Our Lord said that we should endure, for when the time is there the sign will appear in heaven, the Lord will appear and the trumpet will blow, and He will send forth His angels to gather the elect. Therein remains the great question which we should all ask ourselves – How will the angels know who we are? How will the angels know to go into the world that has fallen into this kind of state? How will they know to come and collect us? The Lord’s words are very clear on this and this is where we must begin to prepare ourselves in this life, and we find in Luke Chapter 12 verses 8-9 “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him also shall the Son of man confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” We see we must begin to confess Christ before the world, That does not mean that we take a placard and we go out and shout in the streets. To confess God means that we live His Son’s life within our homes, within our lives. Each time we make a preparation to come to service we are confessing Christ to our neighbours.  Each time we make an offering we are confessing Christ for that is used to maintain the church. Each time somebody asks us – What do we think of what is happening in the world, and we can confess what the Bible says, we are confessing Christ. Every action we do in our life that confesses Christ, our Lord has promised that He goes before the angels and confesses our name before the angels. The angels are ministering spirits. They then know where to come and minister to us, to help us, to give us that strength, to protect us, to give us guidance in life.  They do not know us if we are not confessing. He also taught in Luke 15:10 “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

We see His teaching each time we are prepared to confess that we are wrong before God and ask for forgiveness, our name goes up before the angels, and they will know when the Lord returns and sounds that trumpet.  We will be known by them provided we take action today while there is still the light of the Sun of righteousness in the world.

In our lives we have heard these commandments from our Lord many times. They are two distinctly different instructions, one to worship the Lord and the second to serve Him. Most of us give more emphasis to the first and just skim over the second, thinking if we do the first we must be doing the second. I read recently some words of wisdom on this matter.

“Serving the Lord is doing good to our fellow man, but praying is thought to be an easier service and therefore more generally chosen.” Of course, both are very important and Jesus showed by His life that He always worshipped His Heavenly Father in all matters, including His prayers, as He taught us in that great prayer, “Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.”   He also taught us that His Father is looking for this to happen and requires it. John 4:23-24 “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.”

To serve the Lord now requires further consideration and Jesus showed by example that this involves a greater effort for it involves action in doing good or providing the means to allow help to go to our fellowman. When we look at Christ’s life and mission we see a lifetime of serving God in this way. Because of this He was entitled to give us a new commandment. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Christ’s teachings and that of the Apostles in the Bible does not put any limits on how this service must be fulfilled.

Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.”

Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

As we review our desire and need to serve the Lord in the way Christ showed us we should approach it as the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 100:2 “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Apostle Paul summed it up in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

The prophet was foretelling of our day, where that veil is thrown over the whole world, this gloom of death has now been taken away, and there will be given unto those people in the mountain the fats and the food that will allow them to be sustained. This is the spiritual revelation of God shown unto us through His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, and revealed to us today through the power of the Holy Spirit. This veil is taken away and no more are men fearful of death, for we now understand that there is one who has these keys, who has the power and is willing to direct us unto a new place for those who will follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, so death and hell no longer hold any fear for the true believer. Those who follow the Lord there is a great promise and hope, for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the first fruits, and the first fruits would not leave His church, the head would never go without making arrangements for the body to come, and He was the first fruits from the grave and we in our time shall follow Him. What a wonderful promise!

Who fulfilled this prophecy? Who is the One that we should now say this is our God whom we waited; this is the One to whom we owe our salvation? If we place that in any other being on earth, if we think any of us are capable to use the key, then we are saying that they are our Lord, and they are our God. We must look openly to the Almighty God as our God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as our Lord of salvation, and when we do that then we will begin to see that He has proven Himself, that He is the One whom we can follow. We see a pattern put into place by Christ, to prove Himself. We can read how He told His disciples that it was He that would lay down His life in the confidence and trust of His Heavenly Father, knowing that He also then had the power to lift it up again. He was the only One who ever dared to defy death in that way. What other man or what other god created by man, could make the challenge to the world? He proved through His trust in God that He had that power.

We as the living body of Christ on earth, should have that confidence in Him that even if we lay down our life, He has the power to lift it up again. He showed to the people that He did have that power, for we can read where He heard that the daughter of the ruler in that province had passed away. And they called Christ to come to the ruler’s house, and He saw the wailing and the bands as was the Jewish tradition, and He told them she only slept. They mocked Him and made ridicule of Him. He put them all out of the room and He said to her, “Daughter arise”, and she rose and joined once again with her family. We see that what God does in secret is something we should believe in faith. We should believe that although at the death of this body, the soul is destined to go to a place of waiting, that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has the power to say “Arise” and allow it to go to a pleasant place prepared by Him, which is paradise. The world mocks and scorns the Christian people for believing in this, but those that mocked and scorned on that day, they were proven wrong.

We read where our Lord walked through the streets and there was a poor widow that had lost her child. As was the custom in those days, those from the village laid him on a litter and carried him through the village to place him to rest, and as they passed by our Lord, He placed His hand on that litter and instantly those men that were carrying him stopped, showing that He has the power to stop the destiny of where the dead should be going. He touched the young man and He said “Arise”. He arose and his mother was filled with rejoicing. He proved that His Father was to give Him these keys. We see the final example set by Him when His friend Lazarus passed away. He came to the house and there was much wailing. The grave had already been sealed, for it was four days since he passed away and Christ spoke to them, He ordered the stone be rolled away, and many fled, for they said that he will stink after four days. Our Lord said, “Lazarus come forth”, and he came forth. Again, He proved that it does not matter how long we are in the grave. He has the power and He alone to enter into that realm and bring back that soul. He then proved the greatest example by His own life, death and resurrection. The Lord has certainly swallowed up death in victory. Let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.

John 6: 26-27 “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”

Jesus Christ was comparing the food humans need in this present world and the food we should eat that is given by Him who was sent by His Father. The earthly food we are having now, since Adam and Eve, the bread given by God and eaten by the Israelites in the desert did not last long because all have died. The Spiritual food from Christ lasts eternally.

The problem, of the disciples in searching for Jesus when they boarded the ship going to Capernaum, He, Jesus, did not go with them. They tried to seek Him travelling to, as it were, to another barangay, instead He went His own way, walking over the sea. They were afraid, but He said unto them, “It is I; be not afraid” and they willingly received Him into the ship.

Verse 25. The people said Teacher, how did you come here?  We were looking for you because you did not board the boat. Jesus rebuked them because they looked to the natural food given and thought that if Jesus was not with them, where would they get the bread to feed them? They did not look to the miracles. The first thing we should always see when we seek Jesus in this teaching is: –

• The power given by His Father.
• The miracles done through Him.  When Jesus called all the sick, with any kind of infirmity — they were cured and healed.
• The five loaves and fishes were more than enough, with 12 baskets extra.
• Jesus did not need His disciples to take Him to the next barangay. He has the power to go where He will.

Jesus said, labour for the food that will not perish, but that which endureth unto everlasting life. Yes, God has created us human, to that we enjoy and use all things that we need from His creation, but there is one thing God wants from us in return. Whether we remember to praise and thank Him. All nations and countries have their government. They have their national anthem to sing when they come together and in their schools. The same applies to Christian duties and responsibilities. Sunday is set aside every week, a day for God; giving Him our time; a day to worship Him by seeking Jesus Christ.

The Bible teaches — give to Caesar and give to God, what is for God? Thanksgiving and offering but we can’t give anything if we do not works. This is the same thing in our Spiritual life. The Bible teaches us to do something good for somebody every day, and we are required by Jesus to go and do His work.  Not only the Apostles, but all who believe and have faith in Him. Mark 3:35. “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister and mother.” The will of God is for us to move, put into action Christ’s teachings and commandments, all what we read and are taught what He did, His character displayed, that we are to reflect as servants, believers, to others. Christ is that bread of life, He is the way and the truth, and our labour must be for His glory and His Kingdom. This becomes our green card to become citizens of Heaven.

Mostly, we only see what is right before our eyes, without properly recognizing what has happened. When one sees a man, one is likely to judge him first by his exterior, but it is only by living together with him, that one gets the chance to know him. “By their fruits ye shall know them,” said Jesus.

A layman will not be able to correctly name every tree. If the tree is bearing fruit, and edible fruit particularly, even the ignorant person will be able to say which tree it is and whether the fruit is sweet or bitter. Similarly, by their fruits and deeds it can be seen if a good or evil spirit dwells in a man. In no other man was God the Father seen as clearly as in Jesus. He could truly say: “He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father,” and “The words, that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the Father, that dwelleth in me.” (John 14:7-11). It took even the disciples a long time until they could recognize Jesus as the Son of God in the son of man. Finally, Peter affirmed on behalf of all the disciples: “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:69). Jesus was a man like all men, and from His exterior nobody could recognize the Son of God. Only by His testimony, His words, and His deeds (fruits) it was possible to see and recognize the Lord. When Jesus met the woman of Samaria, she did not recognize the Lord at first. Only when Jesus talked to her and told her the truth, recognition dawned slowly. When she spoke of the coming of the Messiah and Jesus said: “I that speak unto thee, am he”, only then she knew whom she had met. (John 4:5-26). To many who recognized the Son of God in the flesh, the Lord appeared after His resurrection, but always in a different form, not as they had known Him. The first to meet the resurrected one was Mary, but she did not recognize the Lord, thinking it was the gardener. Only when Jesus addressed her by name, she recognized Him, saying “Rabboni” (Master). (John 20:11-16). At Lake Tiberias, Jesus, the resurrected one, showed Himself to the disciples, but they did not know that it was Jesus. Only when He said: “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find,” and they followed His advice and got a big catch, then they knew – it is the Lord. (John 21:4-7). The two disciples at Emmaus had a similar experience. They thought that they had found a companion whom they could tell their sorrow, but Jesus started to talk about Moses and all the prophets and to explain Scripture to them. When they sat at the table together, He broke the bread and gave them. Then their eyes were opened, and they knew the Lord. (Luke 24:13-35).

If we have the right recognition, then let us take good care that we do not lose it. John the Baptist had a wonderful recognition. When he saw Jesus’ approaching, he gave witness: “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29). Later on, he had almost lost this recognition, sending two of his disciples to Jesus to ask, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3).

Abram could recognize the Lord always, even in his ripe old age. When the Lord appeared to him in the plains of Mamre, he recognized Him in the three visitors. When Abram saw them, he ran to meet them and bowed himself towards the ground saying: “My Lord, if now I have found favour in Thy sight, pass not away, I pray Thee, from Thy servant.” (Genesis 18:1-3).

May this attitude of Abram be found with us too, that we recognize the Lord at all times, even if He meets us in the form of a servant.

We have entered a period of expectation of Easter, more specific Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Resurrection. A Spiritually Blessed period for the Apostolic Christians of the world – a period of fruitfulness, abundance and multiplication (Genesis 8:17) lies ahead for all.

We are reminded of Noah and the Ark, when God in His Almighty Wisdom instructed Noah to build an Ark Genesis 6:14 “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” For His chosen to occupy and remain safe during the “40 days and 40 nights rain” (Genesis 7:4) that was about to set in and cleanse the earth! So too can we see this period that we are currently experiencing (albeit in a different form than rain) as a time of cleansing and a reminder of the Power of God Almighty; it is a time granted for us to reflect on our relationship with the Tri-Une God and for us all to illustrate our Love, Patience and indeed, our Spiritual Maturity.

At the end of the 40 days and 40 nights, when the rain subsided, Noah sent out a DOVE to observe the surroundings – at last the DOVE returned with an “Olive Leaf” (Genesis 8:10-11), which meant that the earth was Safe to occupy once again; and above all, a sign of Peace and Victory that was to come upon the chosen ones of GOD.

SO too our LORD and SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST came to this earth from Heaven, overcame sin, was crucified, overcame Hell, and was resurrected to life and extended an Olive Leaf so that we too can obtain PEACE, GRACE and VICTORY.

“Thanks be to GOD that giveth us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”

(1 Corinthians 15:57).

The 23rd Psalm is probably the most well known and most revered of all David’s Psalms. I remember when I was only a small child of five years old, repeating it after our teacher until we had all learned it by heart. It is still counted by me as one of the treasures which I learnt at school, and in times of stress and tribulation is a source of refuge and reassurance in God’s grace. It is a most beautiful song which welled up out of the faithfulness of King David’s heart, giving praise to the Lord.

Today  is always  the first day of the rest of our lives, and as we enter into  this  unknown territory, this unexplored realm in the darkness of our ignorance, it is well for us to take in our hands the lamp of faith and confidence in God’s grace which David so wonderfully portrayed in his 23rd Psalm.

David reassures us that the Lord is our shepherd who will care for our needs, calm us with still waters and restore our souls with His righteousness.

How marvelous are the words, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” These words show the spirit of the man who slew Goliath. Cowardice has no place in them. These are the words of a spiritual hero. Jesus said, “…the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12. This means that to struggle upwards towards God out of the tearfulness and evil which is in this world is not something for the timid and fainthearted. Courage, determination and perseverance are required. Even if we may not be big and strong in physique or worldly power we may strive after that inner strength and quality of the soul by which we shall overcome this world. One of our hymns tells us, “Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race, Yet to the true and the faithful, Victory is promised thro’ grace.” The Lord nurtures and feeds us, even in the presence of our enemies, so that our cup of joy and blessings runneth over and our enemies are powerless to do anything about it. Goodness and mercy shall be with us all the days of our lives and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Jesus came of the lineage of David and as Apostolic children of God, through the apostle teaching, we are of the lineage of our Lord Jesus, the Christ, and the same golden thread of God’s blessings and love, which  ran through David and Jesus, is extended to us, by the power of the Holy Spirit throughout the fabric of our Apostolic community.

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

There are many ingredients that go to make up our lives. We have mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, friends, enemies, work, business, unemployment, health, sickness, wealth, debts, poverty, joy, sorrow and etc. etc. The list is almost endless.

Running through this enormous hotch-potch uphill and downhill is the golden thread of our faith. For some people life becomes so turbulent with either good or bad things, that this golden thread is almost forgotten. Yet this is the gold! All the rest is dross! Let us get our priorities right as the man did in our text word.

What wonderful parables the Lord used to teach us the value of the kingdom of heaven. Nothing even begins to compare with this greatest of all treasures which our dear Lord Jesus has brought within our reach, and which He makes accessible to us through His Ministry of Grace embodied in the living Apostolate. Jesus told us in His parable that when a man discovered the treasure hidden in the field, he was overcome with joy and sold all that he had to buy that field. The field is life and the treasure is the kingdom of heaven. When the man discovered the kingdom of heaven in his life he was prepared to part with everything else to gain that kingdom. He got his priorities right. The same applied to the merchant who sought good pearls, when he found one of great value he went and sold all that he had to buy that pearl. Jesus wants our faith to be like the faith these men had in their treasures. No sacrifice was too great for them. How foolish are those who are reluctant to part with their time, money, work or energies and give these into the service of the Lord’s work.

Jesus taught us how to get these priorities right. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Those who think, let’s look after the things like money, job, business, position, prestige, respect and all these important worldly things first, and after we have done all that then we shall look around and see if we have got something left over for religion. What fools these people are. Jesus continued by asking us, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ‘or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’ Matt.16:25-26.

Again He taught us to beware of covetousness, for our lives do not consist of the abundance of our possessions. A rich man made great plans how he would store his riches and lead a life of luxury “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12: 15-21.

Life is much more than the material things in it. We worry too much about the field and not enough about the treasure in the field. The ravens neither sow nor reap, but God feeds them. Are we not more than these birds in the sight of God? Let us have faith, brothers and sisters, and be not stingy towards God, then we shall discover that the abundance of His blessings will overwhelm us.