the parable of the prodigal son where the father declared, “All I have is yours”.

May we put our faith in things above, treasures eternal and the very blessing of God in us. May we trust wholeheartedly that our Lord will never leave us nor forsake us because of the faithful work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

HOW THE FIRST MEMORIAL SERVICE CHANGED AN ELDER

17 May took on a second new meaning for me. It is my mother’s death anniversary and also the day Antioch Chapel conducted her first memorial service for Terry. The encounter with the passing of someone changes us. Today I would like to share how the first memorial service changes an elder. 

I received news of the sudden passing of Terrance on 16 May 2021. Knowing his faith in Jesus and the better place he is going did not make it easier to process the information. Just 3 weeks before we met and he was complaining about pain in his back. On 1 May 2021, we were texting each other and that was the final exchange of words we had. 

We felt honoured that the family permitted us to conduct the memorial service before the cremation. Everyone deserves a time for the living to say their goodbye in an honourable way. When I was tasked to speak at the service, I did not hesitate. I am glad I did because it changed me. As there were time constraints because of the Covid-19 measures, the message was to be short. The passage I chose was what I considered the most assuring passages of the scripture. 

Romans 8:31‭-‬39 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I chose this passage because I believe this is the passage Terry embraced. What is the use of faith without such assurance? With this, I started my sharing. 

Many of us know brother Terrance as Terry. I know Terry early in my in care ministry. My first impression of Terry is that he loves to play the guitar. After every session, he will pick up the guitar and strum it in one corner. I am sure many will agree with me that when we see a guitar, we will be reminded of brother Terry. 

When he was leading worship in Antioch, he will always start the service with a mantra – I am highly favoured, deeply love and greatly blessed. I doubt this will be done on Antioch Chapel regularly from now on. But whenever someone mentions this, the memory of brother Terry will live on. 

There were a few time Terry joined me in street witnessing and praying for the sick. He will always approach the most in need person to be prayed for. Once we were in King Georges area and he pointed me to a person in a wheelchair. We asked for permission to pray for the person but we were rejected. Frankly speaking, I recall that moment, as the moment that stretched the elder’s faith. 

Brother Terry brought us once to his father’s place for dinner. It was a wonderful evening of eating char kway teow, satay and a whole lot of conversation. I could sense the joyful spirit filling the room as Mr Low and his son dine and chat over a simple dinner. 

As a brother in Christ, Terry will go all way out to help if you needed him. I am sure brother Barry can testify to that. I know there are many more good things could be shared by a various individual today about but we were limited by measures. May those moments reside in a special place of our hearts and each time those memories arises, it will remind us of our dear brother Terry.

On 16 May 2021, brother Terry has left us suddenly and we all feel a sense of loss, but I know brother Terry is in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ. Terry has fought his fight and finished the race. He has kept the faith. 

By the words of our Lord Jesus, who died on the cross and rose again, spoke of the things to come. We must pay attention to the words of one who had been raised from the dead. 

I am going to read some promises our risen Lord has given to those who trust in Him. 

John 3:13-18

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so, must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

On another occasion, Jesus spoke to His followers in John 11:25-26

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

The word of God is not wishful thinking. From the words of one of the faithful follower of Christ that brings great assurance for us all concerning the destiny of those who follow Jesus.

For those who believe in Christ and His words, today is a temporary separation between Terry and us. 

The day will come we will meet him again. The word of God has hope for us all. The word of God has certainty for us all. The word of God will have the final say for us all. Let us trust in the word of God for our certain future and security. 

So what changed did I experience? Firstly, look at a person’s good side. In a memorial service, we bypass all the weaknesses and wrongs of the diseased. What if we could do so when the person is yet alive? Would not that be a much better way to relate? Secondly, help others if there are opportunities without expecting a return. We never know how long we are going to be around. Finally, keep the faith. It is where you have certainty in eternity and the only certainty you can have is in the word of God because He is faithful.

Simple Complexity

The Gospel, according to Apostle Paul, is simple. He summarized it in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. He states that the Gospel which he preached to the Corinthians, and which they received and stand on, is the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He reminds them that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day, as attested by multiple witnesses, including himself. He also emphasizes that it is not through his own efforts or merit, but through the grace of God that he is able to proclaim this message and that the faith of the believers is not in vain.

In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Apostle Paul expresses his fear that the believers in Corinth will be deceived from the simplicity in Christ. He knew that the danger of false teachings and false prophets was present in his time, and he was rightfully fearful of it. Today, we see the same concern manifest in the thousands of denominations that exist, with different interpretations and teachings on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant in studying and understanding the word of God, to ensure that we are not deceived and that we remain true to the simplicity of the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

According to a survey done by the Barna Group, the problem with the Christian church is not that people lack a complete set of beliefs, but that they have a full slate of beliefs in mind which they think are consistent with biblical teachings, and they are neither open to being proven wrong nor to even learning new insights. The survey suggests that spiritual evaluation is uncommon because people fear that the results might suggest the need for different growth strategies or for more aggressive engagement in the growth process. The survey found that both clergy and laypeople were indifferent towards their acknowledged lack of evaluation. This may be a reflection of the fact that many people are not open to new insights or to being proven wrong, which can be detrimental to personal spiritual growth.

https://www.barna.com/research/why-people-dont-evaluate-their-spiritual-lives/

I recently visited the Bird Park and learned that when a chick is hatched, it follows anything that moves as their mother. Likewise, many of us, when born again, the first congregation we join holds the truth. However, many congregations do not hold fast to every truth and they contradict one another, although they believe in the Gospel.

Apostle Paul urged his audience to follow Christ. The simplicity of faith is in Christ because the truth is in a person. However, there are complexities when we follow Jesus. Even the disciples were sometimes confused and minded earthly things instead of spiritual matters. Just like driving, setting a GPS is simple, but to get there requires countless stops and turnings.

The complexity of our spiritual journey calls for one to be diligent, humble, holy and to have love.

Diligent – A car moving up a hill must have an engaged gear. Neutral gear will cause the car to move backwards. This is the same for our spiritual journey. We must progress by growth in learning and practicing what we learn. Many followers have been led astray because they refuse to learn the scriptures. So many followers today do not even read the scripture, much less study it. Did not the scripture command you to study it? 2 Timothy 2:15.

Humble – Do you know how to adjust the slat of a fighter jet? Unlikely. However, you can learn from someone who does. This is similar to our spiritual journey, we should not assume that we can move forward spiritually without others. God designed it as a communal journey and we must be in a community of God’s people, acknowledging that we do not know everything and that we must be humble to learn from others. In 1 Timothy 6:4-5, Apostle Paul instructed that we withdraw from the proud who consent not to wholesome words and sound doctrine. This highlights the importance of humility in our spiritual journey and the need to learn from others who are further along in their faith.

Holy – Holiness and purity are lacking these days. It is easy to preach the impossibility of holiness, but careful examination of scriptures tells us that most of the time it is our unwillingness that causes us to be unholy. Our Lord Jesus went back to the Father so that the Holy Spirit, not just any Spirit, but the Holy Spirit can reside in us. That clearly tells us that we are to be holy people, set apart and different from the world in deeds and speech. 1 Peter 1:16. God forgive us for not believing in living holy lives. Holiness is not something that is impossible to achieve, but it requires a constant effort, and a willingness to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in order to live a life that is pleasing to God. This is something that is essential for our spiritual growth and for our relationship with God.

Love – Love is a verb according to 1 Corinthians 13. This passage is so commonly used in weddings and sermons, but it is the action or the acts of love that make the difference. Love is placed above faith and hope. How many times do we place faith and hope above love? Something worth considering. Without love, nothing we do matters. Love is not just a feeling or an emotion, it is an action. It is something that we must put into practice in our daily lives, through our words and actions towards others. Love is the foundation of our faith and without it, our faith and hope are meaningless. It is important to remember that true love is not just about what we feel, but about what we do, it’s about putting the needs of others before our own.

The simple complexity of our spiritual journey is chartered in a maturing route. May the Father be glorified in all we do. May we be diligent, humble, holy, and loving in the pursuit of following Christ Jesus our Lord. May the Holy Spirit grant us unity as a body as we submit to Christ the head.

How To Approach God

Is there a proper way to approach God? I believe so. The scripture teaches us the right way to approach God.

We are told in Hebrew 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. During this period of the pandemic isn’t it the best time to learn how to come to God?

The scripture mirrored our lives similar to that of the Israelites. They were slaves in Egypt and we were slaves to our sinful nature. They were delivered from Egypt and we were delivered from sin. They were instructed to be a certain kind of community so that they can be a blessing to the nations. We were instructed to be the kind of community so that we can reflect Christ to the world. The law and tabernacle were given to them as a form of Jewish wedding to maintain a husband and wife relationship. We, the church, is called the Bride of Christ. Both the Holy Spirit and the Word of God were given to us as the preparation of the wedding when Christ comes back for His Bride.

After God reached down to deliver the Israelites, He gave them the Book of Leviticus for the Israelites (Priest) to instruct them of how they can approach God. In 1 Peter 2:9 we are told that Christ-followers are royal priests. Hence there are similarities we can draw and learn from the book of Leviticus.

The first 7 chapters gave details about offerings but mainly for 2 purposes. First, gratitude (or thanksgiving) offering and the other guilt offering. We can see from a broad perspective we have to approach God with these two attitudes. On one hand, we must have gratitude because of the mercy and grace we received and experienced in our daily lives. On the other hand, we need to remember the guilt we have because in our daily lives we may have sinned against God knowingly or unknowingly.

Thanksgiving of gratitude is the most basic form of approaching God. It is an attitude fitted for a good God. A good God who knows that His creature fails again and again regarding the observation of His statutes, and yet relentlessly provide ways of atonement and forgiveness. A God who sent His son, Jesus Christ, to not just understand but experience the life in a sinful world even to the point of death. His death God wisely planned for the atonement for sin that we sinners may have hope and also that Jesus can judge the world because He tasted every suffering and yet sinned not. This is our Lord.

Guilt is the second important attitude in approaching God. We are all guilty not of being bad, but of being sinful – breaking the law (1 John 3:4). The scripture did not say we are all born bad but all born sinners. That means in our attempt to be a good person, we transgress God’s law. Hence judgement is the most appropriate thing to come. The seriousness of sinning against different people have different results. Punishment for attacking a fellow worker is different from attacking a public servant. It must then be unthinkable if someone sin against a Holy God. Punishment is sure to be severe. Hence Christian should always be thankful because we understood the degree of guilt we were pardoned. Because our sin is against the Holy God. The feeling of guilt should not drown us in continual sorrow but should cause us to be full of joy because of the degree of forgiveness we received in Christ. A proper look at guilt will eventually lead to gratitude.

May we start to approach God differently today. May thanksgiving and guilt grip our hearts so fast that we cannot but praise the work of Christ daily. May the joy then fill our hearts to continue in fellowship with Jesus because we experience not condemnation but forgiveness.

Far Better to Die

Matthew 18:1-14 It all began with the disciples asking the Lord Jesus a question. You ask questions when you are curious about something. Back then, the disciples were curious about who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

The master teacher decided to teach with a show and tell. This method is visual and most often appealing. He called a child to him and to have the child stood among them. He then proclaimed that unless one is converted and become like a little child, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Our Lord laid the foundational requirement to enter the kingdom of heaven. That requires one to be converted and become like a little child. This is the first and most important truth. How can one enter the kingdom of heaven should be the question before that of who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus set their priorities right.

Now about the child. The child was obedient. He responded to Jesus’s call. He may feel awkward and perhaps uneasy standing in front of a group of adults but he was willing. Our Lord was saying to His disciples that they have to be obedient and willing to enter the kingdom of God. That is Biblical faith. The mixture of willingness and obedience.

Next, He addressed their question. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? This is the one who makes himself humble like a child. The Lord Himself became the greatest in the kingdom because He not only taught humility but He showed us humility! He was obedient even to the cross. Therefore God greatly exalts Jesus’s name above all other names. Philippians 2:9-11.

The Lord did not stop there. He continued to teach that there will be consequences for how a child or a child of God is treated. If you welcome them you welcome the Lord and if you trap them you are far better to hang a weight on your neck and throw yourself into the deep end of the sea. That means it is far better to die than do such a thing. The reason He said that is because there are worst things than to die. The worst thing is hell. In hell, the fire will not quench. Our Lord taught more about hell than heaven because He did not want people to end up there!

What about us who sinned by mistreating children and God’s people before we were converted? Jesus said He came to save the lost. We still have hope when we repent and become like a child and follow the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly.

May we be converted to be like a child. May we be willing to obey the Lord in all things. May we treat a child well and the children of God will. May we be reminded of hell’s fire and live intentionally.

 

Happiness killed Joy

For many of us, happiness is the goal of living. In reality, we know that happiness is usually short lifted and it does not tie to moral consciousness. Happiness comes when we get what we want. But when one gets happiness from doing what is wrong it results in killing joy in the end.

The scriptures recorded a few instances when happiness killed the joy. The story of Amnon and Tamar is a classical one. Amnon was in love with his half-sister Tamar. Jonadab helped Amnon device a scheme to have them alone together where Amnon raped Tamar. Amnon got what he wanted but in 2 Samuel 13:15, the scripture told us that Amnon hatred Tamar exceedingly afterward. Why? We can only make wild guesses. Happiness quickly killed his joy.

The other story recorded was Judas Iscariot. He was with the Lord Jesus and witnessed how a life living for God was like. The 30 pieces of silver were between day’s wages to a month’s wages at most. Judas was willing to trade his master’s life for such an amount (Zechariah 11:12-14 and Exodus 21:32). Shocking that maybe but I am sure Judas was first happy when he received the money. Soon after the happiness killed his joy. The amount once brings happiness started to ooze innocent blood.

In the beatitude, our Lord Jesus spoke about blessedness which is commonly known as, “happy is the one”. It was revolutionary because the kingdom’s happiness is not gain from gratification but eight or nine qualities not often pursued. We are to rejoice and be glad for them. Happiness here is somehow not just emotional but intentional. It is an attitude.

May we learn to pursue happiness in the manner God intended remembering that certain happiness kills joy. May we learn that life is so much more than happiness and every unhappy situation with God is meaningful. They are meaningful because God gives them meaning.

The Litmus of Gamaliel

What is the litmus of Gamaliel? It is taken from Acts 5:34-39. Gamaliel was a well respected Pharisee. His teachings still have a great impact on the Jewish community today. In the context of Acts 5, the early disciples of our Lord Jesus were healing, casting out unclean spirits, and sharing the gospel fearlessly. The high priest and Sadducees were angry and arrested them. However, the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and they were asked to speak at the temple openly before they were arrested again. This time their lives were threatened.

Peter spoke fearlessly about Jesus and they were ready to ask the council for permission to carry out the execution. This was when Gamaliel came into the picture. He reminded the people that there were two similar leaders, Theudas, who led a revolt, and Judas of Galilee/Gamala, who resist census. They had followers but was short-lived after the leader was dead. Both sects did not last after the leaders were dead. Hence the advice to leave Jesus’ followers alone. If they are from God, it will carry on.

Today, the litmus of Gamaliel is used by various cults to justify their existence because they are still around after many years. Their numbers grew and according to the litmus of Gamaliel, they are of God. If that is the case, almost every religion can have the same claim. We are clear from scriptures this is not the case. In fact, the scripture warns of false prophets and Christ who will draw many followers after themselves. Matthew 24:24

Let us take a closer look at the litmus of Gamaliel. Firstly, the purpose of Luke for writing this portion of Acts was not for the litmus for any religion but Christianity. His two books Gospel of Luke and Acts were written to Theophilus to properly account for the early Christian faith and its propagation. Secondly, the leaders in the samples given by Gamaliel were dead shortly after starting the movement. Many cults who quoted the litmus had their founders for many years and hence do not fall into the category of Gamaliel’s example.

When we use scripture to justify our stand, usually it is wrongly applied. This is why there are so many divisions today. Everyone is quoting scripture for the sake of justification of belief instead of the edification of the church. When God speaks, don’t you think that He is speaking to you so that you can be more like Him and impact the world like Him? Or do you think God speaks to justify what you believe? The former is more likely. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says so that we can be equipped for every good work and not every good argument.

May we learn to use the word of God wisely. May we listen to the voice of the shepherd and follow Him. May we use the word to edify one another in obedience to Christ.

Jesus wants us to have joy

Have you ever thought that the Christian walk is a journey of joy?

For many Christian, joy is a bonus. Suffering is the mark of the Christian journey. The scripture teaches that we identify with Christ in His suffering.

Romans 8:17
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Enduring suffering is biblical teaching. However, in the midst of suffering, we can have joy.

Joy in suffering? Am I insane? No, it is biblical.

1 Thessalonians 1:6
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Ghost:

We have mistaken happiness for joy. The world associates happiness with joy. The world teaches that both happiness and joy depend on circumstances. When things go our way, we are happy, and when things do not go our way the happiness is gone and we become unhappy.

The bible defines happiness and joy differently. Happiness is circumstantial but joy is not. For joy, there is a recognition of spiritual reality beyond circumstances. Eg. The awareness of God in adverse circumstances trusting Him to bring deliverance.

Our joy is important to our Lord Jesus Christ. To be accepted by God is to enter into the joy of the Lord.

Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Jesus also said that He shared the kingdom’s secret so that the disciples will have complete joy. When our prayers are answered, it is to give us full measure of joy. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you have joy as well.

John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

The Apostle Paul caught this as well as he penned that his goal is to bring joy to the Corinthians church.

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

A godly leader have the greatest joy seeing his sheep walking with the Lord.

3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Remember. In ministry, the first sign of danger is to lose your joy. For the joy of the Lord is our strength. Nehemiah 8:10.

May we be filled with joy in our walk with God, our ministry and our fellowship with one another.

Inspired by reading Walking with God by John Eldredge.

The Holy Spirit does not take Selfie

Every disciple of our Lord Jesus knows that we must be led by the Holy Spirit and operate in His power. However, there are many people who claim to operate in that power of the Holy Spirit, but are obviously doing it for monetary gain or self-promotion. Our Lord Jesus taught about the Holy Spirit before He ascended into heaven. To understand the Holy Spirit and His work, we must examine His words.

In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises to ask the Father to give us another Comforter. Our Lord Jesus was the first comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), but He made sure we have another comforter when He left. The Comforter stays with us until the end.

In John 14:26, Jesus says that the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, will teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance, whatsoever He has said to us.

In John 15:26, He says that the Holy Spirit will testify of Him.

In John 16:7-8, Jesus states that the Holy Spirit will reprove the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit makes us uncomfortable with sin, spurs us to live a righteous life, and reminds us that judgment is coming because Jesus is coming again.

In John 16:13-15, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth, and will glorify Him. He will not speak of himself, but will speak whatever He hears, and will show us things to come.

We can understand the Holy Spirit better through these verses. We do not need to seek people who claim to be men of God and work in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit ourselves. No work of the Holy Spirit is for the glorification of individuals or even the Holy Spirit himself, but for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ alone. We should pay attention to the fruit as a whole and see who’s face gets the glory.

It is important to keep in mind that the Holy Spirit does not take selfies, meaning He does not seek to glorify Himself, but instead He focuses on glorifying Jesus and working through us to be Christ’s witness. He will guide us, teach us, and work through us.

May we seek to understand the Holy Spirit better by studying the teachings of Jesus in the book of John. May we have faith in Jesus’ words and believe that we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us and empowering us to become Christ’s witness.

Remember, the Holy Spirit does not take selfies, He works for the glory of Jesus and the salvation of humanity.